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Class of 1998

Browsing

Encouraging and educating the next generation of law enforcement leaders is just part of what drives Saint Leo University alumna Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, ’98. As the chief of the Durham (NC) Police Department and president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Davis not only serves her community but also strives to improve her chosen profession. She advocates for change and standardization in training and the implementation of best practices for all law enforcement officers, nationwide.

Davis graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology from Saint Leo, studying at Fort McPherson in Atlanta. She earned a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University and hopes to earn a doctoral degree.

She began studying at Georgia Military College to earn an associate degree and then transferred her credits to Saint Leo. “I was very familiar with Fort McPherson as my father was a career Army soldier,” she said. “When he retired and came back to Atlanta, we stayed close to the military environment.”

A co-worker at the Atlanta Police Department spoke highly of Saint Leo University. “He started talking about his instructor, Dr. Art King, and said what a great curriculum the university offered,” Davis said. “I thought it was a good fit. And there were evening classes that fit into my schedule. I looked at the curriculum, and it fit with my career aspirations.”

Like many of Saint Leo’s criminal justice students who are employed at law enforcement agencies, Davis said, “There literally were days when I sat in my patrol car writing my papers in between calls.

“Saint Leo was just an awesome experience for me,” she said. “[Earning my degree is] probably one of the proudest moments in my life. I appreciated that journey because it was so tied to my work. To graduate and to graduate with honors, to know that the sky is the limit. I could do it. I could juggle the school work and still excel in the job.”

Serving Her Communities

Davis has served in law enforcement for 34 years, beginning in 1986 as an officer with the Atlanta Police Department. At the time she started, the Atlanta agency was making an effort to diversify its police force, especially recruiting more women. Although there were 11 women in her recruit class of 35, only two graduated.

She and other female officers encountered resistance to them being police officers, but “it’s been getting better over the years,” Davis said. “There are more women in charge. And there are some male leaders who are forward-thinking and appreciate the contributions women make. It can be better. With 18,000 police agencies around the country, think of how many women are leading [those agencies]. We could absolutely do better in that regard.”

Davis said her Saint Leo degree prepared her for leadership roles. “I think it broadened my perspective,” she said. “Even though I was very familiar with law enforcement, it expanded my thoughts on social problems, history of the law enforcement, community policing, and all of those important elements that are key to be successful—to really understand the criminal justice system. I learned what is expected of law enforcement agencies. It’s not just responding to calls.”

As she progressed through the ranks with the Atlanta Police Department, she developed strengths and skills in crime analysis and reduction; strategic planning; community engagement; special operations; homeland security; project oversight; capital improvements; and many more aspects of law enforcement.

In 2008, Davis was selected by Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine, as one of 80 women for the O White House Leadership Project, Women Rule! The group, dubbed “Tomorrow’s Leaders,” benefited from meeting with some of the country’s trailblazers, which helped prepare Davis for her future.

Her responsibilities as chief of the Durham Police Department, are varied. She became chief in 2016, and oversees a department of more than 600 employees and a $90 million yearly budget, while serving a population of 280,000. “A lot of the responsibility is more how we function as a unit and work well with the community,” the chief said. “Community engagement is critically important. Helping our officers know the community is our customers. Building relationships is imperative. I cannot think of a time that we need that more than now.”

Building Leaders

Davis became a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) as a sergeant in Atlanta. While the organization is geared toward law enforcement executives and police chiefs, associate members who hope to be mentored also are accepted. Davis joined NOBLE because she wanted a mentor. “I wanted to know the ins and outs of leadership,” she said. “We [NOBLE] also do a lot of work in the community, a lot of education, and awareness training, especially in communities of color so young people have a good understanding of the police. And we want them to have safe encounters with the police. We discuss ‘what do you do if you’re pulled over?’ NOBLE also helps officers as well, managing the situation so that it is a safe encounter. It’s sort of a twofold approach. The end goal being mutual respect and making sure everyone goes home safe.”

NOBLE started in 1976 because of racial inequities that prohibited African-American law enforcement from moving up in the ranks, Davis said. “It was created to help to develop minority police officers into executives,” she said. “Since then, we’re very involved, trying to achieve equity in communities, equity in the way we operate. It isn’t a Black-only organization. It is for those who share similar values and goals.”

Now serving as president of NOBLE, Davis has been in the spotlight in 2020. She appeared on “Good Morning America” on ABC on June 3, and called for “sweeping changes and police reform” as she reacted to the nationwide protests taking place over the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.

But even more importantly, she testified before the U.S. Senate Committee for the Judiciary on June 16, about Police Use of Force and Community Relations. “I was invited to testify, and I discussed the 10 key areas that we feel as an organization must be addressed in order for police agencies to be more standardized, more accountable, and so they don’t keep officers who keep committing egregious acts.”

Calling For Change

Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis outside of the Durham (NC) Police Department building.

In her testimony, Davis said, “We wholeheartedly support the passing of the ‘Justice in Policing Act,’ which specifically addresses the loopholes that continue to allow policing tragedies free of oversight and accountability, environments that foster unfettered racial tension, and the continued desecration of what I’ve always thought to be a NOBLE profession. Lastly, on behalf of more than 3,800 law enforcement leaders, mostly minority who represent the membership of NOBLE, I thank you for supporting the law enforcement profession, but more importantly, for listening to the voices of protesters around the globe who demand change … they too deserve action.”

Davis said she is proud to serve as president of the national organization. “It’s an honor to be able to speak on behalf of the 18,000 police organizations, especially at times like this,” she said. “We come from the community, we understand the communities—not that my other colleagues do not—but we advocate for change, to listen to the community.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged her, Davis said. “But I’m still carrying out my goals and strategic plans,” she said. “I’ve done four interviews in one day.”

She considers communication as being key. “I encourage up-and-coming leaders to take advantage of public speaking, become certified as an instructor, take classes,” she said. “If you can’t communicate it, you can’t share it, or articulate it in a meaningful way. “It’s important to work on ourselves holistically.”

Saint Leo’s criminal justice program primed Davis for her current positions. “That’s what prepared me for leadership,” she said. “You can be a great police officer and know the fundamentals, but until you expand your perspective and learn what is expected and engage the community, you won’t succeed as a leader. You have to look at law enforcement from an aerial view.”

Her degree helped her learn about recruitment, retention, and other administrative support roles that leaders must fill. “You’re dealing with a lot of various personalities,” she said. “You’re trying to find cohesion—to bring everyone together from different places and perspectives. Look at it from a holistic standpoint, so you get buy-in for the philosophy of the department.”

Davis strives to lift up and mentor others. “I’m constantly trying to ensure people have opportunities to take on leadership roles,” she said. “I’m preparing an environment for that, including college and advanced training. I’m always telling people, ‘You can go back to school. I did it! I had a daughter, and I worked at the same time!’”

She and her husband, Terry, are parents to one daughter and grandparents of two, who live in New York. Most of her family live in Atlanta while the couple is based in Durham. Terry Davis also is a Saint Leo alumnus, having earned his associate degree from Saint Leo in 1997.

Looking toward the future, at 60, Davis said she is “sort of at the sunset of my career. I believe I still I have a lot to offer this industry. It may not be in the position as a chief; it could be in some other role. There is the saying, ‘To much is given, much is required,’ I still believe there is more for me to give.”


Hear Alumna Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis

View the testimony of Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, chief of the Durham Police Department and president of National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

Chief Davis on “Good Morning America”:

A Note from the President’s Corner of the Alumni Association

On behalf of the Saint Leo University Alumni Association Board of Directors, it is my honor to welcome the Class of 2019 as valued members of the Saint Leo Alumni Association. I also want to welcome all students who are beginning or returning to their studies at Saint Leo. It is important for you to get to know about our association, too. Whether this is your first or 15th year as a Saint Leo alumnus or alumna, I challenge you to get connected and get involved. There are a number of ways to meet this challenge. Join an alumni chapter in your area, come to campus for homecoming weekend, suggest Saint Leo to a prospective student, or be a part of the conversations on the alumni social media channels from the comfort of your home. With more than 95,000 alumni worldwide, the Saint Leo alumni community is a network worth your time.
As a note of interest, this year begins a new chapter in our alma mater’s history with the inauguration of Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese as our 10th president. 

The strategic vision he has for Saint Leo is already becoming a reality with new academic programs, new education center locations, and the largest 

freshman class ever at University Campus. I encourage you to stay informed of everything that is 

happening across the university, and I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Go, Lions!
John E. Holladay ’75
President, Saint Leo Alumni Association


New Alumni Chapters Established 

We are excited to announce that two new regional alumni chapters are up and running. Welcome to the pride, Ocala and Jacksonville! 

If there is not an alumni chapter in your area, we’ve got you covered. Check out our new virtual alumni chapter to connect with alumni from across the globe.

Details about all of our alumni chapters, along with a full calendar of events, are available online: your.saintleo.edu/chapters


Connect with your Saint Leo Career Services Office on Handshake

The Saint Leo Career Services office can be a resource to alumni well beyond graduation, helping you find new opportunities and connecting you with fellow Lions:

Services for Alumni
Whether you’re a recent graduate searching for that first job or a working professional looking to advance, Career Services offers a wide range of valuable resources online or in person. The team can help review your résumé, help you prepare for interviews, or provide you with access to job-search tools. Use the information below to connect with Career Services by phone or email, or come in for a one-on-one appointment. Career Services is located on the first floor of Kirk Hall at University Campus. 
Engage with Current Saint Leo Students
Give back to your alma mater by leveraging your network to help current students. Here are a few ways you can help them achieve their career goals:

  • Become a mentor and share your experiences, insights, and network.
  • Host students in your place of work for informational interviews, job shadowing, or credit-bearing internships.
  • Facilitate an information session or career workshop for a group of Saint Leo students.
  • Advocate that your organization’s Human Resources department recruit at Saint Leo.
  • Direct job and internship opportunities (student, entry-level, and experienced hires) through Handshake.
  • Volunteer to appear in Career Services webinars. 

careerservices@saintleo.edu  |  (352) 588-8346
www.saintleo.edu/career-services-handshake


Your Saint Leo is Hitting the Road

A variety of alumni events are planned throughout the country this winter and spring. Be on the lookout for your invitation if you are in: 

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Savannah, GA
  • Charleston, SC
  • Houston, TX
  • Key West, FL
  • New York, NY

Saint Leo alumni share some of their best business advice.

With experience often comes new wisdom. We learn and grow through trial and error, the exploration of new ideas, and from others who have walked paths similar to ours.

In the spirit of continuous learning, we asked five Saint Leo alumni to share advice on success in business. May their words inspire you to live your best life, no matter where you are on the journey.

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.

“Quite often in life, one will have amazing ideas that can develop into solid goals. However, without discipline, those ideas and goals never become a reality. Saint Leo provided me with a disciplined bridge to stay on track while working toward my goals.”

Michael Fulton ’18 
Supervisor of Crime Scene Division, 
Houston Forensic Science Center

 Don’t let your ideas sit on the sidelines. 

“Putting an idea into motion has more value than perfecting an idea and letting it sit on the sidelines. I would rather take action on a thoughtful plan and be willing to course correct than labor endlessly over the what-ifs. People respond to decision-making and direction.”

Maggie Gill ’98
Chief Executive Officer, Delray Medical Center
Palm Beach Group CEO, Tenet Healthcare

Never ask your team to do anything you wouldn’t do.

“Make time to work alongside your people; it will show them you are on their team, not just leading it. When things get hectic, be the first to jump in. When your team sees that there is nothing that is ‘above you,’ they will be more than willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work as well. It supports your leader persona and makes it known that you’re not just coaching from the sidelines; you’re willing to get in and play if needed.”

Elizabeth Jimenez ’08
Director of Operations
Leadership Prep Brownsville Elementary Academy,
an Uncommon School
Brooklyn, NY

Many times the barrier to success is you.

“Leading in an ever-changing and demanding environment can be very challenging. Being self-aware, open to feedback, and cognizant of others’ goals and related impact will provide you the tools to develop not only a better self, but a successful organization. Investing in yourself and your team will produce a sustainable model and create a culture of excellence.”

Iskra Sbraccia ’05, ’09
Compliance Sanctions Director, 
Independent Compliance Risk Management, Citi
Tampa, FL

Treat your clients like family.

“Many will deliver only the minimum during the typical 9-5 workday in order to get the job done. But those who go above and beyond for their clients and treat them like they are family often have not only a better working relationship with their clients, but also great relationships with future referrals from those clients. Take care of your clients, and they will take care of you.”

Kevin L. Sullivan II ’13
Senior Associate, Nicoletti Law Firm

Dr. Douglas M. “Doug” Astolfi, professor emeritus of history, passed away on June 14, 2018, at his home. He was 75 and had been ill with kidney cancer. He joined Saint Leo in 1997 as vice president of academic affairs, following a progression of administrative and teaching positions at other institutions.

He taught history courses at all levels and was a specialist in American history and modern Chinese history. At the end of April, the Saint Leo Board of Trustees awarded him the title of professor emeritus in recognition of his work elevating the stature of the university and enriching the lives of Saint Leo students.

Dr. Astolfi was known as a challenging but supportive teacher and mentor who kept in touch with many of his students.


Laurence LaBelle ’48
December 31, 2017

Robert “Bob” Carr ’51
July 2, 2018

Ann (Callanen) Dulchinos ’53
December 31, 2017

Edward “Ted” Huff ’54
February 2, 2018

Andrew V. Spada ’57
April 10, 2017

Bruce D. Gordon ’59
September 26, 2017

Martha (Pike) Huizenga ’61
January 3, 2017

George (Tom) Menees ’62
April 27, 2018

Donna (Doughney) Mathisen ’68
June 7, 2015

Raenell (Accetta) Agnew ’69
February, 18, 2013

Peter J. Pedicini ’69
May 7, 2018

James E. Dangler ’71
January 2, 2005

Ken W. Hunnemeder ’72
May 18, 2018

Mark G. Chuhinko ’75
May 2, 2018

Floyd M. Byers ’77
January 26, 2015

Francis “Frank” Coleman ’78
December 12, 2017

William Mattis ’78
August 3, 2010

Mary K. McCoy ’78
July 18, 2016

Doris R. McNabb ’78
March 2, 2009

Billie N. Young ’78
October 12, 2004

Carl D. McNabb ’79
September 4, 2016

Donald J. Ryan ’79
May 8, 2017

Martin J. Brennan ’80
January 23, 2012

William J. Mayo ’80
March 14, 2017

Homer L. Wyatt ’80
March 16, 2016

Inge B. Freedman ’81
August 23, 2016

Earnest E. Lovings ’82
February 21, 2018

Tommie G. Mcarthur ’82
May 21, 2007

Eddie (Mac) McArthur ’82
February 3, 2016

Joseph E. Hagans ’83
September 16, 2015

Patricia A. Kosiba ’83
December 11, 2016

Fred M. Sutton ’83
May 18, 2004

Willis L. Waddell ’83
November 16, 2016

Willie M. McDaniel ’86
November 8, 2013

Margaret R. King ’87
September 14, 2017

Daniel J. Sebastian ’87
April 4, 2012

Betty M. Fillbach ’88
September 1, 2016

Steven D. Holland ’88
November 13, 2017

Larry E. Hough ’89
February 20, 2013

Juan R. Moreno ’89
October 14, 2009

Patricia D. Burress ’91
April 17, 2014

Cheryl (Andrews) Philpott ’91
January 13, 2018

Florence C. Amato ’92
December 29, 2012

Nancy M. Gruber ’92
January 8, 2018

Thomas W. McShea ’92
May 14, 2016

Linda D. Harper ’94
May 28, 2014

Brigitte E. Dobbins ’95
February 26, 2016

Lois G. Klei ’95
December 4, 2015

Ella W. Perine ’95
March 11, 2018

Armando Hernandez ’98
August 17, 2016

Marianne J. Parker ’98
May 31, 2018

Agnes G. Clute ’99
March 11, 2012

Richard “Rick” Devlin ’00
January 3, 2018

William E. Paden ’02
April 5, 2017

Greg B. Fusco ’03
December 17, 2017

Elaine Williams ’04
January 26, 2018

Theodore J. Patton ’09
May 2, 2018

Heather (Buck) Kowal ’10
May 1, 2018

Colin C. Roopchand ’12
April 3, 2018

Evin B. Hartsell ’15
April 28, 2018

Denese M. Neide ’15
December 3, 2016

Dr. Tanya L. Higgins, who taught sociology at the Fort Eustis Education Office in Virginia from 1999 to 2010, passed away on August 5 in Williamsburg.


Marc-NewberryMarc Newberry, a University Campus rising junior who was majoring in management, passed away on April 28, following a boating accident near his home in Naples, FL. Marc was well known in his hometown for his talents as a high school football player. The Naples community remembers him as “the man with the hard hit and the big heart.” Regarding the accident, Marc’s father, John Newberry, explained, “He died doing what he loved to do, and that’s out and about having fun with his friends.”


Roberta-Wright_LOcopy1Roberta Frazier Wright, a business administration student at the Savannah Education Center, passed away on March 23. She had been a Saint Leo student since summer 2015. Her daughter, Malaysha Hall, also is a Savannah Education Center student.


Henri “Pete” de Sibour ’48
June 7, 2017

Robert “Bob” Biegalski ’59
April 22, 2017

Kathleen “Kathy” Peugh ’62
January 7, 2017

Paul Byrne ’70
May 24, 2017

Joseph L. Frisch ’75
May 8, 2016

Carmen Corrado ’77
May 14, 2014

Michael J. Kosiba ’77
December 14, 2016

Donald “Don” Dempsey ’79
December 31, 2016

Lemuel Pearsall ’83
February 16, 2015

Howard E. Dow ’86
October 2, 2015

Patrick J. “Buddy” McFaddin ’86
October 24, 2015

Brian Danis ’92
February 26, 2016

Wesley K. Stewart ’94
April 8, 2017

Sam Tollett ’95
November 21, 2016

Kevin P. Osterberger ’97
February 6, 2017

Colin P. Saunders ’98
March 5, 2017

Annie Acksel ’99
June 26, 2017

Anton “Dick” Sorenson ’03
December 24, 2015

Anthony Rosso ’04
February 24, 2017

Christopher DeVino ’09
May 29, 2017

Diane Moriarty ’10
April 5, 2017

Chung Yim ’11
April 24, 2017

Robert W. Ridley ’12
February 12, 2017

 


Alex “Pancho” Carrera, a junior at University Campus, passed away on September 11, 2016. A graduate of Fort Pierce Central High School, he was born in Guerrero, Mexico. Fellow students remember him for his “huge smile and contagious happiness.”


Brother Benedict Cooper of Saint Leo Abbey passed away on December 30, 2016. He lived on the Abbey grounds following the death of his wife, and he made his oblation in 2011. The monks of Saint Leo Abbey remember him for his smile and happy demeanor. He dutifully worked in the sacristy, keeping everything orderly and clean, and he prided himself on being a singer in the St. Petersburg cathedral choir.


Nicholas Cusson-Ducharme (aka Nickk Cusson) passed away on December 31, 2016 near his home in Winooski, VT. A senior majoring in accounting, Nickk took classes at University Campus and online. He was active in the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.


Clarence H. Johnson, an MBA student at the Tampa Education Center, passed away on October 31, 2016. He was a resident of Temple Terrace, FL. Before enrolling at Saint Leo, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Florida. An enthusiastic traveler, he found joy in music, food, and art.

 


J. Roy Dee ’49
September 30, 2016

Richard T. Slade ’50
January 9, 2017

Martha (Pike) Huizenga ’61
January 3, 2017

Patrice M. Chardain ’62
August 9, 2015

George J. Kennedy ’67
November 23, 2016

Michael F. Miron ’67
September 1, 2016

Michael A. Milardo ’68
August 16, 2016

James “Jay” Kenney ’69
June 18, 2016

Pierre P. Lafitte ’69
September 24, 2016

William “Ernie” Chatman ’72
July 24, 2016

Charles M. Durian ’73
November 6, 2015

Kevin J. Kiernan ’77
November 7, 2016

LTC Harold G. Beddow ’80
May 9, 2014

Joyce M. Dudley-England ’80
December 17, 2015

Foriest S. Rivenbark ’81
July 18, 2016

Walter C. Capron Jr. ’82
January 5, 2016

Kenneth A. Kozbiel ’82
September 29, 2016

Laurence E. Higgins ’84
August 24, 2016

Shelley L. Kelly ’84
January 24, 2014

Jennifer B. Canalizo ’86
December 9, 2014

Hugh U. Downing ’87
August 7, 2013

Ronald W. Hinson ’89
August 31, 2016

Kevin Flynn ’95
July 27, 2016

Philip P. Royal ’98
July 18, 2016

David S. Flowers ’00
November 3, 2016

Tommy W. Reagan ’03
August 22, 2016

Robert A. Behnke ’11
September 1, 2016

Helen Crittenden ’11
March 20, 2015

Elimisha M. Gates ’13
August 23, 2016

Yvonne Johnson ’13
August 23, 2016

Ann Marie Gildemeyer ’14
July 22, 2016

Tiffanie M. Hughess ’15
July 18, 2016

Father Damian DuQuesnay, who had been the oldest living monk in the Order of Saint Benedict of Florida, passed away on May 8. Greatly loved and admired by colleagues, students, faculty, and staff, he was a remarkable man of faith.

Born on July 24, 1918, in Highgate, Jamaica, Father Damian graduated from Jamaica College Prep and Saint Benedict College (now Benedictine College) in Atchison, KS, in 1943 with a BS in zoology. He received his MS from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, in 1951.

He was ordained into the Holy Priesthood on the Feast of Corpus Christi Day, June 20, 1946, by Bishop Emmet Michael Wash in the unfinished Abbey Church. Father Damian was the first Jamaican to ever wear the habit of a Benedictine.

Father Damian taught numerous subjects at Saint Leo College, including biology, histology, and zoology. He also served two separate terms as department chair of the science faculty. He was prefect in the prep school for 10 years, where he taught algebra, biology, chemistry, French, geometry, Latin, and religion. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching students at both the prep school and the college. When asked what type of teacher he was, he simply said “fair.”

Father Damian was appointed abbey prior in 1957 and also served as novice master and brother master. After his retirement from the Saint Leo faculty, he was chaplain to Holy Name Monastery, a responsibility he held for four decades but eventually relinquished at age 90 due to his limited mobility.

He was the abbey botanist and remained faithful in his daily devotionals and prayers right up until his passing.


Harrell-second-from-leftDr. Teresa Harrell, instructor of speech and senior academic advisor at the Langley Education Office, passed away June 26.

She graduated with distinction from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in social work and educational policy in 1972. In May 1994, she was awarded her PhD from the University of Minnesota, majoring in training and development in the College of Education. Dr. Harrell had served at the Langley Office since 2006 and is remembered for her fierce dedication to the success of our students.


HomanDr. Scott R. Homan, associate professor of management at the Savannah Education Center, passed away on June 23. He graduated from Purdue University in 1988 with his bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and supervision; he earned his master’s degree in the same discipline the following year. After a stint at Anderson Consulting in Chicago, he decided to pursue his love of teaching and completed his doctorate degree from Texas A&M University. He joined Saint Leo in Spring 2013 and taught graduate and undergraduate courses in business management.


reynoldsJohn “Jack” Reynolds, who served on the Saint Leo Board of Trustees from 1990 to 2012, passed away on April 17. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University at night and his Master of Business Administration at the Stern School of New York University (also at night) and attended the advanced management program at Dartmouth College. He was employed for 10 years by W. R. Grace and for many years by ITT, rising to the position of corporate vice president and division president. He was a trustee emeritus at the time of his death.


RiddleWalt Riddle, retired Saint Leo University and Sunshine State Conference (SSC) publicist, passed away on May 7 after a lengthy illness. Celebrated as a gifted writer and a transformational figure for both Saint Leo University athletics and the SSC, Riddle first came to Saint Leo’s University Campus in 1989 as the sports information director and special events coordinator. The following year, he assumed the duties of SSC assistant commissioner and sports information director, and helped the conference establish its first central office. Under Riddle’s guidance, the SSC developed one of the nation’s largest NCAA Division II television packages.

Riddle remained with the Sunshine State Conference until 2001, when he returned to his duties as Saint Leo’s sports information director. In 2006, he transitioned to a new role as Saint Leo’s director of athletic marketing and Green and Gold Club coordinator, a job he held until his retirement in 2011.

“The Sunshine State Conference and Saint Leo University lost a friend, leader, and mentor with the passing of Walter Riddle,” said Francis X. Reidy, Saint Leo’s director of athletics. “He had a positive impact on many young coaches and sports information directors around our league. Walt was instrumental in helping Saint Leo athletics transition to its current state of success.”


RosenbaumDr. Burt Rosenbaum, for nine years an adjunct professor at Saint Leo College, passed away on March 30. After graduating from the College of the City of New York with a degree in mechanical engineering, he began his career at NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), which became NASA, and published about 30 applied mathematics research papers with emphasis on statistics. Several of his papers contributed to NASA’s successful Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20, 1969, for which he received the Apollo Achievement Award.

He continued his studies at Case Institute of Technology (now Case Western Reserve University) while working, marrying and starting a family. In June 1957, just six months shy of his 35th birthday, he received his PhD in theoretical physics.

After retiring from NASA in 1973, Dr. Rosenbaum and his new family moved south and eventually to Florida, where he accepted an adjunct position at the University of Tampa. For the final nine years of his second career, he remained at Saint Leo College teaching mathematics, statistics, physics, and computer science until 1994.


VerdinJules Verdin, a member of Saint Leo University men’s soccer team and the 2014 Sunshine State Conference Freshman of the Year, died on July 7 in a hiking accident in Switzerland. He was 19 years old.

“The Saint Leo soccer community mourns Jules’ death,” said Keith Fulk, Saint Leo’s head men’s soccer coach. “He was one of the best players I had the privilege and honor of coaching, and he was a constant student of the game—always asking questions about how he could improve his game. I think he really matured during his first year here at Saint Leo, from the time he arrived to the time he left campus at the end of the school year, and that’s what you want to see in your students.”


Eva Jo (Osborne) Lent ’57
December 25, 2014

Gerald H. Frost ’59
March 2, 2015

Michael “Mike” J. Mead ’68
January 21, 2015

Thomas F. Vigliotta ’71
July 4, 2015

Michael R. Arnold ’73
January 2, 2015

Francis “Frank” T. Christopher ’74
March 2015

George Brayton ’75
October 3, 2012

Linda J. Tremont ’75
October 3, 2013

Robert E. Hutchinson ’77
October 10, 2014

Michael T. Chiappetta ’79
April 25, 2015

Ann B. (Roper) Myhre ’79
December 25, 2013

Jack L. Treese ’79
October 1, 2014

Daniel P. McBath ’84
February 23, 2015

Faison D. Robinson ’84
June 15, 2015

Barbara B. Miller ’86
July 23, 2015

Jerome Polon ’87
October 29, 2014

Rex R. Chambless ’89
December 7, 2014

Janice R. Wiley ’89
February 19, 2014

Howard P. Bennett ’90
January 18, 2012

Nels W. Marvin ’90
September 1, 2007

Donald N. Hiemstra ’92
January 22, 2015

William R. Widhalm ’96
February 3, 2015

Robin L. Lindin ’98
August 24, 2012

Charlene Jackson ’04
June 13, 2015

Harold Ludwig ’05
August 26, 2008

Jack M. Webb ’09
January 30, 2015

Hazel J. Williams
December 2, 2014

Michael A. Frassrand ’38
August 14, 2014

Wilbur Harry North ’38
September 7, 2014

Kevin F. Doyle ’52

January 16, 2014

Robert “Bob” Wallace ’53
October 2014

John R. “Jack” Terwilliger ’54
August 13, 2014

Gertrude (Neuhofer) LaBruzzo ’55
October 14, 2014

Caroline (Dyches) Low ’56
June 20, 2014

Bernard “Bo” O’Neill, Jr. ’57
November 4, 2014

Walter F. Kelly ’58
July 15, 2014

Jean A. Baumann ’67
August 23, 2014

William R. Connollon ’68
February 25, 2014

William P. “Bill” Day ’69
December 7, 2014

Bruce J. Hendra ’69
December 25, 2014

Ranald J. McCullough ’69
July 17, 2014

Paul C. Gadomski ’74
June 27, 2014

Mark L. Brigham ’75
January 3, 2015

Rayford “Ray” Ward ’76
January 22, 2012

Raymond F. LaFountain ’77
July 19, 2013

Nancy B. Nichols ’77
March 25, 2013

Roy Pfander, Jr. ’77
June 21, 2014

Dan A. Ellett ’78

May 20, 2006

Garace A. Reynard ’78
November 19, 2013

William Daniel Addison ’81
January 16, 2014

Juan A. Perez ’81
January 11, 2011

Arnett R. Tharp ’81
September 21, 2012

Alfred “Al” E. Smith ’82
October 20, 2014

Lawrence M. Tucker ’82
June 29, 2013

Steve Stanley Bukowski ’84
June 21, 2010

Ronald J. Zarko ’84
October 8, 2014

Janet “Jay” Baricar ’87
March 29, 2014

Regina E. Surles ’87
December 25, 2012

Cyndee I. Thomas ’88
September 28, 2014

Albert R. Mitchell ’89
July 11, 2013

Lori S. Holbrook ’90
December 31, 2012

Sherrill A. Perry ’92
September 16, 2013

Rose Marie Neblett ’93
September 22, 2014

Michael T. Thornburg ’93
August 8, 2014

Susan E. D’Amour ’94
May 23, 2014

Emily S. Bryant ’94
October 2, 2009

Arthur C. Gunn ’94
February 14, 2010

Alvin D. Mercer ’96
May 14, 2013

Kaye Boone ’97
November 28, 2012

Asberry D. Simpson ’98
April 27, 2014

Jerry H. Rodgers ’01
February 13, 2014

Rosemary (Brown) Mohring ’03
May 6, 2014

Marie E. Gieski ’04
February 25, 2014

James A. Butler ’06
August 22, 2014

Terri L. Ruffatto ’06
October 7, 2014

Wylene A. Amadi ’10
May 7, 2014

America “Sandy” Berry ’10
May 23, 2014

Mathew Weaver Rogers ’12
January 15, 2015

Susan C. Vines ’12
July 8, 2014

Rhonda R. Robison ’13
August 4, 2014