35 (Almost 36) Years of Tec

Tecleab “Tec” Neguse has been at NECO since 1988. NECO has had the distinct pleasure of being the place where Tec works as the Manager of Building & Grounds and Safety & Security for over 30 years. He corrected us by saying it will be 36 years, not 35, that NECO has been in his life. 

When asked what he would like people to know about him, he started by explaining the geography of the Horn of Africa and taught us where his country of Eritrea is located on the east coast. This small nation has a long history of other countries ruling over it because of its optimal location along the Red Sea. It was obvious that Tec was proud of where he came from, but he also revealed that he was part of securing his homeland’s independence. His journey to NECO began when he was granted political asylum in Sudan and then America due to his participation with the independence movement (the Eritrean Liberation Front) that fought for 30 years to see an independent Eritrea. In 1991 this movement saw victory with a free nation becoming reality.

Tec came to the United States in 1985 and as he puts it, “I had no money in my pocket and had no relatives to call on, but I was free.” As a young man with welding and vocational training, he found a job at NECO in 1988 and has been an integral part of the community ever since. “I have stayed at NECO because it gives me life,” said Tec. “I have seen bad things, but NECO has only brought me good things.” Tec and NECO have long been intertwined, with one not being the same without the other. 

In fact, Tec lived in the building from 1989 to 1997. The second floor of 418 Beacon used to be dorms and Tec lived with his new wife in a two-bedroom apartment overlooking the Charles, where the business office is today. He and his wife had their daughter here, and then moved across the street to 419 Beacon when NECO rented them an apartment as the building expanded. By the time his daughter turned five, the Neguse family purchased a home in Medford, where he still lives today. Imagine working and living next to the students? Tec made a lasting impression, having alumni visit him and make special trips to see him during events. Most recently members of the class of 1999 made sure to find Tec and catch up during Alumni Reunion. They shared lots of laughs and hugs, talking about all the fond memories from when they were neighbors in 418. 

 

Beyond his pride for his homeland, he also beams when talking about his daughter. “My daughter is so, so smart. She graduated first in all her schooling and went to Harvard for Pre-Med,” he shares. “She applied and was accepted to five different medical schools. Her mother and I hope she picks Brown so she will be close to us.” Although she did not elect to go into optometry, Tec still attributes NECO and America as allowing him to live freely, not only for his benefit, but most importantly for his daughters. 

Tec has shared not only his work ethic with NECO, but also his caring and paternal side that does not go unnoticed. “Tec is one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met,” shares Mollie Forman, Manager of Compliance and Safety. “He has a seemingly endless well of patience and compassion–until someone or something threatens the school or the people in it. I would not feel as welcomed and secure at NECO if Tec didn’t have my back. His dedication to NECO and his team pushes me to do better every single day. NECO would be a very lonely (and leaky) place without him.”

 

If you have been around NECO at any point over the last three decades, you have come into contact with Tec or his work. He has been running the NECO facilities like a well-oiled machine for more than 30 years. If you have been inside 424 Beacon Street, then you understand exactly what Tec has done for the school and its many inhabitants. The historic building shines and is able to remain in its historic splendor thanks to Tec and his team. 

“Tec is simply the most selfless, most dedicated person I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” shares Shawne Gillies, Director of Facilities and Campus Planning. “He often speaks of how much the college has given him, and how much it means to him. His love and care for the institution shows in everything he does each day.”

 

While Tec says he started in the “golden days” of NECO, he has certainly made each year golden for every student, staff, and faculty. Upon meeting him, you know that this person knows everything that goes on in this place, and you know he could answer any type of question you may have. 

Tec has been part of nine commencement ceremonies, seen well over 1,000 students graduate, worked with six different NECO presidents, been part of the NECO Center for Eye Care opening at 930 Commonwealth Ave, plus countless other NECO milestones. “I am looking forward to the next 36 years!” Tec says with a huge grin, “I’ll be an old man, but above all I love NECO and I love being here.” 

NECO and everyone in this community loves Tec and is beholden to his decades of work and dedication to our school. NECO would not be NECO without Tec and we could not change the way people see the world without him. Thank you, Tec. 

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From the NECO Community:

“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 

“Tec is a thoughtful and meticulous person who helps make NECO inviting and somewhere I am proud to show to others. Beacon Street is magical and that is thanks to Tec and his team.” – Abby Michaud, Marketing and Communications