When Kevin Corbett assumed the presidency of the Kansas University Alumni Association last year, one of his first visitors – and his most important – was Mildred Clodfelter.

In his office, they sat and talked for almost three hours, Corbett said. She told him what the Alumni Association meant and how meaningful his new job was to the university. She provided wisdom and support, he said, and a guiding voice during his early days there.

“She helped me understand the history of the organization, the importance of the volunteers,” he said. “She very much wanted me to succeed. She showed her love for the university.”

Ms. Clodfelter died Monday, January 9, 2006, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. She was 88.

No services have been scheduled. Warren-McElwain Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ms. Clodfelter – Millie, her friends called her – worked at KU for 47 years, 42 of those with the Alumni Association.

When she retired from the Alumni Association in 1986, the university created the Mildred Clodfelter Award, presented to alumni to honor sustained volunteer service to KU.

• Obituary: Mildred Clodfelter

Even after retirement, she worked in the Alumni Association office, serving as a volunteer and guide for the Alumni Association and its employees.

Dick Wintermote knew Millie better than most. For more than three decades the two worked together in the Alumni Association office where Wintermote eventually became president.

“She was a delightful, delightful lady,” Wintermote said.

Her beaming personality often extended beyond work, Wintermote said. He recalled a courteous friendship when he would pick her up after work to go to parties together.

Today, current president Corbett will be in Wellington to give an alumna the annual Millie Award.

The award is important and meaningful, Corbett said. But this year, today, giving it away will be bittersweet.

“It’s going to be kind of a tough night,” Corbett said. “It takes on a new meaning now, a special meaning.”

The family suggests contributions to the KU Endowment Association for the benefit of the Mildred Clodfelter Award.

Contribution may be sent to P.O. Box 928, Lawrence 66044. They also may be sent in care of the mortuary.