Benedictine Spirit Award
Mary Kay “Katie” Calvert ’60 attended Holy Name Academy. In 1952, Katie attended a summer camp held by the Benedictine Sisters of Florida. That camp changed her life and ignited a lifelong love affair with all things Holy Name. The Benedictine Sisters fostered her deep faith and four years later, granted her a scholarship to attend high school at Holy Name Academy. Upon graduation, Katie went on to become a registered nurse. She later received a master’s degree in education to teach middle school. Katie’s devotion to Saint Leo led her to support the Sister Mary Grace Riddles Endowed Scholarship, and she also continues to annually donate to the Benedictine Sisters of Florida. Katie fondly remembers the nuns, priests, and friends that she made and who made such an impact on her life. She especially loved the dances that were held at the Saint Leo College Preparatory School each month!
Distinguished Alumnus/a Award
William “Spider” Biossat ’69 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from University Campus. He dedicated his professional career to law enforcement, in which he began by working for the Florida Marine Patrol Narcotics Division and then later joined the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as a special agent. He later worked as a narcotics investigator for U.S. Customs, which led to further assignments as a resident agent-in-charge. Bill and his wife, Darlos, have three children, who he believes are his greatest achievement. Bill credits the time he spent at Saint Leo as shaping him to be the person he is today. He has fond memories of the love and support that he received from faculty and especially his fraternity brothers.
Reverend Jonathan A. Zingales ’71 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Since the age of 9, Father Jonathan knew he wanted to become a priest, and he was ordained in 1976. Throughout the years, he has served as a teacher, vice principal, and principal of Catholic high schools and in 1985, he was selected as the secretary to the Superior General of the Benedictine Order in Rome. While in Rome, he graduated magna cum laude and earned his degree in canon law. He holds the office of Defender of the Bond and Promoter of Justice. Father Jonathan is passionate about mentoring and educating children and has been a member of the Benedictine High School Board of Directors. Father Jonathan fondly recalls how the Saint Leo University faculty and staff always listened to the students and were ALWAYS there to help.
Roaring Onward Award – Class of 2020
Heavenly Aguilar ’18 ’20 graduated from the Center for Online Learning with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice and will enter law school in the spring of 2021. She started a nonprofit organization, Scholars for Youth Empowerment, which focuses on helping low income youths. She also volunteers to assist the elderly and fundraises for the arts. Heavenly’s favorite Saint Leo memory is the kindness of her professors. While attending Saint Leo, she was going through a tough time in her personal life and her professors helped to keep her studies on track. She incorporates the core value of personal development into her life by helping others soar toward their dreams—spiritually, emotionally, and through educational growth.
Dr. Bradley Brooks ’13 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from University Campus. He is in his fourth year as a psychiatry resident at the University of South Alabama Health and is serving as chief psychiatry resident. He was honored with the distinction of being named psychiatry teaching resident in 2019. He tries to exude excellence, each day, by helping students with their academics. Bradley’s favorite memory of Saint Leo is the late nights spent studying with fellow biology students.
Brian Davison ’16 received his MBA through the on-ground master’s program. He is a business director at Nike, where he started out at a Nike Factory store as a retail manager. He moved up and was promoted to sales manager, product manager, sports marketing representative, and finally to his current position. He was recognized with the EKIN of the Year Award when he was a brand manager. Because Brian had a wonderful mentor, he was inspired to pay it forward and mentors young adults who are looking for employment. He also supports a local food bank and cancer research. Brian’s favorite memory of Saint Leo is receiving his MBA while working at Nike. He was learning about Theory of Concept and was able to apply what he learned to his position at Nike.
Caitlin Parrish ’16 ’18 graduated from the Center for Online Learning with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice and is employed by the Tampa Police Department as a Neighborhood Affairs and Crime Free Program officer, in the same district as her father, who is a senior sergeant. She began her career as a 911 Communications dispatcher and has moved up through the ranks. She is working on becoming a police officer. She was recognized for helping streamline the Neighborhood and Elder Affairs programs. Caitlin’s favorite memory from her time at Saint Leo was being a part of the LEAP Program. The program helped her transition to college life, and she still keeps in touch with the 25 other members of the group today!
Cheyenne Simmons ’14 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from University Campus. She is employed by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff. She also serves as a field training officer and helps prepare new police academy graduates for their positions as deputies. Cheyenne is enrolled in a graduate program in forensic wildlife conservation, and she hopes to blend her passion for wildlife with her professional experience in law enforcement. Cheyenne’s greatest Saint Leo memories are her from time as a Greek sister and also the traditions and manger scene at Christmas. “Saint Leo University was my home,” Cheyenne says.