(from left) MHS graduates and siblings pictured with their parents: Charles Cella ’84, Managing Director of Strong Force Intellectual Capital in Boston Massachusetts area, Rachel Cella ’95, Assistant Public Defender for the Alaska Public Defender Agency, Anchorage, Alaska, Dr. Ron Cella, and wife, Doris, and Laura Cella Hampton ’86, Chief of Staff, Hospice and Palliative Care Co., Charlotte N.C. Region.
The Cella Family Fund Will Benefit MHS Graduates Attending MSU to Study Abroad
Murray, Ky., June 2, 2021------Dr. Ron and Doris Cella recently established an endowment with the Murray Independent School District (MISD) Foundation for Excellence. The endowment will fund awards to help Murray High graduates participate in Murray State's Education Abroad programs.
"The MISD Foundation’s Endowments program has provided Doris and me an ideal way to acknowledge people and experiences that have been very important to us and our family,” said Dr. Ron Cella.
The Cella Family Fund endowment has been established to fund awards for the benefit of the MISD. The endowment reflects Ron, and his wife, Doris,’ longstanding roles with MISD and Murray State University (MSU), while continuing the Cella family legacy with the MISD, and supporting educational travel opportunities for future students.
A former twelve-year MISD Board of Education member, who served as chair for eight years, Doris has volunteered as a tutor and helped coach the speech team with the Murray School system. Ron has been a member and officer of the MISD Foundation since 2009. Their children Charles, Laura, and Rachel are honor graduates of Murray High School and participated in many organizations and activities including speech, soccer, golf, band, student government, service clubs, academic teams, and foreign language programs.
Ron and Doris both led long, impactful careers at MSU, educating students in English, where Ron chaired the department for many years. For approximately three decades, Ron directed MSU student educational programs, through the Center for Cooperative Study Abroad (CCSA). Their trips to London, Edinburgh, and other destinations were life-changing for many students.
Coy Samons, MISD superintendent, stated, “The leadership and support provided to the Murray Independent School District by the Cella family has been invaluable. The Tradition, Pride, and Excellence of MISD will continue to benefit students for generations with assistance by community members like Ron and Doris Cella.”
Murray High School students attending MSU will be informed about requirements to apply for the Cella Fund after applying and meeting requirements to participate in an MSU Education Abroad program. The selection committee will consider character and achievements, anticipated life impact, and need, including financial need and other historical or current disadvantages.
Melanie McCallon Seib, MSU director of Education Abroad, said the MSU program is thrilled to be able to offer this future opportunity for MSU students. “We are beyond thrilled to be able to support Murray High students studying abroad at MSU through the generosity of the Cellas," she said. “Legends in their own right, Dr. Cella was a ground-breaker for education abroad opportunities at Murray State. It is no surprise that they have established this fund to continue to support students far into the future. The education abroad leadership and impact of the Cellas is immeasurable.”