Collecting CEENTA's Centennial

CEENTA patients and team members are not the only ones celebrating our 100th anniversary. Dr. David Magee, a Charlotte native and professor at UNC Charlotte, took a few minutes to discuss his hobby collecting anniversary items and CEENTA’s role in the community.

Can you give us a little background information about yourself?

My wife and I are originally from Charlotte. We both finished at Independence High School (where we met), she went on to CPCC (Associate Degree in Medical Assisting) and entered a career working in medical practices. I continued at UNC Charlotte for my bachelor's in psychology, then to Shippensburg University for my master’s in College Student Administration and Capella University for my PhD in Organizational Science.

Most recently over the past decade, I taught management courses on an adjunct basis at UNC Charlotte. Prior to that, I worked for international, national, and local manufacturers focusing on Employee Relations, a specialty typically found in Corporate Development or Human Resource management. It’s in these work environments that my passion for organizational science began.

We have two sons and two grandchildren. I also work installing, repairing, and replacing or supervising improvements to our home and property. In addition, I’ll fish anywhere and for anything, I play drums close with friends, and I follow The Beatles' legendary fame.

What prompted your interest in collecting anniversary items like ours?

Collecting 100-year commemorative items like CEENTA’s coffee mug was prompted by an interest in collectibles when I was about 9 years old. This turned into a hobby. I collected items I could identify with or had a recognized image. 

Now, for the past 15 years, I’ve specialized in collectables that commemorate “100-year” organizational milestone. I try to get small and mostly inexpensive (or free) items such as CEENTA's mug, as well as medallions, lapel pins, sew-on patches, and cut-outs of packaging. Examples of these brands include Technicolor, Harley-Davidson, Rotary International, IBM, Cheerwine, Universal Studios, and Warner Brothers.

As a Charlotte native, what aspects of the community have you enjoyed over the years?

As a native of Charlotte, I've enjoyed years of positive cooperation among Mecklenburg County and our surrounding counties, as well as the municipalities in those counties.

Any thoughts on CEENTA celebrating 100 years?

CEENTA joins other companies celebrating milestone anniversaries in our area. Cheerwine, for example, in Salisbury, reached 100 years in 2007, The Town of Huntersville reached 150 years, Johnson C. Smith reached 150 years, Belk Stores reached 125 years, and in 2011 The Charlotte Observer reached 125 years.

Regarding CEENTA’s next 100 years, for certain, be reliable, believe in your services, and be profitable. Expect leadership to provide strategic goals and support the process.

If you're ready to experience A Century of Care in the Carolinas, schedule your next eye or ENT appointment with us today by using our online scheduling platform or through myCEENTAchart if you are an existing patient.