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.
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.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Physical therapist and front-line health care supervisor Brent Patterson ’21 found faith and compassion from his Saint Leo professors and classmates as he confronted the mental and physical challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The instructors knew each person, and they never hesitated to be there for their students. Brent’s instructors and classmates eased the pressures of front-line life and treated each other as family. In his online classes, he found open discussion and a university that demonstrates faith, values each person, and encourages everyone to succeed. “As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brooke Wittington ’17
For Brooke Wittington ’17, finding her place among a small group of peers was paramount to her journey as an educator. Working toward her bachelor’s degree as an adult at Saint Leo’s education centers, Brooke became inspired by instructors who emerged as her role models. Because of Saint Leo, Brooke learned to create transparency and personal connections in the classroom. She developed a true understanding of student relationships and how to build them, earning the hearts of her fourth-grade students and the admiration of her colleagues as a 2023 Florida Teacher of the Year finalist. “As a teacher, building relationships with my students is key to their success. Saint Leo creates those same relationships with its students.”
Courage Stories
Saint Leo University students and alumni share how the university supports their personal and professional success.
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.”
Brent Patterson ’21
Physical therapist and front-line health care supervisor Brent Patterson ’21 found faith and compassion from his Saint Leo professors and classmates as he confronted the mental and physical challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The instructors knew each person, and they never hesitated to be there for their students. Brent’s instructors and classmates eased the pressures of front-line life and treated each other as family. In his online classes, he found open discussion and a university that demonstrates faith, values each person, and encourages everyone to succeed. “As a child, my great-grandmother taught me how to pray and to lean on God. Saint Leo inspired us all to learn with compassion and reminded me to keep the faith.”
Brooke Wittington ’17
For Brooke Wittington ’17, finding her place among a small group of peers was paramount to her journey as an educator. Working toward her bachelor’s degree as an adult at Saint Leo’s education centers, Brooke became inspired by instructors who emerged as her role models. Because of Saint Leo, Brooke learned to create transparency and personal connections in the classroom. She developed a true understanding of student relationships and how to build them, earning the hearts of her fourth-grade students and the admiration of her colleagues as a 2023 Florida Teacher of the Year finalist. “As a teacher, building relationships with my students is key to their success. Saint Leo creates those same relationships with its students.”
Tayhana Taylor ’24
Working for a “Big Four” accounting firm was always part of the vision for Tayhana Taylor ’24 when she left Jamaica to attend Saint Leo University. To help make her goal a reality, Tayhana’s professors taught her that success is not a linear path and inspired her to seek out the advice of others. Tayhana completed three internships with accounting firms large and small and now will graduate from a small university that’s helping her make big connections. “Saint Leo believes in me. My professors have impacted my perception of what I can accomplish.”
#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
🌟 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
University Ministry recently hosted its seventh annual music event, Kirkchella, which featured an evening of worship, fellowship, and live music. We thank all of the performers for sharing their talents with the community!
University Ministry recently hosted its seventh annual music event, Kirkchella, which featured an evening of worship, fellowship, and live music. We thank all of the performers for sharing their talents with the community!
From Chicago’s government projects to this triumphant moment, I raise my hand as a testament to perseverance and dedication. With the grace of my savior Jesus Christ fueling my journey, I stand ready to inspire others to reach for their dreams with relentless determination. #CourageToBeMore #chicagostrong #boricuapride #drperez
From Chicago’s government projects to this triumphant moment, I raise my hand as a testament to perseverance and dedication. With the grace of my savior Jesus Christ fueling my journey, I stand ready to inspire others to reach for their dreams with relentless determination. #CourageToBeMore #chicagostrong #boricuapride #drperez
Saint Leo University invites the local community to campus to celebrate the Christmas season on Thursday, December 5. All events are free and open to all ages!
The schedule is as follows:
⭐ A Saint Leo Christmas – holiday concert
4 p.m., Benedictine Sisters of Florida’s Holy Name Monastery
⭐ Christmas Village
5 – 7 p.m., Saint Leo University Student Activities Building loggias and clock tower courtyard
⭐ Campus Lighting and Manger Blessing
5:45 p.m., Saint Leo University walkway by Leo the Lion sculpture
⭐ Christmas Carols
6:45 p.m., meet at Saint Leo University lion statue walkway
⭐ A Saint Leo Christmas – holiday concert and sing-along, 7 p.m., Saint Leo Abbey Church
Saint Leo University invites the local community to campus to celebrate the Christmas season on Thursday, December 5. All events are free and open to all ages!
The schedule is as follows:
⭐ A Saint Leo Christmas – holiday concert
4 p.m., Benedictine Sisters of Florida’s Holy Name Monastery
⭐ Christmas Village
5 – 7 p.m., Saint Leo University Student Activities Building loggias and clock tower courtyard
⭐ Campus Lighting and Manger Blessing
5:45 p.m., Saint Leo University walkway by Leo the Lion sculpture
⭐ Christmas Carols
6:45 p.m., meet at Saint Leo University lion statue walkway
⭐ A Saint Leo Christmas – holiday concert and sing-along, 7 p.m., Saint Leo Abbey Church
November 8 is National First-Generation College Student Day and Saint Leo University is proud to celebrate its students, faculty, and staff who are the first in their immediate families to attend college.
So just who are “first-gen” students? Anyone attending college whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree is a first-generation college student. At Saint Leo, 27% of our students are first-generation — 571 University Campus students and 1,410 Saint Leo WorldWide students who study at our education centers and online.
To junior Audrey Lehto-Chew, being a first-generation student means “having the opportunity to change my family`s story and circumstances.”
Emiliano Campos-Hernandez, a senior marketing major from Dade City, FL, shares that “my family is very excited and proud of me for being the first to graduate college. They are happy knowing that everything they have done to allow me to attend college is paying off and will eventually be worth it.”
Nancy Cheek, director of Online Faculty & Student Services, was the first in her family to earn a degree when she graduated with a bachelor’s from the New York Institute of Technology. She suggests that students search outside their immediate family for someone who has attended college to assist.
Saint Leo’s chief officer of University Student Success and Academic Engagement, Ben Forche, says it is a point of pride. “Being a first-gen student was a major influencer for me choosing a career in higher education to help other students.”
He recommends talking to others: “Share your story! It is an accomplishment you are earning your college degree, and there are so many people here at Saint Leo who want to see you succeed. My door is always open — 120 Kirk Hall.”
If you are proud to be a first-generation Saint Leo University college student or graduate, tag us in your photos!
November 8 is National First-Generation College Student Day and Saint Leo University is proud to celebrate its students, faculty, and staff who are the first in their immediate families to attend college.
So just who are “first-gen” students? Anyone attending college whose parents did not complete a four-year college or university degree is a first-generation college student. At Saint Leo, 27% of our students are first-generation — 571 University Campus students and 1,410 Saint Leo WorldWide students who study at our education centers and online.
To junior Audrey Lehto-Chew, being a first-generation student means “having the opportunity to change my family`s story and circumstances.”
Emiliano Campos-Hernandez, a senior marketing major from Dade City, FL, shares that “my family is very excited and proud of me for being the first to graduate college. They are happy knowing that everything they have done to allow me to attend college is paying off and will eventually be worth it.”
Nancy Cheek, director of Online Faculty & Student Services, was the first in her family to earn a degree when she graduated with a bachelor’s from the New York Institute of Technology. She suggests that students search outside their immediate family for someone who has attended college to assist.
Saint Leo’s chief officer of University Student Success and Academic Engagement, Ben Forche, says it is a point of pride. “Being a first-gen student was a major influencer for me choosing a career in higher education to help other students.”
He recommends talking to others: “Share your story! It is an accomplishment you are earning your college degree, and there are so many people here at Saint Leo who want to see you succeed. My door is always open — 120 Kirk Hall.”
If you are proud to be a first-generation Saint Leo University college student or graduate, tag us in your photos!
Big man on campus! 🦁🐾
#couragetobemore #saintleouniversity saintleouniv
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.
Today, we observe the feast day of St. Leo the Great (Pope St. Leo I) who died November 10, 461 A.D. He is one of only three pontiffs to have earned the title, “the Great.” Saint Leo University takes its name from him as well as Pope Leo XIII, who served as pope when the university was founded and Abbot Leo Haid, one of the founders of the university and abbey.
“Peace is the first thing the angels sang. Peace is the mark of the children of God. Peace is the nurse of love. Peace is the mother of unity. Peace is the rest of the blessed souls. Peace is the dwelling place of eternity.” – St. Leo the Great
Today, we observe the feast day of St. Leo the Great (Pope St. Leo I) who died November 10, 461 A.D. He is one of only three pontiffs to have earned the title, “the Great.” Saint Leo University takes its name from him as well as Pope Leo XIII, who served as pope when the university was founded and Abbot Leo Haid, one of the founders of the university and abbey.
“Peace is the first thing the angels sang. Peace is the mark of the children of God. Peace is the nurse of love. Peace is the mother of unity. Peace is the rest of the blessed souls. Peace is the dwelling place of eternity.” – St. Leo the Great