Catholic schools merger
Marymount California University (MCU) and Saint Leo University came together to celebrate the signing of an agreement to merge, according to a news release.
The Catholic institutions agreed to join forces to build upon their historic missions and commitment to offer an innovative, values-based learning environment for students.
When MCU officially becomes part of the Florida-based Saint Leo in January 2023, pending all required regulatory and accreditation approvals, students will have access to more degree options, internships, and other educational opportunities and programs.
Brian Marcotte, MCU president, welcomed Jeffrey Senese, Saint Leo president, and the university’s leadership team to the MCU campus in Rancho Palos Verde, along with Mayor Pro Tem David Bradley.
The agreement was approved on July 29, and the leaders conducted a ceremonial signing on Oct. 4.
After the signing, Senese and the Saint Leo team joined MCU students, faculty and staff for a picnic on the California campus.
“As two universities rooted in the Catholic tradition, focused on the future for students, this newly unified community will offer an innovative, values-based learning environment inspired by individuals in pursuit of a greater purpose,” said Senese, in the release.
“Working with Marymount, Saint Leo University looks forward to making an even more meaningful impact on Catholic higher education from coast to coast,” said Senese.
Humanitarian awards
Fourteen high school students from Pasco County Schools were honored during the Florida Holocaust Museum’s 2021 Anne Frank Humanitarian Award event, held virtually this year.
The award recognizes the outstanding humanitarian actions of high school students who have worked to better the lives of others at their schools and in their communities, according to a news release.
The ceremony included brief videos of area school superintendents congratulating the award winners from their school districts.
“Congratulations to all the Pasco students who have been honored with this prestigious award,” said Pasco County Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning, in a news release.
“It’s so gratifying to know that our teens are being honored for their acts of kindness and for making a difference,” said Browning.
The winners from Pasco County schools are:
- Emma Wegener, Anclote High
- James Cleary, Cypress Creek
- Natalie Smith, Fivay
- Sabrina Tonello, Gulf
- Anya Gorgas, Hudson
- Ashley Colegrove, J.W. Mitchell
- Zeina Benton, Land O’Lakes
- McKenzie Pangallo, Pasco
- Abigail McKone, River Ridge
- Alesiah Manhoo, Sunlake
- Liliana Gonzalez, Wendell Krinn Technical
- Alexi Benitez, Wesley Chapel
- Elyse Alagal, Wiregrass Ranch
- Lataisha Paul, Zephyrhills
Program & lab fees meeting
The Hillsborough Community College District Board of Trustees will meet on Oct. 27 at 4 p.m., at the Dr. Gwendolyn Stephenson District Administration Center board room, 39 Columbia Drive in Tampa, to consider a new program fee and lab fee increase, according to a news release.
The proposed fees are limited to covering costs incurred by the college and will not generate a profit.
The new fees, if approved, will go into effect in fall 2022.
To see the press release in full, visit News.hccfl.edu/press-releases.
Comments on the new fees may be sent to , and then will be shared during the meeting.
Saint Leo names new VP
Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese, president of Saint Leo University, announced the appointment of Dr. Mark Gesner as vice president of community engagement and innovation, according to a news release.
Gesner will serve as a member of the university’s senior leadership team.
Particularly focused in the areas of community impact, social entrepreneurism, and professional development, Gesner will be responsible for advancing community engagement at Saint Leo, building community partnerships, creating new initiatives, and serving on various internal and external boards and committees.
Gesner comes to Saint Leo having served as the executive director of the Hub for Innovation and Community Engaged Learning at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“I look forward to building relationships and collaborating with the many businesses and organizations in the Tampa area and beyond,” said Gesner, in the release.
“I hope to explore emerging opportunities and discover powerful ways for Saint Leo University to be a catalyst and partner in yielding positive social and economic impact,” said Gesner.
Business partners looking to partner with Saint Leo can email .
Education options
Many students think of education after high school as the traditional four-year college degree.
However, students who don’t want to go that route have other options from which to choose, according to the KHEAA (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority).
One option is to get a two-year degree that leads to a job in the workforce.
A second option is a diploma or certificate that takes six to 18 months to finish, then find a job. Students often can take advantage of federal and state financial aid programs to help pay for that training.
Military service is another option students have, which doesn’t mean their education has to stop at high school.
All branches of the service have education options for men and women, either while they are in uniform or after their discharge. Many states have college aid programs for National Guard members.
Service members should contact their unit educational office to discuss student aid options.
For information, visit KHEAA.com.
Early release days
Pasco County Schools again will utilize a monthly, early release time to allow for staff to engage in professional development aligned with student needs, and district and school priorities.
Upcoming early release dates are: Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 2, March 9 and April 13.
On each of these days, students will be released two hours early.
The bell times, including the early release times for each school, can be found online at Pasco.k12.fl.us/site/pcs_bell_schedule.
