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Alumni Awards

The Saint Leo Alumni Association, along with the Office of Alumni Engagement, is dedicated to recognizing those who serve as role models for Saint Leo students, encourage others to consider a Saint Leo education, and further inspire a sense of Saint Leo pride in their fellow graduates.

Nominations for the 2025 Alumni Awards are now open! Nominations will be accepted until Friday, August 29, 2025. Questions may be directed to Sarah Olsen at sarah.olsen@saintleo.edu or (352) 588-8729.

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Distinguished Alumnus/a Award

The highest award granted by the Saint Leo University Alumni Association, the Distinguished Alumnus/a Award recognizes alumni who have achieved remarkable goals in his or her personal or professional life. Examples of such are: noteworthy success in building a business, appointment to a high level position within a government or private industry, and earning esteem and praise within his or her local community for a consistent pattern of selfless work or high-level achievement.

Alternately, a person who achieved a singular goal of great positive significance. Examples are: earning a position on an Olympic team, discovering or inventing something of note, performing a verifiable heroic deed, and etc.

Benedictine Spirit Award

Originally established in 2006 as the Florida Benedictine Spirit Award, this award continues the tradition of celebrating and honoring an alumnus/a who is living the values first articulated 1,500 years ago by Sts. Benedict and Scholastica. The recipient will have demonstrated uncommon and sustained devotion to the Saint Leo University community.

Roaring Onward Award

Established in 2016, the Roaring Onward Award celebrates outstanding alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years. Selection is based on professional success, contribution to their communities, and living the university’s core values. Recipients possess the qualities that embody the spirit of Saint Leo and a commitment to further strengthen the alumni community.

Mary Cannon Cabot Spirit Award

The Mary Cannon Cabot Spirit Award is presented to an alumnus/a who consistently demonstrates extraordinary spirit and pride in support of the university, the Alumni Association, and related organizations, exemplifying a positive image of their alma mater while inspiring loyalty and pride in their fellow alumni. Recipients of this award embody Saint Leo’s core values of community, excellence, personal development, respect, integrity, and responsible stewardship. The award is named after alumna Mary Cannon Cabot ’71, who died unexpectedly on October 3, 2023. She is remembered for her significant contributions to supporting the mission of Saint Leo University.

Military Service Award

The Military Service Award honors Saint Leo University alumni who have demonstrated exceptional dedication through service in the U.S. Armed Forces and have contributed to our nation’s strength. It recognizes military alumni who exemplify leadership, dedication, and commitment in their actions, while reflecting Saint Leo’s mission to prepare servant-leaders and uphold our core values of stewardship, integrity, and community.

This award celebrates those who have distinguished themselves through exceptional meritorious service and achievement, while serving in the U.S. military and/or in their post-service careers in the private, business, government, or philanthropic sectors. Nominees may be active-duty or veteran alumni whose service and impact continue to reflect the values of Saint Leo University.

2025 Alumni awards will be presented during Alumni Weekend scheduled for March 6-8, 2026.

2024 Award Recipients

Learn more about the 2024 Alumni Award recipients »

Past Award Recipients