Highlights
Spirit Magazine
Tag

Greek Life

Browsing
Chronicles

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Makes $28,000 Gift

By
Alpha Phi Alpha Scholarship Ball
Alumni of the fraternity start a new tradition in giving.

With the 30th anniversary of their founding approaching, members of the Rho Xi Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., wanted to do something special to commemorate the occasion.

The chapter was founded at Saint Leo College in the spring of 1989 by a group of 10 students. The organization would provide leadership and a brotherhood experience within the frame work of Greek life to minority students. On November 11, 1989, under the guidance of Terrence Hood, the Rho Xi Chapter became nationally recognized and chartered. 

The fraternity places a strong emphasis on service and helping minorities and disadvantaged individuals achieve success. “Since its founding, the chapter has been providing educational and social opportunities to the campus and the local community,” said Stuart Hart ’98 ’15, who helped reinvigorate the chapter at the university in 1995.

“We wanted to celebrate our 30 years in a special way,” said James Cummings ’09, who was one of the alumni members who helped organize the effort. “We thought, ‘why not create a scholarship to help this group of individuals.’” Working in partnership with the university’s Alumni Engagement and Sustained Giving office, they did just that, establishing the Alpha Phi Alpha Outstanding Leadership Scholarship to benefit student leaders with financial need.

As part of the 2019 homecoming weekend, fraternity members came together and hosted a scholarship ball at University Campus. At the festivities, they presented the university with a check for $28,080, permanently establishing the fund and creating a new philanthropic tradition for the fraternity.

“It was a lot of hard work, but it was exciting, though,” Cummings said. “We were more than excited to start something we felt would leave a legacy at our alma mater.”

Hart said strong fraternities enjoy active engagement from alumni, so it is important for alumni members to stay connected with current students. “Celebrating this milestone reunion and establishing the scholarship would help in this area,” he said.

The reunion weekend brought together Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity members dating back to 1989, including members of the current chapter as well as friends, advisors, and family.

Photo by Renee Gerstein

By
Spring 2019

Alumni News

By

Note from the Alumni Association President
With my term ending in a few months, I find myself reflecting upon all that our alumni association board of directors has accomplished this year, and the good work that still needs to continue.

As your board, our mission of fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between Saint Leo University and alumni is at the forefront of all we do. I’m pleased to share with you a few highlights of how we “defined success” this past year.

I hope our board’s leadership efforts inspire you to stay connected and engage with one another, to give back to our alma mater in meaningful ways, and to share your Saint Leo spirit by volunteering in the communities where you live and work.

Ann Marie Lombardi, Class of ’77
President, Saint Leo Alumni Association

Alumni Association Updates

Living Globally, Giving Locally
The Benedictine spirit of community continues to guide the work of Saint Leo alumni across the world. Many are supporting their local communities through philanthropic efforts. Here are some highlights of recent efforts:

  • The alumni board recently made a financial contribution to Make a Difference Inc., an organization that provides necessities for people in need throughout Pasco County. Made on behalf of all alumni, this gift will help support the local community surrounding University Campus.
  • During homecoming, Greek Life members—past and present—came together and assembled 20,000 meals for Feeding Children Everywhere. This organization provides healthy meals to children in need around the world.
  • The Tampa Alumni Chapter collected new toys at its annual Christmas party to donate to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.
  • The Virginia Southside Alumni Chapter collaborated with the Chesapeake Education Center for a day of service at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore.

Saint Leo WorldWide Alumni Outreach
The board of directors recognizes that alumni who have graduated from Saint Leo’s online program or an education center may not have as many opportunities as University Campus graduates to connect with fellow alumni. That is why we will soon launch a program specifically designed to help WorldWide alumni connect, including a virtual alumni chapter for professional networking, mentoring, and socializing.

Celebrating the Class of 2019

As you read this, the Class of 2019 is preparing to experience a major milestone by graduating from Saint Leo University. The board of directors will be with them to welcome them to our alumni association. We plan to share special communications about the importance of staying connected and being an active alumnus, engage in celebrations along with them, and be there to greet them and their families during commencement ceremonies.

Recognizing Alumni Achievements

During homecoming 2018, several alumni were honored for exemplifying the university’s core values and demonstrating a commitment to strengthen their alumni community. The weekend began with the 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, followed by the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni and Benedictine Spirit awards at the Brunch with the President. The 2018 Roaring Onward Alumni were honored at the brunch.

Nominations for 2019 are now being accepted. To learn more about these programs or to nominate deserving alumni you know, please visit your.saintleo.edu/alumniawards.

2018 Benedictine Spirit Award
Valerie Crane ’62 graduated from Holy Name Academy and then attended Loyola University School of Dentistry, in New Orleans, for dental hygiene. After 25 years as a dental hygienist, she is now retired and lives in Alabama with her husband, John. Crane received a scholarship to Holy Name Academy as an incoming high school sophomore. She says the Benedictine Sisters encouraged her to take leadership roles that she would have never attempted at a large high school. She felt fortunate “to have had a nurturing environment and excellent education.” Crane enjoys lake living and spending time with John, their four children, and nine grandchildren.

2018 Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Brandon M. Brooks ’11 graduated with a biology degree and is a third-year podiatry resident at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, GA. To date, he has completed more than 1,000 foot and ankle surgeries during his residency and was appointed chief resident for the 2018-2019 residency year. As a doctor in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Brooks is proud to wear a Saint Leo lanyard around the clinic and operating room. He says he feels “blessed to be a Saint Leo alumnus,” citing that everything he learned set the foundation for his entire career. Brooks and his wife Amanda are proud parents to Levi and are expecting their second child in April 2019.

By