Cleo M. Boykins, who retired in December 1988 after nearly 18 years of service to the University, was cited “for giving her personal best so long and reminding all who know her work what excellence and professional performance are meant to be.”
She first worked at the University in the mid-1940s and resumed her service as a housekeeping assistant in 1976. Boykins was promoted to housekeeping team leader in 1982.
She was assigned to Hamilton Hall, where she won the respect and friendship of the entire Department of Political Science.
In nominating Boykins, Richard J. Richardson, department chairman, wrote: “She always gave an extra measure. In an age in which mediocrity is standard, few go for excellence when they are unsupervised or often unrewarded. She operated with an inner sense of excellence. She is an Olympian in those humble, but important tasks she did.”