Jeri D. Prophet ’13 is founder and CEO of lntellecTechs, Inc., a Virginia Beach (VA) firm specializing in a full range of information technology products and services. Prophet has been recognized for numerous awards, including 2015 Still Hope Foundation’s Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, 2014 Entrepreneurial Excellence Honoree, 2012 Women in Business Honoree, 2012 Still Serving Award, and 2009 Top Forty Under 40 Honoree. A service disabled veteran, Prophet started NowHiringVeterans.com, a free veteran/employer matching job placement service website. Her favorite Saint Leo memory is walking into Professor Seagraves’ music class and realizing Professor Seagraves was as passionate about music as she was about computers, and there would be no leaving early.
Michael Lydon ’07 is the director of North American Talent Acquisition for INC Research/inVentiv Health, the only fully integrated bio-pharmaceutical solutions organization in the market. In his role, Lydon leads a department of 40+ managers and recruiters who are responsible for hiring more than 1,500 employees in North America and 3,500 employees globally. He regularly participates in a number of local community charities, including the Pancreatic Cancer Center, Trinity Cafe, and Hope Children’s Home. His most memorable Saint Leo moment was when he first met his wife, Jamie Lydon ’08. Given the university’s diversity, Lydon credits Saint Leo for helping him learn how to collaborate and communicate with individuals from all over the world. These invaluable skills have accelerated his success and enabled him to make a positive impact in the corporate world.
Latoya Gary ’11, MBA ’13 is a senior accountant for the School Board of the Marion County (FL) finance department. She plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the district—from handling budget preparations to analyzing financial data. She participates in United Way fundraisers hosted by the district and regularly volunteers at church by serving on the Hospitality Committee. The Center for Online Learning allowed Gary to continue her education anywhere. Her favorite Saint Leo memory is the networking receptions. Even though she attended Saint Leo online, these receptions allowed her to network and meet new friends. "Being a Saint Leo alumna means being part of a community that loves promoting and giving back. I've always been proud to say I'm a Saint Leo alumna.”
Brendan Cahill ’10 is the senior manager for Payer Marketing and Strategy at Valeant Pharmaceuticals, in Bridgewater, NJ. He is an active member in Team Red, White & Blue, an organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. Cahill’s proudest professional moment was when he placed first in his class in Basic Training with the National Guard. In fact, he is still active in the Guard and currently serves as the executive officer of his unit, with the rank of first lieutenant. His fondest memories of his time at Saint Leo are playing on the lacrosse team and creating lifelong friends.
Kimberly Patterson ’15 is a crime scene technician II with the Lakeland (FL) Police Department. She works in all aspects of criminal investigation, including forensics, crime scene investigation/reconstruction, forensic photography, and courtroom testimony. Patterson has received numerous meritorious service awards from the Lakeland Police Department, and she actively participates in community projects sponsored by the department. She feels that Saint Leo’s core values create a foundation upon which students can build to become morally responsible professionals and leaders. “I feel it is essential to challenge students to associate how the Saint Leo core values can be applied to their academics, as well as real-life issues. I believe these values have guided my overall personal and professional development.”
Sherman Milton III ’13 is a Realtor® for Florida Heritage Real Estate Group in Dade City, FL. Since joining the real estate world, he has helped many first-time buyers fulfill their dreams of becoming homeowners. Being one of the youngest agents in his association, he has a busy work schedule, but he still finds time to give back to his community. During his free time, he tutors at the Boys and Girls Club and mentors for the Pasco Education Foundation. Milton’s favorite memory of Saint Leo is his S.E.R.V.E. (Students Engaged in Rewarding Volunteering Experiences) trip to Ecuador during his freshman year. There he had the opportunity to teach English and computer skills at a local school.
Jesse Suarez ’11 is a second-year internal medicine resident at Brandon (FL) Regional Hospital. Following completion of his residency training, he plans to enroll in a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine. Born and raised as a proud member of the Tampa Bay area, he is engaged with community-based activities involving the American Medical Association and his residency program. He also volunteers frequently with the American Heart Association. Following completion of his training, he plans to return to the Tampa Bay Area and serve his community as a cardiologist. Suarez says his favorite Saint Leo memory was being a member of the baseball team, through which he formed lasting relationships with his coaches and teammates, and served as captain during his junior and senior seasons. To Suarez, being a Saint Leo Lion means being a part of a collective that embodies the university’s core values.