2018 was a year of immense change within and around the Saint Leo Community. The addition of new members within the administration, service events around campus and projects helmed by members of faculty–The Lions’ Pride sought to cover it all. Although we were not able to cover every achievement here is a list of our highlights from 2018.
TLP Rebranding
The Lions’ Pride Newspaper underwent a name change. As of Aug. 24, 2018, The Lions’ Pride Newspaper has been changed to The Lions’ Pride Media Group. The name change reflects the change in operation of the organization and sought to encompass all of the platforms which it represents.
Over the past three years numerous platforms have been engaged to stay relevant within a growing global presence. Live streaming special events like the Saint Leo Community polled Peoples’ Choice Awards, and the addition of the movie review Youtube channel and Snapchat platforms are some of the new ways TLP engages with the community on and off campus. The utilization of the platform Lions’ Share also fostered community engagement, that the physical newspaper may not reach.
Athletics Update
Head coach of the baseball program, Rick O’Dette, recorded his 500th career victory Feb. 18 at home against West Alabama. This victory happened 17 years and one day since his first victory as a head coach. This victory was due to eight unanswered runs to come from behind to win the game 9-6 to clinch the series win as well.
Starting spring 2018, Saint Leo introduced their Beach Volleyball program. The announcement of the Lions’ 20th intercollegiate sport came in May. Saint Leo joined Eckerd College, University of Tampa and Florida Southern College as the only schools in the Sunshine State Conference to compete in 2018.
Credit: Chris Daniello
Honoring Members of the Community
2018 provided many opportunities for TLP to show its appreciation to those members of the community that left us. The filling and the substantive life lived by Dr. Douglas Astolfi was celebrated by the Saint Leo community Tuesday, Sept. 18. Scores of attendees a part of the Saint Leo Community including members of the faculty, staff and students past and present filled the SCC Boardrooms.
Additionally, in May 2018, after nearly two decades of living and working within the Saint Leo University Community, Dr. Edward Dadez retired from his position as Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Operations. Having spent decades living and interacting with students on numerous campuses, Dadez reflected on his time within the Saint Leo Community.
Credit: John Hall
Politics
Since President Trump has been in office he has made many changes to immigration laws and policies. He had issued travel bans on several Muslim countries, made changes to the temporary protected status (TPS) and ended the DACA program. Now, with his many reforms, not only are many immigrants affected, but also American universities are facing the problem of losing money as international students are seeking other countries for their education.
The president also came under immense scrutiny for his handling of the Puerto Rico crisis as he tossed paper towels to the residents upon visiting the hurricane stricken island.
Administrative Updates
For the first time in the history of the University, Saint Leo got its first Provost in Dr. Jeffrey Senese. By the end of the Spring Semester of 2018, then University president Dr. William Lennox announced that he would be leaving and Dr. Senese would serve as interim president. The beginning of Fall 2018 saw Dr. Senese fully assuming the role of University President, charting the course for the next five years and beyond.
New Centers were also opened during the 2018 year, including the Jacksonville, Florida Center.
Credit: Saint Leo University
Health Awareness
Throughout the semester numerous articles related to health were posted in TLP. As each month has become synonomous with Cancer Awareness, several publications were released in print and online. These cancer articles included but were not limited to Colon, Kidney, Testicular, Gall Bladder and Bile Duct and Cervical Cancers.
Articles regarding the growing dangers of E-Cigarettes were also posted and written with students in mind as the devices were being sold to minors.
As TLP looks ahead to 2019, this series will continue in an effort to keep The Saint Leo community wise and healthy.
Technology Changes
As the semesters go by technology has become an integral part of growing the Saint Leo Community.
Tech changes in the Community is an ongoing series that allows the students, faculty and staff to get an understanding of the importance of each new piece of software utilized. So far TLP has covered LionsShare, Okta and Brightspace/D2L. With the addition of other programs like Handshake, AdAstra, Workday and Engageleo, you can be sure that this series will continue on.
Credit: John Hall
In future editions a pool of responses will be garnered from staff, faculty and opinions on what is the most difficult or unfirendly piece of technology they have encountered.
Tragic Losses
There was tremendous loss experienced throughout the country as Senator and War Veteran/P.O.W John McCain succombed to his battle with brain cancer. Throughout his tenure, he supported his Republican counterparts in most of their endeavors, however refused to support blindly any action that would be harmful to the American people. As he saw death drawing near, McCain made several of his final wills known one of which was to be eulogized by both former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush.
Tragedy also struck closer to home as a school in South Florida, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was shaken as one of their own entered the school on Feb. 18, killing 17 persons and wounding another 17 of the school’s members.
Military Recognition
The Student Veterans from Saint Leo University attended a national annual conference early in January; Student Veterans of America National Convention 2018 (NatCon) was held from Jan. 4 to Jan. 6 in San Antonio, Texas. On Friday, Nov. 11, 2018, the Saint Leo community gathered at the lion statue between Kirk Hall and The School of Business, in recognition for Veteran’s Day of those that fought and died in the past.
Credit: John Hall
Graduates Accomplishments
While many of Saint Leo University graduates go on to accomplish great things 2018 allowed the community to see just how far their reach allowed them. Spring 2017 graduate Ammar Mohrat was selected to talk with 12 other speakers for TEDxOrlando; his speech was held at Full Saint in Orlando on Oct 27. Since then Ammar was accepted to John Hopkins University.
Additionally, other graduates were recognized such as former Editor-in-Chief Cassidy Whitaker and Sports Writer Niclas Bez who both gave the commencement speeches for the graduations of both undergrad and graduate ceremonies respectively.
In a new and ongoing series, TLP followed some of its alumni as they searched for jobs. Former Campus News Editor Emily Kochanski,Staff Writer Brian Cerosky and Multimedia Manager Ilouisa Salazar were showcased as they told their stories from graduation to landing the perfect job after graduation.
