Nathan Weinberger has always felt a deep connection to NECC. His aunt, Rebecca Geller, attended NECC (then ERI) from the age of 15 until she was 21, while his grandfather, Mickey Geller, was a dedicated and active board member for many years. Now, Weinberger is a Boston Marathon finisher, and he did it for Team NECC, carrying forward his family’s legacy of support.
Young Nathan and his grandfather, Mickey, who served on NECC’s Board of Directors for many years.
“NECC has had a profound impact on my family,” shared Weinberger. “My aunt attended the school many years ago, and my grandparents were so happy with the quality of the education and community that they remained involved for the rest of their lives, including serving on the board. In fact, I was first introduced to NECC in high school when my grandpa asked me to come over to help him print out minutes from a board meeting.”
Weinberger grew up in Brookline, MA, and currently resides in Cambridge’s Porter Square with his partner, Nicole, and their dog, Bolt. Although he had never run a marathon before, he knew he wanted to take on the challenge and do it for a good cause.
“When I decided I wanted to run the Boston Marathon, I couldn’t think of a better organization and I’m so happy to have been chosen to run for Team NECC,” he shared. “Fundraising for NECC meant that every step I took in my marathon training was done out of love for my aunt and in memory of my grandparents. That’s the only way I was able to motivate myself on the long runs.”
Since leaving NECC, Aunt Becky, as Weinberger fondly calls her, has been thriving in her adult life. She lives in Brookline and has been working as an artist at Gateway Arts since 1997. Her work has been featured in galleries in both Massachusetts and New York. “She participates in all sorts of extracurriculars — her social calendar is much busier than mine!” Weinberger joked.
Former NECC student Rebecca Geller proudly shows off one of her art pieces.
Knowing the impact NECC had on his aunt, which Weinberger called “far reaching,” he was passionate about raising funds to ensure other families can experience the same level of support. Prior to Marathon Monday, he had raised nearly $12,000. One of the most unexpected joys of Weinberger’s marathon journey was the fundraising process. “It was fun and creative in a way that I wasn’t expecting,” he said, adding that Nicole was instrumental in the fundraising efforts. “For example, I love baking, and was pretty successful doing monthly baked goods sales. In March, my sister and I baked macarons, and getting to spend a full day baking with my sister is always a joy, especially on a rest day after a long run.”
Another highlight of being part of Team NECC was connecting with the students and staff. “I loved getting to see the work of the school and the students,” he said. “The amazing staff at NECC sent all the runners care packages, including friendship bracelets made by the
students. Connections like that, even little ones, were definitely my favorite part of being with Team NECC.”
As race day approached, Weinberger was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. He joked that while finishing would be the best part, he knows this experience is about so much more. “Going into training, I hoped to walk away with a sense that I can do hard things if I commit to them. Now, I know I’m going to be walking away with a deeper connection to an amazing organization.”
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of Insight.