Inspiration leads to 10-year journey to a college degree

A Clemson graduate this week saw his life change 10 years ago when he seriously hurt his head in a Lake Keowee accident.  And this week, thanks to a number of his supporters, Joseph Bailey Jr. will receive a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering.  On March 16, 2014 Bailey, who had been an accomplished high school swimmer, dove off a pontoon boat in an area of Lake Keowee that he did not know was shallow.  The diving accident took away his ability to walk and much of the use of his arms and hands.   Bailey’s mother, Shelia Knight, drew on her Christian faith to help Bailey; Chris Norfolk taught Bailey chemical engineering at his bedside; and both Marion Collins and Lorie Rittman sat with Bailey for hours to help him take tests.  Rittman’s husband, John, the Clemson softball coach, befriended Bailey, and Monica Kirk shuttled Bailey around campus.  After graduation this week, Joseph Bailey Jr. heads to Ohio State to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering.