Distinguished Alumni 2005

Wyndie Havnaer

Wyndie Havnaer graduated from Winthrop in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Recreation. She entered the Department as a non-traditional student and divided her time between her studies and her family while maintaining a 3.56 GPA. After graduation, she began her teaching career in the Rock Hill School District, but soon was appointed as Director of the Preschool program at Leroy Springs and Company. After one year as the Director of the Preschool program, she was appointed Aquatic Director. In 1984, she was named Program Director for the Leroy Springs and Company Fort Mill Recreation Complex. She held this position until 1995, when she was named Director of the Leroy Spring & Company Fort Mill Recreation Department in 1995. For over 20 years, she has provided guidance and leadership to the Fort Mill Recreation Department.

Ms. Havnaer is active in community affairs in Fort Mill. She has served as President of the Fort Mill Community Playhouse, YEA (Youth, Entertainment, Arts), Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club. She has also chaired Fest-I-Fun. She has served on the Board of Directors of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, Fort Mill/Tega Cay United Way, Rotary Club, and Tree Tops. She is a member of the Fort Mill School Board of Trustees and on the Advisory Board of First Citizens Bank. Fort Mill acknowledged her contributions to the community by naming her the Fred Peterson Volunteer of the Year in 1998.

Wyndie Havnaer is professionally active in the National Recreation and Parks Association and the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association, where she has served on the Board of Directors. She has served as Secretary for the South Carolina School Age Child Care Association and as a trainer in the South Carolina in Early Childhood Association. She continues to be active the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. After completing all this volunteer work, Wyndie finds time to golf, boat, sew, bike and travel. She is married to Dick Havnaer and has a son, Alan who is married to a fellow Winthrop graduate, Holly. They have two children, Julianna 4 and Wade 3. Her daughter Tammie is married to Burt Welch and they have two children, Caroline 8 and Thomas, 5.