Shirley Alexander is retiring from Wofford College after 27.9 years of service. She likes emphasizing that point nine.

Alexander has spent her Wofford career in housekeeping. There were stints in Greene Hall, Sandor Teszler Library, Burwell Dining Hall and Wightman Hall. She’s lost track of how long she’s been responsible for the Mungo Student Center but knows it has been at least 10 years.

“I just like the environment and the students,” Alexander says. “Some talk like they know you and thank you for what you do.”

Dec. 16 is her retirement date.

Her workdays normally start at 5 a.m., an hour before her shift begins, so she can get a head start on the day.

“Shirley is on campus before the sun comes up this time of year and she does a fantastic job of keeping the Mungo Student Center sparkling, safe and enjoyable for Wofford students, staff and our AVI (culinary services) partners,” says Roberta Hurley, vice president and dean of students. “We will miss her.”

One of Alexander’s aunts, Glendora Green, also was a longtime Wofford employee. Alexander occasionally picked up her aunt from work, and her aunt’s experience at the college led her to pursue working at Wofford.

Alexander has witnessed many changes on campus, including a recently renovated Mungo Student Center that’s often considered the living room for students.

One of the highlights of her time at Wofford was interacting with the Carolina Panthers while they held training camp on campus and dined in the student center.

“I got to see a bunch of them and talk to Cam (Newton) a lot,” Alexander says. “I took a bunch of pictures. Most of them are really nice and wouldn’t mind if I asked to take pictures.”

Alexander has left an impression on many, too.

“Our maintenance department is going to miss Shirley dearly,” says Jeff Burney, director of housekeeping and event setups. “It will be hard getting someone to duplicate what she has meant and done for us for so many years. Her dedication and personality toward her job and the people she meets are unmatched.”

Alexander, who is known to share photos and videos of her grandchildren with staff in the Campus Life and Student Development offices, looks forward to spending more time with her family, including her two sons, 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

“Shirley is a Wofford treasure,” Hurley says.