Lighting the Hill for Fellow Jumbos: Hans’ Journey From Curious Explorer to BOLD Champion

“Tufts is the light on the hill. Let's keep it bright for everybody—everyone who's been there, everyone who's going there, and everyone who will.”

An Unplanned Stop Leads to a Lifelong Connection

Hans Tercek’s first encounter with Tufts University was entirely unplanned—and all the more remarkable given that he grew up in Los Angeles, thousands of miles away from campus. In his junior year of high school, he went on a whirlwind Northeast college tour with his mom. Hours before their flight from Boston back home, they decided to join the campus tour at Tufts. This spontaneous visit quickly became a pivotal moment that would shape Hans’s college decision.

“We were impressed with the tour guide and the overall vibe on campus. We got a strong, good first impression that we weren't expecting from a school that wasn't necessarily on our radar,” Hans recalls. But it was a chance encounter that truly made Tufts stand out: As they wandered into the engineering building, a faculty member approached them, struck up a conversation, and invited them into his office. It turned out he was the Associate Dean of Engineering. He generously spent nearly an hour passionately introducing the unique academic environment at Tufts.

"He didn’t have to give us his time, but he did—and that spoke volumes. My mom and I left thinking, ‘These are the most hospitable people we’ve met, and the [mechanical engineering] program combined with liberal arts access might be the perfect, well-rounded approach we’re looking for.’ That was what convinced us at the end of the day that this was the school I wanted to go to,” Hans says. 

Engineering Meets Liberal Arts

Hans, who graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Computer Science, knew he was passionate about engineering from a young age.

“I’ve always liked the engineering process, specifically solving problems through creative designs, then turning those designs into physical products. Growing up, I was big into Lego, video game development, and web design. It was a very clear path for me.”

However, he sought an educational environment that wasn't purely technical. Hans valued a curriculum that integrated liberal arts. “Something I appreciate was that I had that opportunity to take classes within the School of Arts and Sciences and develop close relationships with people from different backgrounds,” Hans says. In addition, he joined diverse extracurriculars that flexed his creative muscles.

His post-graduation career highlights the importance of this interdisciplinary approach. Initially working in technical sales with Boston manufacturers, Hans quickly recognized that effective communication and adaptability—skills he cultivated at Tufts—were critical to success. This realization guided his transition to consulting, where he now excels by bridging technical solutions and client needs. “[Tufts] gave me this ability to communicate highly technical concepts at easy-to-understand levels.”  

Rooted on the Hill, Connected Everywhere

As he continued building his career, Hans relocated from Boston to Washington, D.C., and later to New York City. Moving and starting life as a young professional is not easy. However, Hans was able to make friends and develop his support system in different locations, thanks to the Tufts network and its deep sense of community.

Even in unfamiliar cities, Tufts alumni welcomed Hans with open arms. “That's what's so great about Tufts: everyone knows everyone in some way.” Hans appreciates that Tufts provides a shared community wherever he goes. 

“When I moved to D.C., I spoke with my roommates before I left [Boston] and asked if they knew anyone there. They were thrilled to connect me with their friends from campus. I reached out, we made dinner plans, and hit it off immediately.” 

This sense of belonging and support inspired Hans to get more involved in the Tufts Alumni Association. He became an active participant and ultimately found his calling through the BOLD (‘Bos of the Last Decade) Committee, where he helps cultivate that same welcoming spirit for fellow young alumni.

Lighting the Way for Others Through the BOLD program

Now serving as a co-chair of the BOLD Committee, Hans dedicates his time to engaging recent graduates through Tufts alumni events and volunteer opportunities that foster connection and philanthropy.

Reflecting on his motivation to give back, Hans says, “Contributing to Tufts helps me feel I'm helping other people build a community for themselves. Tufts has been my rock throughout my post-grad life, and I don't take it for granted.”   

A current campaign Hans is spearheading is the BOLD Scholar, which aims to create the first Tufts young alumni-funded scholarship awarded to a student at the university. “Giving back to financial aid is something that I believe in.” Hans wants to ensure a Tufts education is accessible to more people and that future students can have the same transformative experience he had. 

Creating a Community for the Next Generation of Jumbos

In addition to the BOLD Scholar campaign, Hans volunteers with BOLD to organize young alumni connectivity events, such as the recent BOLD happy hour in New York City. “[These events] are good opportunities to rekindle friendships and build meaningful connections rooted in a shared Tufts experience."

For Hans, giving back to Tufts is about nurturing a community for fellow Jumbos. “As I’ve continued to build my career, the Tufts alumni network has been helpful in getting me connected with fellow alumni to understand the professional landscape.” Hans strives to extend the same support to the next generation of Jumbos, lifting them up in their journey of professional growth. 

Hans encourages young alumni to stay engaged.”The Tufts network offers an unparalleled community of close friends and professional connections,” Hans shares. “Attending BOLD events leaves most with a newfound appreciation for the people they know and the university that brought them together.”

Keep the Hill Bright—Give Back to the Tufts Alumni Association

From the Tufts connections that helped him transition between cities to the alumni who offered advice during career shifts, Hans knows firsthand the lifelong value of this network. 

“I think it’s important for young alumni like me to consider how we got to where we are today. The role that Tufts played in our journeys might not have felt intentional, but a lot of our lifelong connections and opportunities were due in part to Tufts.” Taking part in alumni events or supporting the BOLD Scholar fund allows Tufts graduates to help sustain a community they’ve long valued. As Hans puts it, “Let’s keep the hill bright for everybody.”

Ready to get involved? Donate to BOLD Scholar today or explore volunteer opportunities.