Saint Leo grad heading to Italy
Paul Vitaliti has made the most of his time at Saint Leo University, having graduated summa cum laude to being admitted to a global arts management program in Milan, Italy,
A 2025 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in theater, Vitaliti also completed minors in English and art, and was an active member of the Honors Program. He’ll continue his studies through the Global Master in Performing Arts Management at Politecnico Milano, in collaboration with the renowned Teatro alla Scala and Teatro Piccolo.
At Saint Leo, Vitaliti served as president of Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Society and founded the Italian Trivia and Language Intracultural Association. He was involved in University Ministry, LEAD Scholars and multiple honor societies. As a resident assistant, he was named RA of the Year and received the Student Affairs core value award for personal development.
His senior Honors project, The Backstage Pass, included writing, producing and directing the original play “The Circus Comes to Town.”
Vitaliti credits Saint Leo for helping him grow as a leader and artist.
“My favorite memories revolve around how much of an impact I’ve been able to make,” he said.
Saint Leo appoints board leadership
ST. LEO – The Saint Leo University board of trustees announced new board officer appointments.
Noel Boeke, a partner at the law firm Holland & Knight, will lead the 27-member board as chair. He has served on the board since 2010.
Iskra Sbraccia, head of sanctions screening operations at Google in Chicago and CEO of I Am Spark in Tampa, will serve as vice chair. Sbraccia has served on the board since 2021 and is a past president of the Saint Leo University Alumni Association.
Thamir A.R. Kaddouri Jr., managing partner at TAMPALAW, will serve as secretary. Kaddouri is a past president of its alumni association.
“Their professional expertise and long history of serving the university will allow us to quickly make strides forward to support our students and community in new and greater ways,” said James DeTuccio, interim chief operating officer and chief financial officer. .
Governor announces Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday
PANAMA CITY BEACH – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the return of Florida’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, which will run from Aug. 1 to 31, giving families a full month of savings on essential school supplies.
The Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday includes exemptions for:
- School supplies selling for $50 or less: Binders, Lunch boxes, Notebooks, Pens and pencils
- Clothing, footwear, and apparel priced at $100 or less: Backpacks, Pants, Shoes, Shirts and Sweaters.
- Learning aids selling for $30 or less: Flashcards, Interactive Books and Puzzles.
- Personal computers and accessories priced at $1,500 or less (for noncommercial home or personal use): Flash drives, headphones, Laptops and Printers.
“By cutting taxes, empowering parents, and growing our economy, we’re making it easier for people to live, work, and thrive in the Free State of Florida,” DeSantis said.
Visit FloridaRevenue.com/BackToSchool for more information and to view lists of qualifying items.
Student Achievements
- Ronak Agarwal, of Tampa, earned the distinction of Faculty Honors for the spring semester at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. Agarwal earned a 4.0 academic average for the semester.
- Rebecca Bach, of Lutz, graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude in the Honors College at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. Bach earned a GPA of at least 3.5 to graduate with honors.
- Leroy Forbes, of Lutz, earned an Associate of Arts from the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Maryland.
- Jalen Stevens, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Maryland. Stevens graduated Summa Cum Laude and made the President’s List
