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.
