[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 30, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF CELESTE ``CLETE'' BOYKIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 30, 2022

  Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Celeste 
``Clete'' Boykin for her outstanding service to our state.
  A native of Lancaster, Clete has selflessly served the state of South 
Carolina and Clemson University for decades. Throughout her time as an 
undergraduate student, she proudly played in the Tiger Band and 
graduated from Clemson University with a degree in horticulture in 
1979. Since then, she has dedicated much of her life to Clemson 
University and its students. She currently serves on the Clemson 
Regional Board of Directors for the Baltimore/DC Clemson Club to ensure 
the Club is one of the best in the nation. Clete also serves as the 
Chairperson of the Board of Advisors for the Clemson Institute for 
Parks, which provides research, education, training, and outreach to 
enhance parks and protected areas.
  In addition to her involvement with Clemson University, Clete has 
educated the South Carolina Delegation on numerous federal issues, 
including cybersecurity, trade, agriculture, industry, and 
transportation. Clete is a respected, dependable, and humble community 
leader. She has exceeded expectations in service to our nation, 
highlighted by her receipt of numerous honors and accolades. In 2014, 
Clete received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tin Cup Awards for 
her work in the Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG), one of 
the nation's oldest volunteer organizations for Black government 
employees. More recently, Clete received the Clemson Alumni 
Association's Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor the 
Association can bestow upon an alumnus or alumna. The Distinguished 
Service Award is given to alumni who have not only dedicated their life 
to professionalism and public service, but who have also continued a 
lifelong dedication to Clemson University.
  On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most 
sincere pleasure to recognize Clete for her outstanding leadership and 
public service. I wish her the best of luck throughout her future 
endeavors, as I am confident she will continue to serve and find great 
success in all that she does.

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