Joint City/University Advisory Board gives Abernathy/Cox One Clemson Awards

Published: February 16, 2011

CLEMSON — The Joint City/University Advisory Board has recognized the ClemsonLIFE program and John Peters of the National Dropout Prevention Center with its annual Abernathy/Cox One Clemson Awards.

The award is named after Clemson Mayor Larry Abernathy and the late Walter T. Cox, president emeritus of Clemson University, who together founded the Joint City/University Advisory Board 28 years ago. The award is given annually to an organization and/or an individual whose accomplishments have served both Clemson University and the city of Clemson and have made a significant impact on both entities in a single year.

ClemsonLIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) is aimed at 18- to 25-year-olds with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities who have completed high school. The two-year program is designed to provide a coordinated course of study that enables qualified students to experience college life while developing the employment and independent living skills necessary to participate fully in society.

The program provides classes on independent living, decision-making, business communication and money skills while also providing job internships and opportunities to be included in campus life, all focused around providing a successful transition to the work environment. ClemsonLIFE is supported by a partnership between South Carolina’s College Transition Connection, the National Down Syndrome Society and the Center for Disability Resources at the University of South Carolina.

Peters, a resident of Clemson, works as a conference coordinator for the university’s National Dropout Prevention Center. He is chairman of the board of directors for Clemson Community Care. Peters played an integral role in the construction of Clemson Community Care’s building at 105 Anderson Highway in Clemson, and he worked with the city of Clemson to implement a new “utility billing donation program” that allows residents to add a donation for Clemson Community Care to their monthly water bills.

Peters also is on the board of directors of the Clemson Free Clinic, which provides basic health care services to low income individuals. He has led the fundraising effort to renovate the old Municipal Court building to house the clinic, which will allow the clinic to expand its services.

Peters also is a member of the City Planning Commission, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Adult Chapter, Clemson Rotary Club and Clemson First Baptist Church.

The Joint City/University Advisory Board is a committee of representatives from Clemson University and the city of Clemson tasked with enhancing and developing the relationship between the two entities.

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