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Saint Leo University unveiled the new name of its lacrosse stadium, Jody Luihn Family Stadium, on Saturday, March 7, in honor of alumnus Jody “Allan Joseph” Luihn ’83 and his family. The dedication was one of several moments throughout the university’s Alumni Weekend 2026 celebration recognizing the impact of Saint Leo graduates. 

jody-luihn-receives-plaque-at-stadium-dedication

Along with his family and university leadership, Luihn was recognized on the field before the men’s lacrosse game. Stephen Kubasek, vice president of university advancement, said, “Jody’s commitment to our university has created meaningful pathways for student success and community advancement. We are proud to honor that impact today by naming our stadium the Jody Luihn Family Stadium.” 

A member of the university’s Board of Trustees, Luihn has remained deeply involved in advancing Saint Leo’s mission. Luihn is an accomplished franchise executive and dedicated philanthropist whose work bridges business success and educational opportunity. As CEO of Luihn VantEdge Partners, he has helped expand the company into a multi-brand restaurant organization operating across several states, while championing a people-first culture and investing in employee development.

Luihn partnered with Saint Leo University and the Taco Bell Foundation to support at-risk freshmen through scholarships, early-start programs, and financial-literacy and career-readiness initiatives. University leaders said this collaboration contributed to a significant increase in freshman retention and demonstrated the power of strategic philanthropy. 

Opened in fall 2012 as University Turf Stadium, the newly renamed Jody Luihn Family Stadium is home to the Lions’ men’s and women’s lacrosse teams and serves as the primary playing surface for many intramural sports. The field sits atop a 740-space parking garage on the east side of Saint Leo’s University Campus and can accommodate up to 6,000 spectators. 

The stadium dedication was part of a weekend devoted to celebrating alumni achievements and contributions to the university community. During the March 7 Breakfast with the President, the 2025 Alumni Award recipients were recognized:  

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  • Benedictine Spirit Award: Pio Rizzo ’01, ’07

  • Distinguished Alumnus/a Award: Scott Woodward ’86

  • Mary Cannon Cabot Spirit Award: Sr. Donna DeWitt, O.S.B., ’73

  • Military Service Award: Gary Ruebush ’14; Dr. James Scott ’23

  • Roaring Onward Award: Raisa Alstodt ’16, ’20; Wakens Leonard ’20; Sabria Thompson-Murphy ’18; and John Watts ’23

The award recipients were selected for their impact as role models for current students, their encouragement of prospective students to pursue a Saint Leo education, and the pride they inspire among fellow alumni. The Alumni Awards are administered annually by the Saint Leo University Alumni Association with support from the university’s Office of Alumni Engagement. Full biographies of the 2025 award recipients are available at your.saintleo.edu/alumni--community/alumni-association/alumni-recognition/2025-award-recipients.