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.
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.”
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.”
Courage Stories
Saint Leo University students and alumni share how the university supports their personal and professional success.
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.”
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.”
#CourageToBeMore
Big man on campus! 🦁🐾
#couragetobemore #saintleouniversity saintleouniv
Last night, the Saint Leo community cheered on our Lions during the "White Out" men`s lacrosse game vs. Maryville University. Guests wearing white received free Chick-fil-A sandwiches, and a lucky fan won free wings while competing in a halftime competition.
In an exciting upset, our Lions defeated No. 9 Maryville and head coach Brad Jorgensen earned his 200th career victory.
Be sure to get to a game this season! Follow @saintleolions and @saintleomlax for all schedule and team details.
Last night, the Saint Leo community cheered on our Lions during the "White Out" men`s lacrosse game vs. Maryville University. Guests wearing white received free Chick-fil-A sandwiches, and a lucky fan won free wings while competing in a halftime competition.
In an exciting upset, our Lions defeated No. 9 Maryville and head coach Brad Jorgensen earned his 200th career victory.
Be sure to get to a game this season! Follow @saintleolions and @saintleomlax for all schedule and team details.
🌟 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
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.
Last Friday, students kicked back and enjoyed some outdoor activities on Kirk Hall Lawn with our Student Government Union. Springtime is a great time to get out in the sunshine at University Campus!
Last Friday, students kicked back and enjoyed some outdoor activities on Kirk Hall Lawn with our Student Government Union. Springtime is a great time to get out in the sunshine at University Campus!
It has already been a busy day of Alumni Weekend activities! This morning, our alumni gathered for Breakfast with the President, where they heard remarks from Board of Trustees Chair, Ed Narain. Afterward, alumni met with faculty at college open houses, attended athletic events, and enjoyed lunch and entertainment at the Lions Fest Barbecue held on Kirk Hall Lawn.
We would like to extend a special thank you to floridacrackerkitchen for catering Lions Fest and emmetstevensjrmusic for providing outstanding entertainment!
What’s next? Alumni, click the link in our bio. to find our full schedule of events.
It has already been a busy day of Alumni Weekend activities! This morning, our alumni gathered for Breakfast with the President, where they heard remarks from Board of Trustees Chair, Ed Narain. Afterward, alumni met with faculty at college open houses, attended athletic events, and enjoyed lunch and entertainment at the Lions Fest Barbecue held on Kirk Hall Lawn.
We would like to extend a special thank you to floridacrackerkitchen for catering Lions Fest and emmetstevensjrmusic for providing outstanding entertainment!
What’s next? Alumni, click the link in our bio. to find our full schedule of events.
🎉Welcome to the Pride! Make sure to give these essential accounts a follow as you gear up for your first year as a #SaintLeoLion. 🦁✨
🔖Bookmark this post for future reference!
#SaintLeoUniversity #CourageToBeMore
🎉Welcome to the Pride! Make sure to give these essential accounts a follow as you gear up for your first year as a #SaintLeoLion. 🦁✨
🔖Bookmark this post for future reference!
#SaintLeoUniversity #CourageToBeMore
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