Saint Leo University hosting open house Oct. 25
ST. LEO – Saint Leo University will host a fall open house for prospective students.
High school and transfer students and their families can explore academic programs, campus life and university resources from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at 33701 County Road 52. They are also eligible for a $250 microscholarship if they enroll for spring or fall 2026.
The event begins with a welcome session at the Wellness Center, followed by campus tours, a free breakfast during check-in, and lunch in the Dining Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Guests can meet current students, learn about clubs and organizations, and connect with faculty at a resource fair featuring degree programs, majors, and minors.
RSVP by Oct. 22. For details, contact the Office of Admissions at 352-588-8283 or .
Restauranteur helps first-generation students thrive
- LEO – Saint Leo University students have until Oct. 15 to apply for the Richard & Melanie Gonzmart Endowment, an annual scholarship created to support first-generation undergraduates with financial need.
The scholarship, funded by Tampa Bay philanthropists Richard and Melanie Gonzmart, ensures future Lions have the resources to pursue their degree.
For Richard Gonzmart, fourth-generation caretaker of Tampa’s iconic 1905 Family of Restaurants, the endowment reflects his lifelong belief in the power of Catholic education and the importance of helping others.
“It grounds you,” he said. “At Jesuit, the motto was, ‘Men for others.’ That belief in service is what inspired us to support Saint Leo students, especially those who are the first in their families to go to college.”
Recipients must be full-time undergraduate students at Saint Leo’s University Campus, at least rising sophomores, first-generation in college, demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
PHSC earns Purple Star Campus Designation
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College has been designated as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus by the Florida Department of Education for its support of military-connected students and their families.
The designation is awarded to colleges that support the needs of veterans, active-duty service members and their families. PHSC met several key criteria, including maintaining a veterans services office to assist with GI Bill education benefits, academic advising, enrollment and transition support.
PHSC serves 587 veteran and military-connected students across seven locations. This past academic year, 45 veteran and military-connected students graduated from PHSC.
“Since starting as a coordinator of veteran services three years ago, the team and I have been working together to create new ideas and processes to strengthen and expand our services to military-connected students,” Shelly Beardenn said.
On the web: advising.phsc.edu/resources/veterans
Quick Hits
- Andrew Surin, of Lutz, was among over 500 first-year students who earned more than $9.4 million in merit scholarships to attend Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio this fall. Surin, a graduate of Tampa Catholic High School, majors in psychology. He earned an $18,000 Dean’s Scholarship based on outstanding academic achievements in high school.
- Jillian Rameau, of Lutz, made the summer 2025 dean’s list for earning a grade point average of at least 3.5 at University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Maryland.
- Dr. John Long Middle School defeated River Ridge to win the county middle school volleyball championship.
- Pasco County Schools appointed Erin Phelps as assistant superintendent for middle schools.
- Hillsborough County commissioners congratulated Webb Middle School student Alfredo Castenada Martell for winning the Anti-Bullying Recognition Team Award.
