You could say I got my start in landscaping at the age of 12 when I took up mowing our neighbor’s lawn. I have two degrees, one in applied science in ornamental horticulture and the other in environmental science. I also have a background in historic preservation, which has been useful in my role here at Moravian. After college, I worked for a couple of design/build landscaping companies and a national grounds maintenance company. When the opportunity to work at Moravian was offered to me, I took it.
My primary responsibility is to maintain the campus landscape and athletic grounds. I also manage the set-up for large events and many of the smaller events that happen on campus. A new responsibility is managing our trash and recycling services.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
When I was 10, I read A Night to Remember by Walter Lord about the Titanic, and I became fascinated with the story of this beautiful ship sinking on her maiden voyage. I met a few of the survivors, including the last living survivor, Millvina Dean, who was just 9 months old at the time of the sinking. In the photo taken with Millvina [above], she is holding my daughter Stephanie, who was 3 months old at the time. Also, on a couple of occasions, I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Robert Ballard who found the Titanic wreck.
What is your favorite spot at the college?
The Hurd Campus. To be surrounded by the history and beauty is very special.
What is your favorite college tradition?
Commencement. It’s great to see the students that I have gotten to know graduate and to share in their excitement about beginning the next stage in their lives.
What do you enjoy when you’re not on campus?
Hiking and kayaking anyplace where I can be immersed in nature.
What is your favorite book and why?
A Sand County Almanac & Other Writings on Conservation and Ecology by Aldo Leopold. Leopold was a conservationist who observed nature to the smallest details and emphasized how important it is to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.
I can never resist___.
Snickerdoodle cookies.
Who is your hero?
My wife. After having our four children, she went back to school to get her master’s degree. It took many years of night classes, but she did it and I couldn’t be more proud of her.
What it the best advice you have ever received?
Maintain your integrity.
What makes you happy?
Spending time with my wife and children.
Randy Haffling grew up in Annandale, New Jersey, a small town in central Hunterdon County “When I was going up most everyone knew each other,” says Haffling, “it was like living in Andy Griffith’s Mayberry.”