Overview

• Grace Clements, a graduate of Clemson University’s ClemsonLIFE program, accidentally knocked her father, University President Jim Clements, to the ground during a celebratory hug at her graduation.
• The heartwarming moment was captured in a video posted on President Clements’ Instagram account, where he described it as 'pure joy' and added humorous hashtags like '#DadDown' and '#AmazingGrace.'
• The ClemsonLIFE program provides students with intellectual disabilities a collegiate experience focused on independence, functional academics, and career readiness.
• The video has gone viral, drawing widespread attention to the program and earning praise for its celebration of inclusivity and family connection.
• University officials emphasized the moment as a reflection of the Clemson community’s values of compassion, empowerment, and celebration of all students’ achievements.