2015 - Tedros Teklzghi

Tedros initially relocated to San Francisco and worked as a Walgreens Drugstore Cashier. Accepting his friend’s offer to visit Buffalo, Tedros saw opportunities that awaited him and he moved to the Queen City in 1994. Again, through the encourage of his friend who was attending the University at Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center (UBEOC), Tedros enrolled in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program in 1994.

Tedros worked diligently learning the language while assimilating to a new culture. Upon completing the ESL program, he enrolled in and graduated from the UBEOC College Preparation program in 1995. Feeling prepared and confident to pursue higher education, Tedros attended Erie Community College (ECC) and acquired an associate's of science degree in Computer Information Systems. Tedros continued to make a positive impression and as an ECC graduate was hired as a Computer Technician for their downtown campus. While working at ECC for two years and still chasing the American Dream, Tedros enrolled at Buffalo State College in the Computer Information System program and as a student, worked as a Computer Consultant. Tedros graduated with his bachelor's of science in Computer Information Systems in 2000.

Having earned his college credential, Tedros applied for a User Support Technician position at the University at Buffalo (UB) Law School. Being one of 26 candidates, Tedros interviewed with the Dean of the Law School and Budget Director and was offered the position. He was later promoted to Manager of the Computer Lab and in this capacity set up an extended use system accessed by 200 users. Tedros presently works as the UB Law School System Administrator and User Support Technician and supervises eight students and staff.

Tedros is married, has two children and is an active community supporter. He coordinates a volunteer ministry group, offering services for North Collins Correctional Facility inmates. In addition, he has chaired committees for the enhancement of opportunity for the Buffalo Eritrean population and presently serves in a decision-making title. And “giving back” to one of his alma maters, the UBEOC, Tedros served on an Information Technology Search Committee. Personifying the UBEOC’s mission of lifelong learning, the University at Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center was pleased to recognize Mr. Tedros Teklzghi as the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award.

Alumni Affairs and Student Development Office