Face to a Voice

The voice callers are most likely to hear when first contacting UNBC is that of Bethany Haffner, pictured above, since she operates the UNBC switchboard. Bethany’s face is also the first that (people) are likely to see, as she doubles as           receptionist.”

Given her double role as first contact with two sets of enquirers, Bethany has arguably the highest profile position in the University. Her consistent cheerfulness in that situation remains a major UNBC asset.

- An excerpt from the UNBC Update, April 1992 edition

Prince George, B.C. – Bethany Haffner has come full circle over the course of her 34-year career at the University of Northern British Columbia.

Hired as the University Receptionist in December of 1991, she worked in UNBC’s initial 6^th Avenue office in downtown Prince George, answering phones, helping with mail and supporting a University that was still in its infancy – no campus, no students and just 30 employees.

Earlier this month, Haffner wrapped up her time at UNBC as a Registrar Services Assistant – once again, providing exceptional front-line service.

Though the positions were decades apart, the common thread remained Bethany’s warmth and cheerfulness in welcoming students, colleagues and visitors to UNBC.

In recalling her early days, Bethany remembers founding President Dr. Geoffrey Weller and his wife Jean working hard to create community, hosting dinners and events in their home to ensure those newly hired were made to feel part of UNBC and Prince George.

“This was no small feat, as people were coming from all parts of Canada and around the world,” she says. “It was the Wellers’ dedication to making people feel welcome that made you want to continue striving towards the end goal of seeing the University move from idea to the beautiful thriving campuses – regional in every aspect – it is today.”

While Bethany’s contributions to UNBC are numerous, with her thoughts, ideas and positive personality leaving lasting imprints, it is her literal contribution of fabric of the institution that holds a unique significance in the University’s history. 

“One day I was wearing a beautiful deep green blouse that my mom had sewn for me. Michael Hamer, who was in charge of Protocol, noticed the colour and asked me to bring in the fabric,” she shares. “That green became the hue of the UNBC logo and was later paired with gold to become the University’s hallmark colours.”

That same fabric, she believes, was later used to create the banners decorating the Prince George Coliseum (now known as Kopar Memorial Arena) during the installation of UNBC’s first Chancellor Iona Campagnolo. It’s an event Bethany recollects vividly: walking in the procession with faculty in their regalia and other staff members to gather with residents from across northern B.C. in the arena.

“There was never a more fitting person to take on the role of first Chancellor,” Bethany adds. “Her poise and graceful demeanour, her feisty defiance and defence to those who thought that perhaps a ‘University in the North, for the North’ was not needed was something that I have strived to emulate as I’ve journeyed along.”

Bethany’s lived experience of UNBC’s history includes attending the official opening of the Prince George campus by Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II in 1994 and witnessing the Convocation ceremony for the original six graduates. 

“There was a huge banner unfurled from the top of what is now the Geoffrey R. Weller Library building listing all the cities, towns and villages where the 16,000 citizens who signed the petition calling for the university lived,” she remembers. “It was a powerful sight.”

Over the course of more than three decades, Bethany’s career has spanned eight distinct roles – from Confidential Secretary to the Registrar to Awards and Financial Aid Administrator to Event Coordinator-Convocation. She speaks fondly of people who inspired her along the way, mentors like Glenda Sullivan, Paul Thompson, Brenda Patenaude, Dr. Robert (Bob) Tait and, most recently, Linda Fehr. 

Her stand-out memories include working with “an incredible team (Kevin Stranack, Trinity Posteraro and Wendee Copeland)” to organize a successful return to in-person Convocation in 2022, supporting graduate students in the preparation for their thesis defences and donning the Alpha Timberwolf mascot outfit at campus events. “Being Alpha was a blast – even if no one knew it was me inside!”

But Bethany says it’s been returning to front-counter service in Enrolment Services just inside the Prince George campus’ main entrance that has been the highlight of her much-enjoyed career.

“To see the next generation of staff, our leaders of tomorrow – some of whom are alumni of this great University – take on the job with such a passion for this institution has made my day, every day!”

It’s a fitting full circle – ending where she began, welcoming students and helping them navigate university life. 

While her day-to-day presence on campus will be deeply missed, Bethany leaves behind a permanent legacy with the Haffner Helping Hand Award, an endowed fund established by her and her husband Darrin to support undergraduate or graduate students with financial need.

“My hope is to inspire other employees to work with UNBC Giving. I want them to see they can create awards with little contributions that have a lasting legacy. Start now,” she encourages, “And it can grow into an amazing gift to UNBC students!”

As Bethany steps into retirement, she’s looking forward to quiet mornings, time with her real-life hero and inspiration, Darrin, and life without the daily demands of work.