SAINT LEO, Fla. – Saint Leo Athletics proudly joined the university community on Wednesday as nearly 1,000 students, faculty, staff, and partners participated in a campus-wide Day of Service to officially welcome Saint Leo University's new president, Dr. Jim Burkee.

Rather than beginning his tenure with a traditional ceremony, President Burkee chose to lead by example, rolling up his sleeves alongside volunteers across more than 30 service sites in Tampa Bay and around the country. Athletics staff, coaches, and student-athletes were among the many groups who spent the day supporting local nonprofits, schools, early-childhood centers, senior care facilities, and campus beautification efforts.

"We are a university of service. But service is just the beginning. Service is the foundation on which we stand, not the ceiling to which we aspire," Burkee shared during the celebration that followed the daylong projects.

From landscaping and community clean-ups to supporting the Benedictine Sisters of Florida at Holy Name Monastery and assisting the Monks of Saint Leo Abbey, Lions student-athletes represented programs across the department. Many teams participated together, reinforcing Saint Leo's long-standing commitment to leadership, stewardship, and service beyond competition.

The day concluded with a campus gathering inside the Wellness Center Gym, where student-athletes, coaches, and athletics staff joined hundreds of community members to hear President Burkee outline his vision for future of Saint Leo University.

"Imagine Saint Leo known not for wealth or prestige, but for sending a wave of servant-leaders into a world desperate for them, as we did today," Burkee said. "This is our calling. This is our responsibility. This is our destiny."

Through the lens of athletics, the Day of Service reflected what it means to be a Saint Leo Lion: representing the university with purpose, recognizing the value of community, and embracing Benedictine values that guide both academic and athletic pursuits.

Saint Leo Athletics is appreciative of President Burkee's strong commitment to our success and his understanding of the vital role athletics plays as a front door to the university.

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- SaintLeoLions.com -