The university’s Physical Plant team has worked hard over the past couple of weeks to prepare the main campus for the Christmas season, lining walkways with miniature lighted Christmas trees and preparing the life-size Nativity. The Christmas tree and manger will be blessed by Director of University Ministry Fr. Stephan Brown following a concert of the Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet at Saint Leo Abbey Church and a candlelight procession to the Student Community Center plaza. For information about the concert and tree lighting on December 2, click here.
ALUMNI PROFILES
Jose Coll '02 has been selected to direct a new program in military social work at the University of Southern California. The program is the first of its kind at a major research university and will focus on helping veterans manage the stresses of war and return to a healthy civilian life. Coll, who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from SLU in 2002, was chair of Saint Leo’s social work program from 2007 to 2008, before joining the faculty of USC earlier this year. He says, "I feel a great amount of gratitude and pleasure to have received my BSW from Saint Leo and later to have chaired the social work program. It was this experience that has led me to meet all of these goals while maintaining our [Saint Leo] core values."
Kevin Amis ’93was appointed vice president of operations for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding this year. In his new role, Amis leads all craft employees, the Northrop Grumman Newport News Apprentice School, and all manufacturing disciplines. The Apprentice School offers four-and five-year programs for students interested in shipbuilding careers. Amis, a graduate of the Apprentice School, earned his bachelor’s degree in technology management from Saint Leo College in 1993.
UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS
Saint Leo Southwest Florida Alumni Golf Classic December 6, 2008
Miramar Lakes Beach and
Golf Club Click here for more information.
Homecoming 2009 March 26-29, 2009
Saint Leo University Main Campus Click here for more information.
Savannah Alumni-Student River Cruise April 2009
Savannah, Georgia
Mitteleuropean Tour for Students and Alumni May 3, 2009
Europe Click here for more information.
Savannah Alumni Breast Cancer Walk May 2009
Ocala Alumni Celebration of Excellence May 29, 2009
Northeast Florida Alumni Great Expectations Event June 2009
Ravine Gardens, Palatka, Florida
Get involved!
Alumni Networking Groups
Saint Leo alumni have formed five networking groups across the southeastern U.S. and more groups are organizing. The Alumni Association encourages you to join an existing group or to create a regional or special interest group with other alumni. Operating within the boundaries of the Saint Leo Alumni Association, these groups serve as vehicles for alumni to connect with each other and the university.
Alumni who volunteer for a networking group use the alumni online community to generate interest in their region or area of interest. Volunteers plan social and professional development activities for their group, and they help support SLU with student recruitment and career services efforts.
To get involved in an existing group or to start a group in your area, please send an email to alumni.relations@saintleo.edu or call (352) 588-8994.
Existing SLU Alumni Networking Groups
• Greater Atlanta Networking Group (GA)
• Greater Savannah Networking Group (GA)
• Greater Tampa Networking Group (FL)
• Greater Virginia Networking Group
• Ocala Networking Group (FL)
Upcoming Alumni Networking Groups
• Charleston Networking Group (SC)
• Shaw Networking Group (SC)
Homecoming is March 26-29, 2009
Homecoming is the perfect time to return to campus in 2009. All alumni are invited! Special reunions are planned for alumni who graduated in years ending in 4 or 9.
These sports teams, social, and Greek organizations will reunite for special Homecoming events throughout the weekend:
Class of 1999
Class of 1984
Class of 1979
Class of 1974
Class of 1969
Fast Pitch Softball Alumni - 25 Year Reunion
Alpha Sigma Chi - 45 Year Reunion
Delta Phi Delta - 45 Year Reunion
Kappa Alpha Sigma
Kappa Theta/Sigma Alpha Epsilon - 20 Year Reunion
Phi Delta Omega
Sigma Beta - 45 Year Reunion
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Homecoming Weekend at a glance
Thursday, March 26
• Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet
Friday, March 27
• Be a student for the day: attend a class,
a lecture, or the student-alumni career panel.
• Green and Gold Golf Tournament
• Tailgate party! Enjoy dinner, Saint Leo
Baseball and Softball games, fireworks,
and live music.
Saturday, March 28
• Special Reunion Lunches and Events
• Alumni vs. Student-Athlete Games
• All Alumni Dinner, Dance, and Alumni
Association Award Ceremony
Sunday, March 29 • Mass at the Abbey Church
• Farewell Brunch
Saint Leo Alumni Association Board of Directors call for nominations
The Association and Board Development Committee of the Saint Leo Alumni Association is soliciting nominations for the Board of Directors for its 2009 – 2012 term. Nominees must have matriculated at Saint Leo University, Saint Leo College, Saint Leo College Preparatory School or Holy Name Academy. Members of the Board of Directors, the Alumni Association, and the Saint Leo community are encouraged to nominate individuals who are active and committed to serving the university, and are willing to make a commitment to the Association’s Board of Directors for a three-year term. Sitting directors may be nominated for a second consecutive three-year term.
The Board Development Committee considers the following qualifications essential for nomination to the Board of Directors: dedication and active service to Saint Leo University, current service to the Alumni Association, ongoing involvement in Alumni Association programs, and leadership through support of the Saint Leo University Annual Fund.
Those nominating an individual for consideration should know the candidate personally and be comfortable with his/her ability and desire to serve the Alumni Association. They should provide the nominee with the attached documentation and are responsible for making sure a complete nomination package is submitted to the Alumni Association prior to the nominations deadline.
A complete nominations package will
consist of:
1. Completed Nomination Form
2. Letter of Support from the person nominating the candidate
3. Personal Statement from the nominee
To nominate a classmate, friend, or even yourself, please click this link or contact the Office of Alumni Relations
(352) 588-8667.
SLU Annual Report and Facts and Figures now online
The 2007-2008 University Report is now available online as a PDF (click here). Also available is the 2008-2009 edition of the Facts & Figures brochure (click here).
This document is a brief overview of the university’s key information including enrollment, academic programs, and locations.
Women’s soccer team wins SSC Championship!
The Lions won the Sunshine State Conference Championship (SSC) Tournament on November 9, after a nail-biting shootout against No. 2 seed Florida Southern. Accolades continued when the National Soccer Coaches Association of America announced that the team earned a place on the association's Top 25 poll. Student-athlete Hannah Beard was awarded SSC Player of the Year. Beard and teammate Lauren Hudson were named to the 2008 Daktronics All-South Region women’s soccer team. To read more click here. To view video highlights of the championship game click here. To view photos of the game click here.
STORIES
Saint Leo honors veterans
Students, faculty, staff, and neighbors of Saint Leo’s main campus gathered to honor veterans at the university’s Veterans Day ceremony on November 11. Lieutenant Colonel James B. Botters of the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Corps gave the keynote address and SLU’s Army ROTC presented the colors. The ceremony concluded with the release of doves symbolizing a prayer for peace.
Professor provides analysis of Obama bully pulpit
History Professor Doug Astolfi was quoted in an Associated Press story last week about President-elect Barack Obama’s use of the bully pulpit to push for an economic stimulus package. The story was picked up by media outlets worldwide. You can read the story at The New York Times Website by clicking here or at the CBS News Website by clicking here.
Meet Trustee Bill Lennox
Lieutenant General (Retired) Bill Lennox of Alexandria, Virginia, is one of Saint Leo University’s new trustees. He retired in June 2006 as the 56th Superintendent of the United States Military Academy after a 35-year career in the Army. His three and a half decades of service included commands at every level of field artillery, from battery to division artillery. His staff positions included tours as a White House Fellow, as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army, and as Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans. He also served as Chief of Staff for III Corps and Ft. Hood; Assistant Chief of Staff, CJ-3, Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea and Deputy Commanding General, Eighth United States Army; and as the Army’s Chief of Legislative Liaison.
In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy, General Lennox holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in literature from Princeton University. His military education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, and the Senior Service College Fellowship at Harvard University. General Lennox was the distinguished graduate of his class at the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
General Lennox’s awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal; the Distinguished Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; the French Legion of Honor; the Korean Order of Military Merit-Incheon Medal; the Ranger Tab; the Parachutist Badge; and the Army Staff Identification Badge.
General Lennox currently serves as senior vice president, Washington, for Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 aerospace firm. He and his wife, Anne, have three sons: Matthew and Andrew, a Major and a Captain in the Field Artillery; and Jonathan, a certified financial planner.
Click here to view General Lennox’s address from Saint Leo’s Atlanta commencement ceremony, June 7, 2008.
Letters from the Director of University Ministry
Each month, Director of University Ministry Father Stephan Brown sends an e-mail message to the Saint Leo community. These letters address topics facing every member of the community and bring inspiration to students and faculty wherever they live around the world. Fr. Stephan’s December letter can be viewed by clicking here.
Ft. Eustis, Ft. Lee Centers earn military education award
Every year at the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) conference, the Commission on Military Education and Training (CMET) presents several awards. Saint Leo University’s Fort Eustis and Fort Lee Centers have been selected as this year’s recipient of the Ray Ehrensberger Award for Institutional Excellence in Military Education. The award recognizes an educational institution that serves a predominantly military student population and distinguishes itself through innovation and commitment to lifelong learning by adults in the military.
Susan Paulson, assistant vice president of continuing education, commented about the award, "Bud and his staff are doing a great job and I am proud of the centers’ accomplishments as well as the honor bestowed on them through their selection as this year’s recipient for institutional excellence in military education."
Student artwork showcased at two November events
Two November events showcased the creative work of students at the university’s main campus. The Fall Student Art Show on November 6 was hosted by Dr. Mary Spoto, chair of English, fine arts and humanities. Guests viewed student paintings and photographs in the lobby of Saint Edward Hall while enjoying music provided by the Saint Leo University String Ensemble directed by Kasia Dolenska.
On November 14, students, faculty, and staff were treated to Southern Journeys, an exhibit of photographs from the May 2008 study-tour led by faculty members Shawn Bingham and Elisabeth Aiken. Via road-trip and literature readings, the study-tour focused on the unique culture of the American South touching on topics such as the struggle for racial equality, southern cuisine, and blues and jazz music. During the exhibit, students read from their travel journals and Professor Ernie Williams and friends played traditional American bluegrass music.
Guest appearance brings professor to Tampa’s airwaves
Saint Leo University faculty member Randall "Woody" Woodard spoke with hosts from the popular station Spirit FM 90.5 about an important guide issued several years ago by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to help American Catholics consider voting choices from the perspective of Catholic teachings. The guide, called Faithful Citizenship, does not direct voters to choose any particular candidate or party.
Instead, the guide helps voters through the many complex social and public-policy issues Catholic leaders feel parishioners need to weigh as they make their voting choices. The guide is not limited to pro-life issues. It includes concerns over immigration, fair-trade and wage policies, the worldwide food supply, discrimination, and concern for environment, for instance. While the guide is available for free on the Internet at http://www.faithfulcitizenship.org, many people would not be aware of the depth and range of the guide’s teachings without broadcast programs on the topic.
Spirit FM 90.5 is operated by the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Woodard, an assistant professor of theology at Saint Leo, brings his perspective as a Catholic and his skills as a communicator and teacher to the discussion of Faithful Citizenship. He appeared as a guest commentator on Spirit FM twice in October.
Gainesville Center scares up donations
Faculty and staff from Saint Leo’s Gainesville Center participated in the 14th annual Santa Fe College Boo at the Zoo event. Boo at the Zoo is a family event hosted by the college’s teaching zoo and is a means of collecting canned goods for local food pantries. This year over 5,800 people attended and more than 5,000 canned goods were collected. The zoo also handed out a ton (literally) of candy. The Gainesville Center sponsored "hay hunt" for candy, handing out more than 3,600 pieces of candy and over 2,000 SLU pencils.
Whitney Drew, Dawn McElveen, and Dia Harden dressed as Saint Leo lions.
SLU’s first Taiwan-based MBA class
MBA Program Manager Ashley Henderson (center) visited the first class of graduate business students in Taiwan in November. Saint Leo began offering on-ground MBA classes in Taiwan this fall in partnership with Lincoln Business School. The program parallels the MBA program at Saint Leo’s main campus.
Panel discusses future of sport industry
The departments of sport business and international tourism presented a panel discussion about changes to the sport business industry in light of the recent economic downturn. Panelists included Mike Schulze, director of communications and corporate sponsorships for the Outback Bowl; alumnus Kevin B. Reynolds, sports area manager for Disney Sports Attractions - Walt Disney World Sports; Francis Reidy, director of intercollegiate athletics for Saint Leo University; and Rick Nafe, vice president of operations and facilities for the Tampa Bay Rays. The panelists offered their perspectives on how the changing economy will affect their businesses in the coming years and answered student questions. The event was moderated by Rosie Stallman, president/east of Project Fundraise, LLC.
SLU News is published by the Saint Leo University Office of Public Relations ten months each year with the exception of June and August.
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has been selected to direct a new program in military social work at the University of Southern California. The program is the first of its kind at a major research university and will focus on helping veterans manage the stresses of war and return to a healthy civilian life. Coll, who earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from SLU in 2002, was chair of Saint Leo’s social work program from 2007 to 2008, before joining the faculty of USC earlier this year. He says, "I feel a great amount of gratitude and pleasure to have received my BSW from Saint Leo and later to have chaired the social work program. It was this experience that has led me to meet all of these goals while maintaining our [Saint Leo] core values."
was appointed vice president of operations for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding this year. In his new role, Amis leads all craft employees, the Northrop Grumman Newport News Apprentice School, and all manufacturing disciplines. The Apprentice School offers four-and five-year programs for students interested in shipbuilding careers. Amis, a graduate of the Apprentice School, earned his bachelor’s degree in technology management from Saint Leo College in 1993.
History Professor Doug Astolfi was quoted in an Associated Press story last week about President-elect Barack Obama’s use of the bully pulpit to push for an economic stimulus package. The story was picked up by media outlets worldwide. You can read the story at The New York Times Website by 
innovation and commitment to lifelong learning by adults in the military. 
Saint Leo University faculty member Randall "Woody" Woodard spoke with hosts from the popular station Spirit FM 90.5 about an important guide issued several years ago by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to help American Catholics consider voting choices from the perspective of Catholic teachings. The guide, called Faithful Citizenship, does not direct voters to choose any particular candidate or party.
