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
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it."
-Nelson Mandela
Today is the last day of classes at University Campus and, while the exam period is always daunting, we know that our hard-working students will have a successful week ahead. Good luck, Lions!
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it."
-Nelson Mandela
Today is the last day of classes at University Campus and, while the exam period is always daunting, we know that our hard-working students will have a successful week ahead. Good luck, Lions!
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.
Thanks to the Indian Association for Students for organizing a very successful Diwali event, where students learned about the festival that symbolizes light over darkness in India 💚!!!
We as lions embrace the diversity of Saint Leo University! Thanks to everyone who stopped by as well. Go lions 🦁!
#saintleouniversity #leolions #diversity #couragetobemore
Thanks to the Indian Association for Students for organizing a very successful Diwali event, where students learned about the festival that symbolizes light over darkness in India 💚!!!
We as lions embrace the diversity of Saint Leo University! Thanks to everyone who stopped by as well. Go lions 🦁!
#saintleouniversity #leolions #diversity #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.
SGU is happy that our students enjoyed the recreational night event at saintleowellness 💚!
#saintleouniversity #leolions #pride #recreation #couragetobemore
SGU is happy that our students enjoyed the recreational night event at saintleowellness 💚!
#saintleouniversity #leolions #pride #recreation #couragetobemore
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our SGU table at the admissions event to learn about what we do 💚!
#saintleouniversity #leolions #couragetobemore
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our SGU table at the admissions event to learn about what we do 💚!
#saintleouniversity #leolions #couragetobemore
Are you a current Saint Leo student with a passion for Saint Leo University and social media? Brand Marketing & Communications is now accepting applications for our 2024-2025 Social Media Student Ambassadors. Charismatic, reliable individuals who are comfortable on camera and have strong social media experience should apply. Applicants also must be full-time, undergraduate students attending classes at University Campus.
Email socialmedia@saintleo.edu to learn more and to receive an application.
Are you a current Saint Leo student with a passion for Saint Leo University and social media? Brand Marketing & Communications is now accepting applications for our 2024-2025 Social Media Student Ambassadors. Charismatic, reliable individuals who are comfortable on camera and have strong social media experience should apply. Applicants also must be full-time, undergraduate students attending classes at University Campus.
Email socialmedia@saintleo.edu to learn more and to receive an application.