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
With more than 1,400 students crossing the stage in two commencement ceremonies Wednesday, May 7, Saint Leo University celebrated the Class of 2025 along with some “firsts” among the graduates, as well as honoring some university legacies.
Click the link in our bio. to read the full story about our commencement ceremonies.
With more than 1,400 students crossing the stage in two commencement ceremonies Wednesday, May 7, Saint Leo University celebrated the Class of 2025 along with some “firsts” among the graduates, as well as honoring some university legacies.
Click the link in our bio. to read the full story about our commencement ceremonies.
The Saint Leo University community will begin pre-commencement celebrations tomorrow, May 6, at University Campus. Find more details about our ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, Baccalaureate Mass, and the Roaring with Pride: Lions Graduation Reception at the link in our bio.
The Saint Leo University community will begin pre-commencement celebrations tomorrow, May 6, at University Campus. Find more details about our ROTC Commissioning Ceremony, Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, Baccalaureate Mass, and the Roaring with Pride: Lions Graduation Reception at the link in our bio.
“We have a pope.” The Saint Leo University community offers its prayers for the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV. May he lead with courage and love for all.
“The Saint Leo Community asks for God’s blessings for the new pope as he cares for his flock and leads with courage and compassion,” said James DeTuccio, interim chief operating officer and chief financial officer. “Our community joins in prayers for him as he shoulders this great responsibility.”
“We have a pope.” The Saint Leo University community offers its prayers for the newly elected leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV. May he lead with courage and love for all.
“The Saint Leo Community asks for God’s blessings for the new pope as he cares for his flock and leads with courage and compassion,” said James DeTuccio, interim chief operating officer and chief financial officer. “Our community joins in prayers for him as he shoulders this great responsibility.”
During this afternoon`s commencement ceremony, Dr. Edward Dadez, president emeritus, commended the graduates on their achievements: “You truly appreciate the value of what you learned, the degree that you earned, and the University from which you graduate today. We are proud that you have made it and are here today. My sincere congratulations to our graduates to their families, friends, faculty, and staff for helping to make this celebration possible. We salute you for your accomplishment."
Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025!
During this afternoon`s commencement ceremony, Dr. Edward Dadez, president emeritus, commended the graduates on their achievements: “You truly appreciate the value of what you learned, the degree that you earned, and the University from which you graduate today. We are proud that you have made it and are here today. My sincere congratulations to our graduates to their families, friends, faculty, and staff for helping to make this celebration possible. We salute you for your accomplishment."
Congratulations once again to the Class of 2025!
Commencement 2025 is just days away, and we’re celebrating with a round of applause for our final group of featured 2025 Saint Leo graduates: Lucia Zevallos, Ally Ketchum, Andira Astwood, Brianna Rodriguez, Eric and Casteranne Hester, Ivanna Williams, Jacqueline Pollok, Jordan Verdugo, Michaela Cleary, Rekia Garrett, and Isalix Cruz.
Congratulations to Saint Leo University’s Class of 2025!
Commencement 2025 is just days away, and we’re celebrating with a round of applause for our final group of featured 2025 Saint Leo graduates: Lucia Zevallos, Ally Ketchum, Andira Astwood, Brianna Rodriguez, Eric and Casteranne Hester, Ivanna Williams, Jacqueline Pollok, Jordan Verdugo, Michaela Cleary, Rekia Garrett, and Isalix Cruz.
Congratulations to Saint Leo University’s Class of 2025!
During this morning`s commencement celebration, Dr. Edward Dadez was named president emeritus by the Saint Leo Board of Trustees. In his remarks, he reminded graduates of their lifelong commitment to the University’s core values: “Every graduate of the Class of 2025 is expected to follow the lead of over 106,000 Saint Leo alumni worldwide who preceded you—not only by doing well, but also by doing good, and by remaining faithful to the enduring values you learned here.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
During this morning`s commencement celebration, Dr. Edward Dadez was named president emeritus by the Saint Leo Board of Trustees. In his remarks, he reminded graduates of their lifelong commitment to the University’s core values: “Every graduate of the Class of 2025 is expected to follow the lead of over 106,000 Saint Leo alumni worldwide who preceded you—not only by doing well, but also by doing good, and by remaining faithful to the enduring values you learned here.”
Congratulations to the 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! 🎓
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! 🎓
Today`s Baccalaureate Mass and Roaring with Pride: Lions Graduation Reception celebrated our faith and honored our 2025 graduates.
Up next: Two commencement ceremonies tomorrow (May 7) at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa! Click the link in our bio. to find more details.
Today`s Baccalaureate Mass and Roaring with Pride: Lions Graduation Reception celebrated our faith and honored our 2025 graduates.
Up next: Two commencement ceremonies tomorrow (May 7) at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa! Click the link in our bio. to find more details.