Saint Leo University Says ‘Welcome Home’ To More Than 800 New Students During Move-In Days

It was a day for excitement and a few nerves for new students as they arrived at Saint Leo University today (Thursday, August 22) to begin their college careers. They were greeted by faculty, staff, coaches, athletes, orientation leaders, and other fellow students who helped unload their vehicles and carry their belongings into the residence halls.

More than 800 new and transfer students are registered and moving into residence halls, and classes begin on Monday, August 26, at the campus in Pasco County as well as online and at the university’s regional education centers in Florida and Savannah, GA. 

“There’s lots of emotions,” said Adrianna Rodriguez, a freshman from Spring Hill, FL, as she unpacked. “A little bit scared, a little anxious,” but overall, the communication and journalism major was looking forward to life at Saint Leo and beginning her studies. 

For mom Christine Conlon of New Hampshire, dropping off son Zachary at Marmion-Snyder Hall also brought out those feelings, but she was confident and comfortable with leaving him at Saint Leo, joined by his roommate Mekhi Thomas of New Port Richey, FL. While visiting in July, the family was at a restaurant and when everyone heard why they were in the area, “they all just said so many nice things about the university.”

Zachary Conlon, who is majoring in sport business and communication, chose Saint Leo for a reason that is common — to get out of the cold. Dad B.T. Conlon said that while Zachary was making college visits in the north, his son noted, “there was no way I’d get out of bed in the morning in the cold.” 

“Out of all the warm places he visited, he said this feels like home,” Christine Conlon added. 

Christine and B.T. Conlon will be flying back to New Hampshire on Friday. “I wanted to stay but I was told to leave,” Christine said laughing. 

Roommates and best friends Hattie Robertson and Lexus Ottum from Mount Dora, FL, are ready for the school year to begin. “I’m excited about the classes and meeting all my professors,” said Robertson, who is majoring in medical humanities-health humanities. Ottum, who is pursuing a degree in elementary education, said she’s really looking forward to the course Evaluating Global Warming, one of the science offerings in University Explorations, Saint Leo’s general education program, which gives students a well-rounded foundation in arts and sciences. “I’m interested in learning about the world that is around us,” Ottum said. 

Making the choice of Saint Leo University was easy for Evan Bagniuk, who is majoring in business administration. It was close to home for Bagniuk, who is from nearby Land O’ Lakes, FL, and he and his family attend Mass at Saint Leo Abbey Church. “It’s close, and I just love the campus,” he said while his dad, Stan Bagniuk spoke with Dr. Jen Shaw, vice president of Student Affairs. “I’m looking forward to getting to know people and getting to know the campus.” 

Bagniuk has good company as 64 percent of the news students are from Florida. 

For Aubrey Wallace of Plant City, FL, Saint Leo University is a family affair with her grandfather Freddie Armour as a proud alumnus. Armour earned a bachelor’s degree in management in 2017 and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree. Wallace, who is majoring in criminal justice-homeland security was embraced in hugs by mom, Maria Boyd along with her grandparents Jovannie and Freddie Armour. “She doesn’t want to let go,” Freddie said of Boyd as she gave Wallace a final hug. 

Advice for New Saint Leo Lions

“Our faculty and staff have been preparing for our students’ arrival on campus and working to make Saint Leo University feel like home and a place of belonging,” said Dr. Ed Dadez, university president.

He advised students to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available to them including the offices of Student Success, Career Services, and Counseling Services, and encouraged them to participate in the many activities offered by the university. “Don’t forget that this community is here to help you be your best self and pursue a greater purpose in life,” Dadez added. 

Tamar Olguin Alzate, a junior and the Student Government Union (SGU) president, echoed the university president’s “get involved” message. 

“My advice to new students is don't feel bad about asking questions,” she said. “Ask as many questions as possible, whether in class or exploring campus. It's the best way to learn and get comfortable. Saint Leo gives you all the tools you need to be successful, the community is welcoming and supportive, and there's always someone willing to help.”

New Student Orientation & Week of Welcome 

Find the full schedule here. 

Some Statistics

Where new students come from:

• 64 percent are from Florida
• 21 percent are from out of state
• 15 percent are international students from other countries

Number of New & Transfer Student-Athletes: 

•  220 incoming students, about a 62 percent increase. 

Top Two Majors: 

• criminal justice (all specialties combined)
• biology (all specialties combined)  

Other Top Majors: biology: biomedical & health sciences; management; pre-nursing; business administration; and undeclared