Congressman Aderholt Statement on Passing of UNA’s Leo III

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.

“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 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 🥲