Facilities Management Summer Help Ross Hicks has paved the way for Arthrex’s newest collaboration with Clemson University – ClemsonLIFE™.
Established in 2008, the ClemsonLIFE program is designed to offer individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to live and learn in a college setting. In addition to academic coursework, the program teaches valuable life skills promoting independent living and sustained employment.
“Because the program has been such a success and continues to grow, the ClemsonLIFE directors have started to look to the surrounding communities for employment opportunities for their students,” said Arthrex Manufacturing Inc. Director of Human Resources Melanie McLane. “That’s how Ross found his way to Arthrex.”
Between completing the ClemsonLIFE Advanced Program in May and beginning the ClemsonLIFE Hospitality Certificate Program this fall, Arthrex Manufacturing Inc. South Carolina (AMISC) offered Ross the opportunity to experience a new work environment and play a part in fulfilling Arthrex’s mission of Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better®.
College Relations Supervisor Alyssa McCoy said she was excited to learn about the ClemsonLIFE program and work with Erica Walters, the ClemsonLIFE Program Director, to help identify a role for Ross at AMISC.
“We ultimately decided the Facilities team would allow Ross to build on prior work experience while offering a variety of responsibilities,” Alyssa said.
Custodial Supervisor Adam Gregory said he was honored to be able to work with the ClemsonLIFE Program and oversee Ross’s day-to-day tasks – dust mopping walkways in our manufacturing areas in the morning and wiping down tables and sweeping the cafeteria floor during lunch service.
“Ross was buddied up with our best trainers to learn the layout of the facility and understand our role in servicing it,” Adam said. “And my team members were proud to see Ross given the chance to work alongside us.”
Adam praised Ross’s optimism and willingness to take on new challenges.
“I think we could all learn from Ross’s inspiring combination of high spirits and a can-do attitude.”
Individuals throughout AMISC expressed their gratitude to Arthrex for this collaboration with ClemsonLIFE, recognizing the value in helping the program’s students find a footing in the community.
When asked about his time at Arthrex, Ross described his experience as “fabulous.”
“I learned how to dust mop the floors and clean the tables,” he said. “That’s what I’ll miss the most because I do a really good job.”
