Saint Leo celebrates more than 1,200 graduates at commencement

On Saturday, May 14, the Saint Leo University community celebrated more than 1,200 graduates at the Florida commencement ceremonies, held at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees were awarded at the two ceremonies, with 609 students participating in the morning and 594 students receiving their degrees in the afternoon ceremony.

This was a long-awaited moment for the graduates, who on top of balancing their studies with day-to-day life, persevered through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Class of 2022 has been through a lot,” said Kylie Culver, who was named valedictorian of the Class of 2022. “Not only did we have the regular challenges that comes with being college students—making sure we got good grades, making friends, managing our time, and social lives, but we also have the additional challenge of living through a pandemic.”

Each commencement ceremony included an invocation delivered by Benedictine Sisters of Florida Prioress Sister Roberta Bailey and University Chaplain Father Randall Miessen, remarks from Saint Leo Board Chair John View ’72, an address from President Jeffrey Senese, an alumni welcome from Alumni Association President and Trustee Iskra Sbraccia ’05, ’09, and benediction from Father Randall Meissen. Valedictorian Kylie Culver gave a speech to those in attendance at the morning ceremony.

View photos from the event below and read the full recap about commencement activities on the website.