CommencementClass of 2019 Ceremony Saturday, April 27, 2019, 9:00 a.m. Florida State Fairgrounds Tampa, Florida
President’s Message
Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D. President of Saint Leo University
n behalf of the Board of Trustees, special guests, faculty and staff, and all of our graduates, I would like to welcome you to Saint Leo OUniversity’s 2019 commencement ceremony. Today is a highly anticipated occasion for all those who are a part of the Saint Leo community. Commencement celebrates the hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance of our graduates. While today marks the end of our time together as students and educators, it also symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in our graduates’ lives. The completion of one’s college degree is truly a significant accomplishment.
At Saint Leo University, our mission is to educate graduates who are critical thinkers and responsible citizens of the world. The students receiving degrees today have completed a rigorous course of study and now stand ready to make a difference in their careers and their communities. The possibilities for their futures are limitless, and we are excited to see all they will accomplish with their education.
As they move toward a new future, our graduates can be assured that Saint Leo support and encouragement will continue throughout their lives. Today they officially become members of a closely connected alumni body that numbers more than 93,000 and embraces Saint Leo core values in all that they do. Wherever our graduates go from here, they will always have a home in their alma mater, Saint Leo University.
1 Mission Statement
Saint Leo University is a Catholic, liberal arts-based university serving people of all faiths. Rooted in the 1,500-year- old Benedictine tradition, the university seeks balanced growth in mind, body, and spirit for all members of its community. At University Campus, at education centers, and through the Center for Online Learning, Saint Leo University offers a practical, effective model for life and leadership in a challenging world; a model based on a steadfast moral consciousness that recognizes the dignity, value, and gifts of all people.
To accomplish its mission, the university community creates a student-centered environment in which the love of learning is of prime importance. Members of the community are expected to examine and express their own values, listen respectfully to and respond to the opinions of others, serve the community in which they live, welcome others into their lives, and care for all of God’s creations.
2 Value Statements
Excellence—Saint Leo University is an educational enterprise. All of us, individually and collectively, work hard to ensure that our students develop the character, learn the skills and assimilate the knowledge essential to become morally responsible leaders. The success of our university depends upon a conscientious commitment to our mission, vision, and goals.
Community—Saint Leo University develops hospitable Christian learning communities everywhere we serve. We foster a spirit of belonging, unity and interdependence based on mutual trust and respect to create socially responsible environments that challenge all of us to listen, to learn, to change, and to serve.
Respect—Animated in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we value all individuals’ unique talents, respect their dignity, and strive to foster their commitment to excellence in our work. Our community’s strength depends on the unity and diversity of our people, on the free exchange of ideas, and on learning, living, and working harmoniously.
Personal Development—Saint Leo University stresses the development of every person’s mind, spirit, and body for a balanced life. All members of the Saint Leo University community must demonstrate their commitment to personal development to help strengthen the character of our community.
Responsible Stewardship—Our Creator blesses us with an abundance of resources. We foster a spirit of service to employ our resources to university and community development. We must be resourceful. We must optimize and apply all of the resources of our community to fulfill Saint Leo University’s mission and goals.
Integrity—The commitment of Saint Leo University to excellence demands that its members live its mission and deliver on its promise. The faculty, staff, and students pledge to be honest, just, and consistent in word and deed.
3 Commencement Ceremony
Bagpipers
Faculty Marshal Dr. Moneque Walker-Pickett Professor of Criminal Justice
Processional (Please stand) Rose Rood, College of Arts and Sciences Randawnique Coakley, Tapia College of Business Vincia Mitchell, College of Education and Social Services Michayne Stoney, representing the Center for Online Learning
Invocation (Please remain standing) Sister Roberta Bailey, O.S.B. ’57 Trustee, Saint Leo University
Presentation of Colors Saint Leo ROTC
National Anthem Senior Ensemble (Class of 2019 graduates) Kellie Bertram, Cynnique Johnson, Eddie Gemma, Jarred Pernier, Rose Rood, Cameron Wallace
Board of Trustees Welcome (Please be seated) Mrs. Mary O’Keefe ’76 Board Chair, Saint Leo University
4 Commencement Ceremony
President’s Welcome Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese University President
Introduction of Honorary Degree Recipient and Commencement Speaker Mr. Peter Biscardi ’70 Trustee, Saint Leo University
Commencement Address The Honorable Lynn Tepper Former Circuit Judge, 6th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
Introduction of Graduate Speaker Dr. Robyn Parker Dean, Tapia College of Business
Class of 2019 Farewell Ms. Melissa Perry Master of Accounting
Introduction of University Campus Speaker Dr. Robyn Parker
Class of 2019 Farewell Ms. Juliette Stratis Bachelor of Arts: Communication Management
5 Commencement Ceremony
Presentation of the Candidates Dr. Mary Spoto, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robyn Parker, Dean, Tapia College of Business
Conferring of Degrees Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese
Turning of the Tassels and Alumni Welcome Mr. “Jody” Allan Luihn ’83 Trustee, Saint Leo University
Closing Statements Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese
Alma Mater (Please stand) Senior Ensemble
Benediction Mrs. Mary B. Arnheiter Palazzo ’72 Trustee, Saint Leo University
Recessional
6 Commencement Speaker
Lynn Tepper, J.D. Former Judge, 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida For three decades, the Honorable Lynn Tepper served as a Circuit Judge in the 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida, where she sat in all divisions but primarily handled all eastern Pasco County (FL) cases involving child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and family and juvenile delinquency. Prior to her election, Tepper served as an elected County Judge for four years in Pasco County. Throughout her career, Tepper has been an advocate for families, transforming her courtroom to better accommodate their needs. In 2001, she presided over the first Unified Family Court in Dade City, funded by a Florida Supreme Court grant. A Unified Family Court centers its operations around the needs of families, no matter which jurisdictional courthouse they enter. From 2012 to 2018, her court was one of only six in the nation to be selected by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) to implement Project ONE, a trauma-informed Unified Family Court. Tepper’s experience and expertise in handling domestic cases has garnered much attention, bringing in observers from across the nation and as far as Saudi Arabia to discern her practices. She has made appearances on several television programs—from a segment on ABC News’ Nightline called “Is Abuse an Excuse,” to a documentary on human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area, produced by WEDU-PBS. Tepper has dedicated her time to several committees and task forces, some of which include the Florida Supreme Court steering committee on families and children in courts and The Florida Bar Commission on the Legal Needs of Children. In recognition of her efforts, Tepper has received commendations from two Supreme Court chief justices. She is also the recipient of numerous awards, some of which include the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Association of Community Corrections, the Humanitarian Hope Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness Pasco County, and the James “Bud” Elliott Award from the East Pasco Bar Association. Tepper earned her Juris Doctor in 1977 from Stetson University College of Law at Gulfport, FL, and her bachelor’s degree in 1974 from Bard College in Annandale-on- Hudson, NY.
7 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Associate Degrees Salem Hamad Al-Mannai* Computer Information Systems Molly Marie Fehlberg Liberal Arts Jabir Almarri Accounting Matthew Tyler Anthony Herath Liberal Arts Abdulla Adel Almuhannadi Management Bachelor’s Degrees Hamad Khalifa Al-Naimi Cybersecurity Krista Marie Abel* Psychology: Developmental Zeida Alvarez Political Science Demian M. Ago-Stallworth International Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management Noemi N. Anaya* Marketing Anthony Thomas Agovino** Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Chevon Antonio Archer Computer Science: Information Assurance Essa Nasser Al-Bader Management Nathalie Argueta Political Science Jacqueline Frances Albert International Hospitality and Tourism: Alejandro Carlos Ariza Hospitality Management Accounting
Lora Rae Alejandro** Savannah Noel Arseneau* History Psychology: Clinical & Counseling
Adam David Alexander Naadirah Austin Multimedia Management Criminal Justice: Criminalistics
Anthony W. Alexander* Teddy Auyoma Psychology: Clinical & Counseling Sociology: Diversity & Inequality
Emily D. Alfaya-Lazo Bruno Babic* Political Science Accounting
Sierre Lashawn Allen Kay Frances Barnley Criminal Justice: Criminalistics Criminal Justice
8 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Taylor William Bauer Oscar Gerardo Bogran Mejia Cybersecurity Management
Destiny Chinue Bionea Bayley Jaclyn Bokowsky Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Criminal Justice
Alyssa Louise Bayliff Tara Rose Boornazian Management Marketing
Emilee Celeste Beard* Ryan L. Bourdeau Criminal Justice Sport Business
Stephanie Christina Beaver Shawn D. Boyle Social Work Multimedia Management Honors Program Amanda Beck* History Nicholas Elijah Bradburn Criminal Justice Eric Matthew Beechen Mathematics Julia Lauren Brooks Honors Program Marketing
Jamar T. Belizaire Lauren J. Broom* Communication Management Criminal Justice: Criminalistics
Trevor Bendert Elizabeth Rosalie Brown Accounting Management
Savannah Ariana Patricia Bendik Harrison Pierce Brown Psychology: Developmental Computer Science: Information Assurance
Cody James Benedict Lacey Elizabeth Brown Marketing Psychology: Clinical & Counseling
Kellie Bertram** Patrick Henry Venn Brown* Psychology: Developmental Computer Science: Information Assurance
Billy Biyombo Teaya Brown-Stacker Management Multimedia Management
Genesis Jose Blanco Castillo Andrew Scott Buck Sport Business Accounting
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 9 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Miranda Martha Ann Burke Kaitlyn Renee Christie* Psychology Elementary Education
Alvaro J. Calleja Quincy Lamar Claitt Political Science Psychology: Clinical & Counseling
Geoffrey Andrew Calloway Amanda J. Clay* Management Criminal Justice: Criminalistics
Haley Blatchford Campbell Matthew Allen Clime* Psychology: Developmental Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Ryan Patrick Campbell Randawnique Coakley*** Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Accounting & Economics Honors Program Sarah Gabriella Castaneda** Criminal Justice Brett Ryan Coffel Sport Business
Daniel Alejandro Chacon Oliveros Sport Business Tiffani Ann Colbert*** History
Alyss Brianne Charron Jason Steve Cole Psychology: Clinical & Counseling Criminal Justice
Michelle Diane Charters Mikayla M. Collins Marketing Psychology: Clinical & Counseling
Austin Michael Chiavaroli Joanna Marie Compton-Mys* Biology: Ecology Elementary Education
Matthew John Chikerotis Jennifer Marie Connell Multimedia Management Management
Athena Childers Taylor Lorraine Constantino Criminal Justice: Criminalistics Elementary Education
Julia Emilia Chmielewska*** Kevin Taylor Conway Marketing Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Delaney Marguerite Chrisco* Stephen A. Corrado Marketing History
10 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Michael William Cosmai Victoria Dargan Sport Business Psychology
Meghan Frith Cote Jonathan Davis Psychology Management
Daniel Anthony Cotoia Vanna Elizabeth Davis Sport Business Health Care Management
Trace Stanley Craig Clark A. de Bullet English: Professional Writing Management
Nadia Crawford Claire Jeanne d’Arc de Souza* Marketing Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Mariangela Crocitto** Dwanasha Princess Decosta* English: Professional Writing & Political Science Management
Avis Armani Cruz Lisa Maria Defreitas Criminal Justice Psychology
Kaitlin Marie DeJesus Mary Angelica Cruz Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Psychology
Jason Delaney Alena Cullinane Computer Science: Information Assurance Accounting Riche Darrian Deleveaux Kyle Curabba Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Management Honors Program
Ryleigh Nicole D’Ambrosio** Stephanie Detres Psychology Political Science
Megan E. Dammerman Haydn Dickinson* Mathematics Criminal Justice
Ce’Darius Danforth Jessica Diokno* Criminal Justice Psychology
Christopher James Daniello Amy Kate Dipiazza Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Biology: Ecology
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 11 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Georgia Jean Dobell Matthew Tyler Ercolino Accounting Criminal Justice
Lucas Marques Dolloff Sarah Michaelina Fagan Health Care Management Marketing
Estela M. Dominguez Kai Matthew Fariss* Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Criminal Justice
Carla G. Donaldson Travis Justin Farmer English with an Education Minor Criminal Justice: Criminalistics
Peter C. Donaldson Shaquanee’ S. Fenton*** Elementary Education Criminal Justice
Kellie Angelini Dove Leslie Ann Ferguson Marketing Biology: Ecology
Shyanne Renea DuBois* Anthony Thomas Ferrara Marketing Management
Jennifer Fields*** Emma Lee Duncan* Criminal Justice: Criminalistics Elementary Education Honors Program
Lily Gia Duong Natalia Nicole Figueroa Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences English: Professional Writing
Vinh Quang Duong Monica Figueroa Santos Management Cybersecurity
Carlos Andres Echeverry Kiersten E. Finch Cybersecurity English: Professional Writing
Jacqueline Nicole Ehinger Skyler Feckner Criminal Justice: Criminalistics & Psychology Mathematics
Drake D. Emerson Vashaad Gordon Fincher History Computer Science: Information Assurance
Thavail A. England Collin Jackson Flaherty Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
12 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Melanie A. Fleury Julissa Janel Gonzalez Health Care Management Criminal Justice
Thomas Fogel Eli Hunkins Goss Social Work Sport Business
Simone Zuri Ford-Hars Kaidi J. Grabiak Psychology Management
Chynna-Rose Marie Foulkes Katherine M. Granja Health Care Management International Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management
Marvin Francis Daniel Lawrence Graves Political Science Cybersecurity
Renee Alison Francois Joseph Julian Greene Computer Information Systems Criminal Justice
Sierra J. Freeman Kathleen E. Greenleaf Management Criminal Justice
Sean Patrick Gannon Mauricea Gregory Criminal Justice Criminal Justice
Jose Adolfo Garcia Thomas Grinberg* Sport Business Economics
Jasmine Garnicki Taylor Christine Grishaber* Criminal Justice Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
David E. Guadarrama* Madeleine Renee Gauthier Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Sport Business with Chemistry Minor
Kaitlyn Geddes Ariana Maliyah Gunter English with an Education Minor Psychology
Edward James Gemma II Ariana Gutierrez Political Science Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Ryan Girard* Dillon M. Haas Sport Business English: Professional Writing
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 13 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Alicia Tashanna Hall** Makito Hoshino* Criminal Justice: Criminalistics Global Studies
Montre Hall Rebecca Sing Ping Hugh* Sport Business Marketing
Rebecca Caroline Halley** Kiely T. Huynh Elementary Education English: Theatre
Shelby Morgan Hanson Analiese C. Iannone Multimedia Management Social Work
Ryan Thomas Haug** Alec V. Iannuzzi Cybersecurity Psychology: Clinical & Counseling
Kemari Hayes Rocco Iervasi Marketing Sport Business
Gary Hector Brie Jacinth Criminal Justice Psychology
Heather Lynn Jacobs** Shadae Hector* Psychology Mathematics
Tiffany D. Jacobs Cynthia M. Hernandez Sport Business Social Work
Luca Janssen Gabriel Omar Hernandez Management Sport Business Glenn Renato Jay Tatiana Hernandez Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Criminal Justice Anaelle Gabrielle Jerome Kadie Christina Hoffman* Marketing Elementary Education Cynnique Nalean Johnson Brandon Hohimer* Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Computer Science: Information Assurance Honors Program
Joshua Phillip Holton Kenton Johnson Accounting Sport Business
14 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Mackenzie E. Jones Alyssa M. Kunzinger Social Work Mathematics
Kevin Nobert Joseph Charles Orland Kurtenbach Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Sport Business Honors Program John Kusmaul Alyssa Marie Karl Mathematics English with an Education Minor Dominic Anthony Lagana Beau Gabriel Kary** International Hospitality and Tourism: Sport Business Hospitality Management
Peyton Leighann Keith Natalie Lagnese Multimedia Management International Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management DeAndre Dominique King Sport Business Amber Lee Larson Middle Grades Education: Social Science
Jerrod Alan Klein** Sociology: Applied & Clinical Angela L. Lazzaro*** Psychology
Stanley Kane Klimczak Eric J. Lee Health Care Management Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences
Kevin Andrew Knibbs* Johnmichael Lee Elementary Education Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Simon Christoffer Knutsson* David S. Lehr* Marketing Religion
Joshua Kokaisel Joshua Paul Leles Criminal Justice: Homeland Security English: Professional Writing
Karina Kolb Chloe Elizabeth Lelliott Marketing Health Care Management
Alexandra A. Koufas Courtney Elizabeth Levitt Criminal Justice Sport Business
Tanner Kruis Kelci Lee Lewis* Computer Information Systems Accounting
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 15 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Ekaila S. Lindquist*** Kaylee R. Martin* Psychology Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences with Chemistry Minor Honors Program Marissa Linins Marketing Sidney Taylor Martin Economics Veronica Londono** Psychology Honors Program Cristian Martinez Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Jerry Rubens Lorseille Accounting Mikaela Emily Masa** Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Amanda Anne Luce Mathematics Alexandra Masso Honors Program English: Literary Studies
Samantha Luque Alexandra Grace Mattocks Communication & Multimedia Management Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences
James F. Macdonald Austyn Lynne Mattson*** Social Work Criminal Justice: Criminalistics
John Graham Macdonald Kyle McCarthy History Sport Business
Tracey-Marie Alana Macleavy* Torie Anne McCorkle Computer Science: Information Assurance History Honors Program Ciara Quinn McCoy** Sabrina Maffia Marketing & Multimedia Management Psychology: Developmental Grant Blake McDaniel Jamye B. Mallory Economics Computer Science: Information Assurance Maeisha Moneike McDermott Nicholas Marchitto Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Marketing Honors Program
Dominique B. Martin Derick Brian McIntosh* Health Care Management Accounting & Economics
16 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Anayah McKenzie Monica M. Molina Mathematics Management
Martina Yolanda McKoy Carlos Javier Moncayo Psychology Marketing
Breonna McMiller Ashley Montas Sport Business Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Alyssa Cecilia McNamara* Christian A. Moore Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Sport Business with Chemistry Minor Justin Richard Moore Kaitlyn A. McWilliams Criminal Justice: Criminalistics Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences with Chemistry Minor Collin Moran English: Professional Writing Danielle Meikle** Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Honors Program Jared Thomas Morello Management Teresa Marie Menendez Management Kayla Elizabeth Morgan Criminal Justice: Criminalistics Maria C. Miller English: Literary Studies Giovanni Morina Marketing Samantha P. Milliren Sport Business Ashley Jane Morris Sport Business Savannah Lynn Mitchell Sport Business Auria Morgan Mounts Criminal Justice Vincia Evanece Mitchell*** Social Work Julio Cesar Munoz Honors Program Political Science
Alison Mitts Brianna Barbara Murphy Biology Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Hamad Mohammed Pape Maguette Ngom Computer Information Systems Sport Business
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 17 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Kristina Marie Niccolls** Joaquin Peluffo Economics Sport Business
Ryan Hansen Nolan Vincent James Pensabene Accounting & Management Sport Business
Kingsley Chukwudum Nwosu*** Kayla Ashton-Marie Pereira Computer Science: Information Assurance Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Liam Louis O’Brien Christian Hemel Perez International Hospitality and Tourism: Psychology: Clinical & Counseling Hospitality Management Laura V. Perez* Richard Orestes Ocampo Management English: Theatre Jarred K. Pernier Matthew Ochoa Communication Management Marketing
Olivia G. Phillips* Liam Joesph O’Connor Marketing Management
Francis Ortiz Natalia Emma Piatkowski-Bihorel Cybersecurity Social Work
Elizabeth Ann Ottati* Kevin Pidany* Marketing Criminal Justice
Julia Maura Jeanne Owens*** Darnell T. Pitts Marketing Sport Business
Janice E. Padilla* Aaron Christopher Portee Religion Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Daniella Panameno Betsy Posadas Psychology Management & Marketing
Cameron David Parisi Demarius A. Potts Computer Science: Information Assurance Social Work
Kira Elizabeth Parisi** Nina M. Protch Computer Science: Information Assurance Criminal Justice: Criminalistics
18 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Kaylynn Elvira Purdy Gabriel Cullen Riddle Social Work Psychology: Clinical & Counseling
Sergio Devin Quijano Kaylee Sue Ritzenthaler Management Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences with Chemistry Minor Jazmin Renee Rampassard** Psychology: Clinical & Counseling Christopher Isaiah Rivera Honors Program Psychology
Kailee Regina Raptis-Wanek** Diana Rivera* Elementary Education Management Marisa Marie Rivera Tiffani Michelle Rees Marketing Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Raymond Rivera Neely I. Regan Psychology Sport Business Oliver Prewitt Roberts Nicole Rosa Renaud Social Work Management Jonathan Joseph Rodriguez Samantha Renicker Religion Cybersecurity Tamara R. Rodriguez Shelby Jane Rexroth Sport Business Social Work Matthew Roe-Farrell Dahlia Rhoden Sport Business Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Sarah Lucille Rolfes International Hospitality and Tourism: Tanner E. Rhoden Hospitality Management Marketing Savanna Lee Ronk Carlous Rhodes Psychology Social Work Rose Marie Rood*** Marie Richards Sociology Biology: Ecology Honors Program
Shariffa Tiffany Abby-G Richardson Mariam Roque Marketing Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 19 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Sean Christopher Ross Daniel Brian Schonborn Marketing Sport Business
Asia A. Royster Joshua Joseph Scott Psychology English: Theatre
Wanit Ruekit** Christopher Julian Scribner Biology Multimedia Management
Brandysha K. Russell Bryant Searcy Jr. Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Sport Business
Mitchell Robert Ryals* Breanna A. Seenath* Computer Science: Information Assurance Psychology: Developmental
Mikhaela K. Saavedra Kathleen R. Shannon Social Work International Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management
David Salone Accounting Madison Renee Shannon Marketing
Sienna Asia Samaroo Xavier L. Shipman* Management Criminal Justice
Kristin T. Sanchez* Brittany Kayla Shoemaker* Criminal Justice & Psychology Criminal Justice: Criminalistics
Jack Santacroce Camila A. Silva Health Care Management Marketing
Adnan Sator Berlin Simplice Management Sport Business
Thomas S. Sayers* Acia Anise Smith Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Criminal Justice
Christopher Dale Scarfogliero Kaitlyn Elizabeth Smith** Management Social Work
John Thomas Schellenberg Katieri Tanelle Smith Computer Information Systems Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences
20 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Stetson J. Snead* Jose I. Tejo*** English: Professional Writing Management Honors Program Kali Kenesha Thompson Jaclyn Sottilaro Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Cybersecurity
Antonina J. Spinella Mitchelle Anthonya Thurston* Cybersecurity International Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management Elena Stephenson Criminal Justice: Criminalistics Michael Tinari Criminal Justice Michayne Alexis Stoney* Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Laura Joan Tobin Honors Program Marketing
John Stratis Megan Ann Todaro*** Computer Science: Information Assurance Criminal Justice: Criminalistics Juliette Stratis Communication Management Maria Isabel Torres Criminal Justice Kadyann Latoya Audrey Stupart** Computer Science: Information Assurance Katelynn Alexandra Towne Honors Program Mathematics
Emily Sturgeon Alejandro Trejos Criminal Justice: Criminalistics Criminal Justice
Natasha I. Sudsbury Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Audrey Rose Trevino** Social Work Vincent Suillerot Economics Maftunabonu Tuhtasinova International Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management Anna-Marie Tamayo Management Payton Madison Turner* Jordan Ryan Taylor Psychology: Clinical & Counseling Multimedia Management Sydney Eileen Turner Julian Taylor* International Hospitality and Tourism: Sport Business Hospitality Management
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 21 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Michelle D. Unger Latasha Monay Washington Elementary Education Marketing & Multimedia Management
Raymond Anthony Urbaniak*** Hannah Grace Watkins English: Literary Studies Elementary Education Honors Program Kimberly Cherie Wean** Erica Catherine Valdes Psychology: Developmental Criminal Justice Jessica Weaver Giscard D. Valles* Marketing Accounting Honors Program
Crystal Faith Webster* Natalie Ann Vasquez Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences International Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management Austin Tyler Wentz Management Giulia Rose Vastano International Hospitality and Tourism: Hospitality Management Theobald Zacharia Weria Mathematics Samuel Epifanio Velasco Political Science Lauren Ann Whitley Marketing Alexandra Velez Management Abigail Wiggins Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences
Kristin L. Vitagliano Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Allesia Annakay Williams Honors Program Criminal Justice
Michael N. Williams Kevin Thomas Waitkevich*** Multimedia Management Biology Rachel Lynn Williams Cameron Eugene Wallace International Hospitality and Tourism: Sociology Hospitality Management
Mikaylah Walstad Romario Roneil Williams*** Health Care Management Computer Science: Information Assurance
Alyssa J. Wash Wendy Leeanne Williams Health Care Management Social Work
22 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Erica Marie Winn John Michael Agnello English: Professional Writing Business Administration: Project Management
Kristin Marie Wohlfarth Evelyn Aguasvivas Computer Science: Information Assurance Business Administration: Marketing
Jokorria Clarice Wright Mohanad Al Azawi Computer Science: Information Assurance Business Administration: Project Management
Kenneth Bryant Wummel* Tariq Faisal Al Bqure Psychology: Clinical & Counseling Business Administration
Diamond Alexis Wyche Yazan Faisal Al Bqure Psychology Business Administration
Sidnee Yaeger Yarden E. Alfonso Accounting Cybersecurity
Yuga Yanagisawa Peter W. Almeida Management Business Administration: Human Resource Management & Project Management
Lorenzo Yordan Bradley Scott Alms Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences Accounting with Chemistry Minor
Abdulaziz Mabrowk Alsahafi Katelyn Helen Young Business Administration Biology: Biomedical & Health Sciences
Josue Arturo Alvarez Ali Ahmad Zainel Business Administration Cybersecurity Brittney Devon Anderson Master’s Degrees Business Administration: Project Management
Aimeed Acevedo-Aquino Mary Andrews Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration
Candelaria Acosta Dzindzi Marguerite Asamoah-Wade Business Administration: Health Care Management Business Administration: Project Management
Muhammad Ilham Adityanugroho Matheus Costa Assis Business Administration: Data Analytics Business Administration: Sport Business
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 23 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Kelly E. Bare Jessica Elaine Brown Business Administration: Accounting Accounting
Danielle Beal Altea Burrill Accounting Business Administration
Rodrigo Antonio Bello Delgado Chantel Tishaun Caines Business Administration Business Administration: Marketing
Kourtney Berry Eric Calabrese Business Administration: Marketing Business Administration: Human Resource Management
Luis Fernando Betancur Brandy S. Calandro Business Administration: Marketing & Project Management Business Administration
Jessica Teresa Booher Joshua Ross Carpenter Business Administration: Health Care Management Cybersecurity
Ashley Bosques Jasmine Carson Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Cybersecurity Management
Kristin M. Boulette Karina Castro Business Administration: Marketing & Marketing Research & Social Media Analytics Business Administration
Kelly Keoni Boynton Daniel Craig Chaffman Business Administration: Human Resource Management Cybersecurity
Steven Michael Briner Jasmine Leah Charlton Business Administration Business Administration: Project Management
Marshon L. Broomer Amber Denise Chenevert Business Administration Business Administration: Health Care Management
Conrad Brown Stephen Alexander Church Business Administration: Information Security Management Cybersecurity
Elizabeth Brown Donald Cochran Business Administration: Health Care Management Business Administration
Jacquelyn Mary Brown Sean Colin Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration
24 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Anthony Cox Nataliya Dove Business Administration Accounting
Teegra Cross Nicholas Druda Business Administration: Health Care Management Cybersecurity
Tyronza Chambria Crusaw Elizabeth Noble Drury Business Administration: Health Care Management Business Administration: Human Resource Management
Karlee A. Cunningham Diamy G. Dunton Business Administration: Data Analytics Business Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management Dusti D. Curry Business Administration: Project Management Dolores Echavarria Business Administration: Marketing Wilfredo Davila Business Administration W. Mark Ellwood Business Administration: Data Analytics Kimberly D. De Los Santos Business Administration: Human Resource Management Tarria L. Epps Business Administration: Human Resource Management VanEssa Del Valle Business Administration: Human Resource Management Natasha Ferrer Business Administration: Social Media Marketing Terry Delancy Business Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management Joshua Lee Fidler Business Administration: Project Management Amanda Dawn Dempsey Business Administration Luis V. Figueroa Business Administration: Project Management John Joseph Dennett Cybersecurity Christopher S. Fils Business Administration Kerline Desir Business Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Radoslaw Alexander Florczak Management Business Administration: Health Care Management
Kristin Lorene Dine Mannix M. Flores-Cruz Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Project Management
Yvonne Trang Dinh Katherine Freeman Business Administration: Health Care Management Business Administration
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 25 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Kala Funderburk Holly Gyles Business Administration: Social Media Marketing Business Administration: Marketing
Natalie Jane Gagnon Richard Gyles Business Administration Business Administration: Health Care Management
Kerly A. Galindo Sophia M. Haines Business Administration: Marketing Cybersecurity
Candace Natasha Gallegos Business Administration Julia Hamilton Business Administration: Sport Business
Heather Marie Galvin Business Administration: Marketing Henry Ray Harris Business Administration: Sport Business Cameka Gardner Business Administration Justin Robert Harris Business Administration: Marketing Felisha Geneus Business Administration: Marketing Philio Octavius Harris Business Administration Cameron M. Gilliam Business Administration: Marketing Research & Stella Harris Social Media Analytics Business Administration: Human Resource Management
Mahogany Jenea Gissendanner Stephen William Hartley Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Health Care Management
Demetra Gizas Alexis Nesbitt Harvey Business Administration: Supply Chain Business Administration: Health Care Management Global Integration Management
Brittney M. Gough Miranda Christian Henderson Business Administration Business Administration: Project Management
Chaleak Cierra Grier Cynthia R. Hicks Business Administration: Sport Business Business Administration: Human Resource Management
Timothy J. Gude James Lee Hines Business Administration Business Administration: Project Management
Meghan Gundlach Kristiana Hinsch Business Administration: Health Care Management Accounting
26 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Demetria L. Holley Yalonda Jackson-Massillon Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Human Resource Management
Kerry Holloman Andrea Mitchell Jean-Gilles Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Health Care Management
Michael Thomas Holmes Jimmy L. Jenkins Business Administration Business Administration
Kelsey McIntosh Hope Anevia Takia Johnson Business Administration: Sport Business Business Administration: Human Resource Management
Shavonne Domonique Jones Leche Hopkins Accounting Business Administration: Human Resource Management Shivam Ghanshyam Joshi Kristopher Edward Horton Business Administration Business Administration: Project Management Christie Jules Brandon Lee Howle Business Administration: Health Care Management Business Administration Yvonne M. Kelly Montell Cherrisa Coscia Hulet Business Administration: Health Care Management & Business Administration Project Management
Wendy Ann Hulme Nicholas R. Kemp Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration
David B. Hunt Slawomir Kepa Cybersecurity Business Administration: Project Management
Alexandra Konstantinou Tristin Terrence Eric Hunt Business Administration: Marketing Research & Cybersecurity Social Media Analytics
Tracy Scholl Ingram Laurent Kuenzle Business Administration Business Administration: Data Analytics
Rebecca Inman Zrng Ali Kurdi Business Administration Business Administration
Latifa Jamila Jackson Tanyeka L. Lambert Business Administration: Project Management Business Administration: Sport Business
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 27 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Adriana Vittoria Landrian Robert Charles McMullin Business Administration Business Administration
Nicholas Robert Lannigan Alicia Nieta McQueen Business Administration Business Administration: Human Resource Management
Brandi Lash Ingrid L. Medina Rivera Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Social Media Marketing
Natalie Lauk Stacey Michelle Medlock Business Administration: Health Care Management Business Administration
Laura Mehilli Gywanne Lee Leonard Business Administration: Accounting Business Administration: Health Care Management Peter David Merola Earl Ra’sheve Levison Cybersecurity Business Administration: Human Resource Management Daniel Scott Metz Dominique Darell Lewis Accounting Business Administration James C. Miller Adonis L. Lindsey Business Administration: Data Analytics & Marketing Business Administration Research & Social Media Analytics
Nancy C. Little Jay Alan Miller Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management Leroy Lopez Business Administration: Health Care Management Lindsey Miller Business Administration: Marketing
Joseph Luihn Karyn Mnassa Business Administration Business Administration: Health Care Management
Maddison Louise Marshalsea Isamar Montanez Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Health Care Management
Jennifer L. Martino Amber Moore Accounting Business Administration: Sport Business
Heather Mae McCarty Brittany Moore Business Administration: Marketing Business Administration: Project Management
28 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Kelly Royle Moore Denise Helen Pantin-Lunsford Business Administration: Accounting & Accounting Health Care Management Laurie-Ann Parker Christina Maria Morata Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Project Management Pastor Jesus Perez Linda Lee Moyer Business Administration: Health Care Management Business Administration: Sport Business
Eric Perron Zenith Zeenat Nanavati Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Human Resource Management
Africana Newson Melissa Perry Business Administration Accounting
Felicia Nielsen Geoffrey Pierret Business Administration: Project Management Business Administration: Marketing
Ryan Thomas Noblitt Joseph Pinzon Business Administration: Project Management Business Administration
Bianca Novotna Marie Claire Porter Business Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Business Administration: Health Care Management Management Rose G. Price Tolulope Michael Ogunsola Business Administration: Health Care Management Cybersecurity Maheera Rahman Ana Cristal Olascoaga Business Administration Business Administration: Human Resource Management
William T. Ooley Kristina J. Redding Business Administration Business Administration: Accounting
Ivin Varughese Oomen Megan Anne Reeves Business Administration: Health Care Management Business Administration: Human Resource Management
Roberto Otero Stephanie Marie Ricci Business Administration: Health Care Management Business Administration: Social Media Marketing
Priscilla L. Overstreet Lisa D. Richardson Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Human Resource Management
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 29 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Kyle Ritsema Kieves L. Shelby Business Administration: Accounting & Project Management Business Administration: Health Care Management
Brandon Michael Rivera Joshua Joseph Sickinger Business Administration Business Administration
David Rivera Virginia Sigle Business Administration: Project Management Business Administration: Project Management
Jean Robinson Katrina Brooke Silver Business Administration: Health Care Management Business Administration: Human Resource Management
Alberto Rodriguez Sabia Janae Simms Business Administration Business Administration: Health Care Management
Consuelo Rodriguez Curtis Thomas Smith Accounting Business Administration
Haley Rose Roussell Raheem Smith Business Administration: Social Media Marketing Business Administration: Accounting
Richard Leon Smith Michael Robert Rudman Business Administration: Data Analytics Business Administration: Human Resource Management
William Joseph Snipes Lashawn N. Rush Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Marketing Sandra St. Louis Diana Marcela Saavedra Puin Business Administration: Marketing Business Administration Antoine Laurent Staten Debra Sanders Business Administration Business Administration: Health Care Management Raydell Stevenson Swathi Saradha Business Administration Cybersecurity Kenneth Stalter Stowell Michael James Sarage Accounting Business Administration: Sport Business Jill Jerose Studstrup Vanessa Sefriou Business Administration: Supply Chain Business Administration: Marketing Global Integration Management
30 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Jamille Alexandra Suarez Jasmine Ullysse Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Health Care Management
Racquel Sullivan Karen E. Varga-Sinka Cybersecurity Business Administration: Marketing
Brandy Marie Taylor Isaach William Velasco Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Marketing
Chauvon Taylor Aquiles Ramon Velasquez Business Administration: Project Management Business Administration
April Teamer Diana Ventura Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management Kathleen Teske Business Administration Venant Victor Accounting Catherine Thompson Business Administration Daniel Vines Business Administration Sydni Frances Tiesler Business Administration: Health Care Management Robert Charles Wade Business Administration: Health Care Management Kathleen McMahon Tillett Business Administration: Accounting Sylvia Denise Warren Business Administration Nitty Carolina Torres Business Administration: Data Analytics Andrew Watts Business Administration: Health Care Management Rodrigo Alfonso Torres Business Administration: Health Care Management Megan Whalen Business Administration: Marketing Alexandre Viana Trein Business Administration: Supply Chain Global Integration Management Neil S. Williams Business Administration: Human Resource Management Edward Charles Twyford Business Administration: Marketing Research & Sean D. Williams Social Media Analytics Business Administration: Accounting
Shenell Latoya Tyson Sierra Redessa Raquel Williams Cybersecurity Business Administration: Sport Business
*Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude 31 Presenting 2019 Degree Candidates
Tanisha Y. Williams Louis D’Elia Business Administration: Project Management Business Administration
Natassia Renee Wilson Sarah Deonarinesingh Business Administration: Human Resource Management Business Administration
Neoshia Wilson David C. Ester Business Administration Business Administration
Gerard Daniel Wiltshire Lisa Lorraine Freeman Business Administration Business Administration
Robert F. Windheim Ajay Joseph Koovackal Business Administration: Accounting Business Administration
Nicholas J. Wolff Doris L. Morand Business Administration Business Administration
Manuel Yambo Raymond Edward Rhash Business Administration Business Administration
Adrienne Young Marc Michael Scavuzzo Business Administration Business Administration
Julianne Nicole Young Accounting
Christina Lynn Youngblood Business Administration: Marketing & Marketing Research & Social Media Analytics
Omar Abdelmajed Zahran Business Administration
Doctorate Degrees
Tyler B. Berger Business Administration
Anthony Maurice Da Silva Business Administration
32 University Senior Leadership
Board of Trustees 2018-2019 Administration Sister Roberta Bailey, O.S.B., ’57 Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D., president Peter Biscardi ’70 Senthil Kumar, D.B.A., vice president of University Campus Noel Boeke Admissions and Center for Global Engagement Cynthia Brannen ’92 Denny Moller, M.B.A., vice president of University Robert Cabot ’71, ’06 Advancement & Communications John Nisbet, M.B.A., M.S., Right Reverend Isaac Camacho, O.S.B., ’95 vice president of Business Affairs/Chief Financial Officer Joseph P. Connellan ’85 Francis X. Reidy ’02, M.B.A., vice president and athletic Anthony J. Gerbino ’74 director, Intercollegiate Athletics Richard W. Johnson ’68 Christian Schindler, B.A., vice president of Marketing Virginia M. Judge and Enrollment Thamir A.R. Kaddouri Jr. ’94, secretary Jen Shaw, Ph.D., vice president of Student Affairs Paul H. Lehner, ’74 Mary Spoto, Ph.D., vice president of Academic Affairs Terrence G. Linnert Melanie M. Storms, Psy.D., senior vice president Allan J. Luihn ’83 Molly-Dodd Adams, M.B.A., ’12, special assistant to Nadeem Mazhar the president Sheila M. McDevitt ’60 Joseph Anthony McGee Academic Deans D. Dewey Mitchell, vice chair Susan K. Kinsella, Ph.D., College of Education and Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Morris ’79 Social Services Edwin Narain ’07, ’09 Heather Parker, Ph.D., College of Arts and Sciences (interim) Laurie O’Donoghue Robyn Parker, Ph.D., Tapia College of Business Mary O’Keefe ’76, chair John P. O’Leary ’83 Robert L. Padala ’73 Mary B. Arnheiter Palazzo ’72 Most Reverend Gregory Parkes Thomas D. Peschio ’59 John R. Picciano ’69 Brian Quinn William J. Reagan ’73 Jeffrey D. Senese, Ph.D., president Kathryn Simpson ’06 Zenith Taylor ’88 Pat Thompson ’87 John E. View ’72
33 Board of Trustees Update
Saint Leo University’s governing board is a group of volunteers who exemplify the university’s six core values. They all give generously of their time, talent, and treasure to enhance the education that our students receive. This year, six board members have completed their terrns, and we thank them for their service.
Noel R. Boeke is considered one of the nation’s leading business attorneys and is a partner in the Tampa, FL, office of Holland & Knight LLP. He began his education at Northwestern University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree, and continued at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, where he earned an MBA. Finally, he earned his law degree cum laude from the University of Georgia. It was during his seven years of service with the U.S. Navy, while in Virginia, that he first heard of Saint Leo and the reputation our education centers there enjoy with the armed forces. After relocating to Tampa, he learned more about Saint Leo, our Catholic roots, our commitment to educating principled leaders, and our military-supportive mission. He was willing to serve on our Board of Trustees as an expression of his own Catholic faith and in fellowship with our concern for servicemembers, veterans, and their families. His expertise in negotiating complex business dealings has served our governing board since he first began as a trustee in 2010.
Cynthia Brannen ’92 became a member of the Saint Leo community first as an exemplary college student who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English with highest honors. She went on to further study and became a college instructor in her beloved field, never forgetting her roots at Saint Leo. She first joined the Board of Trustees in the year 2000, serving through 2009, and helping to guide and encourage our institution as we constructed modern residence halls and built a new Student Community Center complex at University Campus. She returned as a trustee in 2010, after a break of only a year’s time, for another long period of service to the board, taking on even more responsibility and sharing with her colleagues her warmth, her wit, and her love of learning. She served as vice chair of the board from 2011 to 2013, and then as chair from 2013 to 2015. She remained on the Board of Trustees after completing her term as chair, and this year transitions into a well-deserved retirement.
Thamir A. R. Kaddouri Jr. ’94 is a Tampa area professional who has set an example by learning well the lessons of leadership and then applying that knowledge to help his alma mater. He attended Saint Leo College and earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1994. He was active in campus activities, as well, including Greek Life and student government. He was, in fact, president of the Student Government Association. He traveled to Boston for his legal education, and earned his juris doctor cum laude from Suffolk University Law School in 1999. He began his career at a midsize firm in Tampa, and eventually began his own firm, the Law Office of Thamir A.R. Kaddouri Jr. PA. He is recognized for his special aptitude in business law and civil litigation, including construction litigation. And as the principal of a law firm, he now employs other attorneys. His service to the board began in 2008, and has included several years of service as board secretary, from 2011 to 2013, from 2013 to 2015, from 2015 to 2017, and 2017 until this year.
34 Board of Trustees Update
Nadeem Mazhar is chief executive officer of Custom Technology Solutions (CTS), LLC in Houston. His company provides business clients with special assistance in anticipating complex issues that can detract from the effectiveness of their information technology and the successful operation of their business processes. The success of CTS reflects a deep understanding of the commercial applications of technology that is also an attribute of our trustee. He came to know Saint Leo through another supporter of the university who has been successful in the business world, and agreed in 2010 to lend his talents and skills to Saint Leo by serving on our Board of Trustees. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University.
Sheila M. McDevitt ’60 became an alumna with her graduation from the eighth grade of Holy Name Academy, a predecessor institution that existed for 75 years, and where the Benedictine Sisters of Florida educated young females. She went from there to academic and professional success, and eventually earned her undergraduate degree in political science and government from Florida State University, her law degree from Florida State University College of Law. Sheila went on to become one of Florida’s most respected business attorneys and executives. She began her career working with the Florida and Georgia state legislatures and spent 26 years at TECO Energy Inc., where she retired as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. After her retirement, she continued to practice business law at Akerman, LLP, and then in her own firm where she was also consulting with senior level executives in industry. Along with the demands of her career, she has devoted time and expertise to key advisory commissions in the legal world, and to boards of vital community nonprofits, such as the regional public television broadcaster. In particular, she has served the Zoo Tampa, the Florida Orchestra, and others. Her service on the Board of Trustees of Saint Leo University began in 1999; she served as vice chair of the board from 2003 to 2005, and then as chair from 2005 to 2007. She also served on the Florida Board of Governors of the State University System for seven years, and was also vice chair and chair during the same decade. She returned to Saint Leo as a trustee in 2010 for nine more years of service. Her intellect, her attention, her loyalty, and her personal generosity have made Saint Leo a stronger institution, for which we are all grateful.
Zenith Taylor ’88 enrolled at our predecessor institution, Saint Leo College, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1988. Our alumna continued her studies in Washington, DC, at Howard University School of Law, where she earned the Juris Doctorate. She is a practicing attorney in New York City in Queens, where she operates her own firm. Much of her practice concentrates on elder law and family law, and her passion is serving her community. She believes in upholding the standards and the integrity of the law for the good of society, regardless of a client’s financial means. She is the president of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Queens County, and is active in other professional groups. She joined a university advisory group, our President’s Council, in 2013, and continued through 2016. She became a trustee in 2016. We appreciate the time she has spent serving her alma mater and working for the betterment of society at large.
35 Academic Mace
aces date to the Middle Ages and Six polished bronze rings grace the mace symbolize strength and authority. The below the seal. Each ring is inscribed with one Muniversity’s chief marshal, who leads of Saint Leo’s core values: excellence, respect, all academic processions, carries the mace. It is community, personal development, integrity, and mounted on the stage when degrees are conferred. responsible stewardship. Rooted in Benedictine tradition, these values embody the very heart of The 60-inch ceremonial staff combines modern Saint Leo University and its global mission. styling with elegant engraving representing the university’s traditions and origins. The staff is Skillfully carved out of the oak wood, an made of oak to symbolize the union of strength infinity band adorns the circumference of the and endurance. The staff engraving staff representing the university’s reflects the artistic carving skills of continuous evolution in an ever- the early Abbey monks and recalls changing world. Saint Leo was a the magnificently carved doors of college from 1890 to 1920, a college the Abbey Church. The oak also preparatory academy from 1920 symbolizes the stately oak trees that until 1964, and a college once again grace University Campus, prized for from 1959 to 1999. In 1999, as a their beauty and color. reflection of the growth and progress of the institution, Saint Leo changed A globe of frosted glass sits atop its name to “University,” and today the mace, prominently illustrating serves students at University Campus, the university’s international richness at education centers, and online. and influence. Traditional and adult Saint Leo University will continue to students of all ages, cultures, and experience adapt in order to provide students around the are served by the university’s global mission at world with an opportunity to receive a Saint Leo University Campus, 32 education centers and education. offices in seven states, and online throughout the world. Elegant orange blossoms are engraved in a repeating design at the middle of the staff. Oranges Below the globe is the Saint Leo seal, an are a symbol of the agricultural history of Saint official symbol of pride for nearly 60 years. Leo and the origins of Saint Leo University’s Designed in the spring of 1961 by Father Bede official school colors, green and gold. Gale, the seal includes the Benedictine cross, a favorite symbol of the early Christians’ faith in Christ. St. Benedict had a deep faith in the cross and this special devotion was passed on to succeeding generations of Benedictines.
36 Academic Costume
n medieval times, university students and in which the degree was earned or granted. Each teachers wore gowns indicating their status hood also is lined in silk with the colors of the Iand scholastic achievements. European institution that granted the degree. institutions still show great diversity in the The appropriate cap for all degrees is the specifications of academic dress, but American familiar black “mortarboard.” A green and gold colleges and universities preferred to adopt tassel with the Saint Leo Lion signet is worn some definite systems which all could follow. hanging to the left of the face. Those holding Accordingly, in 1895, at Columbia University, a doctorate may wear a soft velvet cap of the an intercollegiate commission drafted a uniform color indicating their field of study, or with the code for the use of caps, gowns, and hoods. The mortarboard, may wear a soft tassel of gold thread. standards, with few revisions, are still in effect. At Saint Leo University, master’s degree hoods At commencement, Saint Leo confers the are lined with colors representing the graduate’s associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral course of study as follows: degrees. The bachelor’s, or baccalaureate degree, takes its name directly from the medieval practice • Master of Accounting: drab of “bachelors” wearing a garland of bayberries. The • Master of Arts in Creative Writing: white master’s degree was equivalent to a license to teach • Master of Arts in Theology: scarlet and sometimes was followed by the expressed words • Master of Business Administration: drab Licentia Docendi. • Master of Education: light blue Those holding an associate degree wear a gray gown, while those with a bachelor’s degree • Master of Science in Criminal Justice: wear a black gown fastened at the top and midnight blue distinguished by long pointed sleeves hanging • Master of Science in Critical Incident nearly to the knees. The master’s gown, worn Management: gold open, has long closed sleeves with an arc of a • Master of Science in Cybersecurity: gold circle appearing near the bottom and a slit for the • Master of Science in Emergency Disaster arm near the middle of the sleeves. The doctorate Management: gold gown, usually worn open, is made of silk, faced with a broad strip of velvet, and has three bars of • Master of Science in Human Services: citron velvet on each sleeve. • Master of Science in Instructional Design: gold A hood made of the same material may be • Master of Social Work: citron worn with the gown. The master’s hood is three Our Education Specialist graduates don and one-half feet long, faced with a 3-inch strip of doctoral robes with light blue hoods, while our velvet; and the doctoral hood is 4-feet long with Doctor of Business Administration graduates wear panels at the sides. The color of the tassel or the drab hoods. velvet strip on the hood indicates the field of study 37 Saint Leo University
aint Leo University is one of the largest degrees at a Saint Leo education center and most innovative Catholic universities conveniently located close to where they live Sin the United States. Chartered in 1889 and work. with University Campus located just north of Tampa, FL, Saint Leo educates nearly 12,000 Saint Leo also offers online learning options students at University Campus, at the many to adults. Students can take individual classes education centers in seven states, and globally or earn complete degrees via the Internet. online. Students enrolled at Saint Leo University With the power of online learning, students may choose from more than 50 academic can continue their education during periods programs including bachelor’s degrees, master’s of travel or military deployment, when they degrees, doctoral degrees, and pre-professional might otherwise need to interrupt their studies. and accelerated learning programs. As one of the largest providers of higher A private, liberal arts institution, Saint education to the military, Saint Leo has created Leo University offers more than a top quality programs that offer active duty military, education. As a “leading Catholic teaching veterans, and their families convenient and university of international consequence,” Saint easy access to higher education degrees. Saint Leo offers students personalized attention, Leo University has been proudly serving those diverse learning opportunities, and a solid who serve our nation for more than 40 years. foundation for beginning and continuing life’s Everywhere it teaches, Saint Leo offers journey. an integrated learning environment dedicated In addition to the traditional residential to the traditional values of our Benedictine program, weekend undergraduate and graduate founders. By every measure, Saint Leo degree programs also are offered at University University is leading the way for the future of Campus. Saint Leo is strategically positioned higher education. in seven states: Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, California, and at 32 teaching locations, many on military installations. Programs at these locations are designed to serve the needs of adult learners by offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s
38 Saint Leo Alma Mater Music by Jeffery R. Smith Lyrics by Kurt Van Wilt (1948 - 2016)
(continued on next page)
39 Special thanks to the bagpipers for leading the procession of candidates, which has been a tradition at commencement for more than 20 years. Saint Leo University is also pleased to welcome the members of the Brass Menagerie, led by Ken Watts. They have provided live music for commencement exercises for more than 25 years. Many thanks to the Saint Leo University ROTC Color Guard for participating in today’s ceremony.
The views expressed during this event are those of the speaker/presenter and do not necessarily represent the views of the university. 40 Special thanks to the bagpipers for leading the procession of candidates, which has been a tradition at commencement for more than 20 years. Saint Leo University is also pleased to welcome the members of the Brass Menagerie, led by Ken Watts. They have provided live music for commencement exercises for more than 25 years. Many thanks to the Saint Leo University ROTC Color Guard for participating in today’s ceremony.
The views expressed during this event are those of the speaker/presenter and do not necessarily represent the views of the university.