How each inspiring getaway at The Shepherd Hotel makes a life-changing impact in the Upstate
“The Shepherd Hotel was truly built on the concept of love,” says Erica Walters, program director of ClemsonLIFE. “Everything about the experience is intentional—from aesthetics and design to the soft bedding and sheets to the way entrances were built to accommodate people with disabilities. It is changing the lives of LIFE students, yes … But our students are changing the lives of every person that walks into that hotel.”
The Clemson University students that Walters is so proud of are equally as proud to be the heart and soul of downtown Clemson’s celebrated new boutique getaway: The Shepherd Hotel. For the unfamiliar, the ClemsonLIFE program offers a collegiate experience that prepares young people with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration.
For seasoned hotel leader and cofounder of the Shepherd Hotel, Richard Hayduk, partnering with these incredible students is part of a deeply personal mission. “Eighteen years ago, my daughter was born with Down Syndrome, which completely changed the lens that I looked at life through,” reflects Hayduk. “When your child is born with a disability, you question what kind of life they will have—and what happens when you’re gone,” Hayduk explains. “So, I began toying with the idea of how to best set my daughter up for her future.”
Leaning into his hospitality expertise and dream of operating a hotel, Hayduk was introduced to Rich Davies, a third-generation real estate developer and involved Clemson alum, through Dabo Swinney, Clemson’s head football coach. What Davies and Hayduk would later call one of many “Godwinks” in the life of The Shepherd Hotel, Davies had purchased 389 College Avenue in 2015 with the goal of developing an upscale boutique hotel to better serve Clemson’s growing number of visitors looking for a more unique travel experience. As soon as Davies heard of Hayduk’s vision for what would become The Shepherd Hotel, he knew it was exactly what Clemson needed.
“People with special needs have a unique gift of bringing joy to every interaction. This creates what we call authentic hospitality, transforming every guest that visits The Shepherd Hotel,” says Davies. Transformation has been happening at the hotel since its opening in 2022, where LIFE students have surprised and delighted hotel guests every day.
“Fast forward to today, and about 30% of our staff have a disability,” adds Hayduk. “We gainfully employ and train ClemsonLIFE students and alumni, as well as those in our local community with disabilities. We also partner with other organizations, like the Pickens County Vocational Rehabilitation. The end game, of course, is still running a phenomenal hotel: A smooth check-in process. The room is incredibly clean. The cup of coffee is perfectly made. When you come in, whether it’s for dinner or to spend the night, you’ll leave feeling inspired.”
Hayduk credits the Upstate area with some of The Shepherd’s magic. “There’s a vibe here, an energy that makes it a wonderful visit. Clemson is a very special place to begin with and probably the best place to have opened the first Shepherd Hotel. Part of it is the culture—of the city, the university, the type of people who go to Clemson. And in our case, those who are coming here embrace someone with Down Syndrome or autism. Our guests are patient and tolerant; they understand the disabilities at play, and they enjoy interacting with our staff.”
For Walters, seeing the staff thrive also means watching her students find joy and purpose. “I think the beauty of the hotel is that it provides opportunities to reach diverse individuals with different skill sets,” she adds. “You have some students who may excel in the front of house and enjoy interacting with others. And then we have students who are less interested in being around people but enjoy cleaning and preparing rooms—they’re meticulous. The partnership between The Shepherd Hotel and ClemsonLIFE has been a beautiful relationship and continues to grow. It’s nice to be around like-minded, likehearted folks.”
It’s impossible not to feel embraced by a rare and welcoming community inside The Shepherd Hotel. “We wanted The Shepherd Hotel to capture the spirit of the Clemson family and be a place where community happens naturally,” explains Davies. “The lobby is designed for connectivity between the first floor Delish Sisters restaurant and the third floor Thomas bar, and the hydration stations in the hallway facilitate conversation. Our goal was to be a place that cultivated community.” If you look closely, you’ll see words and phrases of inspiration written in braille in the elevator or woven into the tapestry behind the desk.
For Walters, however, the warmth and positivity of the hotel is only matched by its elegance.
“When you walk into the lobby, it’s very homey and welcoming, which isn’t typical of a high-end boutique hotel. There are couches, a fireplace, and a beautiful grand staircase. You see our students right away, at the valet access, the front desk, in the restaurant,” she adds. “I love watching sunsets from the rooftop, and the Thomas bar is so unique— it’s a great upscale place for faculty or community members to go for drinks.”
With elevated hospitality at the heart, a shared sense of purpose with The Cliffs was only natural—and familiar ground for Hayduk. “When I first came to the Upstate, I was working at The Cliffs. That’s when we fell in love with the area and knew we wanted to come back,” says the hotelier.
For both businesses, it’s about creating community and cultivating great experiences for people—whether it’s a weekend stay or a move to the area.
This story was featured in Cliffs Living magazine. To see more stories like this one and learn more about The Cliffs, subscribe here.
