Lyndra Davis ’24
As development manager for the nonprofit National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF), Lyndra Davis uses the knowledge she gained at Saint Leo University to raise critical funds for pediatric cancer research.
Mary Gianfrancesco ’19
Mary Gianfrancesco needed a way to pursue her professional goals while maintaining the demands she had at home and with her family’s new business.
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.”
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.”
Lauren Thomas ’22
Throughout her 20-year career of serving in the military, as a military contractor, and now as a civilian working for the U.S. Department of the Army, Lauren Thomas ’22 had lost momentum trying to complete her college degree. And then Lauren found Saint Leo University. She became inspired by her professors who encouraged classroom conversations with unique perspectives, and she finally crossed the finish line. Lauren’s renewed motivation earned her a bachelor’s degree with honors from a university that welcomed her military mindset and worked with her through the demands of her career. “My Saint Leo University education center director and professors inspired me to enjoy learning again, and they had a patient ‘let’s figure this out’ approach, making sure that my course load was doable.”