As the semester is coming to a close, some students will be back next semester, but for others, this is the last couple of weeks of their academic careers at Saint Leo University. The Lions’ Pride Newspaper would like to give some of its seniors a spotlight to recognize their accomplishments from their time here at Saint Leo University.
The Saint Leo University dining hall recently opened its doors, figuratively and literally, to a new seating section on Monday, March 26. Overlooking Lake Jovita and the newly-filled-in bowl, there is now outside seating, complete with a canvas tent to protect the users from the elements. Not only does this new “expansion” give the cafeteria the ability to increase its capacity, from 350 to 400, it also allows students to take in the sunny Florida weather.
On Monday, April 9, the U.S. Poet Laureate for 2011-2012, Philip Levine, visited Saint Leo University to give a poetry reading in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms. This event was sponsored by the Department of English, Fine Arts, and the Humanities as well as the Cannon-Memorial Library and Student Services. Members of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, acted as ushers and greeters.
As the semester is wrapping up the biggest buzz on campus is still about all the construction. However, not everything about the construction is a complaint or concern. There are many students expressing excitement as the new dorms will be opening soon. Many of the incoming freshmen will not be seeing these for the first time until the campus tours over the summer and quite possibly not until they have moved on campus at the beginning of next semester. While many of the students are still expressing their concerns about the campus constriction affecting parking, the noise disturbances others still like forward to the completion as it draws closer. “I cannot wait to walk through the halls and see this new building, and finally see the end product”, says Nick Davis, a sophomore. Many of the students who have just gotten their room assignments in the new dorms are already excited to be experiencing the newest rooms and furniture on campus. Many of the students are already planning on their new dorm room being the hang-out spot, while others are planning the posters and decorations that will adorn their new home next semester.
As an outgoing senior, I have been asked many times by my professors about the changes that have been made to Saint Leo University and what my opinion is on the improvements of my school, the School of Arts and Sciences. My answer is: I cannot help, but be worried and baffled at what is going on around campus.
On March 20, in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardroom, a dialogue was held between representatives of Catholicism, Judaism and Islam.
The Student Government Union (SGU) at Saint Leo University has gone through a lot of reforms this semester with the institution of their new constitution. One of which is the allocation process. To find out more on this subject the Vice President of Finance, Devan Jones, spoke on the topic.
Saint Leo University has a plethora of events every year. The school has to keep a record of events to promote the school and all its accomplishments. The school has achieved so much, grown and developed into a successful private school.
Saint Leo faculty and students, from the psychology department, attended the Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) Conference in New Orleans on Feb. 15 – 18. Professor Shannon Farris and Professor Tammy Zacchilli and their students presented poster sessions on cyberbullying. The conference took place at the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street overlooking downtown New Orleans during the Mardi Gras celebration.
The Student Government Union (SGU), has lowered the academic excellence of this school by allowing a prestigious honor to fall by the wayside. Yes, Saint Leo University is now allowing B- average students to speak at commencement, an honor that has traditionally been reserved for the student that exhibits not only academic excellence but exemplifies the Core Values that Saint Leo University holds dear. Yet, with the passing and acceptance of Senate Resolution 2, the Commencement Committee, begrudgingly, has lowered the required speaker GPA to encompass those students who have a 3.0 or higher.
