This morning, I had the privilege of watching six students walk across the stage of the Elliot Center at UNC-Greensboro where they received a Certificate of Integrative Studies from the University and the Beyond Academics program, the very first graduating class. Among those pioneering six was my sister, Rebecca Jane Clinard, known to friends and family as Becky. At under five feet, she was the shortest of the group and, forgive my bias, the most adorable. In her dark blue cap and gown (she was pleased that the blue was so close to black, her favorite color) she filed in with dignity, keeping her place to the rhythm of accompanying brass band. As she took her seat on the front row, I could feel my eyes fill—I was happy and proud and haunted by memories of the hardships that had come before this shining moment.
For the past four years, Becky has been part of an innovative and unique program for developmentally disabled adults–Beyond Academics. After spending several years in various group homes, Becky wanted nothing more than to direct her own life and live as independently as possible. Modelled on the typical going-to-college rite of passage, Beyond Academics provided a way for Becky to live as an adult–the way most of us live–making her own decisions about when she would wake in the morning and go to bed at night, deciding for herself what direction and shape she wanted her life to take, being awarded the respect and regard that every human deserves, regardless of circumstances. She, and the other students, have worked hard to learn how to accept the responsiblities of freedom: how to clean an apartment and prepare healthy meals; how to become engaged with the community and make new friends; how to advocate for herself when things didn’t go the way she wanted; how to manage her money and pay her bills; how to negotiate the city to get to important events like doctor appointments. All this and more–Becky held her own book club meetings where horror fans surely got their fill. She faced breast cancer with great courage and, thanks to the staff at B.A., made all of her appointments for radiation, not requiring family members to make the daily trip from far away. She now has a clean bill of health. She is going to weight watchers and understands the importance of exercise and diet. In other words, my sister has learned, at 53, how to be an adult.
Sitting next to me at the graduation was my husband, Frank, (the dentist, as Becky calls him) who wouldn’t have missed this day for anything. He was as proud as I was and I expect he teared up a little himself when Becky marched in. My parents, Jack and Virginia Clinard (now in their 80’s) were there, supporting Becky the way they have from the beginning, my dad’s big smile widening as Becky received her certificate. My mom, with arthritic knees and back, managed the walk from the parking garage to the auditorium–nothing could have deterred her. Next to her, Becky’s favorite cousin, Freddy Einstein, joined in the fun, taking time off from work and driving from Winston-Salem so he could celebrate with Becky. A surprise guest, Mary Elizabeth Parker, my dear friend who has often had lunch with Becky and me, sat behind us.
Inspiring speeches, heartfelt and sincere, rang through the halls, from such illustrious folks as Terry Shelton, Vice Chancellor of Research and Economic Development, who has been keenly instrumental in helping UNCG partner with Beyond Academics; David Perrin, Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs; Joan Johnson, Executive Director of Beyond Academics, a woman on a mission for the developmentally disabled; Holly Riddle, Executive Director, North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities; Michael Mayer, Senior Partner, Community Resource Alliance, who made a moving speech about inclusion and respect; and the Commencement Speaker, Celia Hartman Sims, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of Sen. Richard Burr.
Of course, the best speech was the last: given by my sister, an impromptu and brief endorsement of the Beyond Academics program. After the graduates had been presented with their cerificates, DeMario Chandler, recipient of the Student Excellence Award, led in the tassel turning ceremony. When he had completed his task, Becky rose from her seat and meandered to the microphone. No one suspected she would do this, but DeMario graciously moved aside and let Becky have her say.
“I’ve learned a lot from Beyond Academic,” she said in a firm, confident voice. Then, a long pause.
“I’ve learned to be independent and I’m going to get my own apartment,” she said. Another long pause.
“I love Beyond Academics!” she said.
The audience erupted in applause and Becky returned to her seat. Afterward, lots of folks came up to me and told me they liked Becky’s speech best of all!
As always, my sister put her own touch on the event, the way she individualizes everything she does. She grinned from ear to ear as we met her after the ceremony, all of us filled with the pride of her accomplishment. We took pictures and then went to reception where we watched a wonderful video about Beyond Academics. Someone said, along the way, that they hoped the entire UNC network would some day have Beyond Academics programs, showing the world that here, in this state, all are welcome, all are treasured.
If you are so inclined, please write or call or email the good folks at UNCG (Terri Shelton, Linda Brady (who was unable to attend today’s events due to illness) David Perrin or any other person who might help further the cause, and tell them how impressed you are that UNCG has stepped up and taken a chance to embrace Beyond Academics. A call to your local and state representatives to encourage them to fund programs like this even more fully would be most appreciated, reminding them that such programs enhance the dignity and lives of those who might otherwise be overlooked and underestimated. Indeed, such programs make all of us more human.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BECKY AND THE OTHER GRADUATES: DeMario Lamont Chandler, Jason Anthony Davenport, Jeremy Woolard Donohue, William St. Aubyn Gadsden and Raeshika Dawn McLean!!!!
