'Mountaineers Mom' Bernetta Scime retires from Mohawk after 35-year career

By Meaghan Drury ‘12

When it came time to choose a school for her postsecondary education, Bernetta Scime ‘84 did not want to look far. A natural homebody, she knew Mohawk would provide her the education she was looking for with the Recreation Leadership program, the ability to play the sport she loved with a position on the varsity volleyball team, and was only a short distance from home, allowing her to return whenever she needed to.

This one decision would have a significant impact on the rest of her life. From the day she enrolled at Mohawk and then moving into her career, Bernetta would stay with the school for more than 35 years.

In her early working days at the school, her positions included program coordinator for the Chedoke Campus, receptionist for the registrar‘s office and campus recreation coordinator. But it wasn‘t until she landed the job of varsity sports coordinator that Bernetta truly found her calling.

While it has become increasingly less common for a person to work their entire career for one organization, Bernetta couldn‘t have imagined it any other way for herself. She loved every day working with, and for, students. A few have even remained in her life long after their graduation.

Two students who have impacted Bernetta‘s life the most are Headley Harriott ‘02 and Kristin VanHartingsveldt ‘15. Soft-spoken Headley, a talented basketball player, struggled with his social skills, studies and finances. Bernetta recalls making an agreement with Headley that when he came to see her, he would put away his headphones and talk to her. Bernetta saw potential in Headley and was determined to help him complete a program. Over the five years he studied at Mohawk, with Bernetta‘s encouragement, he was able to obtain on-campus employment, remain on the basketball team, and graduate with a General Arts & Sciences diploma and Small Business Management certificate. After leaving Mohawk, Bernetta has stayed in touch with Headley and his family, attending his wedding and seeing him return to the college for her retirement party last June.

“Bernetta was there for me through the most difficult time in my life and she never gave up on me. Through her encouragement I graduated from Mohawk. Since leaving Mohawk, she has remained in my life and my family‘s life and has been present through many of my life‘s milestones. “

–Kristin VanHartingsveldt ‘15, student athlete

Kristin VanHartingsveldt is another student-athlete Bernetta has remained in contact with long after graduation. Kristin came to Mohawk after her sister Rachel, who was also a Mohawk student and varsity volleyball player, had tragically passed away in a car accident a few months prior. Kristin struggled with her mental health in living up to her sister‘s legacy. Bernetta, having been close to Rachel, became a person Kristin could rely on. She attended counselling sessions with Kristin when she was scared to go alone, and helped her discover the right program for her, that aligned with her interests and allowed her to find her own path. “Bernetta was there for me through the most difficult time in my life and she never gave up on me. Through her encouragement I graduated from Mohawk,“ says Kristin. “Since leaving Mohawk, she has remained in my life and my family‘s life and has been present through many of my life‘s milestones.“

Bernetta says one colleague nicknamed her the ‘Mountaineers Mom‘ and the name is a great fit. In retirement, she says what she will miss most is her connection to the student-athletes. “Coaches supported them in their skills and sports, and I was there to help them with figuring out their timetables, managing their schedules and dealing with homesickness or feelings of being overwhelmed.“ Bernetta helped the athletes feel as at home at Mohawk as she has felt for most of her life. Her presence on campus will definitely be missed.

“In Athletics, the highest accolade one can receive is Hall of Fame recognition. Bernetta Scime‘s career at Mohawk and in the OCAA demand every consideration for such honours. But even more admirable, Bernetta is a Hall of Fame person. Her passion for serving and helping thousands of Mohawk students in and out of Athletics and her tireless work ethic are legendary and admired right across Ontario. I am so lucky to have worked alongside such a dedicated and caring person, who continually sacrificed her personal time to give our students the best experience possible and opportunity to succeed.“

–Laurie Cahill ‘75, former Director of Athletics, Mohawk College