Nearly four decades ago Tecleab Neguse came to NECO with big dreams and aspirations. Over the years he honed his craft, raised a family, literally within the walls of NECO, moved up within the organization, eventually becoming the Manager of Building, Grounds and Security. On Tuesday March 31st Tec will open the building for the last time, patrol the halls, check the classrooms for readiness, inspect the boilers for soundness and wrap his arms around the buildings and a community he has deeply cared for.
Tec is retiring, which in itself is a great accomplishment and we could not be happier for him as he begins the next chapter in his life.
There are literally dozens of Tec stories from faculty and staff, to students, past Presidents and Deans, Board Members, even vendors and contractors. Tec has left an indelible mark on this institution and its community. His unselfish efforts, care and love for the buildings, and the people within them will be remembered long after he has opened the building for the last time.
Tec, the NECO community owes you a debt of gratitude. Your soft-spoken leadership, your unwavering dedication, and your warm and welcoming smile will be greatly missed. We thank you and wish you the very best in your retirement.
Tec plans to return to campus in April for a gathering to celebrate his contributions and legacy. More information will follow as to the date and time.
FROM NECO STAFF & FACULTY
“I can’t think of NECO without also thinking of Tec. He has been the stalwart backbone of this campus for 35 years. Tec leads by quiet example, showing us all how to be better employees. His calm, reassuring, and helpful manner has touched every one of us, and serves as the North Star of what it means to be deeply committed to the success of an organization. NECO is a better place because Tec and I am confident his impact will be felt in these walls for another 35 years.”
– Traci A. Logan, Executive Vice President and COO, CFO
“Tec has been here since I came to NECO as a student in 1999. I don’t know NECO without Tec. He is always ready to help, and knows the ins and outs of the College so well. I appreciate him so much!”
– Amy Roan Moy, OD ’03, FAAO, CPCO, FNAP; Senior Director of Health Center Initiatives and Optometric Compliance, Associate Professor of Clinical Optometry, Attending Optometrist, Martha Eliot Health Center at Boston Children’s Hospital
“As a student, I remember Tec always being in the building. One day, my classmates and I were sitting by the staircase in the atrium. Tec came down from the second floor and we joked and speculated that he lived upstairs. Sure enough, we found out that he did in fact live there. Years later, I started working for NECO and found Tec to still always be around. He is always willing to help and support anything happening in the building. From moving eye exam equipment – no matter where, cleaning up messes, disposing equipment, to unclogging drains; he was always making NECO feel like home.”
– Gary Y. Chu, OD ’95, MPH, FAAO; Vice President, Professional Affairs
“I so enjoyed working with Tec. Great man who really cared for everyone. Met him in 1988 and had many laughs with him. Wishing him the best that life has to offer!”
– Rosanne Labollita, OD ’03