Joe Ryan Named Honorary Alumnus

The Clemson Alumni Association recently honored Dr. Joe Ryan with the designation of an Honorary
Alumnus of Clemson University, Class of 2026. The distinction of Honorary Alum is a special recognition intended for steadfast Tiger supporters whose “blood runs orange” but who never attended Clemson.

Joseph Ryan was recognized by Clemson as one of the very best at the University by awarding him the Class of ’39 Award for Excellence.

The award, endowed by the Class of 1939 to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 1989, is presented annually to one distinguished faculty member whose outstanding contributions for a five-year period have been judged by peers to represent the highest service achievement to the student body, University and the larger community.

Ryan is the Sue Stanzione Distinguished Professor in Clemson University’s College of Education. He is the founder and executive director of the ClemsonLIFE™ (Learning is for Everyone) program, one of the nation’s premier post-secondary education programs for young adults with intellectual disabilities. The program’s success has led to ClemsonLIFE mentoring over 100 colleges and universities across the globe to help open or expand a similar program on their campuses.

Click Here to learn more about Dr. Ryan.