WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04) released the following statement after learning that the mascot for The University of North Alabama, Leo III, passed away Thursday evening. The UNA campus is located in Congressman Aderholt’s Fourth Congressional District.
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Leo. My staff visited with Leo just two weeks ago while on a tour of the Shoals area, where they got to hear him roar and watch him play. As someone who attended UNA, I know how deeply this loss is felt. I send my condolences to all the students, alumni, staff and the UNA/Florence community as a whole. Leo and his mighty roar will be missed.”
Stone Griffin, Congressman Aderholt’s staff assistant in our Washington office, wrote this poem about Leo this morning:
Oh Leo, noble and strong
With your mane golden and long
You were the heart of UNA
The roar that lit up our day
We only met you two weeks ago
But in that short time, you stole the show
Your presence was regal and grand
A king of the campus land
Now you’ve passed on to the other side
With Una, your sister, by your side
In heaven’s fields, you’ll roam free
Forever young, forever carefree
Your roar will echo in our hearts
A memory that will never depart
Rest in peace, dear Leo, our friend
Your legacy will never end
In your cage, you were confined
But in our hearts, you’ll always shine
Farewell, majestic lion of pride
In the heavens, may you forever glide
Media Release/Office of Congressman Robert Aderholt
