Notable Alumni of Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University, since its founding in 1889, has fostered a tradition of excellence, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and propelling them towards impactful careers. Its emphasis on values-based education, coupled with a comprehensive curriculum, has produced a multitude of distinguished alumni across various fields. EduRank positions Saint Leo University at 2255th globally, 775th in North America, and 731st in the United States, based on the aggregated prominence of its alumni. This article highlights some of the university's most notable graduates and former students, showcasing their achievements and contributions to society.
Entertainment and Arts
Saint Leo University has seen several of its alumni rise to prominence in the entertainment industry.
Desi Arnaz, a Cuban-American actor, musician, producer, and bandleader, stands out as one of the most recognizable names. Born Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III, Arnaz is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the iconic television sitcom I Love Lucy, where he co-starred with his wife, Lucille Ball. Beyond his acting career, Arnaz, along with Ball, innovated the concept of syndicated reruns, which revolutionized the television industry. Arnaz attended Camp St. Leo in 1934.
Lee Marvin was an American film and television actor, remembered for playing "tough guy" characters. His notable roles in film included Charlie Strom in The Killers (1964), Rico Fardan in The Professionals (1966), Major John Reisman in The Dirty Dozen (1967), Ben Rumson in Paint Your Wagon (1969), Walker in Point Blank (1967), the Sergeant in The Big Red One (1980), and Jack Osborne in Gorky Park (1983).
Stephen Stills, a musician and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, also attended Saint Leo College Preparatory School.
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Ralph Lee Bowerman, a composer, songwriter, musician, and entertainer, is another alumnus who made significant contributions to the arts. Best known for winning the US Army Bicentennial Army hymn competition in 1975 with his composition "Mighty Is Our Army," Bowerman's work was featured at a memorial service at Arlington National Cemetery.
Robert G. Peterson is a media designer and producer, as well as the former creative director for "The Katie Couric Show".
Politics and Government
Saint Leo University has produced a significant number of alumni who have excelled in politics and government, both at the state and national levels.
Jennifer Carroll, an American Republican politician and retired naval officer, made history as the 18th lieutenant governor of Florida from 2011 to 2013. She is the first black person, woman, and Trinidadian-American elected to the office. Carroll previously served as a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives and is the author of When You Get There.
Richard Corcoran, an American politician, served as the speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. Representing the 37th district (including central Pasco County) from 2012 to 2018 and the 45th district from 2010 to 2012, Corcoran later became the state's education commissioner from 2019 to 2022. He assumed the presidency of the New College of Florida in 2023.
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Rich Nugent is an American retired law enforcement officer and former United States Congressman. A former Sheriff of Hernando County, Florida, Nugent served as a member of the Republican Party and the Tea Party Caucus.
Lauren Scott is an American politician, civil rights activist, and entrepreneur. She won the Republican nomination for the Nevada Assembly's 30th District in 2014.
Donald Ray Tapia served as the United States Ambassador to Jamaica from 2019 to 2021.
Charles Henri Baker, a Haitian industrialist, has been a presidential candidate in Haiti. He is a former member of the Group of 184.
Joyce Cusack is an American politician and former member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 27th District as a member of the Democratic Party.
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Ed Narain is an American Democratic politician who served in the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 61st District.
Ardian Zika is an American businessman, banker, and former politician who represented the 37th House district in the Florida Legislature as a Republican.
Douglas K. Sanders is a local historian and was a featured columnist in The Laker Lutz News for over ten years.
Military Service
Saint Leo University boasts several alumni who have had distinguished careers in the United States Air Force.
Rodney J. McKinley is a retired airman who served as the 15th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force from 2006 to 2009.
Gerald R. Murray is a retired airman who served as the 14th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force from 2002 to 2006.
Clarence Ervin is an American military officer and health administrator who was formerly chief of staff of the North Carolina Air National Guard and assistant chief for Acute and Home Care Licensure of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Sheila M. Air Force is also a notable alumni.
Athletics
Saint Leo University has a tradition of producing talented athletes who have gone on to achieve success in professional sports.
Miguel Tejada is a Dominican former professional baseball shortstop who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He played for six teams, most notably the Oakland Athletics and Baltimore Orioles.
Red Barrett was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played 11 total career seasons in the National League for the Cincinnati Reds, Boston Braves, and St. Louis Cardinals. He once pitched the shortest complete game by fewest pitches (58) in history.
Rosie Kmita is an English former women's footballer who last played for Watford.
Dan Gîrleanu is a retired Romanian volleyball player who won a bronze medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics.
Jim Corsi was a Major League Baseball pitcher and World Series Champion.
Fred Cambria was a Major League Baseball pitcher.
Frank DiPino was a Major League Baseball pitcher.
Brian Dayett was a Major League Baseball outfielder.
Sankar Montoute is a former NFL player.
Bob Tewksbury was a Major League Baseball pitcher, 1992 All-Star, and director of player development for Major League Baseball.
Other Notable Alumni
Besides the aforementioned categories, Saint Leo University has also produced alumni who have made significant contributions in various other fields.
Luis Somoza Debayle was the 50th President of Nicaragua from 1957 until his resignation in 1963.
John Quinlan, nicknamed "Stoneface", is an American actor, former bodybuilder, professional wrestler, fitness model, fashion model, art model and romance cover model.
Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis is the Memphis Police Department Chief.
Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB is the Prioress of Benedictine Sisters of Florida (Holy Name Academy).
Right Reverend Isaac J. Camacho, OSB is the Abbot of Saint Leo Abbey.
Maria Victoria Chiriboga is the Undersecretary of climate change, Department of Environmental Affairs, Ecuador.
Dr. John J. Collins Jr. is a heart transplant pioneer.
Ty DeBellotte is the Founder and CEO of TropQ and TropQing.
Catherine Edmisten is the Vice president of operations, Oak Hill Hospital; fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives.
Adolfo V. Henriques is the President and CEO, Gibraltar Private Bank and Trust.
Michael D. Little is the President and CEO, Christian Broadcasting Network.
Allan J. Leo attended College Preparatory School.
J.P. Ricciardi is the Special assistant to the general manager, New York Mets.
Jeri Prophet is the President and CEO, IntellecTechs, LLC.
Brian Sabean is the Executive vice president of baseball operations, San Francisco Giants.
Wayne Salzgaber is the Acting director, INTERPOL.
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