Courage lives here.
With a 134-year history rooted in Catholic Benedictine values, Saint Leo University is a place of belonging for all those in pursuit of a greater purpose in life. Here, we courageously pursue truth and knowledge, put people first, make learning accessible, and let our Catholic faith lead us forward.
Courage Stories
Saint Leo University students and alumni share how the university supports their personal and professional success.
Mary Rose Gullet ’23
Mary Rose Gullet grew up around horses. She rode them, cared for them, shared them. Then, she and her husband bought a miniature horse for their daughter — a purchase that would change her life.
John Carter ’17
Attorney John Carter grew up in the rural south, attending Baptist churches. Then, during his time at the University of Virginia, he discovered the Catholic Church by occasionally attending Mass with friends. That experience did not resonate right away.
Hannah Wiand ’22
There is a lot of competition to gain and keep the attention of teenagers, especially when it comes to their faith. Having the tools needed to encourage them to grow and practice their religious beliefs is something Hannah Wiand gained while attending Saint Leo University.
Courage Stories
Saint Leo University students and alumni share how the university supports their personal and professional success.
Mary Rose Gullet ’23
Mary Rose Gullet grew up around horses. She rode them, cared for them, shared them. Then, she and her husband bought a miniature horse for their daughter — a purchase that would change her life.
John Carter ’17
Attorney John Carter grew up in the rural south, attending Baptist churches. Then, during his time at the University of Virginia, he discovered the Catholic Church by occasionally attending Mass with friends. That experience did not resonate right away.
Hannah Wiand ’22
There is a lot of competition to gain and keep the attention of teenagers, especially when it comes to their faith. Having the tools needed to encourage them to grow and practice their religious beliefs is something Hannah Wiand gained while attending Saint Leo University.
Charles Onyeneke ’17
While Reverend Charles Onyeneke ’17 began his journey to religious life as an 8-year-old altar server in Nigeria, it was faith in himself and his academic institution that helped him become an ordained priest. As an international student living in the United States for the first time, Charles discovered the power of patience and a “listening ear” from his professors as he earned his master’s degree in theology from a university he chose because of its strong Catholic values. “Saint Leo is not just an academic institution, it’s a formation institution. Saint Leo embraced me for who I am, showed faith that I could be my best, and solidified the light that was shining within me.”
#CourageToBeMore
It’s almost time to cross the stage and turn the tassels for more than 1,400 Saint Leo University students! Two commencement ceremonies will take place on Wednesday, May 7, at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
FACT: There will be 839 undergraduates (bachelor’s and associate degrees) participating and 581 master’s and doctoral degree recipients crossing the stage.
The 2025 commencement also will celebrate some “firsts” with the first graduates of Saint Leo’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program earning their degrees. Twelve students will graduate from the program, which is in the College of Health Professions.
Another student achieving a “first” is Forgive Semackor of Riverview, FL who will be the first graduate in Saint Leo’s Bachelor of Arts in Music Program in 30 years. In Fall Semester 2023, Saint Leo began offering a music major, building on the success of the minor in music and based on prospective students’ interest in pursuing a music degree.
🟡 Click the link in our bio. to find information about our graduates, upcoming celebrations, our morning and afternoon commencement ceremonies, featured speakers, and more.
Congratulations, class of 2025! 🎓
It’s almost time to cross the stage and turn the tassels for more than 1,400 Saint Leo University students! Two commencement ceremonies will take place on Wednesday, May 7, at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
FACT: There will be 839 undergraduates (bachelor’s and associate degrees) participating and 581 master’s and doctoral degree recipients crossing the stage.
The 2025 commencement also will celebrate some “firsts” with the first graduates of Saint Leo’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program earning their degrees. Twelve students will graduate from the program, which is in the College of Health Professions.
Another student achieving a “first” is Forgive Semackor of Riverview, FL who will be the first graduate in Saint Leo’s Bachelor of Arts in Music Program in 30 years. In Fall Semester 2023, Saint Leo began offering a music major, building on the success of the minor in music and based on prospective students’ interest in pursuing a music degree.
🟡 Click the link in our bio. to find information about our graduates, upcoming celebrations, our morning and afternoon commencement ceremonies, featured speakers, and more.
Congratulations, class of 2025! 🎓
Congratulations to the 32nd cohort of Saint Leo University’s Command Officer Management Program: Executive Leadership Institute! Law enforcement officials from Citrus, Lake, Marion, and Sarasota counties successfully completed the program and received their certificates on April 9. Read more at the link in our bio.
Congratulations to the 32nd cohort of Saint Leo University’s Command Officer Management Program: Executive Leadership Institute! Law enforcement officials from Citrus, Lake, Marion, and Sarasota counties successfully completed the program and received their certificates on April 9. Read more at the link in our bio.
Saint Leo University Honors Program students enjoyed an experiential learning moment today when they welcomed former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn to two Faith & Politics classes. They also helped “break” some news when a student asked about his future plans and Buckhorn said he is running for mayor again.
He also was asked by a Saint Leo student if faith makes a positive impact on campaigns. “Very much so,” Buckhorn said. “[People] are looking for candidates who are authentic. If they see you as true to who you are and what you believe in, and there is no gap between how you behave in office and in your personal life. . .it is how you treat people.”
Click the link in our bio. to read the full story!
Saint Leo University Honors Program students enjoyed an experiential learning moment today when they welcomed former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn to two Faith & Politics classes. They also helped “break” some news when a student asked about his future plans and Buckhorn said he is running for mayor again.
He also was asked by a Saint Leo student if faith makes a positive impact on campaigns. “Very much so,” Buckhorn said. “[People] are looking for candidates who are authentic. If they see you as true to who you are and what you believe in, and there is no gap between how you behave in office and in your personal life. . .it is how you treat people.”
Click the link in our bio. to read the full story!
🌟 Ready to embark on your journey as a #SaintLeoLion? Follow these steps to register for a campus tour and make the most out of your visit! 🦁✨
📅Mark your calendar: Tours are available Monday through Friday at 10 AM and 2 PM, and on select Saturdays.
🔖 Don’t forget to bookmark this post for easy access to registration instructions. #SaintLeoUniversity #couragetobemore
🌟 Ready to embark on your journey as a #SaintLeoLion? Follow these steps to register for a campus tour and make the most out of your visit! 🦁✨
📅Mark your calendar: Tours are available Monday through Friday at 10 AM and 2 PM, and on select Saturdays.
🔖 Don’t forget to bookmark this post for easy access to registration instructions. #SaintLeoUniversity #couragetobemore
Mark your calendars! Saint Leo University is gearing up for its annual Day for Saint Leo giving day on April 11. With a theme that connects back to our university identity of being more and doing more, Day for Saint Leo invites all to give to enrich the lives of others. This year donors will have the opportunity to give to more than 30 different university causes.
Mark your calendars! Saint Leo University is gearing up for its annual Day for Saint Leo giving day on April 11. With a theme that connects back to our university identity of being more and doing more, Day for Saint Leo invites all to give to enrich the lives of others. This year donors will have the opportunity to give to more than 30 different university causes.
In honor of National Coaches Day, a few of our Saint Leo coaches have shared some words of wisdom or a particular quote they use to motivate their teams. We appreciate our coaches and all of the ways they support and inspire the Saint Leo community.
In honor of National Coaches Day, a few of our Saint Leo coaches have shared some words of wisdom or a particular quote they use to motivate their teams. We appreciate our coaches and all of the ways they support and inspire the Saint Leo community.
This morning, President Ed Dadez ’02 welcomed alumni during our annual Brunch with the President event. Our community also recognized a selection of accomplished graduates with the presentation of Alumni Awards. In addition, our Lions attended various athletic events and celebrated the official opening of the Alumni Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Welcome home, alumni!
Click the link in our bio. to find the full schedule of events.
This morning, President Ed Dadez ’02 welcomed alumni during our annual Brunch with the President event. Our community also recognized a selection of accomplished graduates with the presentation of Alumni Awards. In addition, our Lions attended various athletic events and celebrated the official opening of the Alumni Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Welcome home, alumni!
Click the link in our bio. to find the full schedule of events.
Future Lions, mark your calendars! We will host our next on-campus open house on Saturday, February 3. Prospective students and families will learn about academic and student life, campus involvement, financial aid, and more.
Saint Leo University is dedicated to supporting students in their pursuit of higher education. As a token of our commitment, we are delighted to offer a chance to win a $1,000 Scholarship to one lucky student who attends our open house event.
Click the link in our bio. to learn more details about our open house and this exciting scholarship opportunity.
Future Lions, mark your calendars! We will host our next on-campus open house on Saturday, February 3. Prospective students and families will learn about academic and student life, campus involvement, financial aid, and more.
Saint Leo University is dedicated to supporting students in their pursuit of higher education. As a token of our commitment, we are delighted to offer a chance to win a $1,000 Scholarship to one lucky student who attends our open house event.
Click the link in our bio. to learn more details about our open house and this exciting scholarship opportunity.