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.”

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.”

Karl Nyman ’22

For Karl Nyman ’22, the path to becoming a cancer researcher was anything but straight. While the young man from Sweden knew he wanted to study science at Saint Leo, he also had youthful dreams of being an engineer or a professional soccer player. When his genetics professor at Saint Leo encouraged him to be a part of a research project, Karl soon found his passion. Now the biomedical and health sciences major hopes to contribute to the prevention and cure of an often fatal disease as he pursues a doctoral degree in cancer biology. “I had never experienced something as holistic and rewarding as research. Saint Leo University inspired me to take a huge step outside my comfort zone, and I have never looked back.”