Elon dedicates bench in memory of physical plant worker

Dozens of people, including close family and friends, gathered Wednesday near Whitley Auditorium to remember Darlene Boggs, a university employee who died last summer.

A former Elon University employee was remembered Wednesday by dozens of friends and colleagues who gathered near Whitley Auditorium to dedicate a bench in her memory.

Darlene Boggs worked as an environmental services employee, most recently in Loy Center and Whitley Auditorium, before her July death. She acted as a mentor to younger employees and took pride in maintaining university facilities, friends said.

Boggs was praised at the April 22, 2015, dedication ceremony for both her humility and for being “brutally honest,” traits that endeared her to others.

Elon dedicates benches in memory of faculty or staff who die while employed by the university to mark and continue their memory on campus. Boggs’ sister, Cheryl Riley, also works at Elon in environmental services and was joined at the dedication by her brother Ed Bell and his wife, Sandra.

Boggs began her work at Elon in August 2006 and had nearly eight years of service with assignments that also included Danieley Center.

“She changed our lives by being herself,” said Elon Chaplain Jan Fuller. “This is a moment and a place at Elon to give thanks for having her in our lives.”