Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins will deliver the commencement address to graduate-level candidates during the morning ceremony, while tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Arnie Bellini will address undergraduate candidates in the afternoon.

“Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and Arnie Bellini exemplify leadership, innovation, and a commitment to purposeful service,” said Dr. Jim Burkee, president of Saint Leo University. “Through their philanthropic work and achievements, they show how values put into action can create meaningful change, inspiring our graduates to pursue lives and careers that positively impact their communities and the world.”
The university will hold two commencement ceremonies on May 6 for more than 1,500 graduates. The morning ceremony, beginning at 9:30 a.m., will celebrate all master’s and doctoral candidates, including Educational Specialist degrees. The afternoon ceremony at 2 p.m. will honor all associate and bachelor’s degree candidates.

Lt. Gov. Jay Collins – Morning Commencement Speaker
Collins is a highly decorated Army Special Forces combat veteran and public servant. After sustaining life-changing injuries in combat, he continued serving five more years as a Green Beret before retiring after more than 23 years.

Following his military career, he led Operation BBQ Relief, helping distribute millions of meals to disaster-affected communities and supporting veterans and their families.

Elected to the Florida State Senate in 2022, Collins authored more than 55 pieces of legislation and secured more than $120 million to strengthen education, support first responders and veterans, and protect Florida’s farmlands.

Today, as Florida’s 21st lieutenant governor, he continues to champion bold action and lasting impact for communities across the state.
Collins and his wife, Layla, a retired veteran, are parents to two sons and active members of Grace Family Church.

Arnie Bellini – Afternoon Commencement Speaker
Bellini is a tech entrepreneur and CyberBay evangelist who helped build Tampa Bay into a national technology hub. As founder of ConnectWise and chairman of ConnectSecure.com, he has played a leading role in shaping the future of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and innovation-driven economic growth.

Bellini is a national voice on digital security and the need to defend America’s “digital borders,” bringing together government, military, academia, and the private sector to confront emerging cyber and physical threats.

Beyond technology, he is a champion of conservation and sustainability. He helped support the passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, preserving critical natural lands for future generations.

An avid endurance athlete, Bellini was the 50th person over 50 to swim the English Channel in 2013, a testament to his belief in discipline, resilience, and bold execution.

Today, he is leading the effort to establish Tampa Bay as “CyberBay,” positioning it as the United States’ center of cybersecurity excellence.
He and his wife, Lauren, are deeply committed to philanthropy and community impact, values they have instilled in their two sons, Arnold IV and Peter.

For the full schedule of Saint Leo University’s May commencement activities, visit saintleo.edu/academics/academic-affairs/florida-commencement.

About Saint Leo University:
Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is a leading Catholic Benedictine institution serving learners of all backgrounds and ages with a commitment to excellence, community, and respect. The nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education in the liberal arts tradition and a community of belonging for those who seek a greater purpose in life. Saint Leo University is regionally accredited and offers a campus in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, regional education centers, and online programs. Learn more at saintleo.edu.