Doting on generations of 'Shearites'
Betty's office is filled with photographs taken with students and other members of the NUS community
Framed photographs of Ms Betty Goh with NUS students over decades fill almost every inch of wall space in her office. Many spill out into the adjoining spaces and even the pantry room. It's a clear indication that Sheares Hall (SH) isn't just Betty's place of work; it's her home.
Betty's affiliation to NUS began when her father was employed as a hostel cook at the Dunearn Road Hostels (DRH) near Bukit Timah Campus. At that time, Betty was just a wide-eyed six-year-old. Unbeknownst to her then, it was an introduction to what would be her home for close to 50 inspirational years.
Owing to her father's long track record with the University, 17-year-old Betty was able to secure a position with DRH as a kitchen hand in order to support the family upon his retirement. In 1981, the hostel relocated to Kent Ridge Campus and was renamed Sheares Hall, in honour of the late second President of Singapore Professor Benjamin Sheares.
Initially, Betty's days were largely spent coordinating daily meals for the students. However, one day she was asked to cover her colleague's office duties and her good interpersonal skills caught the eye of former Master Associate Professor Lawrence Chia. She was sent for a receptionist course and soon became involved in clerical work. These days, Betty's role as Alumni Relations Officer at SH mainly centres on building a strong connection with past residents, encouraging them to return to their alma mater and share their experiences with their juniors.
The deep impression Betty, or "Aunty Betty as she is endearingly known, left on the students long after they have graduated has reaped tremendous benefits for the Hall and its current residents. Often, just a phone call from Betty could result in an outpouring of much-needed sponsorships for annual Dinner and Dance lucky draw prizes, and drinks and snacks for freshmen orientation and Rag and Flag activities.
Betty continues to keep in close contact with SH alumni, making them feel that they are still very much a part of the Hall. She recently surprised former Senior Minister of State (Foreign Affairs) Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed at the Mega U@live event. "He hugged me and asked that we take a picture so that he could show his wife who is also from DRH, said Betty. She has also received a heartfelt letter of appreciation from former "Shearites" Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon and his wife. Betty believes the special and enduring bond between the students and herself stemmed from her genuine interest and care towards them during their hall stay. "I also have a very good memory, she added.
Many former "Shearites" regularly invite Betty for dinner and she receives at least four wedding invitations each year. "Now many of them have children of their own and invite me to attend their children's birthday celebrations. I carry so many babies, it's very tiring, she joked. But such memories are precisely what she loves most about her first and only job.
As of now, Aunty Betty has no plans of leaving her beloved "Shearites" anytime soon.
As NUS commemorates its 110th anniversary this year, it honours special people like Betty Goh who have helped shape the University in unique ways.
