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Nov 02, 2024

Student with Down Syndrome becomes first to join fraternity

Charlie McGee wanted the full college experience — and he wasn’t going to let living with Down Syndrome get in his way This fall, the Clemson University junior accepted his bid to Phi Kappa Alpha,

Charlie McGee wanted the full college experience — and he wasn’t going to let living with Down Syndrome get in his way

This fall, the Clemson University junior accepted his bid to Phi Kappa Alpha, becoming one of the first students with intellectual disabilities to enlist in Greek life at the school.

McGee told CBS News that he joined “to have a great time and experience the brotherhood and more joy.”

Members of Phi Kappa Alpha — aka Pikes — were effusive about the decision.

“He kind of broke all the preconceived notions that I thought of that a fraternity man should be like,” one frat brother told CBS.

“The joy and light that we were missing in our chapter, that we didn’t know we were missing from the beginning, is unreal,” said another.

McGee came to the South Carolina school as part of the ClemsonLIFE program, which teaches students with intellectual disabilities the skills they need to live independently.

However, this year marked the first that ClemsonLIFE students were allowed to rush a fraternity with six committing to Greek life this semester.

McGee was so thrilled to receive his bid that he lept out of his shoe as he ran toward his new brothers, per the CBS News report.

“That was one of the coolest moments at Clemson that we had, was seeing that right there,” said another member of McGee’s admission to Pike.

The frat’s newest MVP — most valuable pledge — said he is feeling more empowered by his newfound brotherhood, insisting that, with their help, “My disability, it doesn’t really exist.”