Letter to the Editor: Suad Teocanin

Re “Remembering a Former College Employee Who Froze to Death” (news article, Sept. 20):

A note of appreciation for the feature piece about Suad in last week’s edition of The Campus. I’ve shared this among fellow alums and received an influx of notes, as many had not heard the news of his death. 

Your piece not only shared what happened, but shed light into the life of someone we knew and cared for. Learning more about Suad brings great joy and an opportunity to reminisce fondly. 

I laughed reading Richard O’Donohue’s comments about the VHS tapes, having felt the same way — “not the VHS again” — as Suad so often tried to lend [Libby Pingpank ’04] and me his favorite movies which we’d never have time to watch. 

After hearing the tragic news of Suad’s passing last January, I looked for acknowledgement from the college. Middlebury espouses values of welcoming the immigrant and of ending injustice such as homelessness — yet when a tragedy occurred that hit at the core of these issues, nothing was said. Social issues aside, to have had a beloved former employee of 10 years freeze to death one mile from campus and say nothing is wrong. The lack of recognition felt like we were leaving Suad alone all over again as a community. 

Thanks to you, this is no longer the case. Suad has been recognized and celebrated by the community he gave so much to. He can be remembered in the best way. And those of us that knew him can find closure about his death. Thank you so much for not only doing the right thing, but for authoring such a well-written and heartfelt piece. If Suad were with us, no doubt he would be smiling ear to ear.

Megan Rzezutko is a member of the Middlebury College class of 2004.