Charlie McGee, a junior at Clemson University, has made history as one of the first students with Down syndrome to join a fraternity.

Charlie is part of the ClemsonLIFE program, which helps students with intellectual disabilities develop independent living skills.

Eager to experience college life to the fullest, Charlie decided to participate in the fraternity recruitment process which includes interviews and social mixers.

His efforts paid off when he received a bid from Phi Kappa Alpha (PKA), marking a huge milestone for both Charlie and the Clemson Greek community.

Initially, some members of the fraternity were uncertain about how a student with Down syndrome might fit in, but Charlie quickly opened their minds.

“He kind of broke all the preconceived notions of what a fraternity man should be like,” one fraternity brother said. Another added, “The joy and light we didn’t know we were missing is unreal.”

For Charlie, joining Pi Kappa Alpha wasn’t just about attending social events, it was about discovering true brotherhood and being fully accepted for who he is.

His inclusion has sparked a ripple effect, with other Greek life organizations at Clemson now welcoming students from the ClemsonLIFE program.

This article has information from CBS News and The New York Post.