News
Volunteer Spotlight – October 2016
Oct 1, 2016
Leigh W. Cellucci
East Carolina University
Chapter Position: Treasurer
University Position: Professor and Director, Health Services Management Program
Years of Service to the Chapter: 5 years
Degree(s)/Discipline: M.A., Sociology, College of William and Mary; Ph.D., Sociology, University of Virginia; M.B.A, Discipline Health Services Management, Idaho State University
How did you become involved as a chapter officer? The 'tap on the shoulder.' I emailed the East Carolina University Chapter President when I began work at ECU in 2011, and he invited me to a board meeting. By the next year, I was 'tapped on the shoulder' and asked if I would serve as treasurer.
What has your chapter done that has made you proud? Our East Carolina chapter of Phi Kappa Phi sponsored a lecture by Dr. Jeanne Theoharis, professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College, about her book, The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks. Prior to the lecture, she met with students to answer questions about her research. After the lecture, she stayed to sign copies of her book for those in attendance and then, she had a very late supper with students. She was an excellent speaker, and she was willing to spend as much time with the students as they needed. She illustrated Phi Kappa Phi's motto regarding the love of learning. On an interesting note, directly after her visit with us at East Carolina, she flew to attend the NAACP Awards Ceremony in California. Her work had been nominated, and she did receive the award for the NAACP Outstanding Literary Work—biography. As she wrote to me later, she appreciated the warmth and hospitality of East Carolina and the bright, curious, and kind students. It is the support of Phi Kappa Phi and the work of college chapters that creates opportunities for the University community to meet and visit with such interesting, smart, and gracious scholars.
What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you? Phi Kappa Phi means opportunity. It gives me the opportunity to serve and give back, but also it gives me the opportunity to get to know and learn from others.
What do you enjoy most about being a chapter officer? Working with my colleagues from various disciplines. They, like Theoharis, are smart, interesting and fun. And, their service illustrates the love of learning, too.
What advice would you give to a new chapter officer? Allow yourself to be 'tapped on the shoulder.' You will find the work meaningful.
What are your hobbies? With my husband Tony—running, sailing, and walking the dog.
Where are you from? I am originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and now call Greenville, North Carolina, home.