Marine vet finds pride in helping children


Mary Lou Fulton alum Cliff Vellucci

After 25 years of service in the U.S. Marines, Cliff Vellucci retired in 2007 and began his transition to civilian life.

"Going from 1,000 mph to a very slow pace, it just really wasn't enough. I needed something more," he said.

He had always had a knack for teaching, so he returned to college and completed his degree through Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Today, he serves as an assistant principal in a Phoenix elementary school. 

"When I was a Marine, people would come up to me and ask me what I did for a living. And I would feel really proud of saying, 'I'm a Marine,'" he said. "Well, now when people come up to me and ask me that same question, I feel that same sense of pride about saying I'm a teacher."

Watch his story here.

More Arts, humanities and education

 

Students working with faculty on research on campus.

The College set to launch 15 new degree programs

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University is launching 15 new academic programs in fall 2024. Nine of those programs will include online formats, expanding learning…

Aanya Sosa is wearing a mask and stands in front of a sign reading "Ancient Mesopotamia"

Mother–daughter duo travel abroad while advancing education through online offerings from ASU

Getting an education while seeing the world with your loved ones? Sounds like a dream come true.For 12-year-old Aanya Sosa and her mother, Beth, it’s a reality, thanks to online educational offerings…

Four people looking at a moveable book.

ASU Library collection is deceptively simple fun

Editor’s note: This is part of a monthly series spotlighting special collections from ASU Library’s archives throughout 2024.Arizona State University’s Eugene D. Valentine Collection is a whimsical…