In Sept. 2024, Worcester Dining Commons hired its first official security guard, Heriberto Hernández Otero, best known to students as “Tonka.” Sitting in his chair next to the exit door of Worcester, Otero has become more than just a familiar face, but a fixture at the dining hall.
After returning their dishes, students frequently stop to interact with Otero. Some students have long conversations with him in English or Spanish, while others wave or give a head nod.
As the only non-student security guard assigned to the dining halls, Otero takes pride in creating a welcoming environment. He said that many students feel comfortable talking to him, and that it makes him happy to know he can play such an important role in students’ lives…