During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Leo University faculty and staff demonstrated a commitment to our community in a variety of ways—from facilitating free educational webinars to help small business owners and first responders to offering complimentary, on-demand courses designed to help individuals relieve stress.
When news about the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine surfaced, Saint Leo University stepped up in another way by offering to serve as a vaccine distribution site for the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County. Since January, more than 25,000 members of the public have passed through University Campus to receive the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
In April, the university was fortunate to offer its own vaccine clinic event for members of the university community. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and their household members were able to come to University Campus and receive a vaccine through a drive-thru event.
Jessica Van Guilder ’12, ’15 was among the alumni who received a vaccine at University Campus. She lives in close-by Land O’ Lakes, FL, and still keeps in touch with fellow alumni and staff at the university.
“I decided it was one of the best chances for me to get the vaccine early,” she said.
Elissa Noblitt, who graduated from the university in 2020, also came to University Campus from Orlando to get a vaccine. “I drove down because I trusted Saint Leo, and I knew that the university would run the operation well,” Noblitt said.
Tapia College of Business Hosts Webinar Series to Help Struggling Businesses
Realizing there was a need to assist the Tampa Bay-area business community, Saint Leo University’s Tapia College of Business offered a free, four-part webinar series, Business Re-Imagined: Insights for Small Businesses in the COVID-19 Landscape in June and July.
Saint Leo University faculty and members of the Tampa Turnaround Management Association organized the sessions, engaging with other regional industry experts to provide operational, financial, human capital, and strategic guidance for small businesses.
“We recognize that this is a challenging time and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some really unique challenges for small businesses,” said Dr. Robyn Parker, dean of the Tapia College of Business. “We thought we would gather together a set of experts and resources to help you as you think about what some call ‘re-ing business:’” Reopening, going remote, restructuring, refinancing, rethinking, replanning, and redeploying.”
The four parts in the webinar sessions were:
The COVID-19 Factor: An Overview of How COVID-19 is Impacting Businesses;
Addressing the Pandemic Recession: HR, Business Operations, and Supply Chain Impact;
Your Business Model: Strategic Direction for Pandemic Recession Recovery; and,
Financial Frenzy: Financial Options and Resources Related to COVID-19.
Phase 2 of the series was Workplace Re-Imagined on October 8, which featured experts from three of the university’s colleges presenting a multidisciplinary look at helping employees in the “new normal.” The webinar focused on “human capital and the return to the workforce.”
“Saint Leo and the Tapia College of Business wanted to do something to give back to the community,” Parker said. “’Community’ is one of Saint Leo’s core values, and we thoroughly embrace the idea of helping others. We hope to hold more webinars in the future to assist not only the community, but also as a learning experience for our students.”
Saint Leo University Students Volunteer at Food Distribution to Help In COVID-19 Pandemic
Saint Leo University students joined in the Farm Share food distribution on May 20 with Florida Representative Randy Maggard and Pasco County Board of County Commissioners Chair Mike Moore at the Shops at Wiregrass mall in Wesley Chapel, FL.
Cars lined up near the distribution point as Saint Leo students joined others to distribute much-needed food as Pasco County, FL, residents deal with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are out of work and need assistance. True to the university’s core values, Saint Leo students stepped up to help.
More than 50 volunteers, including the Saint Leo students, handed out 33,000 pounds of food to about 700 people. The volunteers wore masks and followed Centers for Disease Control protocols as they loaded the food into recipients’ vehicles at the drive-thru event.
“I greatly appreciate the hard work the Saint Leo students put in volunteering with the Farm Share food distribution,” Moore said. “They worked in roles from bagging food to directing traffic to placing food in vehicles. Pasco County is a community that cares and volunteering to help others shows that.”
MBA Students Help Ybor Businesses
Students in the Master of Business Administration program at the Tampa Education Center present their analysis to Lee Bell, president of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce.
In the spring, the Tampa (FL) Education Center’s MBA-599 class, taught by Dr. Helen MacLennan, assistant professor of management, worked in small teams to conduct their capstone project, a business strategy analysis they created free of charge for local businesses. The students assisted Tampa-area businesses, including the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce; the Ybor City Visitors Information Center; Centro Asturiano de Tampa; and the Ybor City Saturday Market.
The analyses included an internal and external assessment, competitor and marketing analysis, and financial projections. It offered possible alternative strategies for these businesses, along with suggestions for implementation.
Lee Bell, president of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce, indicated that the information contained in these analyses was valuable and that the chamber had started the process of implementing some of the suggestions.
Health Education and Health Promotion
The university announced the start of a new four-year degree—a Bachelor of Science in health education and health promotion—that will prepare graduates for a growing number of health education positions at community organizations, healthcare agencies, and workplaces.
Dr. Kathleen Van Eerden
Health education specialists help the public understand how to cope with health challenges they face, whether as individuals or as concerned family members. “Health education specialists are bridging an important gap between what individuals, families, and communities know and understand, and the increasing amount of knowledge available,” said Dr. Kathleen Van Eerden, associate dean of Saint Leo’s College of Health Professions.
For instance, the specialists develop and adapt group education programs, offer instruction in healthy habits and preventative measures, and provide information on what kinds of health care services are available to the public. The coronavirus is a vivid example of a situation where health education specialists have played a positive role, Van Eerden noted, by providing reliable instruction on correct handwashing techniques and social distancing. Diabetes and heart disease are two other examples of conditions where health education specialists can make a difference in individuals’ lives, she added.
Psi Chi International Honor Society
Psi Chi members early in the Spring 2020 Semester, during an induction ceremony for new members.
Over the summer, the Saint Leo University chapter of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in psychology learned it had been named a model chapter for the 2019-2020 academic year. Only 23 chapters of the 1,180 in the society were selected for the honor. A model chapter is distinguished by the high level of interest and activity of members, as well as sound organizational practices. The chapter had 33 members in the most recent academic year, led by chapter president Caitlin Walsh ’20. Psi Chi offers lifetime memberships.
Dr. Tammy Zacchilli, an associate professor of psychology, has been the chapter advisor for 10 years. She said she was both excited about the recognition and proud of the Saint Leo chapter members. “They worked so hard last year and continued to hold meetings in Zoom after classes moved online [because of the virus]. We had a creative group of officers who led interesting activities all year.”
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.
Realizing there was a need to assist the Tampa Bay-area business community, Saint Leo University’s Tapia College of Business offered a free, four-part webinar series, Business Re-Imagined: Insights for Small Businesses in the COVID-19 Landscape in June and July.
Saint Leo University students joined in the Farm Share food distribution on May 20 with Florida Representative Randy Maggard and Pasco County Board of County Commissioners Chair Mike Moore at the Shops at Wiregrass mall in Wesley Chapel, FL. 
Note from the Alumni Association President
Celebrating the Class of 2019
2018 Benedictine Spirit Award