Saint Leo University is celebrating 50 years of providing higher education to the U.S. military, with 2023 being our landmark year. In 1973, Saint Leo University stepped up to serve college courses and degree programs to the military — before many U.S. colleges and universities recognized active military, veterans, and their families as an important student community.

The university kicked off its anniversary celebrations the week of Veterans Day with a special event for the university community and the public. The event featured retired U.S. Army General Raymond A. “Tony” Thomas III, former commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.