What do you say to someone after such a long time at your workplace? This soft-spoken, well-mannered lady served UNAM proudly and elegantly for literally a lifetime. A lifetime filled with memories of joy and hardship, but mostly good ones. Ms Anneli Don has decided to call it a day and go on retirement end of October this year. She will be fondly remembered as a good natured, hardworking and driven woman, always ready to serve, always ready to lend a helping hand. She spent most of her career proudly in the Office of the Registrar, as Assistant Registrar and will be dearly missed. She served under a number of Registrars, Dr Steyn, Mr Sievers, Mr Kazapua, Mr Fledersbacher and more recently, Dr Njaula, over her more than 30 years career at UNAM.
Many people do not know that she is a qualified nurse who decided to go into university administration.
Knowing her, this is definitely not the end of the road for her, but the beginning of a new journey in her life. She doesn’t know how not to work, how not to stay busy! I hope she enjoys whatever it is she embarks upon, even if it’s just relaxing after all those years of hard work!
Anneli worked very closely with several offices at the institution, like campuses, faculties, schools, bursar’s office, the then communications and marketing, to mention but a few. All, who will remember her with fondness, I’m sure.
She will tell you, there were tough times, over the years, but there were just as many good times. We spent many a road trip with her, and enjoyed her relaxed and chilled side, sharing long lasting memories.
She spent many hours on stage, or around stages, during graduation ceremonies, and will probably have fond memories and special moments of people like the Founding Father, Dr Sam Nujoma, whilst preparing him with his attire before getting onto stage to graduate in 2010. There will probably be a long list of such moments which she will cherish for the rest of her life.
I for one will never forget the road trips we shared for many a year to graduation ceremonies around the country – the only time we could really relax, away from office. I also remember preparing pesky stressful graduation booklets that caused both of us endless frustration on an annual basis, for the better part of 20 years, I believe. But, trust you me, it was worth it, ever stressful or relaxed second of it. My Office will also be able to tell her, how I always vehemently defended her, during stressful graduation or other work related issues and moments.
Mr Fledersbacher, would probably have just as long a list as I have, when it comes to special and stressful moments with her, since they directly spent the better part of their careers as Registrar and Assistant Registrar.
Many of her UNAM colleagues shared special memories at her farewell party, before the VC gave her a very befitting send-off, remembering how she even provided him with assistance as a UNAM student.
Mr Haufiku echoed the same sentiments in sharing how she almost created his career in steering him towards communications as a study direction.
Mr Fledersbacher relived some of their memories and the important role she played in the Registrar’s Office and how difficult it would have been without her relaxed approach to handling tough situations.
Anneli shared some emotional antidotes in her goodbye speech on management and service delivery as a reminder to leaders to always remember this aspect, no matter the level of leadership. You are here to serve, first and foremost!
Be as it may, Anneli, we will all miss you and remember you, and see you as part of our UNAM family for the rest of our lives. You will always be welcome here!!!
