Saying farewell to Miss Minnie Hargrove

Aug. 31, 2007 was a sad day for the Johns Hopkins University Staff. This date marked the official retirement of the ever-popular Miss Minnie Hargrove, an assistant in the President's Office.

After 60 years of employment, Hargrove is considered somewhat of an icon at Hopkins. She started her long career in the Levering Hall Cafeteria on Oct. 1, 1946, where she worked for 34 years, and served as head supervisor for 25 of those years. When Hargrove first arrived at Hopkins, only three buildings existed - she describes the changes over the years as "tremendous."

Hargrove fondly recalls the day of her promotion to the President's Office in Garland Hall: "the assistant that was working for the president was retiring and I was asked if there was anyone working for me that could do the job and I said, 'yeah, me!' They came back a couple hours later and asked me when I could start! I was so happy!"

Serving a total of five presidents over the years, Hargrove performed duties such as setting up meetings for President William Brody, delivering mail to each floor of Garland Hall and ordering supplies. Although she did not have much interaction with students, Minnie was a favorite in Garland. Her daughter and fellow employee Brenda Brockman recalls, "Minnie left a void here at Hopkins, everybody misses her." She certainly made a positive impression as Brockman explains her mother's good humor. "She was a genuinely warm-hearted person, which is a unique quality these days."

Not only a woman of perseverance, but also the head of an entire social network, Hargrove maintained a vast group of friends across campus, touching everyone with her warm heart.

"It was just like a big happy family, I got along with everybody and associated with every group on campus," Hargrove said. This was clear as the beloved assistant was honored for her dedication to Hopkins on Sept. 6 in the glass pavilion. Surrounded by friends, family and coworkers, Hargrove's contagious glow was brighter than ever.

Why is Hargrove so iconic and adored, you ask?

"She truly goes out of her way to do something for others that people generally do not want to do. She is one in a million and goes far and beyond her call of duty which is why she has such longevity," Brockman said.

Hargrove demonstrated her benevolence and dedication toward many aspects of her life. The 86-year-old vividly remembers her weekly schedule.

"I worked at Hopkins five days a week, also worked at a travel agency for 30 years, volunteered within my church and volunteered in a nursing home two days a week. I stay on the go!"

Hargrove was much more than just an assistant in the President's Office, she extended herself to the maximum for Hopkins and for society.

With countless fond memories and a radiant smile across her face, Hargrove walks away from Hopkins this year as someone who gets the most out of life. "I enjoyed everything I went through here. I am leaving Hopkins with a good memory," she recalled. The retiree will always remember the joyous events she experienced with family, friends and coworkers at Hopkins.

By spreading her cheer, good will and dedication, Minnie serves as a role model and icon for all Hopkins students. Her warmth will forever radiate throughout Hopkins as a reminder to always persevere with a positive attitude.