Saint Leo University Offering Meeting Space at Tampa Education Center
July 27, 2021
TAMPA – Do you need a cool space for a meeting in Tampa? Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education Center is offering classroom space for meetings at its West Tampa site.
Located in the building formerly known as the Berriman-Morgan Cigar Factory at 1403 N. Howard Ave., Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center is in a fully renovated building that is conveniently located off of Interstate 275. The building was constructed in 1903 for the Berriman Cigar Co. By 1910, the Morgan Cigar Co. moved into the building. In its height, the company rolled more than 11 million cigars each year. And, like other cigar factories, the building was constructed with high-ceilings and tall windows so factory workers could have plenty of light and a breeze while they rolled and prepared cigars.
The university’s location in West Tampa Convenient features 32,000 square feet across four floors, with the first floor and basement serving the Tampa Education Center. The second floor houses Center for Online Learning Student Advising, Student Financial Services, and executive offices while the third floor is home to the Center for Online Learning enrollment team.
Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center offers four primary classrooms with Zoom capabilities in each room, said Rod Kirkwood, director of the Tampa and MacDill centers. Each classroom can hold 22 people with desks or 35 without desks. In addition, the computer lab features 18 computers, which also could be used.
Classroom space is available for use 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Kirkwood said. There also are two parking lots for those using the building. The center holds classes mainly in the evening and on weekends, so Saint Leo would like to share the space with community members.
“We hope to partner with businesses and organizations in Tampa and Hillsborough County so that Saint Leo students have opportunities for internships and careers, working to build the workforce of the future,” Kirkwood said. “And this is a great opportunity for organizations and businesses to use some space and learn more about Saint Leo University and the Tampa Education Center. At Saint Leo, one of our core values is ‘community,’ and we want to assist businesses and organizations in our Tampa community.”
For information about holding a meeting at Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education center, contact Rod Kirkwood at rod.kirkwood@saintleo.edu or (813) 226-2775.
About Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is one of the largest Catholic universities in the nation, offering 57 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs to more than 18,200 students each year. Founded in 1889 by Benedictine monks, the private, nonprofit university is known for providing a values-based education to learners of all backgrounds and ages in the liberal arts tradition. Saint Leo is regionally accredited and offers a residential campus in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, 16 education centers in five states, and an online program for students anywhere. The university is home to more than 98,000 alumni. Learn more at saintleo.edu.
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