Bernard and Jana are passionate about their involvement in Boekenhout. Both were involved in residence life during their undergraduate years at the University of the Free State and remember those years as some of the best of their lives. They believe that a residence like Boekenhout creates opportunities to build relationships and develop. Be it in academics, sport, culture, leadership or intercultural relations, the hostel provides rich ground for development.

Bernard and Jana have two daughters, Yvonne (7) and Mia (5). Bernard was born and grew up in Namibia. Jana hails from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. They met in Bloemfontein during their undergraduate years. After completing post-graduate degrees at the University of Pretoria, they spent two years in Sweden. They returned to South Africa and to the University of Pretoria in 2005. They enjoy reading, music, art, sport and the outdoors. But the best times are those spent together as a family.

Jana holds a PhD in Communication Management and is a part time lecturer in the Department of Marketing and Communications Management. Her speciality is business communication and she has a particular love for Afrikaans literature.

Bernard is an Associate Professor linked to the Department of Genetics. His speciality is the ecology and evolution of fungal plant pathogens and insect pests of trees. He is an academic staff member of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI).
For more information, see his personal FABI site.