Robin Havenick: A Treasure in the LBCC Community

At first glace Robin Havenick is very petite, rather unimposing, and has a smile that is genuine. Once she begins speaking her seemingly meek persona disappears. She has such a way with words that she grabs attention of everyone in the room. She doesn't yell- she doesn't have to. Havenick is an energetic speaker and knows how inflections and pauses can turn a simple sentence into poetry or an impassioned speech.

Robin Havenick is an English instructor at LBCC, currently teaching Writing-115 and English-255 American Literature: Modern. She graduated with her master's degree from the University of Florida and has been teaching for the last 30 years.

Havenick said her goal or philosophy while teaching is to "open the door of literature to student's and to make it come to life for them."

Robin Havenick discusses provocative drawing w/class

Havenick's approach to teaching is to ensure that the students feel comfortable to participate in class. She often asks her students to brainstorm and come up with ideas to discuss but doesn't force it on the student's if they just want to listen. Havenick is such a skilled speaker, she immerses the listener into the story, creating a painting with words. It's easy to just sit back, listen, and still be focused on the topic.

While she isn't afraid to lecture on a subject, she utilizes many different types of media to drive conversation. One minute it may be a drawing, the next a video, music, poetry, or a section of reading from the class textbook, all driven to achieve the goal of connecting the students to the ideas being presented.

Tejo Pack, a student in Havenick's American Literature class, said she tries to engage students. He appreciates the wide range of social issues discussed in the classroom and how she challenges them to think critically. Pack went on to say, "[Havenick] is a great teacher, the most elegant instructor I've ever had. She reflects the essence of poetry and literature."

One of Havenick's favorite poems that helps manifest both her feelings for poetry and what she described as the "noble profession of teaching", is Langston Hughes' "Dream Keeper":

Bring me all of your dreams,

You dreamer,

Bring me all your

Heart melodies

That I may wrap them

In a blue cloud-cloth

Away from the too-rough fingers

Of the world.

The poem holds meaning for her, "It's the voice of literature inviting us in to dream, find our own depths and truths," Havenick said after sharing the poem.

Quote by Churchill outside her office

Havenick shares her love of poetry with students at LBCC by being the adviser for the Poetry Club. The club meets every Tuesday at 3pm in the Hot Shot Cafe and Wednesday at 5:30pm in the first floor conference room at the Benton Center. All are welcome to join in.

Kiera Lynn, the poet laureate of the Poetry Club, said "[Havenick] is inherently kind and invested in people and events that help make our community diverse and rich." Lynn welcomes the opportunities Havenick provides the poetry club to usher the spoken and written to the community.

When Havenick isn't spending her time teaching she enjoys activities such as poetry readings, plays, art shows, and music. Her husband, Steve Fletcher, plays in the band Rough Jazz. Havenick said, "Music is a huge part of my life."

Havenick is a staunch advocate for the arts and attends many events helping support the local community. She has such a passion for literature she even helped start the 23rd Ave. Bookstore in Portland. Unfortunately the bookstore has fallen on hard times and has recently closed due to the economic downturn.

Every school term she encourages her students to attend an enrichment event because she believe's there is "treasure in this community."

At a Glance-
Robin Havenick
English and writing instructor at LBCC
Teaching for 30 years, master's degree from Univ. of Florida
LBCC poetry club adviser
Office, NSH-214 (Hours- Mon/Wed 2-3pm, Tue/Thur 12:30-1pm)
Phone # 541-917-4574
Havenick's Instructor website, http://cf.linnbenton.edu/artcom/english/havenir/web.cfm?pgID=35
Poetry club's website, http://insidetheheartswalls.blogspot.com/
Rough Jazz music website, https://www.facebook.com/RoughJazzMusic?ref=stream
Langston Hughes website, http://www.poets.org/poet.php/prmPID/83