Clyde Brooks retired in 1978 after 13 years of service to the University. He was assigned to the third floor of Rosenau Hall, where he won the respect and friendship of faculty, staff, students and administrators in the School of Public Health, according to his award citation.
Those nominating Brooks for the award called him a goodwill ambassador for the school. International alumni and others returning to the school for business and conferences still ask about Brooks because he was so friendly and supportive. He even shared his poetry.
“(They) recount the many kindnesses they received at his hands while students,” the award citation said. “They tell how Mr. and Mrs. Brooks entertained them in their home, fed them bountifully good home cooking, and took them to their church in Chatham County.
“Present professors recall Brooks as the person who helped them most to find their way when they arrived as young members of the faculty.”
A lifelong resident of Chatham County, Brooks attended what then was Horton High School and is a member of the Mitchell Chapel AME Zion Church in Pittsboro.