Isabella Jacus ’21, Arielle Jacus ’25

Not every college student gets the opportunity to deepen their religious faith while preparing for their future career. That experience is one of the highlights for many students who attend Saint Leo University.

Rylee Standridge ’25

Getting involved in both major-related activities and extracurricular activities can be a gamechanger for many students. For Rylee Standridge, it was life-changing.

Jared Baum ’08 ’11

Jared Baum has always been “a science guy.” So, when he learned that Saint Leo University offered not only small, more personalized classes, but also undergraduate degrees in biology and master’s degrees in criminal justice, he went all in to pursue his passion.

Isaac Henderson ’17, MBA

Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said, “Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity.” Isaac Henderson considers this one of his most inspiring quotes, one he kept front of mind while attending Saint Leo University and earning his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management in 2017.

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.”