Student with special needs finds acceptance and brotherhood in Clemson fraternity

At Clemson University, the ClemsonLIFE program provides students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to learn life skills for independent living. Junior Charlie McGee wanted the full college experience, including joining a fraternity. Despite the challenges of the rushing process, he received a bid from Phi Kappa Alpha, making history as the first student from the ClemsonLIFE program to join a fraternity. Initially met with doubt, McGee quickly became an integral part of the fraternity, bringing joy and positivity. Several other Greek life groups followed suit, welcoming students from ClemsonLIFE. McGee believes that being fully accepted by others is magical and when he’s with his fraternity brothers, his disability doesn’t define him.