Spring Break
ECU honors university pioneer
Binta L. Dixon
Issue date: 10/21/08 Section: News
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Elliot entered ECU in 1962 at the age of 17 and spoke about her challenging experience at the university.
"You can only gather courage if you're scared," said Elliot.
However, she said that the experience at ECU only made her stronger.
The 10th of 13 children, Elliot said that her parents were her biggest motivators during her college years. Elliot majored in business administration with a concentration in accounting, and completed her degree in 1966.
Although she encountered many setbacks, Elliot continued to succeed while in college with the same earnest shown when she was named valedictorian of her high school class.
"I do believe that ECU changed the person I was going to be," Elliot said.
After her graduation she became a public school teacher and eventually one of the first women auditors for the U.S. Treasury.
The mother of two, wife and member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Elliot encouraged the current generation of students to believe in themselves. She feels students should do more to take advantage of the educational opportunities available.
Elliot's story is part of a yearlong celebration of the contribution of African-Americans and other students of color on ECU's campus.
The recognition of 50 years of diversity will include the oral history of many pioneers on ECU's campus, including Leary's.
Catherine Adams, with the office of the Institute of Diversity and member of the Centennial Diversity Committee, helped to facilitate Elliot's return to ECU.
"Mrs. Leary is a legacy for all students," said Adams.
Adams also commented that Elliot didn't want to just speak on campus. The committee tried to find a moment when she could talk to students directly. The committee is excited that she was willing to share her story.
"It was a humbling experience to meet her," said Lashanti Penn, a freshman student in the African and African-American studies class. "She motivated me to do and be better."
At 6 p.m. on Oct. 17, the Office of Intercultural Student Affairs hosted the awards ceremony that would recognize outstanding ECU students of color along with Elliot.
"This is an incredible evening that we were fortunate to put together," said Dr. Lathan E. Turner, assistant vice chancellor of Intercultural Student Affairs. "My only desire is that someone is inspired to be proud of Mrs. Elliot's accomplishment and their own."
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinan.com.
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