The Anniversary Issue Celebrating 35 Years of Serving 35The Educational Needs of Military Students the Magazine for Saint Leo University

Winter 2009 The Magazine of Saint Leo University

years

The Anniversary Issue Celebrating 35 years of serving 35the educational needs of military students the magazine for Saint Leo University

contentsWinter 2009 Arthur F. Kirk Jr., Ed.D. President

David Ostrander Vice President features University Advancement

Spirit magazine is published twice each year by the Division of University Advancement, Saint Leo Military Education 2009 University. Please direct correspondence about this 2 Helping military students successfully navigate the world of higher publication to the Office of Public Relations, Saint Leo University, University Campus—MC-2266, ed is a key part of Saint Leo’s commitment to the military. P.O. Box 6665, Saint Leo, FL, 33574-6665. Readers also may reach staff by sending an e-mail to news@ saintleo.edu. The New G.I. Bill Editorial Staff 6 Federal support for military students will be enhanced this year Susan Shoulet, Editor with the introduction of the new GI Bill. Director of Public Relations Jo-Ann Johnston, Feature Writer 8 Service, Commitment, and Accomplishment Staff Writer & Media Coordinator Profiles of seven Saint Leo graduates

Molly-Dodd Adams, Contributing Writer Communications Manager From the Beginning to the Present 8 A timeline describes Saint Leo’s military education history. Karolina Johansson Graphic Designer

Jenny Timms Staff Assistant

Printing departments Rinaldi Printing University Chronicles 12 Photography Faculty Accomplishments Mike Carlson 18 Public Relations Staﬀ Continuing Education News 20 Athletics 22 Illustration Lauren Minco Alumni News 25 Sacred Spaces Special thanks to Ernie Everett, 31 director, S.H.R.C.

e opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor or the oﬃcial policy of Saint Leo University. ©2008 Saint Leo University. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. President’s Message

We at Saint Leo University have entered the year 2009 warily, as have so many other universities, businesses and households. This is a period of global economic distress unprecedented in the lifetimes of today’s adults. The fi nancial industry meltdown, the foreclosure crisis, and rising unemployment threaten so many in our nation. No school is immune to these ill winds, and we cannot yet tell when economic conditions will improve. We have become increasingly cautious and fi scally conservative in these troubling times. We recognize, as always, our solemn responsibility to manage the tuition dollars we collect and the fi nancial gifts entrusted to us by our donors with the utmost care and respect.

We also know that we cannot aff ord to stand still during this turbulence. Institutions that become immobilized by fear or that retreat from engaged competition now may never recover. But the smart, the focused, the courageous, and the united organizations will fi nd new opportunities during this time, and set themselves apart from their competition. Saint Leo is one of those institutions. We will stay true to our mission of excelling as a Catholic teaching university of international consequence. This means we will continue to increase enrollments and provide a supportive, student-centered teaching environment in our classrooms and online platforms. Our faculty will continue to enhance their already impressive teaching skills and methods. We will perfect our new online courses and business model for the growing population of students who study away from a campus environment, including our military students. Along the way, we will look to you, our friends and alumni, for support as we continue to raise money for academic programs, for student-scholarship needs, and for a new School of Business building on our main campus. I have faith we can meet all these challenges, and that Saint Leo can emerge from this period stronger than ever.

You may wonder how I can be so confi dent of this. I am sure because I have been privileged to meet so many of the strong, resilient people who study, work and teach at Saint Leo. You will meet some of them yourselves in this issue of Spirit, which celebrates Saint Leo’s 35-year anniversary of service to the armed forces. The people you will encounter in this issue are men and women who earned academic degrees in spite of foreign deployments, and teachers who found ways to adapt to the unusual demands of the military life- style. They are an inspiration and example for us all to follow.

Arthur F. Kirk, Jr. President

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 1 Education 2009

U.S. Army Captain Andrew Carpenter, one of Saint Leo University’s most recent graduates, didn’t consider himself a strong student during his teen years in a small town.

“I was horrible in high school,” the 37-year-old states frankly. He didn’t see himself as college material, in spite of two years spent in a local junior college before joining the Army.

But now that he is an offi cer with a bachelor’s degree in business, the 37-year-old Carpenter is a role model for other military students, and an eloquent spokesperson for Saint Leo’s success in providing higher education to our nation’s enlisted forces. “It’s an important role the university is fulfi lling,” Carpenter says, “because frankly, a smarter military is a better military.”

In contemporary military situations, Carpenter explains, troops might fi nd themselves in cities interacting with civilians, encountering new cultures, new customs, and new dangers––while fi nding they have to fi gure out how to proceed as they go along. There simply isn’t always a set of orders or instructions that anticipates every challenge troops may encounter during the course of a mission. “I want soldiers to know how to go and fi nd the answer when there is a question,” Carpenter says. He credits his education at Saint Leo with allowing him to develop the critical-thinking, research, and communication skills that have made him a more eff ective leader.

2 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine Saint Leo University President Arthur F. Kirk, Jr., has heard variations on Carpenter’s story time and again from faculty and administrators who have helped make the university one of the foremost providers of educational opportunities for the military.

Many of the young enlisted forces training. The transition to a second come into the service without much career teaching political science to confi dence in their academic abilities, military students at Saint Leo was a Kirk says. They tell their Saint Leo natural one for him, he says. But for advisers and teachers: “I was a high the students, Lubbs agrees, it is school drop-out,” or “I was told I often true that the journey from seaman wasn’t college material,” or “Nobody or soldier to serious student is from my family ever went to college intimidating. So part of the teacher’s and my father said it just wasn’t job is to pinpoint the students’ This beautiful medallion was going to happen.” academic insecurities—even if those created as a special presentation fears are temporarily masked by a piece to mark the university’s 35 “So they enter the Saint Leo program stoic military demeanor—and work years of service to the United with great trepidation,” Kirk continues. to overcome their apprehension. States military. The university “The staff , then the faculty, help logo is depicted on the front them to get their feet under them, and Lubbs says he likes to start each of the coin, surrounded by the start to appreciate their intellectual and semester by going around the room emblems of the Army, Navy, Air academic abilities that were heretofore and asking students to share their Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. never energized or cultivated.” past educational backgrounds. “It’s easy to pick up on that anxiety, The inscription, “Saint Leo University In Carpenter’s view, Saint Leo has especially in classes with fewer than celebrates its 35 year commitment successfully assembled a special 20 students,” he says. to serving the educational needs teaching and advising corps attuned of those who serve our nation” to the population of military stu- Saint Leo teachers and staff at appears on the reverse. dents. It’s not just that Saint Leo military centers also are mindful goes on base to teach students, or that these anxious new students fi nd Commemorative/challenge coins that the university developed an academia to be an unfamiliar culture, became a tradition popular in the accelerated eight-week term schedule with its own language and rules, says U.S. military during World War I. to better fi t the military calendar. Susan Paulson, assistant vice president Soldiers carried a coin representing Saint Leo’s teachers know how the of continuing education for Saint Leo. military has trained its forces to their unit and were required to present think and to work, and are willing to Teaching and advising military it when “challenged” to prove their adapt their teaching techniques to students “need to be ‘high-touch’ in affi liation. Those who could not the students, he says. the beginning,” says Paulson, who, produce a coin suffered any one as the spouse of a retired Marine, of a number of consequences––the Larry Lubbs is one example of the enjoys serving the military commu- most popular requiring the solider kind of teacher Dr. Kirk and Capt. nity because military life has been so to buy a round of drinks. The prac- Carpenter praise. Lubbs joined Saint important to her family. “We need tice of collecting these coins is still Leo to teach students in Virginia to understand these students aren’t popular today. after spending 34 years in the U.S. familiar with terms like ‘academic Navy, with a long stint working in pre-requisite.’ We may need to the personnel area in leadership explain more than we do when

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 3 teaching students on a tradi- psychology, such as crisis tional campus.” intervention. “They certainly have experiences that civilians That doesn’t mean “talking don’t have.” down” to students, Paulson says, but pacing the early “Military students tend to classes to allow time to translate come to class eager for discus- academic shorthand and sions and lessons,” Lubbs says. processes that students fi nd “They soak up the knowledge. foreign. That can also mean The last set of papers I graded taking the time to outline the U.S. Army Captain and SLU alumnus Andy Carpenter on (in December 2008) are among objective or “mission” of an active duty with the Afghan mountains in the background. the best I’ve seen…these are assignment or course–– good, solid students. They want expressly defi ning what a straight, unvarnished educa- topics will be explored and the purpose they will serve, tion.” In Carpenter’s case, that means they want the Paulson notes, to make assignments more relatable coursework to be as rigorous for military students as to students from a military culture. Any academic anxi- it is for any other student. Soldiers shouldn’t get easy ety that students are carrying when they start a new grading because of their military obligations, he says: course might linger until they get back their fi rst exam “That completely contradicts what I stand for.” He or paper, Lubbs has found. That’s when they fi nd they respects Saint Leo teachers for sharing his expectations. do have the skills to make it in college. “They never sacrifi ced any of their standards, and “The success breeds confi dence,” Carpenter says, that’s what I found refreshing,” Carpenter says. drawing from his own experience. Students will actually “All of them followed the same philosophy. They sit in class diff erently, after earning good marks on understood what we were going through. They said, their assignments, notices Professor Marilyn Mallue, ‘I know you have families. I know you’re working. one of Saint Leo’s longtime faculty members, who But here’s the syllabus and it’s unwavering.’ It was teaches psychology, statistics, and research design in very refreshing to see.” Virginia. “They will make more eye contact.” How and when military students complete their work Teaching military students carries other special rewards might have to vary from semester to semester or from and some unique challenges, Saint Leo educators say. student to student, both Carpenter and Saint Leo’s teachers say. That’s part of the university’s commit- Classes are fi lled with disciplined, mature students ment to the military. who refl ect the rich ethnic and social diversity of the contemporary armed forces, Mallue says. “It adds an Deployments and military assignments can and will interesting fl avor to the class. I’ve had Spanish speakers, disrupt routines and attendance, Paulson says. Even Russian speakers, and Turkish. A large part of the though many military students are experienced with military has been posted abroad. I’ve had family completing work online from posts all over the world, men from traditional families, single parents, and sometimes communications are cut off for security single people.” reasons. “You can’t take a cell phone or a PDA to Afghanistan,” Paulson says. The work experiences military students bring to their classrooms also broaden classroom discussions, Sometimes students have to take incompletes in a teachers say. given semester and complete the courses later, Paul- son says frankly. Sometimes students try to complete “When I teach, there’s never a semester that goes work early, if they get word they are going to be by that I don’t learn something from a student,” says deployed. “There simply has to be some fl exibility Paulson, who sometimes still teaches courses in with the schedule,” Mallue agrees.

4 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine Susan Paulson, assistant vice president, Marilyn M. Mallue, Ph.D., Professor of Continuing Education Division Psychology, Virginia Region

Sometimes Mallue has held weekend tutoring sessions for her students at the coff ee bar of a local bookstore so they can have a review session, or, if necessary, catch up on work. Larry Lubbs teaches at the South Hampton Roads Center. In other cases, Saint Leo students will sometimes ask their teachers to send information to remote locations for them, as Carpenter once did when he was deployed abroad and needed to fi le a degree comple- “We are also initiating a number of refer-a-friend tion form. Such practical challenges can be common, programs,” Dadez says. “It is our belief that our best and “probably foster creativity on everybody’s part,” ambassadors are our current successful students who Paulson says. are in the military and who will strongly recommend Saint Leo University to their friends and family.” And the university has been eager to use technology to help its military students, notes Mallue, so that they Perhaps the most visible program change this year can enroll in courses away from the military center will come with the introduction of the new GI Bill in classrooms, if necessary. “Many of our courses are Web August 2009. Though the original GI Bill, introduced enhanced. Some are blended. Some are online.” after World War II, helped veterans from that era move into America’s growing middle class, our nation’s On a broader scale, the university keeps in close more recent veterans haven’t been able to cover contact with the various branches of the service to contemporary education costs. The new bill updates understand what courses, degree programs, or new benefi ts to make college more aff ordable. teaching centers the armed forces needs in the 21st century. Saint Leo will continue to carry out its com- Although the legislation deals with veterans rather mitment to the military with the same creativity and than active-duty military members such as Capt. dedication that has marked our fi rst 35 years of service Carpenter, Saint Leo University considers all who have to the armed forces, our administrators say. served our country part of our community, and is gear- ing up to help veterans use the benefi ts (see related In just one example, Saint Leo is extending through story on page 6). “It’s great for the military,” Dr. Kirk 2009 special tuition off er to spouses of military says of the new GI Bill, “and it’s great for our country.” members who enroll in degree programs at selected centers. The program permits a spouse to take a third Reported and written by Jo-Ann Johnston, SLU media coordi- course tuition free, after completing two previous nator. Jo-Ann can be reached at [email protected]. courses, explains Dr. Edward Dadez, vice president of continuing education and student services.

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 5 Colleges and universities including Saint Leo are expecting even more military service members and veterans to begin looking at higher education opportunities by the fall. The recent wave of interest comes with the passage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This federal legislation significantly improves the educational benefits available to those who have served at least 90 days on active duty since September 10, 2001. Eligible veterans can begin using The New GI Bill the program to pay for certain educational costs starting on August 1, 2009. extends only up to the highest-cost Lora Lavery-Broda: The tuition public institution in the state. Our benefit will. The housing allowance Gary Bracken, vice president of enroll- tuition rates compete with the will not. If a student takes both ment, and Lora Lavery-Broda, associate public institutions in Virginia, so on-ground and online courses, the registrar, are excited about the opportu- students living near military bases housing allowance is pro-rated to the nities the legislation affords prospective there will naturally look at Saint Leo. on-ground credits. students at Saint Leo. Question: Question: Basically, what are the In Florida, the tuition at the public Can the benefits be used most significant benefits veterans colleges is much lower than at pri- only for associate and bachelor and their families will enjoy under vate schools including Saint Leo, so degree programs, or can students the new GI Bill? cost may be a factor. also use the tuition benefits for a master’s degree? But Saint Leo will ask to join a Gary Bracken: More money for program that shares the cost with Lora Lavery-Broda: courses, a book stipend, and a They can use the the Veterans Administration, up to a housing allowance for the service benefits for any degree we offer. certain dollar amount of the tuition member. And a service member costs above the Florida state university Question: may be able to transfer the tuition Where might our readers system level. We want to do that so benefits to another family member. refer friends and family who are the costs to the student will be com- The housing allowance is a big deal. interested in using the new GI Bill parable to a state university. In all, it is making education more at Saint Leo? affordable to many more veterans, Gary Bracken: In general, the bill will Gary Bracken: analogous to the old GI Bill after They need to keep have a big benefit wherever we have World War II. checking the SLU Web site. The military centers (at sites in Florida, Veterans Administration is still releasing Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Question: How is Saint Leo prepar- details of how the program will work, Mississippi, Texas and California). ing to help veterans and their fami- so as soon as we know something it A lot of those folks will retire, or lies use these benefits to advance will be up there on the Web site. leave the service after their initial their education? And which Saint enlistment, and settle right there. Lora Lavery-Broda: Leo teaching locations might be Also, every So they’ll know us, they’ll know our most involved in this effort? educational center has someone who brand. They’ll be able to use the ben- verifies to the Veterans Administra- efit right there. They’ll have access Lora Lavery-Broda: Our Virginia tion that a student is enrolled. That to the bases. military education locations will job title is called the VA certifying official. Over time, that person will certainly be very involved with these Question: Will the benefits apply veterans. The impact may vary by also get more details, and be able to to online courses as well as on- help advise students. state because the tuition benefit ground courses? 6 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine For the 2008 Veterans Day ceremony on the main campus, the organizing committee wanted to include a written message from a Saint Leo student or alumnus on military assignment, and therefore unable to attend in person. The audience heard the following message from Coast Guard Lieutenant Michael C. Gris II. Lt. Gris, of Palm Harbor, Florida, is pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice at Saint Leo. He earned a bachelor’s degree in government from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2002. The New GI Bill To Saint Leo University, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate from afar in Saint Leo University’s Veterans Day ceremonies. While I wish that I could be there in person to thank the University, the faculty and staff, I am deeply honored to be able to pass on a few words of appreciation from my current duty station in Charleston, South Carolina.

As a proud member of the U.S. Coast Guard, I wanted to continue my professional education at a university that shares my personal, as well as my service’s core values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to duty. In Saint Leo University, I have found our common values to be the foundation upon which an institution has been built, where ethics and education walk hand in hand. Unique to the duties of the Coast Guard amongst our brothers and sisters of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps is the responsibility to serve as a federal law enforcement agency while simultaneously providing for our national defense. Saint Leo University, with its exceptional faculty, superior curriculum, and remarkable flexibility, has given me the opportunity to continue my journey of lifetime learning while serving my country from virtually anywhere in the world. As a criminal justice graduate student, Saint Leo University is enabling me to expand my skills as a military leader and law enforcement officer, skills that I will use to help ensure the safety and security of our great and beloved nation.

Having been deployed all over the world and most recently to Iraq, I am personally grateful for the opportunities that Saint Leo has provided me to learn and grow while serving away from home. Staying connected has an incredible effect on the morale of our troops. In that way, Saint Leo University is serving along side our military throughout the globe.

I came to Saint Leo because this university “honors the person that you already are and supports the person you want to become,” in my case as a service member and as a law enforcement professional. The university has met and exceeded all my expectations. On this day in which we honor those who served before us, please allow me to extend my appreciation to the men and women of Saint Leo University for their role in shaping our nation’s leaders of character.

Semper Paratus and God Bless!

Respectfully,

Charlie Gris Lieutenant, United States Coast Guard

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 7 Service, Commitment, and Accomplishment Thousands of students from all branches of our nation’s armed services have earned their degrees from Saint Leo over the past 35 years and each individual has enriched the fabric of the university. We salute all our military students and alumni for their service, commitment, and accomplishments. The following brief profi les highlight six recent Saint Leo military graduates and former faculty member Jose Coll ’02.

Technical Sergeant Faith Althouse ’08 serves in Gary Bonds, Sr. ’08 retired from the U.S. Army in the U.S. Air Force and earned her bachelor’s degree in 2003 as a Sergeant First Class. He served our psychology at SLU’s Langley Air Force Base Center. nation for 20 years. Last June, he received a bach- Following her dream to become an educator, Faith elor’s degree in human resources administration at hopes to be the fi rst person in her family to earn a Saint Leo’s Atlanta Center at Fort Gillem. He chose master’s degree. She began college right after high Saint Leo over other educational options when he school at another Catholic university, but soon real- was stationed in Virginia. He began taking classes at ized she needed to postpone her education until she Langley Air Force Base Center, knowing that he was could aff ord to continue. The Air Force provided that due to transfer with the Army to Atlanta where Saint opportunity and she was delighted to fi nd Saint Leo Leo also off ers classes. The transition was easy and University at Langley. Not only did she feel at home he did not have to take any time off from his studies. in a Catholic university setting, but she was grateful to Gary hopes to make just as smooth a transition from have classmates who understood the demands of military human resources to an HR career in the civil- military life. “Most of our students are military ian world. He says, “I’m looking forward to the next personnel, their family members, or public service 20 years and some good paying jobs.” The fi rst of his personnel. A lot of police offi cers and fi refi ghters are father’s children to earn a bachelor’s degree, Gary also with us,” she says. “We understand what’s going on says, “I’m trying to set a really good example for my in each other’s lives and some of the hard times that we daughter to see that higher education gives you more face, so we’re better able to support each other.” opportunities in life.”

Celebrating 35 Years: 1973 to the Present

Saint Leo (College) establishes its military 1974 Continuing education centers are 1975 Teaching locations are education program in 1973, as an established in Virginia at Fort Eustis Army established in Key West, experiment at Avon Park Bombing Base, Fort Lee Army Base, Navy Center Florida, Shaw AFB in South Range, Florida. MacDill Air Force Base South Hampton Roads, and Langley Air Carolina, and Atlanta, Geor- education center in Tampa follows the Force Base. gia, at Fort McPherson Army same year. Base. 1970s

Vietnam War, 1959-75. End to military draft announced in 1973. U.S. begins shift to all-volunteer military.

8 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine Thomas Elison ’08 retired from the U.S. Army Jane Jackson-Butler ’08 served in the U.S. Army in 1997 after 20 years of service. He completed his for 22 years. She did four tours in Korea and served bachelor’s degree in human resources administration at stations across the continental U.S., including Fort at Saint Leo’s Fort McPherson Center last year. He Campbell, Fort Sill, and Fort Gillem. Initially, she is now a business consultant working with small- to chose Saint Leo because the eight-week course sched- medium-size businesses. He says the most signifi cant ule would allow her to earn her degree more quickly reason he chose SLU over another college or universi- than a traditional evening college program. Over ty is the variety of course formats and schedules Saint time, Jane believes that the support she found at Saint Leo off ers. “I typically work 55-60 hours a week, so Leo and the values integrated into the coursework having the option of doing evening classes, weekend strengthened the values she embraced in the Army. classes, or online classes, just helps me in my everyday life,” he says. “I could spend time with my family and Continuing her pursuit of integrity, personal develop- work and still accomplish my degree.” ment, and community, Jane says, “I’m going to make sure that I continue forward and I’m going to help Thomas takes pride in having earned his degree while somebody else achieve their goals. I’m not just going running his business and raising two sons. Comment- to stand by on the sidelines.” Jane’s son may be the ing on the adult learning experience he says, “You’re fi rst to benefi t. She is postponing training for the a little more prepared. You understand the value of Professional in Human Resources certifi cation and education and you work a little harder to earn your her own graduate work in order to make sure her son degree. And I think you appreciate it more.” earns his master’s degree fi rst.

In the 1980s military enrollments increase signifi cantly as Saint Leo strengthens 1984 SLU’s military education faculty and academic programs. program proves to be the Popular fi elds of study include liberal most rapidly growing area Saint Leo continues to build its reputation arts, business, and criminal justice. within the college. within the military community. 1980s

1988 Iranian mining of the Cold War persists at start of decade but Persian Gulf results in damage communism eventually begins to crumble. to an American warship. The Berlin War, a powerful symbol of the Cold War, falls in 1989.

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 9 James Flowers ’08 retired from the U.S. Army after Technical Sergeant Jeﬀ rey Strazzere ’07/’09 nearly 27 years of service. He spent the last 13 years earned a bachelor’s degree at SLU’s MacDill Center in of service working on recruiting and retention, so it 2007. On September 11, 2001, Jeff , who was a mem- was a natural step for him to earn a bachelor’s degree ber of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, was driving to a in human resources administration. He completed job interview when the World Trade Center fell. He his degree at Saint Leo’s Fort McPherson Center in canceled the interview. Later that day he was called Atlanta. Among his many reasons for earning a to duty and has made a career of his military service bachelor’s degree was to set an example for his teen- ever since. age son to encourage him to pursue higher education after high school. Jeff appreciates that Saint Leo faculty understand the unique demands on military students. When called James says he appreciated the accessibility of Saint Leo’s to duty during Hurricane Katrina, he packed his text faculty and staff who were always supportive, available, books and hit the road to Alabama. For two weeks, and sensitive to the demands on their adult and military he continued his studies from the storm-ravaged Gulf students. James was especially impressed with instruc- Coast. Though he had to postpone his mid-term tor Lawsey Thomas ’96, who is also retired from the exam, he fi nished the class with fl ying colors. Jeff will military (U.S. Navy). James says, “He used not only the complete SLU’s online MBA program this summer. [text] book, but his life and work experience as a teaching He says, “I used to prefer taking classes on-ground, tool. And I think that was excellent.” but I found I like online classes because I can work at my own pace and on my own time. For working professionals, time is important.”

Saint Leo begins offering programs over the Internet in 1998 and in 1999 becomes Saint Leo University. Expansion to the new Ingleside Naval Station Education Center SLU expands its reach through in Texas in 1995, then to May- partnerships with community colleges, Persian Gulf War temporarily port Naval Station near which help veterans and civilians depresses military enrollments. Jacksonville, Florida, in 1996. attain bachelors degrees. 1990s

1990-91 U.S. and its allies defeat Iraq in Citizens enjoy relative peace and SLU ends the decade with a the fi rst Persian Gulf War, launched prosperity in the latter part of new president and an following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. the decade. improved outlook for revenues and enrollments.

10 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine Jose Coll ’02 is a clinical associate professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Southern California and director of the school’s new Veteran Services Program. He is also a Marine Corps veteran, a valued alumnus, and a former faculty member. Jose received his bachelor’s university community, guiding a social work program. It was this degree in social work from Saint Leo faculty research team to Cuba and experience that has led me to meet in 2002. He pursued his education participating in several faculty- all of these goals while maintaining with the aid of the GI Bill. He student SERVE trips to Honduras our [Saint Leo] core values.” earned an MSW from the University that promoted community values, of Central Florida in 2003 and his social justice, and student aware- USC’s Veteran Services Program doctorate in counseling education ness of economic realities. Jose has is the fi rst of its kind at a major and supervision from the University authored numerous publications, research university in the United of South Florida in 2007. including a recently published book States. It is located at USC’s San titled A Civilian Counselor’s Primer Marcos Academic Center, not far Jose joined SLU’s faculty in 2004 for Counseling Veterans (Linus Publica- from Camp Pendleton, where more and served as chair of the social tions, Inc.). He says, “I feel a great than 60,000 personnel work. As work program from 2007 until 2008, amount of gratitude and pleasure to program director, Jose will focus when he accepted his current posi- have received my BSW from Saint on the challenges faced by military tion at USC. While at Saint Leo, Leo and later to have chaired the personnel and their families. he was an active member of the

The U.S. and allies begin a military SLU expands to Columbus Air Force offensive in Iraq in March 2003. Base, Mississippi, and to the U.S. More military students are able Naval Weapons Air Station Charleston to study online as the Center for in South Carolina in 2008. Online Learning grows. The San Diego Naval Station Saint Leo opens a new teaching location Midnight celebrations across the Offi ce opens in December 2005. in January 2009, in Chesapeake, country and around the world Some SLU military students are Virginia, anticipating both military and welcome a new century. deployed multiple times. civilian enrollments. 2000s

Terror attacks in New York, Pennsylvania The U.S. appears to be winding down military and Washington, D.C., on September 11, operations in Iraq, while some political leaders and 2001, kill 3,000 people. U.S. and allied military advisers call for more forces in Afghanistan. troops begin fi ghting in Afghanistan. New GI Bill goes into effect August 2009.

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 11 Career diplomat shares his global education with Saint Leo Saint Leo University was honored helped force an end to the war to welcome former Ambassador then taking place in Bosnia. He Congratulations to Robert Hunter, who spoke at the has traveled to 90 countries over Father James Hoge, O.S.B. main campus on the topic: the course of his career. “Hitting the Ground Running: President Obama and Foreign Ambassador Hunter is now a senior On January 8, the university community Policy on Day One.” In addition, advisor at the Rand Corporation, a helped celebrate Father James the Ambassador granted Saint Leo a prominent research organization in Hoge’s 70th anniversary jubilee during wide-ranging interview. Washington, D.C., and he continues Community Day exercises held on the to offer counsel on national security main campus. Dr. Kirk marked the Ambassador Hunter served and foreign policy issues. occasion with a heartfelt tribute. in advisory roles to several top Democratic candidates and party The ambassador’s appearance was “Seventy years ago, a young man officials. In the years 1993-98, he the first event of Saint Leo University’s from West Virginia by way of Lakeland, served in the Clinton Administration Distinguished Speakers Series for Florida, presented himself to Abbot as U.S. Ambassador to NATO and the 2008-2009 academic year. Francis Sadlier and his brother monks the Western European Union and of Saint Leo Abbey to profess his vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and stability,” said Dr. Kirk. “Five years later, sixty-five years ago, the young monk, James Hoge, was Fall Family Fesitval ordained to the priesthood. This year marks the 70th anniversary jubilee Parents joined students at the main of Fr. James as a Monk of Saint Leo campus for Fall Family Festival on Abbey, his 65th year as a priest, the weekend of October 24. Festival and, last month, his 92nd birthday.” highlights included a western rodeo with bucking bulls and clowns, as “For 70 years, Father James has well as a student production of lived the values first set down in Ubu Roi, the early absurdist play by the fifth century by Saints Benedict Alfred Jarry. and Scholastica,” continued Dr. Kirk. “He has served his Abbey, and the schools his Abbey founded, loyally, wisely, and well. Father James taught in Saint Leo College Prep, and during the years of transition to a college, on the faculty of Saint Leo Junior College. He was elected to the university’s Board of Trustees in 1973 and continues to this day as a trustee emeritus. Saint Leo has not had a wiser counselor, or a better friend.”

12 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine University Chronicles

It’s not just about football Education majors participate in national conference When most people talk about Super Bowl XLIII, they chat about the Jane Govoni, Ph.D., and Valerie assisting with registration and other game, its players, TV commercials, and Wright, Ph.D., associate professors conference needs. half-time entertainment. of education, coordinated student involvement at the Florida Associa- Christopher Kent, a senior at Saint Reid Sigmon had a few hundred tion of Teacher Educators (FATE) Leo, received the Fanchon F. Funk more details on his mind. As execu- conference held in Orlando in Award for an outstanding teacher tive director of the 2009 Super September 2008. candidate in the state of Florida. Bowl, Sigmon coordinated the lodging, This award is presented annually to transportation, security, and fundraising Elementary education majors Jessica showcase student talent, work, and activities the massive tourist and MacRae, Ana Navarro, and Lauren demonstrated dedication in the field sporting event required. Oliver participated in the “Student of education. “Chris won the hearts Voices Program,” presenting a of the FATE Board last year,” said Sigmon shared his experiences in project. In addition, these students, Dr. Govoni, “when he served countless a November Saturday session with along with Kaitlyn Bunker, served hours assisting with conference needs.” students in the Master of Business as ambassadors for the conference, Administration program. Because of the myriad of details involved The university in successfully planning such large- hosted a Christmas scale projects, students interested in concert featuring sports and hospitality are well- the Florida Orchestra advised to pursue an MBA degree, Brass Quintet at the the executive told students. MBA Saint Leo Abbey grads are “able to examine things Church of the Holy from all the different perspectives,” Cross, followed by a Sigmon told his student audience. tree lighting ceremony on the university’s main campus.

Organization of American States awards $30,000 scholarship to Saint Leo Undergraduate For the first time, a Saint Leo Uni- Faculty members Stephen Baglione versity student has been awarded and Stan McGahey encouraged her an academic scholarship for under- application. Eventually, Lesvie wants graduate study by the Organization to work in tourism in the Bahamas, The littlest fan of American States. which happens to be a condition of the scholarship. She said she wants Isabella Stasio, Lesvie Clare, a 20-year-old junior tourists to come to appreciate the daughter of from the Bahamas, was recently cultural riches of the Bahamas. English Professor selected for the $30,000 scholarship Kathryn Stasio, by the international development Ph.D., dressed consortium. She is pursuing dual up for Halloween majors in international hospitality as her personal and tourism and in marketing. The hero, Emily Frey, scholarship will assist with tuition a Saint Leo student and expenses. and member of the women’s volleyball team.

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 13 1. 2. 3. 4.

A packed house 5. 6. 7. 8. welcomes Mystic Board of Trustees Profiles: New and Noteworthy River author to campus 1. Anthony J. Borrell, Jr., is president 5. Lieutenant General (Retired) William Best-selling author Dennis of Wilbey Industrial Services Corporation J. Lennox, Jr., of Alexandria, Virginia, Lehane read to a large and (WISCO), an investment company located currently serves as senior vice president, enthusiastic audience early in Tampa, Florida. He serves on the board Washington, for Goodrich Corporation, a in January. Lehane is well- of directors for the Outback Bowl, University Fortune 500 aerospace firm. He retired in known for his mystery and of Tampa, Merchants Association of June 2006 as the 56th Superintendent of crime novels, including Florida, the Borrell Family Foundation, the United States Military Academy after Mystic River, which was The Tampa Chamber of Commerce, and a 35-year career in the Army. He and his turned into a film by Clint the Florida Business BancGroup, Inc. wife, Anne, have three grown sons. Eastwood. Lehane’s newest work is an historical novel 2. Right Rev. Isaac Camacho, O.S.B., ’95 is 6. International jeweler Alfredo J. Molina set in Boston after World Abbot of Saint Leo Abbey. Born in Mexico is chairman and CEO of The Molina War I, called The Given City, Abbot Isaac joined the Benedictine Group, based in Phoenix, Arizona, and Day. His appearance at order in 1988, having previously served at proprietor of Black, Starr & Frost. Saint Leo was sponsored by Tepeyac Abbey, Mexico. He was ordained to Alfredo comes from a long line of master the Department of English, the priesthood at Saint Leo jewelers dating back to seventeenth century Fine Arts and Humanities. Abbey on December 22, 2001. Most recently Italy. He and his wife Lisa are well- he served as parochial vicar at St. Mark’s known for their charity work in Arizona. Catholic Church, North Tampa, Florida. 7. Reverend Robert F. Morris ’79 is vicar 3. Student trustee Sarah Ann Holz ’10 general of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. is majoring in religion and theology and He serves as vice chairman of the Board taking a minor in music at Saint Leo’s of Trustees for Catholic Charities and a main campus. She is a member of Voices member of the Presbyteral Council for of Christ, Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, the diocese. He also serves on the Board Drama Ministry, and is a University of Trustees for Academy of the Holy Ministry student chaplain. Names in Tampa.

4. Thamir Kaddouri ’94, shareholder in 8. William Pope is CEO of SunChase The Law Office of Thamir A.R. Kaddouri, Holdings, Inc., a diversified holding Jr., P.A., in Tampa, Florida, serves as company with a portfolio that includes president of the Saint Leo Alumni Asso- residential and commercial real estate, ciation Board of Directors. He received golf courses, hotels, software, and inter- his Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint national interests. Bill has completed On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Leo in 1994 and his Juris Doctorate from terms on many non-profit boards, and he Tampa poet laureate James Tokley Suffolk University Law School in Boston, and his wife Linda have been recognized shared original works celebrating the Massachusetts in 1999. for service to their community. civil rights leader and the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

14 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine University Chronicles

SLU sponsors Winter Baseball Meetings in Las Vegas This was the first time SLU participated as a sponsor in Minor League Baseball’s winter meetings. The annual exposition draws front-office personnel, managers, and others employed in In October, University Campus students displayed hand-paint- business aspects of the sport. The sponsorship provided School ed T-shirts as part of the “Clothesline Project” to draw attention of Business administrators and faculty the opportunity to promote to domestic violence, a societal issue that needs continued focus. the master of business administration program.

Additionally, 11 students studying sport business—including four MBA students and seven undergraduates—attended and worked as interns during the meetings. Their short-term assignments gave them valuable exposure to industry professionals, as well as networking opportunities.

London Calling! Over the Thanksgiving break, a group of 40 students and alumni traveled to England and Ireland for a study-tour led by faculty members Elisabeth Aiken and Karen Bryant. The tour offered Art and music and academic presentations marked Academic students a chance to visit locations that influenced literary greats Achievement Day 2008. such as William Shakespeare and James Joyce, and to see centuries of art in London’s museums.

Drama Ministry students presented “Seussical the Musical” to sold-out audiences in the Marmion Center on the main campus.

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 15 CruxLandmark Sancti Clock Patris Tower Benedicti receives the Cross of Saint Benedict Our beautiful new Student Community Center complex Francis Hall and Clock Tower crosses bear the letters and its landmark Clock Tower have been enhanced to “C,” “S,” “P,” and “B,” for the Latin phrase “Crux Sancti bear witness to the university’s Catholic and Benedictine Patris Benedicti” or “The Cross of our Holy Father identity. Just before Thanksgiving 2008, custom-made Benedict.” Benedictine Cross replicas were affixed to the tower’s north, south, and west walls so that our spiritual roots Each Clock Tower cross weighs 200 pounds and mea- are now literally visible from across the campus. sures 7 feet in diameter. The symbols had to be affixed to the Clock Tower walls one section at a time by two of The creation and installation of the crosses was a Stephens’ employees. Joe Szappan and Shane Pritchett complicated and fascinating process. Craftsman and worked together from a motorized lift, and completed artist Bob Stephens constructed the works in sections the task over the course of two days. at his company’s shop, SkyWatch Signs. He selected weatherproof material, and modeled the design and the colors on the Benedictine Cross in the entrance way of Saint Francis Hall. The backgrounds of the Saint

16 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine University Chronicles

Academic Connections Faculty members from the School of Arts and Sciences are enjoying a banner year in terms of hosting and co-hosting meetings of academic peers. The school is happy to note its role in three statewide faculty development events over the course of 2008-09. In October, Saint Leo, along with the Ybor City Campus of Hillsborough Community College, co-hosted the 2008 Florida College English Association conference in Ybor City. President Arthur F. Kirk, Jr. spoke at one of the group’s lunch meetings, several faculty presented papers, and drama students performed.

On December 5, 2008, SLU hosted the one-day Mathematical Associa- tion of America’s Suncoast Regional Meeting at the main campus. Partici- President Arthur F. Kirk, Jr. addresses members of the Florida College English Association. pants were welcomed by President Kirk, and several faculty members made presentations. This spring, the university is looking forward to having members of the Florida Academy of Sciences convene on the main campus, with faculty and students presenting papers.

“We are becoming more firmly connected to the academic communities of Florida,” Monika Vo, Ph.D., describes the components of President Kirk welcomes the Mathematical Association Saint Leo’s math major. of America’s Suncoast Region. said Rich Bryan, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.

Midnight Breakfast At the end of each semester on University Campus, Saint Leo students get a treat: a free “Midnight Breakfast” to encourage them through the long hours of study for their final exams. Dining hall staff and volunteers from the faculty and other university offices served about 700 meals in December.

Associate Professor of Political Science Hudson Reynolds, Ph.D., captured his audience’s attention with this slide. On September 17, with the 2008 presidential election only weeks away, five political science and history professors addressed the importance of the Constitution and the Electoral College during the university’s Constitution Day celebration.

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 17 Stephen L. Baglione, Conference of the Business 1. Ph.D., professor of Economics Institute. Both Dr. marketing and quantitative Dean and Dr. Braswell are Instructional Design Team marries methods, was published in accounting professors in the several professional journals School of Business. technology with teaching recently. Among his published Saint Leo’s Instructional Design Team works with faculty to articles are “Predicting Illegal Yvettte Ghormley, Ph.D., develop online courses and to help integrate technology into Downloading of Movies associate professor of busi- traditional classrooms. The team consists of instructional and Television Shows” in the ness at the South Hampton designers, graphic and multimedia artists, a quality control Review of Business Research; Roads Center, authored two specialist, and a project manager. The Instructional Design “The Influence of Internal chapters and edited several team offers group instruction sessions and individual Ethics and Values and others in the new reference consultations for faculty on the uses of technology in teaching External Perceptions of book, Handbook of Research and learning. Values and Needs on on Information Security and Profitability: An Empirical Assurance. Members of the Instructional Design Team recently attended Study of U.S. Executives” the Association for Educational Communications and Tech- in the Review of Business William Gooden, M.S.A., nology national conference and made presentations on a Research; and “Employee assistant professor of human variety of topics. Benefits and Work Conditions 4. resource administration by Demographic Categories” at the Fort Lee Center, Instructional Designer Claudia Ruiz presented a paper on in the Journal of Academy of recently was elected one of “Systemic Change Around a Common Pedagogical Model.” Business and Economics. three vice commanders in the Virginia American Legion. Instructional Designer Michelle Stewart, Ph.D., teamed with Patrick Crerand, Ph.D., Graphic/Multimedia Artist Melissa Atteberry for a presenta- assistant professor of English, Rande W. Matteson, Ph.D., tion titled “Teamwork for Success.” was recognized with a associate professor and chair special mention in The Best of the Criminal Justice Instructional Designer Matt Marzullo and Graphic/Multime- American Non-Required Reading 2. Department is the author dia Artist Mike Maihack presented “Serving PIE Online.” (PIE of 2008 for his short story, of a new book, Bully is an acronym for a teaching model that emphasizes prepa- “Letters from a Midwestern Beware! How to fight back ration, interaction, and evaluation.) Superhero.” Two additional with Florida Law on your Side, stories are scheduled for pub- Cedar Hill Publishing. The Project Manager Ophelia Frazier-Brown and Director of lication in Sentence book takes a look at bullying Instructional Technology Susan Colaric, Ph.D., presented a pa- Magazine: A Journal of and abusive behavior: who is per titled “150 Courses in 18 Months: Project Management Prose, Poetics and Conjunctions. apt to be a bully, where of Instructional Design.” In October, Dr. Crerand bullying might occur, and presented a short fiction piece what to do if it happens to Several staff members presented more than once at the at the 2008 Florida College you. Dr. Matteson also is conference. Dr. Colaric presented a second paper titled English Association conference scheduled to make presentations “Mentoring Faculty in Applying the PIE Model in the Creation in Ybor City, Tampa. on a variety of related of an Online Course.” Instructional Designer Oma Singh pre- topics at several profes- sented a paper, “A New Option for Instructional Technology Passard Dean, D.B.A., sional conferences in 2009. Researchers: Using Design-Based Research to Guide Devel- and Dan Braswell, Ph.D., They include the American opment and Validation of a Web-Based Module.” co-authored an article titled Criminal Justice Society An- “Are Academic Institutions nual Conference in Boston, Instructional Designer Michelle Stewart, Ph.D., presented two Meeting the Need for De- Massachusetts; the Southern additional papers, one on “Transforming Education” and the rivatives Accountants?” It was Criminal Justice Association other, which was written as her Ph.D. dissertation, on “Instruc- accepted for presentation Conference on Leadership tional Strategies that Promote Learning-Centered Synchro- at the 2008 International and Negative Stress, Columbia nous Dialogue Online.” 18 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine Faculty Accomplishments

South Carolina; and the 6. Carol G. Walker, Ph.D., 3. Marco Rimanelli, Randall “Woody” National Youth Crime Prevention associate professor of Ph.D., professor of Woodard, Ph.D., associate Conference on Abuse, Bullying education and dean of the political science, authored a professor of religion and and the Legal System in School of Education and new book titled the Histori- philosophy, made a guest Orlando, Florida. Dr. Matteson Social Services co-authored cal Dictionary of NATO and appearance on Spirit FM serves as a reviewer for a recently published article Other International Security radio to discuss the Investigative Sciences, an with Dr. Matteson titled, “The Organizations. The book presidential election from e-Journal targeted at acade- Law Enforcement Executives covers the Atlantic alliance’s the Catholic perspective. micians, criminal investigators, Guide to Understanding origins, structure, and Woodard was interviewed private investigators, police Bullying Behavior in Schools organization, and provides by the hosts of the popular administrators, and attorneys and in the Workplace.” The information about other FM station about an important NATO-related regional guide issued several years organizations with security ago by the U.S. Conference responsibilities in Europe of Catholic Bishops to help and worldwide. American Catholics consider voting choices from the Robert W. Robertson, Ph.D., perspective of Catholic director of Graduate Business teachings. The guide, titled 1. 2. 3. Studies, was appointed to Faithful Citizenship, does not the Executive Committee for direct voters to choose any the Florida Planning particular candidate or Association, Sun Coast party. Instead it helps Chapter, as a director for voters through many complex Pasco County, Florida. In social and public-policy addition, he is a new member issues Catholic leaders feel of the Pasco County Affordable parishioners need to weigh. Housing Advisory Committee, appointed by the Pasco Corinne B. Young, Ph.D., County Board of County associate professor of man- 4. Commissioners. Dr. Robertson agement and international appeared on Tampa TV’s business delivered a paper Channel 10 program in November at the Third “Studio 10.” He addressed Annual International Man- the importance of green agement Conference held initiatives in city planning at the University of the West and management and posited Indies in Barbados. Young a number of green issues co-authored the paper, that members of the general titled “Educating the Global public rarely consider. Citizen: Definitions, Mean- ings and Approaches,” with 5. 6. Michael J. Tkacik, 5. Jose de la Torre of Florida Ph.D., director of the International University. with an interest in the field article appeared in the Law Center for Catholic-Jewish of investigation. The journal Enforcement Executive Studies at Saint Leo, traveled publishes original research Forum, a publication of the to Sacred Heart University reports, evaluated practices, Illinois Law Enforcement in Connecticut for the annual and legal and policy analy- Training and Standards Conference of the Council of ses related to the investiga- Board Executive Institute. Centers on Jewish-Christian tive process. Relations.

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 19 SLU makes donation to USS Bush library

In celebration of Saint Leo’s 35 years made the gift in support of sailors the generous donations of many faculty of providing educational opportuni- seeking personal enrichment and a and staff. A Saint Leo University ties to the United States Navy, the college degree. The donation was book plate was placed in each of the university made a gift of books to organized by South Hampton Roads nearly 100 books. The aircraft the library of the USS George H. W. Center Director Ernie Everett with carrier was commissioned January Bush (CVN 77), the Navy’s newest the help of Cannon Memorial 10, 2009, and the event was covered aircraft carrier. Faculty and staff Library Director Brent Short and by White House photographers.

New center opens at Columbus EMCC graduates with associate Steve Judas is the assistant director Air Force Base degrees to enroll in SLU as juniors and Susan Craft is the assistant and continue their educational paths director of admission. toward bachelor’s degrees. Charleston, South Carolina joins SLU family Along with its new base location in Mississippi, Saint Leo opened a smaller teaching location at the U.S. Naval Weapons Air Station Charles- ton. Students can earn an associate degree in liberal arts or business administration, or enroll in Saint Fort Eustis-Fort Lee Center Saint Leo has opened a regional edu- Leo’s certificate program (requiring cation center at Columbus Air Force 18 hours of academic study) in home- earns military education award Base in eastern Mississippi, headed land security. Saint Leo has assigned Every year at the American Asso- by Center Director Dew White. The Academic Advisor Frank Osage to ciation for Adult and Continuing center offers programs leading to the work with Charleston students. Education (AAACE) conference, the bachelor’s degree in business Commission on Military Education administration, criminal justice, or Virginia adds Chesapeake location and Training (CMET) presents psychology. Courses are taught at several awards. Saint Leo University’s the center, online, and through the In January, Saint Leo opened a teaching location in Chesapeake, Virginia, to Fort Eustis and Fort Lee Centers distance-learning program. Columbus have been selected as this year’s AFB is the home of the 14th Flying offer working adults a variety of degree programs at the associate, recipient of the Ray Ehrensberger Training Wing and equips beginning Award for Institutional Excellence military pilots with fundamental bachelor- and master-degree levels. Areas of study include business, in Military Education. The award skills. To reach out to the base com- recognizes an educational institution munity, Saint Leo also computer information systems, health care management, social that serves a predominantly military entered a pact with East Mississippi student population and distinguishes Community College to permit work, criminal justice, and theology.

20 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine Continuing Education

itself through innovation and com- $300,000 for St. Jude Children’s sonville, Florida market, were Keiser mitment to lifelong learning of Research Hospital. Petty Office enrolls about 300 full-time students. adults in the military. Hunter has worked countless hours Keiser is based in Fort Lauderdale, providing aid to underprivileged but operates throughout Florida as a Susan Paulson, assistant vice presi- children, the homeless, and adolescent private, regionally-accredited, career dent of continuing education, com- girls, and has worked to recruit focused institution. At its Jacksonville mented about Center Director Bud others to volunteer for these projects. campus, Keiser offers a variety of Hayes and the award, “Bud and his associate and bachelor’s degree staff are doing a great job and I am Gainesville Center accomplish- programs. Saint Leo’s Northeast proud of the centers’ accomplishments in the news Florida Center serves students not ments as well as the honor bestowed Recent coverage in the Bradford only from Jacksonville, but also in on them.” County (Fla.) Telegraph noted the surrounding communities. Atlanta/Gwinnett in close coop- importance of Saint Leo University Distance Learning Program on in the community. Partly because of eration with technical schools board with the Navy Saint Leo’s presence, the former Saint Leo University has signed Sante Fe Community College is now Saint Leo was named as one of 30 agreements with two institutions, known as Sante Fe College. Saint Leo institutions selected for the Navy Gwinnett Technical College and partners with the host school to allow College Program Distance Learn- DeKalb Technical College, to make its students, many of whom are ing Partnership, another tribute to it easier for graduates of the schools working adults, to continue studies SLU’s flexibility and technological to continue their studies and earn locally for a bachelor’s degree. Saint capabilities in teaching. Saint Leo a bachelor’s degree from Saint Leo Leo offers bachelor’s degrees in business can offer CD-ROM instruction and in their local Georgia communities. administration, criminal justice, other course materials for sailors Saint Leo University will allow GWT elementary and middle grades education, who do not have access to traditional and DeKalb graduates with associ- psychology, computer information classes, or to the Internet for online ate degrees to enter SLU as juniors systems and more. SLU also offers course offerings. and study with SLU at its Gwinnett additional satellite teaching locations County location in Duluth. in the area. Center for Online Learning alum on leading edge Alumna and student receive The Gainesville Center congratulates Jeffrey Beard ’03/’05 reports that he honors in Hampton Roads adjunct faculty member Eileen has made education his career since Each year at the beginning of Fleet Stephens for her selection as Teacher earning the Bachelor of Arts degree Week, the Hampton Roads Chamber of the Year for 2008-09 at J.J. Finley in business administration through of Commerce names a Military Citizen Elementary School in Gainesville. COL. His online learning experi- of the Year. The honor goes to a In addition to her full-time work at ence made him “passionate about man or women who makes major Finley, Eileen teaches courses at Saint e-learning as a viable educational contributions to the community Leo for future elementary educators option and I wanted to help others and who is an outstanding sailor. in language arts and teaching English achieve what I was able to achieve In 2008, Yeoman 1st Class Irana L. to speakers of other languages. through Saint Leo.” He has since Abrams ’03, and Personnel Specialist Northeast Florida Center gone on to earn a Master of Science 1st Class Natasha Hunter, a student degree in instructional technology extends reach in Jacksonville at SLU’s Center for Online Learning, at the University of Tennessee, and were among 13 finalists nominated by Saint Leo has signed an agreement plans to earn a doctoral degree in the committee for making significant with Florida’s Keiser University to education with a concentration in contributions to their communities. smooth the way for Keiser gradu- instructional technology from UT. Petty Officer Abrams, who earned a ates to seek higher-level degrees with “I am even more an ambassador for B.A. in criminal justice from Saint Saint Leo. The pact may have the the SLU online program that is so Leo, has helped raise more than most significant effect in the Jack- technically and academically solid.”

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 21 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame

A committee is convened each year to select the athletes who will be honored by membership in the Hall of Fame. Committee members represent Saint Leo alumni, administrators, faculty, and athletics department staff. Nominees for the Hall of Fame are sought from Saint Leo College Prep, Junior College, The Saint Leo University Depart- The Athletic Hall of Fame was College, and University. ment of Athletics recently announced established by the university in 1986 three new members who will be to honor former students, coaches, The 2009 Hall of Fame honorees will inducted into the Athletic Hall of and administrators who excelled be inducted at a ceremony on Thursday Fame at its annual banquet in March. in athletics and who have brought evening, March 26, 2009, at the Student distinction, honor, and excellence to Community Center following a recep- The 2009 honorees include two Saint Leo. The Hall of Fame and its tion and dinner that begins at 6:00 Saint Leo College baseball standouts, annual induction ceremony keep the p.m. For more information about this Sean O’Connor ’83 and Ricky Dale school’s rich athletic history alive event, please contact Vicki Fredrick- ’84, as well as Saint Leo University for alumni, students, faculty, and son, assistant director of athletics, women’s tennis player Stephanie friends. at [email protected] or Harris ’00. (352) 588-8221, ext. 7314.

Champions! And here’s something else to brag about!

As the final fall semester grade re- It is widely accepted among the ports rolled in, Saint Leo University general population that the weak- Director of Athletics Fran Reidy may est academic link in any college is have not believed the information its athletics, because of the time on his desk, but then again, maybe and commitment many athletes put it wasn’t disbelief but rather that a toward their respective sports. If long-time expectation had been real- that is the case, then Saint Leo is ized. The cumulative grade-point in a tremendous position as their The Lady Lions won the Sunshine average of the Lions’ student-ath- athletes, as a whole, hold greater State Conference Championship letes had exceeded 3.0 for the first than a 3.0 average. All of this while (SSC) Tournament in November time since the NCAA began requiring the Lions concluded what is argu- 2008, after a nail-biting shootout their respective institutions to ably their best all-around fall season against No. 2 seed Florida Southern. submit grade reports in the 1980’s. on record. The Lions drew 1-1 with the Mocca- sins in regular time before defeating Looking at the breakdown, we see Reported by Evan Ortiz, Sports them in penalties, 3-2. that no program was lower than a Information Director 2.79, but it was the top-half of the Accolades continued when the grade averages that tilted the list National Soccer Coaches Association over 3.0. Eleven of the 16 teams of America announced that the team posted higher than a 3.0 with the earned a place on the association’s women’s cross country team earning Top 25 poll. Student-athlete Hannah a 3.41 GPA to lead the way. Women’s Beard was named SSC Player of the swimming posted a 3.23 and softball Year. Beard and teammate Lauren was right behind with a 3.19 GPA. Hudson were named to the 2008 This is a great achievement for both Daktronics All-South Region wom- the Department of Athletics and en’s soccer team. Saint Leo University.

22 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine Athletics

The university’s Department of Athletics hosted a tribute to the 23rd Celebrating Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Tuesday, February 3, 2009. The university, which has one of the longest-running Girls and Women in Sports Day celebrations Girls Women in the state of Florida, honored for- IN SPORTS mer basketball player Celia Slater as & the 16th Saint Leo University Central Catholic High She also played a role in Women in Sports Achievement School and a four-year the development of the Award recipient. player at Florida State Women’s National Basket- University. ball Association. Celia Slater is a Clearwater native who has played a role in developing Honored as a “Cham- Celia is a facilitator for young women athletes from high pion Beyond the Game” the Pursuing Victory with school to the professional level. She by Florida State in Honor Sports Ethics Pro- is executive director of the WinStar 2004, Celia also was the gram. She is well regarded Foundation, which encompasses the senior woman adminis- for her depth of knowledge NCAA Women Coaches Academy, trator and head women’s basketball and use of strategy to develop win- Play with Purpose, and the Winning coach at Lynn University before ning teams, but she is most admired Careers in Athletics programs. Celia joining Bruce Levy Associates where for her caring approach and commit- was a three-time state champion in she represented female athletes in ment to young women athletes. women’s basketball at Clearwater the United States and Europe. SLU at the North Pole

The SLU men’s basketball team couldn’t pass up the opportunity to show Santa Claus some of that Lion Pride when they visited North Pole, Alaska, in December. The Lions played four games in eight days, traveling over 4,600 miles and across four time zones to compete with three teams from the Great Northwest. During that time, the Green & Gold went 2-2 as they visited Seattle, Washington, as well as Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska.

During the first-ever visit by any Saint Leo team to the 49th state, the Lions did plenty of sightseeing but never saw the temperature reach above the 15-degree mark. At the time this picture was taken, the temperature was exactly zero.

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 23 Saint Leo University

March 26 – 29, 2009

The 2009 Homecoming Celebration will take place March 26 through March 29 on the main campus. All alumni are invited to attend. Re- union years ending in “4” or “9”, along with sports teams, social and Greek organizations will reunite during the weekend. Special activities are planned for the following groups. Class of 1999 Class of 1984 Class of 1979 Event Schedule Saturday, March 28 Class of 1974 Thursday, March 26 Special Reunion Lunches and Class of 1969 Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Events Fast Pitch Softball Alumni—25th Reunion Alumni vs. Student-Athlete Alpha Sigma Chi—45th Reunion Friday, March 27 Games Delta Phi Delta—45th Reunion Be a student for a day: attend Alumni Dinner Dance and Alumni Kappa Alpha Sigma a class, lecture, and student/ Association Awards Kappa Theta/Sigma Alpha Epsilon– alumni career panel. 40th Reunion Green and Gold Golf Tournament Sunday, March 29 Phi Delta Omega Tailgate before baseball and Mass at the Abbey Church Sigma Beta—45th Reunion softball games. Enjoy dinner, Farewell Brunch Sigma Phi Epsilon games, fireworks, and live music.

For details or to register, please call the Alumni Relations office at (352) 588-8667 or send an email to [email protected].

24 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine Alumni News

Alumni Events Spring 2009 Schedule

Homecoming 2009 Dear Fellow Alumni: March 26-29, 2009 Main Campus For many of us, 2009 is a year to celebrate. It’s a special reunion year for all alumni who received their degrees in years ending in Ocala “4” or “9.” In 1994––15 years ago––I walked Alumni Celebration of Excellence across the stage and received my Saint Leo April 17, 2009 diploma. I’ll be on campus for my 15-year Webber Center at Central reunion and I hope to see many of you at Florida Community College the Homecoming 2009 celebration from March 26 through 29. On behalf of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, I encourage all alumni to join us for the celebration. Savannah Alumni-Student River Cruise The Alumni Association Board of Directors continues its work to April 18, 2009 engage Saint Leo alumni on many levels. Our board members look Savannah, Georgia forward to meeting alumni at a variety of events held during each year. We encourage all alumni to stay in touch with the university by visiting the Alumni Relations offi ce on the main campus or by Class of 1959 Reunion making a phone call or sending an email. The Alumni Relations April 24-26, 2009 staff works hard to provide the best service to Saint Leo alumni, Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club but they can only do that if they have up-to-date information Dade City, FL about you. Please be sure to keep your information current.

It is amazing how quickly time goes by. I remember so many Mittel-European Tour great things about my experience as a Saint Leo student, experi- for Students and Alumni ences that helped shape me to be the person I am today. I look May 3-17, 2009 forward to hearing about your Saint Leo experiences and about Europe the great things that are happening in your lives today. Please be sure to stay in touch with the Alumni Relations offi ce. Savannah I look forward to seeing you all in the very near future. Alumni Breast Cancer Walk May 8, 2009 Savannah, Georgia

Thamir Kaddouri ’94 For more information about Saint Leo Alumni Association President these events, visit www.alumni. ([email protected]) saintleo.edu/166.php, send an email to alumni.relations@saintleo.edu, or telephone the Alumni Offi ce at (352) 588-8667.

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 25 Recent Events Thanks to all the alumni, students, faculty, and staff who attended 2008 summer alumni-student receptions. Seven events were held in two and one-half weeks! It was an adventure for everyone who helped make these events happen. New connections were created and old ones were strengthened.

Over the next few months, Alumni Relations staff will be working closely with volunteers and continuing education center staff to plan a variety of events for the coming year. We hope to see you soon.

Saint Leo College Prep and Holy Name Academy Reunion

More than 80 Saint Leo College Prep and Holy Name Academy alumni and friends gathered during the first weekend in October to celebrate their 50, 55, and 60 year reunions for the classes of 1958, 1953, and 1948. This was the first Prep-HNA reunion to be held in the new Student Community Center on the main campus. A reception was held on Saturday, October 4, in the Saint Leo College Prep and Holy Name Academy Lounge located in the new building.

The third annual Florida Benedictine Spirit Award was presented to John Hughes ’54 during a special luncheon held Saturday, October 4, 2008. The Benedictine Spirit Award is presented to individuals who exemplify the values articulated 1,500 years ago by Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica, and to those who demonstrate an uncommon and sustained devotion to Saint Leo Prep, Holy Name Academy, and Saint Leo University.

26 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine Saint Leo Alumni Events Hit a Homerun!!! Between February and September 2008, more than 225 Saint Leo alumni gathered at five Major League Baseball games around the country to support their local teams and to reunite, network, and socialize with other alumni. Each event included a pre-game or game-time reception and a Saint Leo alumni ball cap. The receptions gave alumni an opportunity to share stories about their Saint Leo experiences, the changes at the main campus, and their excitement about future alumni events and programs.

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 27 Sheila McDevitt (HNA) ’60 was the subject of a WUSF radio interview for its “Women in Power” series. She is the 1. 2. 3. current chair of the Board of Governors of the State Univer- sity System of Florida, and an attorney with the law firm of 4. 5. Ackerman Senterfitt.

Bonnie (Boyd) Claus ’64 1. and her husband reside in Henderson, Nevada, where she works part-time for General Dynamics Corporation. They moved to Henderson from Cape Canaveral, Florida, where both worked for NASA on the Apollo program.

2. William Griffin, Jr. ’71 recently celebrated his 35th wedding anniversary with his wife, Eleanor Bono Griffin. They have three children, William III, Marusia, and Patrick. The Griffins welcomed their first grandchild, John, on July 15, 2008. 6. 7. 8.

4. John View ’72, past president of the Saint 7. Mercedes “Desie” (Gil) 8. Dolores Incremona ’80, William “Bill” Harvey ’93 is Leo Alumni Association, was Ehrman ’75 earned a Alumni Association board chief of police of the Lebanon featured in the “Speak Out” specialist degree in reading, member, traveled to St. Peters- (Pa.) City Police Department column of the July/August issue summa cum laude, from the burg, Russia, for a 10-day tour and writes a regular column on of the journal AFT on Campus. University of Miami in May with friends and family. www.officer.com. John is the director of financial 2008. Desie has taught English aid and the Educational Larry Menyweather- Delores Randolph ’93 as a second language at 6. was Opportunity Program at the Caribbean Elementary School in Woods ’83 earned a included in the 2008 Who’s State University of New York Miami, Florida, for 25 years. Ph.D. in human sciences with a Who for Excellence in Law En- College of Environmental specialization in gerontology forcement and Security. Delores Science and Forestry, and an Tom Bonfield ’77 was named from the University of Nebraska- has a bachelor’s officer of the United University city manager for Durham, Lincoln in May 2008. He is degree in criminology, with Professions/AFT. North Carolina, in June 2008. former senior pastor at the a minor in philosophy. She Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist served 31 years in the Peters- Sheila Wooters ’74, athletic Dennis Mullen ’77, chair Church, and currently serves as burg Virginia Police Depart- 3. director of the Connelly School of the Saint Leo Board of an instructor in the black studies ment, retiring in 2008 with the of the Holy Child in Potomac, Trustees, was named Upstate department at the University of rank of captain. Maryland, received the Mary- President of Empire State Nebraska-Omaha. land State Athletic Director of Development Corporation by the Year Award in May 2008. New York State Governor David Paterson.

28 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine Class Notes

5. Thamir Kaddouri ’94 and Chandra Berry ’97 was Leo degrees. Wife Iris ‘03 has Africa to start a spiritual center wife Melissa are pictured featured in the Daily News in a BA in business administra- in Tanzania that will care for with former Florida coach Ron Newport News, Virginia. After tion and son Andrew attended AIDS victims, orphans, and Zook at the Outback Bowl Sum- separating from the Army classes at SHRC and received children from poor families. mer Splash event. in 2007, Chandra, who is a his associate’s degree in 2006. widow, launched an online James Strutchen ’07 is a Gary McKinney ’94 was business so she could be at Donald Manning ’03, is in his teacher in Jacksonville, Florida, named president of Day and home with her son Nicholas. eighth year as an educator and and also works as a profes- Zimmermann Power Services’ teaches kindergarten at Evergreen sional disc jockey part-time. NPS division in June, 2008. Sylvia Edwards MBA ’98 Elementary School in Ocala, FL. Gary earned his degree in recently was appointed finance Petty Officer Lauren business administration at Saint director for the city of Sanibel Debby Ashraf ’03 was Kowalewski ’07 is one of just Leo’s South Hampton Roads Island, Florida. recognized as Secondary Reading eight Coast Guard members Education Center. Teacher of the Year by the in Iraq and Afghanistan. She 9. Christian Ford ’99 Secondary Reading Council of is the only woman on the RAID Georgina Rivera-Singletary ’95 received his Juris Doctor Florida at its annual conference. (Redeployment Assistance and was featured in a Tampa Tribune degree from the University of Inspection Detachment) Team. article that described her California’s Berkeley School of journey from child of a migrant Law in May 2008. He joined family to assistant principal at Baker & McKenzie LLP (North Pasco High School in Dade City, American Litigation Practice Florida. Georgina was Group, San Francisco Office) in honored as the 2008 Florida November. Migrant Success Story of the Year by the Florida Department Matthew Dooris ’99 of Education and the Florida Received his Master of Arts in Migrant Interstate Program. Security Studies from the Cen- ter for Homeland Defense and Robert S. Wlliams ’95 became Security in December 2008. Hampton Virginia’s treasurer in June 2008. Robert attended Katie Sewell ’00 was named classes at the Langley Education a semifinalist for the Massa- 9. 10 . Center in Virginia. chusetts Teacher of the Year. Last spring she received her Robyn Hamilton ’95 was named master’s degree in education, Rodney Smith ’03 is the new Paul Sheaffer ’07 is the new to the Charlotte Business Journal’s magna cum laude, from the deputy police chief of Ocala, chief of police for Penn Township, “40 under 40” list. Robyn University of Massachusetts– Florida. He holds a bachelor’s Pennsylvania. He received his is president and CEO of the Boston. degree in criminology from master’s degree in criminal Carolinas Minority Supplier Saint Leo. justice from Saint Leo, with a Development Council. Scott Weaver M.Ed. ’01 is the concentration in critical incident new principal of Westchase Joseph B. St. John ’04 is the management. James Previtera ’96 recently Elementary School in Northwest new Chief of Police of Columbus, was promoted to the rank of Hillsborough County, Florida. Mississippi. Prior to his new job, Brittany Josselyn ’08 is colonel and commander of the he was a captain in the Newport administrative assistant to the detention department of the Mark Terry ’02 is producer of News Police Department, where general manager of the Hillsborough County Florida “Live Evil,” a feature-length he worked for 23 years. Manchester (N.H.) Wolves. Sheriff’s Office. action-horror movie completed last year. Sister Pudentiana Kimberly Cutter ’08 is the new 10. Tibabyekomya ’05/’08 department head and instructor Jeff Zahratka ’02 recently was featured in the June 5 for cosmetology at Savannah published Sweepers Sweepers edition of Florida Catholic. Technical College. Man Your Brooms, a book about Sister “Puddy” received her his 26 years in the Navy. Jeff’s master’s degree in pastoral wife and son also hold Saint leadership and returned to

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 29 Lion Cub Club In Memoriam Harry Parker Hope ’29 Harley J. Dell ’81 Katie Delaney `91 is pleased April 3, 2008 April 21, 2008 to announce the birth of her son, Bruno Delaney, on December Paul Vincent DeGuenther Sr. ’42 James Neel Calhoun ’82 27, 2007. September 17, 2008 August 23, 2008 David J. Preller, III ’92 and his Harvey McKay Heagerty ’44 William K. Wooden ’82 wife Jennifer are the proud November 15, 2008 September 29, 2008 new parents of a baby boy, Andrew Arthur Preller, born Edward Archie Storch ’46 Serge Duchatellier Jr. ’93 September 17, 2008 August 10, 2008 October 3. 2008 Kelley (Pekarek) Touchton `02 Rose V. Rachel ’50 Mildred A. Osborne ’94 announces the birth of February 23, 2008 June 26, 2008 Abigaile Grace Pekarek, born September 11, 2008. Dorothy Ann Sumner ’55 Angela Marie Johnson ’98 Kelly reports that Abigaile July 9, 2008 January 5, 2008 can’t wait to become a Saint Leo student and a member of Donald J. Kreusch ’56 Tommy L. Wilson ’99 Alpha Sigma Tau! August 10, 2008 September 5, 2008 Weddings Paul A. Schneider ’56 Philip M. Marshall ’00 January 24, 2009 June 17, 2008 Katie Sewell ’00 and Scott Rebekah Schmidt and Joseph Anderson were married on Canova ’07 were united in a Russell J. Wallauer ’65 Carole Connelly ’03 November 1, 2008 in Baltimore, double ring ceremony at the May 28, 2008 March 6, 2008 Maryland. Christopher Corlito ’00 Faith Baptist Tabernacle in Wil- was a groomsman in their wedding. liston, Florida on April 5, 2008. William Paul Sullivan, Jr. ’69 Carrie Hammer ’08 June 17, 2008 November 23, 2008 Jamie Marks ’03 and Marlon 11. Katy Nyquist ’05 and Furlongue ’03 were married Tyson Boyd were married Richard J. Appio ’70 Cecelia Heintz O.S.B. on August 31, 2008 at Beaches June 21, 2008, at the Saint August 5, 2008 Registrar and teacher, Boscobel in Jamaica. Leo Abbey Church. Tyson’s twin Holy Name Academy daughters, Bailey and Taylor, Oliver James Keller Jr. ’72 September 7, 2008 played an important role in the February 12, 2008 celebration. Tyson is pursuing Dirk Budd his bachelor’s degree at Saint Christopher Paul O’Brien ’74 Former professor of English Leo University and Katy is the November 24, 2008 November 28, 2008 alumni assistant/event coordinator at Saint Leo University. Dennis A. Bogle ’75 Reverend Father George I. September 13, 2008 Paulson 11. Former professor of John Andrew Groff Sr. ’77 psychology and theology March 9, 2008 January 5, 2009

William P. Cowart ’78 Dr. Charles Arnade March 17, 2008 Former professor of international studies John Wickert ’79 September 7, 2008 November 30, 2008

Alan C. Lynch ’80 January 20, 2008

30 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine When Saint Jude Chapel was opened last year as part of the larger Student Community Center complex, students, faculty, staff, and visitors were happy to have a peaceful sanctuary for quiet reflection and for celebrations of Mass.

And yet, the chapel wasn’t truly complete until the recent installation of a specially crafted crucifix. The artwork has attracted attention not only for its beauty and symbol- ism, but also for its intriguing history. A New Crucifix for “It came out of a chapel, and it went back into a chapel,” explained Rob Garland, a trained mason and builder aint Jude Chapel who works for the university’s plant operations department.

Actually, that’s just the start of the story of how Garland created the someS oak church pews, saved when embellish them somehow. He found stunning, four-foot high crucifix we a Catholic chapel in Pinellas County inspiration in his own mother’s see today. The project began when was displaced years ago. He deter- rosary. That crucifix has a cross with Father Stephan Brown, director of mined the oak would be a fitting rounded edges. university ministry, asked the plant material for the cross. operations staff if they could help In late August, Garland and Caban him locate a crucifix for the chapel. Only one more element was needed. brought the project to completion Jose Caban, Garland’s supervisor by mounting the crucifix on the First Brown and Garland found the and the director of plant operations, recessed wall of the chapel. Father Christ figure, a piece that had been directed Garland to incorporate into Brown blessed the crucifix during a made in Italy and carved from wood. the work the same dark forest-green weekday Mass in September, when The university had previously dis- granite atop the chapel altar. This students were back on campus. played the figure in the chapel of the would visually match the new cruci- former MacDonald Center, and had fix to its surroundings. Garland considers his work on the placed the work in storage for safe- crucifix one of the high points of his keeping when the old student center Garland took the elements to the 18 years at Saint Leo University. “I’m was razed. The figure, with proper wood shop and began working away, glad I got to make it,” he said. display, would be the right size for tending to the crucifix construction the recently constructed Saint Jude for a couple of hours at a time, in The Saint Jude Chapel is dedicated to Chapel, Garland decided. between his other assignments. He the memory of Elizabeth T. Cannon. cut the oak planks to size, laid gran- Both she and her husband Daniel were Still, there was work to be done to ite atop the wood, and affixed the prominent members of the Saint Leo com- complete an appropriate crucifix: Christ figure to the structure. munity. The Cannon Memorial Library Garland needed to make a cross to stands as a testament to their dedication bear the body of the Christ figure. He puzzled over one detail––whether and generosity. Mrs. Cannon was an He recalled that the plant opera- to leave the ends of the cross cut as alumna of Saint Leo College and a mem- tions department still had on hand blunt, straight edges, or whether to ber of the Board of Trustees.

Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine 31 Attention GO Online Community Members!

GREENMaking a gift to Saint Leo has never been easier than it is this year.

No checks, no envelopes, no stamps. New Ways to reconnect and Good for the environment and good for network are on the horizon. Saint Leo. Soon you will be able to connect with other SLU alumni directly through your When you make your Annual Fund gift Facebook account. online, Saint Leo students will benefi t immediately from your generosity. And you will be able to connect with companies looking to hire people like To make your gift, just go to you and with fellow alumni in your www.saintleo.edu and select area, across the country, and around “Support SLU” at the upper right the world. You’ll even be able to corner of the page. update your inCircle profile––all while logged onto your Facebook account.

To register for the Saint Leo Alumni Online Community please send an email to [email protected] and request Online Community access.

32 Saint Leo University Spirit Magazine The gift of a lifetime

Jack Callan joined the U.S. Navy in 1950 as a seaman attached to the USS Prairie State. Over his distinguished 20-year career, he was commissioned as a naval offi cer and aviator, deployed to the Atlantic and Pacifi c Oceans, and assigned to numerous fi ghter squadrons fl ying more than ten different types of aircraft, including front-line jet fi ghters. He completed a total of over 4,000 fl ight hours and made 187 lifetimecarrier landings. Shortly after his retirement, Jack began a second career that continued his dedicated service to the military community. He was appointed director of Saint Leo’s new education center at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia. Over the next 20 years, Jack Callan led the center’s growth, introduc- ing classes on all major military installations in the South Hampton Roads area. He became regional director for the four Saint Leo education centers located on Army, Air Force, and Navy installations in Virginia. His innovative leadership resulted in education that improved the careers of thousands of service members and their families.

In 1994, Saint Leo recognized Jack’s great service to the military community and his dedication to Saint Leo with an honorary degree and a scholarship was established in his name. He died in April of that year.

The Dr. Jack F. Callan Scholarship is awarded annually to the wife of a Navy active duty Saint Leo student, ensuring that Jack’s memory will live on at Saint Leo University. Scholarship gifts honor the friendships you formed, the special memo- ries you made, and the education you received at Saint Leo University.

If you would like to establish your own named scholarship, contribute to an existing scholarship fund, or receive more information, please contact the Saint Leo University’s Develop- ment Ofﬁ ce at (352) 588-8483 or send an email to develop- [email protected]. Saint Leo University

March 26 – 29, 2009

The 2009 Homecoming Celebration will take place March 26 through March 29 on the main campus. All alumni are invited to attend. Reunion years ending in “4” or “9”, along with sports teams, social and Greek organizations will reunite during the weekend. Details inside.

Un i v e r s i t y Ad v a n c e m e n t University Campus - MC2227 P.O. Box 6665 Saint Leo, FL 33574-6665 www.saintleo.edu