Latest news with #GraceClements
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Heartwarming moment Clemson University's president is knocked over by his graduating daughter
Clemson University's president was knocked clean off his feet by his daughter in a moment of pure love at the school's graduation ceremony. The unexpected outburst of emotion stunned a packed arena on May 8, with the happy moment quickly going viral on social media. Jim Clements braced for impact as his youngest daughter, Grace, dashed across the stage in her cap and gown and with arms outstretched, locked eyes on her father. With a joyful leap Grace launched herself into her father's arms, toppling him backwards to rousing cheers from the thousands that had gathered to support their loved ones graduating from the ClemsonLIFE program - a collegiate initiative for students with intellectual disabilities. President Clements described the jump into his arms as 'magical.' 'It was pure joy, total and complete happiness,' he said on the Today show on Monday. 'To see this girl, our beautiful daughter, run across the stage and literally leap into my arms... it was magical.' Beside him, Grace, still riding high from her emotional milestone, laughed and chimed in: 'You missed me!' Grace was graduating the school's ClemsonLIFE program - a program for students with intellectual disabilities 'I did miss you,' her father replied. 'But then when we fell, we helped each other up. And I wanted to turn her to the audience and let everyone see how beautiful and amazing she is. 'Then, I wanted to give her a big huge hug to let her know how much I love her.' The moment was caught on video and quickly uploaded to President Clements' Instagram, where it exploded with more than 220,000 likes, shares, and comments from Clemson students, alumni, and strangers alike. 'ClemsonLIFE teaches independence, job skills… and apparently, how to sack a university president. #DadDown #BestGraduationEver #AmazingGrace' Clements joked in the caption. Grace, affectionately nicknamed 'Amazing Grace' by her father, is more than a proud graduate but a shining symbol of the ClemsonLIFE program's mission to equip students with intellectual disabilities for independent living, employment, and full participation in society. According to the Clemson University website, the ClemsonLIFE program offers 'a collegiate experience that prepares young men and women with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration.' There was an outpouring of love online following the tumble. 'This is why I love my school. This was a daddy/daughter moment, not her and the president. I love how he went with it and how proud he is,' wrote one. 'This might be one of my all-time favorite moments in history!!' added another. 'Who is cutting onions? And why have I watched this 1000x?,' wrote a third. A university spokesperson said the moment captured the very soul of the ClemsonLIFE program and the community it's built. 'The program not only changes lives but also enriches the entire Clemson Family with its spirit of compassion, empowerment and celebration. 'Every milestone - whether it's on-the-job training, having fun at a tailgate, or simply mastering a new life skill - is a testament to what's possible when opportunity and support meet the drive to succeed.' The family appeared together on the Today Show on Monday morning as they recounted the 'magical' moment at the graduation The family celebrated Grace's achievement at a party following her graduation The statement also noted the symbolism of the father-daughter moment. 'For all of our Clemson students, graduation is a new beginning, and seeing Grace embrace her dad - our University President - embodied the moment of exhilaration felt by each of our 5,270 new Clemson alums as they begin the next chapter of their lives.'
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
Clemson president gets 'joyful tackle' from graduating daughter
When Grace Clements graduated from Clemson University, she ran across the stage toward her dad, university President Jim Clements, who had the distinct honor of presenting her with her degree. The Clementses shared a big bear hug that quickly turned into a loving tackle, as the father-daughter duo took a tumble onstage. The lighthearted moment was captured in a video that Clemson University later shared on YouTube. "Grace's emotional hug (and joyful tackle!) captured hearts and reminded us all why Clemson is more than a university -- it's a family," the South Carolina school captioned the video. In an Instagram post, Jim Clements, a father of four, called his daughter "Amazing Grace." "Amazing Grace walked the stage and I hit the turf!" the proud dad wrote. "And I wouldn't change a thing. Watching all that Grace has accomplished during her time with ClemsonLIFE is one of the greatest joys of my life. I can't wait to see what she achieves next." He added in another video post, "ClemsonLIFE teaches independence, job skills… and apparently, how to sack a university president. #DadDown #BestGraduationEver #AmazingGrace." Grace Clements graduated alongside 14 other students from the ClemsonLIFE program, which offers students with intellectual disabilities a post-secondary education focused on job skills and independent living, according to the university. In a short school profile, Grace Clements said she especially loved managing Clemson's softball team and cheering on the school's athletes when she was a student. She added that she plans to attend ClemsonLIFE's Hospitality Certificate Program after graduation.
Washington Post
10-05-2025
- General
- Washington Post
Clemson president tackled with hug at graduation: ‘Best video ever'
When Grace Clements walked across the stage at her university's commencement ceremony this week, she leaped onto the school president and gave him a giant bear hug — bringing him straight to the ground. Jim Clements, the president of Clemson University, is Grace Clements's father. Grace Clements, 25, just graduated from the school's ClemsonLIFE program, a postsecondary degree for students with intellectual disabilities.
