Benedictine Spirit Award
Valerie Crane ’62 graduated from Holy Name Academy and then attended Loyola University School of Dentistry, in New Orleans, for dental hygiene. After 25 years as a dental hygienist, she is now retired and lives in Alabama with her husband, Jack. Crane received a scholarship to Holy Name Academy as an incoming high school sophomore. She says the Benedictine Sisters encouraged her to take leadership roles that she would have never ventured into at a large high school. She felt fortunate “to have had a nurturing environment and excellent education.” Crane enjoys lake living and spending time with Jack, their four children, and nine grandchildren.
Distinguished Alumnus/a Award
Dr. Brandon M. Brooks ’11 graduated with a biology degree and is currently a third-year podiatry resident at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, GA. To date, he has completed more than 1,000 foot and ankle surgeries during his residency and was appointed chief resident for the 2018-2019 residency year. As a doctor in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Brooks is proud to wear a Saint Leo lanyard around the clinic and operating room. He says he feels “blessed to be a Saint Leo alumnus,” citing that everything he learned set the foundation for his entire career. Brooks and his wife Amanda are proud parents to Levi and are expecting their second child in April 2019.
Roaring Onward Recognition Program – Class of 2018
Frank Carillo ’11 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a mental health case manager in the Richmond, VA area. He works with intellectually and disabled adults, as well as at risk youth, and is currently working toward his doctorate at Walden University. Carillo’s fondest memories of Saint Leo include two of his professors, Drs. Stephen Elsworth and Toni Bailey. He encourages current students to stay in touch with their professors after graduation and says that being a student is not a matter of what you learn, but how you use your God-given abilities.
Jocelyn Morales ’16 graduated from Saint Leo with a Master of Business Administration degree and is currently a senior analyst in the securities processing department with DTCC. In addition, Morales is a board member of the Refugee and Migrant Women’s Group, which provides resources and life skills to refugees. She is proud to have received her master’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo because it has helped provide growth and development both educationally, professionally, and personally.
Caleb Fuddy ’13 received his bachelor’s degree in sport business and is employed by Crawford Healthcare, in Tampa, FL. After graduation, Fuddy worked in the operations department for the Boston Red Sox. When the team won the World Series this year, Fuddy was fortunate enough to receive a World Series ring. He credits Saint Leo for the opportunities he has received. While a student, he built strong relationships in class and through athletics that he continues to maintain today.
Joshua Paul ’09 received his master’s degree in sport business and is currently working toward his doctorate in business administration through Saint Leo. He is a pharmaceutical underwriter with Cigna and received the Cigna Champion Award for consistently going above and beyond. He is a member of the East Brainerd Youth Association, in Tennessee, where he also coaches baseball. Paul is proud to have been chosen as an original cohort for Saint Leo’s doctoral degree in business administration and continues to strive for balance in life experiences and academic achievements.