Saint Leo University celebrated 40 years of partnership with the military through various events from November 2012 to 2013, including a Veterans Day ceremony, military film screenings, and community service activities. The university organized luncheons, educational panels, and film series honoring military personnel while involving students and faculty in appreciation events and support initiatives. Their commitment to veterans and military students was recognized by being named a 2014 military-friendly school.

1. CELEBRATING
YEARS OF THOSE WHO
SERVE OUR NATION

2. Celebrating 40 Years of Serving
Those Who Serve
2012-2013
Beginning on Veterans Day in 2012, Saint Leo University marked this
milestone by launching a year-long celebration of its proud
educational partnership with the military.
From a military speaker series, to monthly screenings of military films,
the anniversary year included special programs and events at
University Campus and Centers nationwide.
It is a proud heritage in which we all share, as one university
community, committed to continuing to serve those who serve our
nation.

3. November 11th
W

4. On Monday, November 12,
University Campus classes were
canceled to allow all students,
faculty, and staff to participate
in the Veterans Day ceremony.
All members of the Saint Leo
University community, as well
as residents of the neighboring
communities, and visitors
attended this moving event.
The Featured Speaker was Assistant Professor and retired U.S. Army Col. Angela ManosSittnick, a wounded warrior. Dr. Manos-Sittnick travelled from Atlanta for this special
presentation. She teaches in the Saint Leo criminal justice program, drawing on both her
academic background and military experience.
Marion Bowman Activities Center
University Campus
November 12th
Veterans Day W
Ceremony 2012

5. Saint Leo University
sponsored
November 13th
Military
Recognition
Luncheon:
A Virginia Peninsula
Chamber of Commerce
Military Affairs Council
event that honored local
military personnel, for their
outstanding contributions
to the greater good of the
Peninsula.
11/13/12
Newport News, Virginia

6. November 14th
Military Film Series:
Flags of Our Fathers
11/14/12
Apt Building 6 Media Room
University Campus

7. Saint Leo University sent
November
Thank You Cards to Veterans
Saint Leo University’s Northeast Florida Center at SJRSC Orange Park campus
provided materials to students to make thank you cards for Veterans.
The cards were sent at Thanksgiving.
Northeast Florida Education Center
Orange Park Campus

8. Saint Leo University sponsored
Saint Leo University was a sponsor of the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for
Arthritis in Newport News, Virginia. Chosen as one of the Most
Incredible Themed Races, participants wore holiday themed
costumes and tied jingle bells to their shoelaces.
The event raised funds to fight arthritis, the nation's leading cause
of disability, and a disease that affects many Saint Leo military
students and their families.
Newport News, Virginia
November 17th
Jingle Bell Walk for Arthritis

9. Saint Leo University sponsored
November 29th
Wounded Warrior Luncheon
Saint Leo University was a sponsor for the Wounded Warrior
luncheon held at the Fort Eustis USO Center in South Carolina.
The program provided lunch for approximately 100.
Fort Eustis, South Carolina

10. Saint Leo University hosted
December 1st
Brigadier General (Ret) USAF Shulstad
"Leading and Managing
Through Influence,"
based on his book
Golden Nuggets: A
Practitioner’s Reflections on
Leadership,
Management and Life.
12/1/14
University Campus, TECO Hall

11. Saint Leo University sponsored
December 1st
USO Holiday Party
Saint Leo University was a sponsor of the annual
USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia
Holiday Party at Rockwell Hall Gym on Joint
Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
This fun- filled, family-oriented event was free to all
service members and their families.
JEB Little Creek Rockwell Hall, Virginia

12. December 11th
Military Film Series:
Forrest Gump
12/11/14
Boardroom A
University Campus

13. Saint Leo University contributed to
December
USO Stockings for Soldiers
12/ 12 /12
Fort Eustis, South Carolina

14. Saint Leo University participated in
The Savannah Center partnered
with the Salvation Army to provide
new clothes, shoes and toys to 40
disadvantaged children in the
Savannah area. The participation
of the faculty, staff, students and
alumni was tremendous and
resulted in largest collection of
items ever donated.
Savannah Center, Georgia
December
Salvation Army Angel Program

15. Saint Leo University participated in
Yellow Ribbon Office Door Event
December
For the month of December , the Northeast
Florida Center staff decorated their doors
with yellow ribbons and the message
“I’ll be home for Christmas,
if only in my dreams”
SLU Northeast Florida Center
Orange Park Campus

16. Saint Leo University participated in
Saint Leo University students,
faculty and staff collected
and donated hats and
mittens as part of the Fort Lee
Holiday Helper program.
The Holiday Helper
Association said, “This was by
far one of the most
appreciated gestures that
our military love about
Holiday Helper!”
Fort Lee, Virginia
December
Hat and Mitten Trees 2012

17. January 15th
Military Film Series:
We Were Soldiers
1/15/13
Boardroom A
University Campus

18. Saint Leo University Athletics
January 19th
Military Appreciation Night
Military appreciation was announced at Men’s
and Women’s Basketball games, and admission
was free for military.
Marian Bowman Activity Center
University Campus

19. Saint Leo University hosted
Civil War Historian John Quarstein
Noted historian John
Quarstein presented on
“The Civil War in Hampton
Roads and Tidewater” on
Thursday, January 31, at
the university’s Newport
News (VA) Education
Office as part of their
Lunch and Learn series.
Newport News, Virginia + VTT Broadcast
January 31st
The Civil War in Hampton Roads and Tidewater

20. February 5th
Military Film Series:
The Tuskegee Airmen
Apartment Building 6 Media Room
University Campus

21. Saint Leo University
organized
February 14th
We Love the
Military:
Operation USO
Care Package
2/14/13
Fundraising Event/Contribution for
Active Duty Military

22. Global Sustainable
Economic
Development
from a Military
Perspective
Speakers, from left, were panel moderator James Whitworth, Saint Leo
associate professor of social work and retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel;
Edward Spenceley, retired U.S. Army staff sergeant and senior vice president
of global commercial banking for Bank of America; Jon Bayless, vice
president of business development for Tandel Systems, and retired U.S. Navy
rear admiral; and Greg Celestan, chairman and chief executive officer of
Celestar Corp., Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce chairman, and
retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel.
University Campus
February 15th
International Business Conference
Military Panel Presentation

23. February 22nd
Project Salute-University Campus
Saint Leo University hosted
to Host Project Salute:
Free Legal Clinic for
Free Legal Clinic for Veterans
Veterans
An eight-member team from Project Salute, a mobile, free legal assistance
project for low-income veterans who need assistance with disability and pension
benefits, provided services on University Campus.
Student Activity Building
University Campus

24. Saint Leo University sponsored
Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s 2013
Lieutenant General Russel L. Honore, U.S. Army (Ret) gave
a keynote address on the topic of “Leadership in the New
Normal.”
Tampa Marriott Waterside, Florida
The Greater Tampa Chamber
of Commerce honored our
community’s military
personnel at the 2013 Military
Appreciation Banquet on
Wednesday, February 27
presented by Bright House
Networks. More than 450
attendees, including
leadership from all five service
branches, were in
attendance. Saint Leo
University was a sponsor for
this event.
February 27th
Military Appreciation Banquet

25. Saint Leo University hosted
LTC Jeffrey Yarvis, Ph.D.
Military social work expert LTC
Jeffrey Yarvis, Ph.D., a published
scholar in the field of traumatic
stress, provided a free, public
lecture on PTSD.
His visit was sponsored by the
Office of Veteran Student Services,
School of Education Social
Services, and the 40th Year Military
Anniversary Committee.
University Campus, TECO Hall
February 27th
Understanding Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
in Veterans

26. Saint Leo University hosted
February 28th
Author Lloyd Hunter
Lloyd Hunter, author of For Duty and
Destiny: The Life and Civil War Diary of
William Taylor Scott, Hoosier Soldier and
Educator was sponsored by the
Department of Social Sciences within
Saint Leo’s School of Arts and Sciences.
Donald R. Tapia School of Business
University Campus

27. March 12th
Military Film Series:
Cold Mountain
3/19/13
Apartment Building 6 Media Room
University Campus

28. Saint Leo University hosted
Lieutenant Colonel Ty Edwards
Decorated war veteran Lieutenant
Colonel Ty Edwards shared stories of
his experiences during his time of
service and how Saint Leo’s
commitment to educating our service
men and women remains important to
our nation.
Tampa Education Center, Florida
March 18th
Personal Recollections of a
Marine Corps Advisor with
the Afghan National Army

29. Saint Leo University hosted
Dr. Kenneth Moss (retired military)
March 19th
Enhance Leadership Abilities
With over 25 years in management and organizational leadership, Dr. Kenneth M.
Moss is known as an expert in mentoring, emotional intelligence, organizational
management and leadership. The Capstone of his professional career includes
retirement from the United States Army after 20 years of distinguished service. Dr.
Moss is a Management Professor with Saint Leo University serving at the South
Hampton Roads Center.
Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library
Virginia Beach, Virginia

30. Saint Leo University participated
March 22-24th
Navy Freedom Marathon
Fundraiser and Health Expo
Corpus Christi, Texas

31. March 26th
3rd Annual VAACME/VWWP
Golf Tournament
Proceeds benefited the Virginia
Wounded Warrior Program
4/2/13
Aeropine Golf Club

32. Saint Leo University hosted
Susan Knab
Supporting Military Families:
Susan Knab, Coordinator of
Family Support Services at the
Wounded Warriors Project,
presented on how to support
military families, community
resources the Wounded Warrior
project offers, training they
provide helping professionals,
and the community, and
assistance they offer directly to
veterans and families.
Donald R. Tapia School of Business
University Campus
April 2nd
The Wounded Warriors Project Mission and Services

33. Saint Leo University participated
NavyNaval Station Mayport Fair
College Education
April 2nd
Navy College Education Fair
4/2/13
Mayport, Florida

34. Saint Leo University
presented
April 2nd
Just the Facts
USO-Style
Spring Concert
4/2/13
School of Business Atrium
University Campus

35. Making the Grade
School of Education and Social Services Presentation:
Strategies for Educational Success for Military Families
Dr. Dwight Raines, an educator with over 30 years of
experience in the classroom as well as school
administration.
Dr. Fermin De La Torre, a former police officer with 20 years of experience in adult
higher education and full time criminal justice SLU faculty member.
This seminar broached various topics and strategies to aid the student in finishing
their classes with higher grades and less stress.
Navy College, JEB Little Creek
Virginia Beach, VA
April 3rd
Speakers included Dr. James Whitworth, a published
author, clinical social worker, and Air Force veteran
dedicated to helping military, veterans, and their
families deal with issues involved with living a military
lifestyle.

36. April 4-7th
Saint Leo University Honored Military
at Alumni Weekend 2013
University Campus

37. Saint Leo University hosted
An Afternoon with Author Tanya Biank
Army Wives and Undaunted
April 4th
Tanya Biank’s book Army Wives
was the inspiration for the
popular drama still running on
the Lifetime cable television
network.
Her new book, released in
February, is titled Undaunted: The
Real Story of America's
Servicewomen in
Today's Military.
4/4/13
Fort Eustis Jacobs Theatre
Newport News, Virginia

38. Saint Leo University hosted
An Afternoon with Author Tracy Crow
Tracy Crow is author of Eyes Right:
Confessions from a Woman
Marine. She shared her
experiences as a military journalist
during the groundbreaking 1980s.
Eyes Right won the bronze
distinction in the recent Florida
Book Awards.
Additionally, her short story, "Natural Selection," based on events from her life as a
Marine, has been anthologized alongside work from Tim O'Brien, Tobias Wolff, and Kurt
Vonnegut in the Press 53 collection Home of the Brave. Crow has also written a novel
(using the pen name Carver Greene) called An Unlawful Order featuring a female
military officer as the main character. She teaches creative writing at Eckerd College in
St. Petersburg, Florida.
Student Community Center Boardroom C
University Campus
April 5th
Eyes Right: Confessions from a Woman Marine

39. Saint Leo University participated
Saint Leo University
participated in the Chatham
County Park Services and Bass
Anglers Plus Inc. third annual
Take A Soldier Fishing Wounded
Warrior Bass Tournament at
Lake Mayer.
Anglers took members from
each branch of the military
fishing in a catch-and-release
tournament.
This year’s event also included
“Walk For A Vet” to raise
money for local Disabled
American Veterans.
Savannah, Georgia
April 6th
1st Annual Walk for a Vet
and Take a Soldier Fishing

40. April 9th
Military Film Series:
Windtalkers
4/9/13
Apartment Building 6 Media Room
University Campus

41. Saint Leo University sponsored
The Virginia Run for the Fallen began on
May 2 at Fort Story base in Virginia
Beach, VA, and was a 230-mile-long
memorial route through Virginia Beach,
Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News,
Gloucester, Tappahannock, King George
County, Fredericksburg, Stafford,
Quantico, Dumfries, Prince William
County, Manassas, Fairfax County,
Annandale, Alexandria and Arlington.
Fort Story to Arlington National Cemetery
May 2-5th
Virginia Run for the Fallen

42. USO
Patriotic
Festival and
Virginia
Beach
Oceanfront
Air Show
Virginia Beach
May 31st-June 2nd
Saint Leo University sponsored

43. Saint Leo University sponsored
Saint Leo University was a sponsor of A Stars and Stripes Affair – 3rd Annual
VetsHouse, Inc.
Vetshouse, Inc. is a unique nonprofit organization serving homeless veterans
in Hampton Roads. It is not a shelter, but a 12 month program providing
contemporary living quarters in a group environment, assistance in job
hunting, transportation, personal skills and development guidance.
Ocean Front, Virginia Beach
June 29th
VetsHouse, Inc. Dinner

44. Saint Leo University sponsored
July 4th
4th at the Fort
Williams Stadium, Fort Lee, Virginia

45. Saint Leo University participated
33rd National Veterans
July 13-18th
Wheelchair Games
Tampa Convention Center

46. 40 Dollars 40 Years
July 30th
Saint Leo Campaign to Support Military Students
Saint Leo University Fundraising Event

47. Whitworth, Ph.D., LCSW, BSD, is an
associate professor of graduate
social work at Saint Leo University. He
has provided extensive private
practice counseling for military
members, veterans and their families
with depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD).
.
Virginia Beach Public Library
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Joe Barto, founder and president of
Training Modernization Group (TMG),
Inc., created and has led his company
to consistent, high-level performance
since its founding in 2002. A retired U.S.
Lieutenant Colonel, Barto graduated
and was commissioned a Second
Lieutenant of Armor at the U.S. Military
Academy in 1978. Barto holds a
master’s degree in public
administration.)
8/6/13
August 6-7th
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in
the Workplace Workshops

48. September 10
Military Film Series:
Gettysburg
9/10/13
Apt Building 6 Media Room
University Campus

49. Saint Leo University sponsored
Saint Leo University
was a sponsor of the
25th Annual
“Showcase of Key
West Businesses”
Trade Show held at
Casa Marina Resort,
Key West, Florida.
Key West, Florida
September 18th
Key West Chamber of Commerce
Trade Show

50. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Cindy Lee, Ph.D., LCSW, is the Director of Saint Leo University
Master's in Social Work Program. She served as Family Support
Project/ Operation Coordinator to provide interrelated services
to address the medical, economic, mental health, and social
needs of the military members and their families.
James Whitworth, Lt. Colonel USAF (Ret) Ph.D., LCSW, BCD is
an Associate Professor of Graduate Social Work at Saint Leo
University (SLU). He previously was an Assistant Professor at the
University of West Florida where he taught advanced clinical
counseling within the Masters of Social Work (MSW) program.
He has provided extensive private practice counseling for
military members, veterans, and their families with depression,
anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
9/25/13
Donald R. Tapia School of Business
University Campus
September 25-26th
Deployment Related Trauma in the Workplace

51. Saint Leo University participated
Saint Leo University
participated in the 4th
annual military
appreciation picnic, Shaw
Air Force Base, S.C.
Shaw AFB Education Center,
South Carolina
September 28th
Sumter Chamber of Commerce
Annual Military Appreciation Picnic

52. Saint Leo University hosted
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D.
In his pastoral letter, entitled "Year of Faith: Seek
Peace," Archbishop Broglio encourages the
faithful of the Archdiocese for the Military
Services in their unique vocations of service,
draws their attention to the Church's desire to
provide for the spiritual care of those in the
military and their families, and invites them to
evangelize following the example of the
centurion whose words in Matthew 8:5-11 were
"Lord, I am not worthy to receive you under my
roof, but only say the word and my servant shall
be healed."
Chesapeake, Virginia
October 2nd
"Year of Faith: Seek Peace"

53. Saint Leo University Designated
2014 Military Friendly School
“Inclusion on the 2014 list of Military Friendly
Schools® shows Saint Leo’s commitment to
providing a supportive environment for military
students,” said Sean Collins, Vice President at
Victory Media and a nine-year Navy veteran.
“The need for education is growing and our
mission is to provide the military community
with transparent, world-class resources to assist
in their search for schools.”
Saint Leo University
October
The 2014 Military Friendly Schools® list honors
the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and
trade schools in the country that are doing the
most to embrace America’s military service
members, veterans, and spouses as students
and ensure their success on campus.

54. Saint Leo University sponsored
I
This year’s event was held at Nauticus in
Norfolk, VA, and featured tours of the
USS Wisconsin, one of the largest and last
battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy.
Guests also experienced the Nauticus
museum has to offer, including exhibits and
displays that chronicle the global maritime
commerce and the world’s largest Navy.
Virginia Community Day
October 5th
4th Annual Virginia Community Day

55. October 8th
Military Film Series:
In The Valley of Elah
9/26/13
Apt Building 6 Media Room
University Campus

56. Saint Leo University hosted
Motivational Speaker Ed Rollins
Three Times a Veteran,
from Top Gun Training to
Iraq and Back
Veteran of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army
National Guard, and U.S. Marine Corps
Chesapeake, Virginia
October 9th
Blue to Green:

57. Saint Leo University hosted
Air Force Blue to
Corporate Grey
CMSAF (Ret) Gerald Murray, senior
manager, business development for
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, spoke to
Saint Leo military students on aligning
graduation goals with current and
emerging career opportunities, military
bearing and corporate values, and
rising to the challenge.
Marietta, Georgia
October 18th
Chief Master Sergeant Gerald R. Murray

58. October 19th
The Fort Lee
Run for the
Fallen
Rescheduled for
March 29, 2014
9/26/13
Fort Story/Fort Lee – Williams Stadium

59. Saint Leo University hosted
October 24th
Guest Speaker Colonel Sheri W. Andino
Colonel Sheri W. Andino is commander
and Aerospace Studies Department
Head of Air Force Reserve
Officer Training Corps
Donald R. Tapia School of Business
University Campus

60. In advance of Veterans
Day on November 11, Saint
Leo University joined with
local business organizations
in the Movers for Military
community outreach
program.
Movers for Military is a
donation drive collecting
items and gifts in honor of
Veterans Day, for those
veterans who are currently
homeless.
University Campus
October-November
Movers for Military Veterans
Community Outreach

61. Saint Leo University hosted
Author Gary Cooper ‘54
As part of Saint Leo College Preparatory
Holy Name Reunion Weekend, Retired
Naval Commander, author and historian
Gary Cooper (Saint Leo College Prep
'54) recounted the tragic story of the illfated June 4, 1945 mission of Lieutenant
DeLand Croze, his thirteen crewmen
and the Australian search party that, but
for the error of a single digit, could have
saved the crew when the mission took a
tragic turn.
University Campus, TECO Hall
November 8th
Fatal Error: The Final Flight of a WWII Bomber

62. November 11th
Veterans Day
November 11,
2013
University Campus

63. November 12th
Military Film Series:
Men of Honor
Apt Building 6 Media Room
University Campus

64. At Saint Leo University, we are proud of the
partnership we have with our military. Many
Saint Leo students, as well as faculty and staff,
are active members of the armed forces,
veterans, and their families. The Wall of Honor
tells some of their stories. In the months to
come, we will continue to add to this page.
Do you have a story to share? Be sure to fill out
our Wall of Honor Submission and tell us about
yourself. We look forward to hearing from you!
Worldwide
November
Saint Leo University’s
Wall of Honor

65. Here’s to 40 More!