Saint Leo University Announces Merger with Marymount California University
July 29, 2021

Photo: (left) Aerial view of Saint Leo University / (right) Aerial view of Marymount California UniversityOfficials announce signed agreement, now seeking accrediting approval  ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University President Jeffrey Senese announced today that the university has signed an agreement to merge with Marymount California University, following a vote from the university’s board of …

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St. Patrick Catholic School Ranks High at International Competition
June 22, 2021

The St. Patrick Catholic School Intermediate Odyssey of the Mind team earned 4th place in the World competition for 2021.  The team was comprised of 5th graders Ivan, Sergio, Rebekah, Shannon and Madison, and 1st grader Ellie.  The path to the World Finals was not an easy one.  The students were on COVID quarantine immediately …

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Saint Leo University celebrates more than 1,250 grads at in-person commencements at Florida State Fairgrounds
June 4, 2021

They juggled masks, Zoom backgrounds, social distancing, and online and hybrid classes during the academic year, but on May 21 and May 22, Saint Leo University students gathered with family and friends to celebrate their graduation. This year, Saint Leo celebrated the graduates at three in-person ceremonies at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. See …

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Saint Leo University Opens Innovative Esports Arena, Welcomes New Team
March 11, 2021

New home to hottest sport includes 12 state-of-the-art gaming stations for team, students Saint Leo University unveiled its newest amenity, a 12-station Esports Arena, on Wednesday, March 10, in Apartment Building 5 at the university’s residential campus in Pasco County. The new arena will serve as the home to the university’s new esports team, and …

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Students at St. Petersburg Catholic High School Benefit From New State-of-the-Art Learning Center
January 20, 2021

Students, faculty, families and supporters gathered on January 14, 2021 for the blessing of St. Petersburg Catholic High School’s newly remodeled, Learning Commons. This major renovation project advances the school’s mission to foster a 21st century teaching and learning environment, with state-of-the-art technology and teaching resources. The project was an extensive remodel of the preexisting …

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Saint Leo University Welcomes Rev. Randall Meissen as University Chaplain
December 14, 2020

ST. LEO, FL – The word “catholic” with a lowercase C means “universal” or “inclusive.” And that is part of the goals of the Rev. Randall Meissen, university chaplain, for Saint Leo University: to be open and welcoming to all. Meissen recently joined the university and leads the University Ministry team.     “As the university …

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Saint Leo University Begins Welcoming New Students for Fall Semester
August 20, 2020

ST. LEO, FL – This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saint Leo University is welcoming students to its campus over several days in order to protect the health and safety of everyone. The process began with a “move-in day” on Tuesday, August 18. New and transfer students will move to campus, 33701 State Road …

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Catholic Schools Are Scheduled to Start New School Year on August 24th
July 17, 2020

Bishop Gregory Parkes announced today that opening day for parish and diocesan Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will be postponed for two weeks, from August 10th to August 24th. In a letter to parents, he noted the recent rise of Covid-19 cases and stressed the importance of acting prudently. This decision was …

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Media Center Transformation is Underway at St. Petersburg Catholic High School
July 15, 2020

St. Petersburg Catholic High School has officially begun construction on a beautiful new Learning Commons that will open in Fall 2020. The space will include a writing studio, a chapel, an innovation studio, and several collaborative workspaces and presentation areas. The goal of this project is to create a central hub on campus where students …

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Grant Fuels New Saint Leo Scholarships to Prepare Future Biology and Mathematics Teachers
May 28, 2020

Thanks to a new, $1.2 million grant, Saint Leo University will be awarding substantial scholarships to help as many as 18 undergraduates prepare to become biology or mathematics teachers in Florida’s Pasco and Hernando county schools over the next several years. Saint Leo is able to start this new scholarship program with grant money received …

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Catholic Schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg Will be Closed through the End of the 2019-20 Academic Year
April 20, 2020

In keeping with the directives and guidelines from our government and public health authorities, Bishop Gregory Parkes has directed that all Catholic School and Early Childhood centers will be closed to students through the end of the 2019-20 academic year. All schools will conduct online/virtual learning for the remainder of the academic year. Currently, diocesan …

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Saint Leo University Extends Online Classes Through End of Spring Terms
March 18, 2020

Florida Commencement Ceremonies Postponed, Rescheduled for June 1 ST. LEO, FL ­– Saint Leo University officials have decided to extend the university’s online course delivery for the remainder of the spring terms and will postpone Florida commencement ceremonies.  After hearing the recommendation of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to the state universities, Saint Leo has followed suit. …

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Saint Leo University to Move Classes Online to Avoid Spread of COVID19 (March 12, 2020)
March 12, 2020

Residential Students are to Remain Home, and Classes Resume Online March 23; Education Centers Move to Online-Only Classes on March 16 ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University has decided to make adjustments to university operations and move to online classes. The university is following guidance issued to the state universities in Florida regarding the coronavirus.  Saint Leo’s students at …

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Bishop Larkin Catholic School in Port Richey is Closed March 12 and 13 Over Coronavirus Concerns
March 12, 2020

On March 11, 2020, Bishop Larkin Catholic School in Port Richey was notified that a parent of a student had tested positive for Coronavirus. The parent is isolated and will continue to remain isolated until cleared by public health officials. The child has not been present at school since last Friday, March 6. The family …

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Saint Leo University Breaks Ground for Wellness Center
February 10, 2020

Saint Leo University broke ground Thursday, February 6, 2020, for a Wellness Center located on the west end of campus by Lake Jovita. The 59,000-square-foot facility will create an environment for holistic health and well-being that integrates student recreation, fitness, health services, counseling services, and campus ministry. See photos from the groundbreaking below. Focusing on …

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Bishop Parkes: “Let’s stretch the limits of what we can accomplish.”
February 5, 2020

In a large ballroom at the Hilton Downtown Tampa, 500 of the faithful of the Diocese of St. Petersburg gathered to bring ministry to life with their presence, prayers and generosity. Long viewed as the signature event of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, the 16th Annual Catholic Foundation Gala on February 1, 2020 inspired attendees …

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“Our Hearts are Filled with Gratitude” – Local School Celebrates National Recognition
January 30, 2020

Middle school can be a difficult time for many students but not for Katelyn Micko. When she started sixth grade at Espiritu Santo Catholic School in Safety Harbor, she felt right at home.  “I was welcomed into a culture of intelligence, acceptance, opportunity, a new perspective on my faith and love,” said Micko. As student …

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U.S. Department of Education Visited Morning Star School in Tampa
January 28, 2020

As part of National Schools Choice Week, the Assistant Secretary of Career Planning, Technology and Adult Education for the U.S. Department of Education, Scott Stump, visited Morning Star Catholic School in Tampa. He visited to see first-hand how students with learning disabilities are benefiting from an accessible curriculum that adapts to their needs, skills and learning …

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Catholic School Update from Our Superintendent
January 20, 2020

There are 47 Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Centers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg that provide Catholic education to nearly 13,000 students in the counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. While proudly Catholic, we welcome students of all faiths. These students shine year-round, but one week each year is devoted to highlighting …

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Retired Principal Impacts Many Lives with Her Generosity and Faith
January 3, 2020

Janice Metz of St. Cecelia Parish in Clearwater is leading by example. She believes that the Church must proactively invite all to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ and offer a warm welcome. “It is so important to look for opportunities to invite people to our Church and really make them welcome,” said …

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Catholic Student Union at USF Celebrates Faith and Accomplishments of Seniors
December 17, 2019

On Sunday, November 24, 2019, the Catholic Student Union at the University of South Florida (USF) celebrated a Baccalaureate Mass to honor and bless the Fall graduates of the university! Five Catholic graduates were recognized during the Mass celebrated by Father Joshua Dyachim. Father Justin Paskert, Director of the Catholic Student Union, concelebrated the Mass. …

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Saint Leo University Inaugurates 10th President, Jeffrey D. Senese
October 16, 2019

Eucharistic, Investiture Ceremonies Incorporate Catholic Heritage, Faculty, Staff, Students Saint Leo University’s 10th president in its 130-year history was inaugurated Friday, October 11, in a ceremony in the Marion Bowman Activities Center that incorporated the university’s Catholic heritage and its commitment to student-centered education. In a Mass celebrated by Abbot Isaac Camacho, OSB, and a …

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Catholic High School Students Invited to Learn about Scholarship & “Instant Admit”
October 12, 2019

Saint Leo University will again offer the Catholic Promise Scholarship, which helps make higher education more accessible to Catholic high school students in Florida. The scholarship will be offered for undergraduate students for the Fall 2020 Semester at University Campus. The Catholic Promise Scholarship will award Florida students who have attended four years at a …

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More than 500 Attend First-Ever “Welcome Home Weekend” at the USF Catholic Student Center
September 9, 2019

To welcome new students and their families to a new school year at the USF main campus, the Catholic Student Union (CSU) and the Catholic Bulls Alumni Society hosted “Welcome Home Weekend” on August 24-25, 2019. This two-day event focused on food, fun, faith and hospitality! After the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday evening, students, …

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Saint Leo University Supports Bahamian Students, Community
September 9, 2019

Candlelight Vigil, Counseling, Relief Drive, Comfort Food Dinner Helps Following Dorian While Hurricane Dorian did not strike Saint Leo University, its impact on the Bahamas is strongly felt by the university community located north of Tampa. Nearly 150 Bahamian students attend Saint Leo, with 64 members of the Class of 2023 being from the country. …

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Students with Special Needs Thrive in Pinellas Park as Morning Star School Celebrates 50th Anniversary
September 6, 2019

For 50 years, Morning Star School has provided much-needed services to thousands of children with special needs in Tampa Bay, while continually growing. The school welcomes students of all faiths in grades Kindergarten to high school. In the beginning, the school mostly served children with physical disabilities and Down syndrome but has since expanded to …

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Gannon University Dedicates Second Academic Building at Florida Campus
August 26, 2019

Gannon University formally opened a new 80,000-square-foot academic building at its Ruskin, Fla. campus on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019. About 220 people attended the Dedication and Blessing Ceremony at the campus, which is south of Tampa. “Today is a monumental step in the development of Gannon University’s effort in Ruskin, Fla. to advance the quality of healthcare delivery …

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Cristo Rey Tampa Announces New President Scott Morreale
August 15, 2019

Fr. Timothy Zak, SDB, Provincial Superior, Salesians of Don Bosco, Province of St. Philip the Apostle, and the Board of Members, announced that Scott Morreale has been appointed to the position of President of Cristo Rey Tampa Salesian High School effective August 19, 2019. “Scott brings professional qualifications and personal skills that he is ready to …

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Congratulations to our 2019 Valedictorians and Salutatorians
June 3, 2019

Congratulations to the valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2018/2019 school year from the seven Catholic high schools in our diocese! Note: The first year that Cristo Rey High School will have a class of seniors is 2020. Academy of the Holy Names Valedictorian Salutatorian Lauren Dingle Sydney Lowman Salutatorian Katherine Taulbee   Bishop McLaughlin Catholic …

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Two Catholic Universities Collaborate to Offer Online Master of Public Administration
June 3, 2019

 Notre Dame de Namur and Saint Leo universities now enrolling students for fall 2019 Two established Catholic universities have come together to make it easier for education, healthcare, law enforcement, and other public-service professionals to pursue a graduate degree for career advancement. Through a collaborative effort, Saint Leo University will provide prospective students with an …

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Tampa Catholic High School Has 7 Million Reasons to Celebrate
May 17, 2019

On May 16, 2019, Tampa Catholic received its largest donation ever. In fact, the $7-million gift from alumnus Arnie Bellini and his wife Lauren is believed to be the largest single gift to a Catholic school in Florida’s history. Bellini is Founder of tech firm ConnectWise and a 1976 graduate of Tampa Catholic. The company …

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St. Petersburg Catholic High School Welcomes New President & New Shared Leadership Model
May 6, 2019

A new leadership model has been introduced at St. Petersburg Catholic High School to more intently advance the mission of the school. Effective July 1, 2019, Dr. Daniel Zepp will serve as newly appointed president, while Ross Bubolz will join him in shared leadership ministry continuing as principal of the school. This expanded model was …

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Saint Leo University Celebrates More than 1,250 Graduates in Commencement Ceremonies
April 30, 2019

The Saint Leo University community came together to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2019 with two commencement ceremonies at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, FL, on Saturday, April 27. The university awarded more than 1,250 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and associate degrees. The festivities kicked off on Friday, April 26, at the main …

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Saint Leo University Offering Transfer Students New Scholarships, 50% Tuition
April 22, 2019

   Open House Planned for May 4 for Those Interested in Study Florida Transfer Scholarship Saint Leo University is offering a new scholarship to ease the transition for transfer students pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree. The Study Florida Transfer Scholarship, which awards students who have earned an associate degree a 50 percent tuition discount, is …

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Saint Leo University to Hold Summer Robotics Camps for Youths
April 8, 2019

As the United States celebrates National Robotics Week (April 6-14), Saint Leo University is expanding its summer robotics camp programs for youths. The university began offering the popular Girls Can! Robotics Camp in 2015, under the direction of Dr. Monika Kiss, professor of mathematics. Last year, a camp for boys was added to Saint Leo’s …

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Saint Leo University Offers Scholarships to Florida Catholic High School Students
March 22, 2019

  Prospective students and the community are invited to learn more at an Open House on April 7.  ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University has announced it will offer a significant new scholarship to help make higher education more accessible to Catholic high school students in Florida. Available for students beginning in the Fall …

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Creating on the Margins Art Contest Is Accepting Submissions
March 6, 2019

Each year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a Creating on the Margins contest to help schools and parishes engage youth in learning about the root causes of poverty and the Church’s response. The theme of this year’s contest, “A Time to Heal Racism,” invites Catholic youth in grades 7-12 to respond to racism …

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New Saint Leo University Poll Shows Candy, Sweets Top Lenten Sacrifices
March 5, 2019

Christians, Catholics to Take Part in 40-Day Observance, Poll Indicates SAINT LEO, FL –Americans say they will stash the Reese’s Cups and drop their daily Dunkin doughnuts as Lent begins Wednesday (March 6) and they give up candy, sweets, and chocolate for 40 days. A new Saint Leo University Polling Institute survey shows that 29.2 …

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Catholic Foundation Gala Celebrates the Gift of Catholic Education
February 15, 2019

  Sold Out Event Raised Over $350,000 for Tuition Assistance More than 600 individuals representing parishes, schools and local businesses gathered together at the Hilton Downtown Tampa on February 2 for the Catholic Foundation’s 15th Annual Gala in support of Catholic education and tuition assistance programs. “It is our privilege to help hundreds of students …

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Saint Leo University Named as Top 10 Military Friendly® School
January 31, 2019

Commitment to Student-Veterans, Active Duty Military, Families Recognized ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University recently was named a Top 10 Gold-level Military Friendly® School Award recipient for 2019-2020 in the category of private institutions offering doctoral degrees. Saint Leo is ranked seventh in the nation as a Military Friendly® School. Now in its 10th …

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Corpus Christi Students Participate in STEMpalooza
January 24, 2019

On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, eight students from Corpus Christi Catholic School in Temple Terrace participated in STEMpalooza, a STEM competition sponsored by the Hillsborough County Association of Elementary Science Teachers. The 2nd and 3rd grade team competed in the Robot Maze and Obstacle Course and earned gold medals! The 4th and 5th grade team …

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Q & A with our Superintendent of Catholic Schools
January 22, 2019

There are 48 Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Centers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg that provide Catholic education to more than 12,000 students in the counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. These students shine year-round but one week each year is devoted to highlighting what makes Catholic schools so special.  National Catholic …

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Saint Leo University Earns U.S. News Honors for Online Bachelor’s Programs
January 16, 2019

Saint Leo University was named as providing two of the best online programs in the United States, according to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, which was released January 16. Saint Leo ranked 69th in the Best Online Programs for bachelor’s degrees, tied with the University of Cincinnati, University of North Dakota, …

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Students from Tampa Bay Area Will March in D.C. for an End to the Human Rights Abuse of Abortion
January 11, 2019

More than 300 students and chaperones are heading to Washington D.C. for the 46th national March for Life that will take place Friday, January 18.  Speakers include Abby Johnson, a pro-life activist who formerly worked for Planned Parenthood and Dr. Alveda King, the niece of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. The March for …

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Guardian Angels is First School in Tampa Bay to Receive STREAM Certification
December 13, 2018

Earlier this month, Guardian Angels became the first school in Tampa Bay to receive STREAM certification which is issued by the Florida Catholic Conference and the National Council for Private School Accreditation. They are the fifth school statewide to earn this distinction. In 2016, Guardian Angels Catholic School introduced a STREAM curriculum. STREAM provides a …

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