Almost 1,500 Saint Leo University Students to Graduate May 6 in Two Commencement Ceremonies

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Media Release | April 23, 2026
Saint Leo University

Graduates will also be honored at nursing pinning, doctoral hooding, Baccalaureate Mass, and reception

ST. LEO, Fla. (April 23, 2026) – In the largest commencement in recent years, almost 1,500 students will graduate from Saint Leo University during two ceremonies on Wednesday, May 6, at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33610. Nearly 875 undergraduate and just under 600 graduate students will cross the stage.

Saint Leo’s Class of 2026 reflects the university’s wide reach, with students from the university’s campus in Pasco County; education centers in Tampa, MacDill Air Force Base, Key West, and Savannah, Georgia; Center for Adult Learning locations in Pasco and Hernando counties; and online programs offered across the United States and internationally, including more than 60 graduates from the World Campus program.

The 2026 commencement season marks Dr. Jim Burkee’s first as president of Saint Leo University. “It is a true privilege to take part in celebrating our graduates at this defining moment and to honor the hard work and accomplishments that have prepared them for what comes next,” he said.

2025 Commencement photo courtesy of St. Leo University

May 6 Commencement Ceremonies

Saint Leo degree candidates will cross the Expo Hall during two commencement ceremonies on Wednesday, May 6, with the morning ceremony recognizing the achievements of graduate-level students and the afternoon ceremony celebrating undergraduate students.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., the morning ceremony will honor master’s, doctoral, and Educational Specialist degree recipients. The faculty marshal for the ceremony will be Dr. Michael Tkacik, associate professor of theology. Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins will deliver the commencement address.

The afternoon ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. and will honor associate and bachelor’s degree recipients. The faculty marshal for the ceremony will be Dr. Monika Kiss, professor of mathematics. Tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Arnie Bellini will deliver the commencement address.

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For both ceremonies, Brother Apollo Rodriguez, O.S.B., of the Benedictine Monks of Saint Leo Abbey, will provide the invocation, Sister Tonette Sperando, O.S.B., of the Holy Name Monastery, will deliver the benediction, and Board of Trustees Chair Noel Boeke will recognize retiring board members. Burkee and Dr. Bryan DePoy, provost and vice president of academic affairs, will confer the degrees to students.

Saint Leo graduates and guests may arrive one hour prior to each ceremony and should be seated no later than 15 minutes before the start time. Graduates must check in at the Entertainment Hall upon arrival, and academic regalia is required for participation.

Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead for weekday traffic. All guests must use the U.S. 301 entrance to access the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Each ceremony is expected to last approximately two and a half to three hours. Graduates and guests are asked to remain seated through the conclusion of the recessional.

Family members and friends unable to attend in person may view the commencement ceremonies via livestream. A link will be available on May 6 at saintleo.edu/academics/academic-affairs/commencement.

Pre-Commencement Events

In the days leading up to the May 6 commencement ceremonies, Saint Leo University also will host a series of on-campus events to honor and celebrate graduates. University Campus is located at 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo, FL.

On Monday, May 4, 10 nursing students from the program’s second graduating class will be recognized at a 10 a.m. pinning ceremony in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms at the Student Community Center. During the ceremony, each graduate will receive a pin symbolizing completion of the College of Health Professions’ Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Several events will also take place on Tuesday, May 5, on the University Campus, including:

Doctoral Hooding Ceremony: More than 60 doctoral candidates will receive ceremonial hoods representing their degree programs in business administration, criminal justice, and education during a 2 p.m. ceremony in the Marion Bowman Activities Center, with departmental receptions to follow.
Baccalaureate Mass: The traditional Baccalaureate Mass will be held at 5 p.m. in the Saint Leo Abbey Church, with Reverend Father Carlos Rojas, university chaplain, serving as presider. Graduation regalia is optional for participating graduates. Due to limited seating in the Abbey Church, admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The liturgy will also be livestreamed via Facebook Live at facebook.com/SaintLeoAbbey. Once capacity is reached at the Abbey Church, guests will be directed to Selby Auditorium to view the livestream.
Roaring with Pride: Saint Leo Lions Graduation Reception: Members of the Class of 2026, along with their families and friends, are invited to celebrate from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Wellness Center. The event is by invitation only, and tickets are required for admission.

Important Information

Family members and guests who require disability-related accommodations to attend or participate in commencement events should contact the university at least two weeks prior to the event by emailing Section504@saintleo.edu.

For the full schedule of commencement events and additional details, visit saintleo.edu/academics/academic-affairs/florida-commencement.

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About Saint Leo University:

Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is a leading Catholic Benedictine institution serving learners of all backgrounds and ages with a commitment to excellence, community, and respect. The nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education in the liberal arts tradition and a community of belonging for those who seek a greater purpose in life. Saint Leo University is regionally accredited and offers a campus in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, regional education centers, and online programs. Learn more at saintleo.edu.