Commencement Ceremony
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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