Saint Leo University Launches Lifelong Learning Commitment to Help Alumni Build AI-Era Skills
New initiative will give more than 107,000 alumni worldwide access to certifications, career development, and continued university connections
Learning doesn’t end at graduation for Saint Leo University alumni. The university’s new Lifelong Learning Commitment will provide more than 107,000 Saint Leo graduates worldwide with access to professional development, artificial intelligence training, and career resources to help them keep pace with a changing workforce.
As part of the university’s commitment, Saint Leo alumni will have the opportunity to complete one professional certification course designated by the program each year and earn an official Saint Leo credential.
“As technology continues to reshape nearly every industry, universities have a responsibility to help graduates continue learning long after commencement,” said Dr. Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “The Lifelong Learning Commitment is about giving our alumni the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to lead in an AI-driven workforce.”
The first offering, available to alumni later this fall, will be a new Saint Leo University-developed online AI certification course, valued at more than $500, along with additional AI educational resources through the university’s partnership with IBM SkillsBuild. Participants also will receive an official Saint Leo alumni email address, providing access to the program’s educational and professional development opportunities.
Interested Saint Leo alumni can join the waiting list for the Lifelong Learning Commitment at your.saintleo.edu/alumni-and-community/benefits-and-services. Certification offerings and program benefits will be updated each year to reflect emerging technologies and changing workforce needs, with program membership also renewed annually.
The Lifelong Learning Commitment is part of a broader effort to strengthen Saint Leo’s lifelong relationship with its graduates. The university is expanding opportunities for alumni to stay connected, contribute their expertise, and engage with Saint Leo in ways that align with their interests, careers, and communities.
“Every Saint Leo graduate should have an opportunity to stay connected, contribute, and be part of the university community in a way that works for them,” said Dr. Nieta Scott-Dunmore, most recent president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. “I’m excited to see the university expand opportunities beyond the traditional board structure and invite more alumni to contribute their talents, experiences, and ideas. This is an important step toward building a stronger, more connected alumni community.”
This fall, new Alumni Advisory Councils will bring together alumni professionals, industry leaders, and employer partners to collaborate with each of Saint Leo’s three academic colleges. The councils will provide workforce insights, strengthen partnerships between the university and industry, and help expand experiential learning opportunities, internships, and career pathways for Saint Leo students and graduates.
The Alumni Ambassador Program will provide graduates with flexible opportunities to support Saint Leo through events, student recruitment efforts, and alumni outreach. The university is also expanding regional programming, starting in the Tampa Bay area, to create more opportunities for alumni to engage through networking events, career-focused gatherings, and community activities.
“We see our alumni as lifelong partners in Saint Leo’s mission, and we are investing in their continued growth, success, and connection to the university,” said Dr. Stephen Kubasek, vice president of university advancement. “We’re expanding opportunities for alumni across all of our academic programs and meeting them where they are, whether through continued learning, career connections, mentorship, or community engagement.”
Learn more about Saint Leo’s Office of University Advancement and alumni engagement efforts at your.saintleo.edu.