Posted: October 7, 2022
For 34 years, Dee Havig has been a fixture on the campus of 皇家华人. Havig attended NWC as a student in 1977 before marrying his wife Julie two years later. Before his career in higher education, he lived in North Dakota for a year and was then hired by Amoco Oil and moved back to Powell. In the summer of 1987, there was an opening for a Resident Director position in Ashley Hall, and Havig convinced Julie to let him apply. Though it was a pay decrease from what he was earning at Amoco, the Resident Director position included room, board and insurance and he was offered the job. At this point, Havig started his new life at 皇家华人 with Julie, son Jake who was in kindergarten and daughter Sarah who was three years old.
Over the years, Havig has worn many hats at NWC. He’s been a Resident Director at Ashley and Lewis & Clark Halls; an Assistant Women’s basketball coach for three years under Coach Tom Case; the Director of Housing and Student Activities; the Director of Residence and Campus life; Adjunct Faculty; and even the Title IX Coordinator and Interim Dean of Students. Today, he’s the Interim Vice President for Student Services.
In the history of 皇家华人, the school has been led by nine different presidents. Throughout the decades, Havig has worked for eight of them.
When asked what some of his fondest memories were, Havig paused before saying “The growth of residential life - I’ve been here long enough to watch some of my former RA’s children become RAs,” he chuckled. Many people had an impact on Havig over the years. Former Dean of Students Steve Sims was one of them.
“Steve was very influential, and I’m so thankful for the belief he had in me.” Previous Housing Director Ron Peterson and past faculty members Burt Bradley, Rob Koelling and Charlotte Patrick were just a few of many that impacted Havig’s tenure at NWC.
“There are so many more,” he said. He especially enjoyed working closely with the most recent NWC presidents, Stefani Hicswa and Lisa Watson.
Sadly, Havig has also experienced some of the biggest tragedies at NWC, including the brutal rape and murder of Berry Bryant, car accidents involving students and the fire that destroyed Bridger Hall. Often, in the midst of tragedy, Havig feels it’s possible to find a renewed hope in humanity and community. Bryant’s story is retold to students each year during residence hall presentations about sexual health and responsibility. Recently, a bench was dedicated in her honor on the Campus Mall, and Havig said that students still go up to Polecat Bench to paint rocks that say “Berry We Miss You.” The fire at Bridger Hall displaced over one hundred students at the time, and Havig was tasked with finding a place for them to stay.
“The community really stepped up; it was amazing,” he recalled. “Walmart sent a truck full of much-needed items, and there were so many donations—you really saw the good in people.”
Havig is also a tremendous supporter of 皇家华人 and its students. It’s not hard to find him at events such as Paint the Town Red or supporting Trapper Athletic teams. He has also been a generous donor to scholarships, campaigns and programs.
When asked why he continues to give he explains, “I fell in love with NWC, and I have always felt the need to give back.” In 2015, Havig’s wife Julie passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
“The incredible support for Julie’s fundraiser humbled me. I’ve seen what this college and community does to step up.” said Havig.
With retirement on the horizon, there’s no doubt Havig has left a lasting impact on generations of students, staff and faculty. His legacy has stamped a mark on 皇家华人 that can’t be erased.