AMU Magazine Spring 2018 by Ave Maria University

SPRING 2018

Arts and Sciences AMU IS EQUIPPED FOR EVERYTHING FROM THE OPERA TO THE OPERATING ROOM

Contents 3 Letter from the President 4 News 11 Academic Update 12 Advancement 23 Alumni Highlight 24 Mother Teresa Project Mission Trip 26 Study Abroad 28 Campus Community 34 Athletics Updates

15 STUDENT – TEACHER DUO ARE IN HARMONY ABOUT THEIR WORK

20 ELIZABETH COX: PLANS FOR MEDICAL SCHOOL

16 AN INTERVIEW WITH STUDENT ARTIST JOHNNIE EAGAN (’19)

21 LIZ SAXE: ASPIRING DENTIST LEARNS A LOVE FOR LIBERAL ARTS

AMU Junior, Matheus Bressan, and Dr. Taylor Ferranti work together to develop further Matheus’ remarkable talent. Studying music and specializing in Opera, Bressan talks about preparing for a future as an opera singer.

Long Beach, California native and AMU Junior, Johnnie Eagan has been developing her drawing and artistic skills from an early age. Her art can be found in stores around Ave Maria and at the weekly farmers’ market. She talks about her love of art and favorite things.

Senior Biochemistry major Elizabeth Cox will be entering the MD Program at The University of Florida’s College of Medicine this fall. She talks about how her decision to choose AMU has helped prepare her for her future.

From rural Alaska to AMU and beyond, junior biochemistry major Liz Saxe discusses her remarkable summer internship and her plans to pursue a career in dentistry, enabling her to give back to those living without accessible dental care.

22 18 BRANDON BABIN (’14) OPENS VIA WELCOME TO THE RENAISSANCE! VITAE CHIROPRACTIC The AMU Shakespeare in Performance THE TAMING OF THE SHREW OPENING NIGHT Shakespeare in Performance’s Spring 2018 production in the Prince Building was a wild success. With song, sallies, shouts and spanks, the tale of zany love unfolded on the new thrust stage.

Troupe performed The Taming of the Shrew in the new Jack Donahue Black Box Theater. A Renaissance of the arts is happening at AMU and it’s being enjoyed and supported by students, staff, donors, and the public.

Alum Brandon Babin completed the Doctor of Chiropractic program at Palmer College of Chiropractic and is opening his own practice in Virginia. He talks about his undergraduate experience and how Ave Maria University provided the best of what he was searching for.

Letter from President Towey

ear Friend:

“The University takes as its mission the sponsorship of a liberal arts education curriculum dedicated…to the advancement of human culture, the promotion of dialogue between faith and reason, the formation of men and women in the intellectual and moral virtues of the Catholic faith, and to the development of professional and pre-professional programs in response to local and societal needs.”

This excerpt from Ave Maria University’s mission statement, as this issue of our magazine demonstrates, is being realized in manifold ways. The liberal arts are flourishing at Ave!

FALL 2018 VOLUME 8, ISSUE 1

MANAGING EDITOR JEN LANG

PRESIDENT JIM TOWEY

Ave Maria University Magazine is published by Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Florida for alumni, parents and friends. Third class postage paid at Ave Maria, Florida. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Office of Advancement, Ave Maria University, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria, FL. 34142

CONTRIBUTORS GRACE DE SALVO SARAH BLANCHARD DANIEL LENDMAN MICHELLE BRIDGE KIMBERLY KING TAYLOR HODGE MARY BUZZANCA CLARE LITTLETON JEN LANG PHOTOGRAPHY TONY ZOLLO ZACH JOHANNI EMERY WELTENS NICHOLE KENDALL MOTHER TERESA PROJECT FERNANDO PEREZ AMU ATHLETICS

Ave Maria University is a Catholic, liberal arts institution of higher learning devoted to Mary the Mother of God, inspired by St. John Paul II and St. Teresa of Calcutta, and dedicated to the formation of joyful, intentional followers of Jesus Christ through Word and Sacrament, scholarship and service.

ON THE COVER TENOR AND OPERA STUDENT MATHEUS BRESSAN (’19); BIOCHEMISTRY MAJOR LIZ SAXE (’19)

We now have 34 majors that range from those traditionally associated with liberal arts education (Theology, Philosophy, History, Mathematics, etc.) to nursing, accounting, education and other professional studies. What unites these diverse disciplines is the Core Curriculum requirement that every AMU graduate must fulfill. It is among the most demanding of any in academia and consists of 14, four-hour credit courses (three in Theology; two each in Philosophy, Western Civilization and Culture, Science, and Latin or modern languages; and one each in Mathematics, Politics, and Literature/ Composition). Last year, under the brilliant leadership of Dr. Seana Sugrue, the Core was revised and revitalized, and this year Dr. Roger Nutt, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and our fine faculty have successfully implemented those changes. Nearly half of the graduation requirement emanates from the Core, which as

Rhodora Donahue at the dedication of the new black box theater

you would expect from its Latin origin, represents the “heart” of the Ave Maria educational experience. In these pages you also will learn of the tremendous generosity of AMU trustee Tom Prince and his wife, Selby, whose names now adorn the new $12 million building on the mall. This magnificent edifice houses our new black box theater named in honor of Jack Donahue, another hero who helped Tom Monaghan found the University and who supported AMU until a year ago when the Lord called him home (but thankfully, his wife of 70 years, Rhodora, is as vibrant as ever). This edition includes a glimpse of the difference the Mother Teresa Project is making with a story of the journey of 8 students and my wife, Mary, to the missions of Haiti. Hurricane Irma didn’t keep Ave Maria

from having an extraordinary year. This should come as no surprise. As Jesus says in His sermon on the mount, “Anyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock. When the rainy season set in, the torrents came and the winds blew and buffeted his house. It did not collapse, it had been solidly set on rock.” AMU and the Catholic liberal arts education we offer are rock solid! Kind regards,

Jim Towey President

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Students danced and swayed as DC-based band, Scythian, played on stage for the Annunciation Feast.

AMUNEWS

AMU ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE THOMAS AND SELBY PRINCE BUILDING

he new academic building is now more concrete reality than dream. At the annual Scholarship Dinner in February, President Towey announced the name of the new facility that is still underway: the Thomas and Selby Prince Building. Thomas Prince (pictured above, with family) has been a trustee of Ave Maria University and a generous donor for many years. On April 11th, after months of construction, the building saw Shakespeare in Performance’s opening night. The actors and actresses brought Shakespeare to life through their talent, passion, and hard work in a place well-suited to their success. This new building will continue to be a center for the University’s expansion and growth in many areas, offering nursing labs, classroom space, staff and faculty offices, a permanent home for the Mother Teresa Museum, and two performance venues.

NEW SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

n May 5, 2018 at 10AM in the Tom Golisano Field House, approximately 250 students (the largest graduating class to date) are expected to receive degrees at this year’s Commencement Ceremony, and it’s only fitting that they finish this stage of their education with an address from U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. “It is a great privilege to have America’s top education official address the Class of 2018, and our entire campus community looks forward to welcoming her with joy in May,” remarked President Jim Towey. He praised Secretary DeVos for being a “passionate advocate for children” and their “right to a quality education,” and his enthusiasm is shared by the student body. Stephen Akers, president of Student Government Association, commented, “Having Secretary DeVos on our campus is a true honor for our graduates, and Ave Maria’s students will receive her with all of the excitement and gratitude she so richly deserves.”

This year, AMU announced two new scholarships: the Kazma Scholarship and the Mother Teresa Scholarship. In an effort to continue offering an excellent yet affordable education, two new scholarships have been made possible this year through the generosity of University supporters. The Kazma Scholarship will be awarded for freshmen starting in the Fall 2018 class who are demonstrated leaders and committed to serving others. Through the generosity of the Kazma Family Fund, students of strong moral character, initiative, service, and academic achievement have the opportunity to receive one of twenty scholarships of up to $12,500 per year. Another generous donor has provided for the Mother Teresa Scholarship. This $15,000 award is offered to students of high academic achievement and a strong desire to imitate the spirituality, love and charity of Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

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U.S. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION TO SPEAK AT COMMENCEMENT

AMUNEWS FOUR NEW MAJORS ADDED

Bringing total to 34, including 9 professional and pre-professional programs

Dr. Nicholas Curtis, Program Director of Marine Biology

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Dr. Antonio Barbosa, Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics

Dr. Peter Whalen joins AMU in Fall 2018 as Ungarino Associate Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Marine Biology: This major cultivates an understanding of marine-related problems and solutions, experimentation, original scientific research, and scientific inquiry from a marine perspective. “The campus of AMU is uniquely situated to take advantage of a variety of nearby marine environments,” Dr. Curtis says. “In addition, many of us have backgrounds and research experience in Marine Biology.”

Chemistry: Students receive a broad background in the chemical sciences, including Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry, as well as more advanced courses. Research with professors is encouraged. “The Chemistry program offers numerous opportunities,” Dr. Barbosa explains. “It really comes down to what path a student wants to take. AMU definitely prepares them to get there.”

Marketing: Students studying Marketing will think about and communicate brands strategically, draw conclusions from consumer behavior, evaluate marketing strategies ethically, and implement marketing strategies in online settings. They learn to manage the marketing process, demonstrate multi-channel communication skills, apply consumer behavior theories in case studies, and evaluate the legal/ethical ramifications of their actions.

GRANT AWARDED FOR ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH In Florida alone, 480,000 people suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. The confusion surrounding the development of Alzheimer’s led the Florida Department of Health to award a $100,000 grant to Ave Maria University’s chemists and biologists so they can conduct further research on the disease. Increasing evidence suggests that Alzheimer’s is linked to changes in metabolic profiles that diminish neuron survival. The nicotinamide metabolites that affect the aging-related protein sirtuin-1 to promote neuron survival will be studied by a team of AMU professors including Dr. Antonio Barbosa, Dr. Stephen Cronin, Dr. Diana West, and Dr. James Vranish. Experts in biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biology, this team will work alongside undergraduates to understand better how sirtuin-1 can be harnessed to prevent the formation of Tau tangles and amyloid beta plaque build-up in Alzheimer’s. The team anticipates that this research will be beneficial for the discovery of new therapies for Alzheimer’s.

Biochemistry Department research team, led by Professors Barbosa, West, and Vranish.

COACH MIKE DITKA VISITS AMU Hall of Fame football player and coach Mike Ditka came to speak at the AMU Athletics staff retreat, offering valuable words of wisdom and experience.

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Dr. James Patterson, Chair of Communications

Communications: “Students in Communications,” explains Dr. Patterson, “will have the liberal arts training and practical skills to succeed in media, business, and civic organizations.” Rhetoric courses will survey ancient and modern theories of persuasion and debate, production courses train in audio and visual media production, while marketing courses offer lessons connecting sellers and buyers.

AMUNEWS

THE AQUINAS CENTER FOR THEOLOGICAL RENEWAL AT AMU CO-HOSTS A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE

IN COMMEMORATION OF FR. MATTHEW LAMB, BELOVED PRIEST AND PROFESSOR

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ogether with the Thomistic Institute, the Aquinas Center for Theological Renewal co-hosted a conference at Ave Maria University, “Thomas Aquinas and the Greek Fathers.” The conference was a great success with keynote addresses given by Fr. Khaled Anatolios and Dr. Joseph Wawrykow from University of Notre Dame, and Marcus Plested of Marquette University. During the two-day conference, several plenary sessions as well as various concurrent sessions provided conference goers with many and various opportunities to enter more deeply into the relationship between Aquinas and the Greek Fathers. The theme proved rich ground, since Thomas Aquinas is profoundly influenced by the Greek Fathers throughout his writings. From the mysterious PseudoDionysius to St. Cyril of Alexandria and St. John Damascene, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the writings of Thomas are steeped as deeply in the Eastern patrimony as in the Western. Indeed, the great influence of the Eastern Fathers on Aquinas led Fr. Khaled Anatolios, an Eastern, Melkite priest, to marvel at the deep accord between Athanasius and Aquinas on the Sacrifice of Christ. Such research helps manifest why Aquinas is called the Universal and Common Doctor. Further, by emphasizing the deep accord between the great light of the West, Aquinas, with the Eastern Fathers, fertile ground is developed for building a common understanding with those Churches in schism with Rome, but that maintain a deep appreciation of the Fathers. The conference also provided occasion for the Aquinas Center to bestow two awards. Dr. Wawrykow

received the Veritas Medal, which honors an eminent Catholic thinker whose career reflects the Aquinas Center’s goal to foster the search for truth. Since the attainment of truth is a participation in the Wisdom of Christ, the Veritas Medal serves to recognize those who have instantiated, in their lives and work, the integration of faith and reason. Also, Fr. Thomas Joseph White, OP was

awarded the Journet Prize for his book Light of Christ: An Introduction to Catholicism. This prize honors the scholarly monograph published in any language during the past calendar year that best exemplifies the task of drawing upon the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas to engage constructively in contemporary theology, philosophy, and/or biblical studies.

Coming Soon

MOTHER TERESA AND THE MYSTICS: TOWARD A RENEWAL OF SPIRITUAL THEOLOGY Edited by Michael Dauphinais, Brian Kolodiejchuk, MC, and Roger W. Nutt Foreword by H. James Towey

over 40 years, he was without his monastic community, going wherever he was called to teach. His quiet, faithful life of sacrifice made his presence in our lives a source of much grace, teaching us by word and deed to “seek His face always” here on earth, recognizing that we see here as through a mirror dimly. We pray and hope that Fr. Lamb is enjoying the vision he sought so earnestly now face to face. Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. by Michelle Bridge, 1st year PhD student

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hough Fr. Lamb prized rigorous academic discipline, which he both practiced himself and expected of his students, his greatest lessons were not those of factual assimilation but of true holy wisdom. He brought to the harried minds of his students, theologians who, while in the world, struggle not to be of it, the peace of his monastic and contemplative soul, teaching them that ultimately, one thing only is needful: to fix the gaze of mind and heart on the Lord. Always a disciple of Augustine, he taught his students the importance of awareness or presence, the start of Augustine’s intellectual conversion: when one is present to oneself, one can then be truly present to others, and mindful of and receptive to the presence of God, and it is from this presence that knowledge and love proceed. Fr. Lamb lived this presence in his daily life, including both his priestly ministry and his teaching, modeling it as the beginning of appreciating the wise order of all things, and showing that all things proclaim God’s goodness and truth. During his final illness, even when he could speak less each day, his presence to us was not lessened. He received each visitor with joy, and used his few words to request assistance in praying the divine office, to which he was entirely faithful, and to express solicitude for our classes and studies. With paternal love and care, he silently gave his blessing to his visitors as they left. His example and love were contagious, and when he was buried on the feast of St. Anthony of the desert, we, his students, despite our sorrow, felt the fittingness. Just weeks prior, he had taught our class on Athanasius’ Life of Anthony, especially noting the inspiration the mere account of the desert father’s life held for Augustine and for countless others. Fr. Lamb’s life, like Anthony’s, was lived simply, in poverty and chastity, and, for

AMUNEWS

ACADEMIC UPDATE

Faculty across disciplines meet over lunch to engage in discussion on the significance of civilization

Founder Tom Monaghan greets students

AVE MARIA 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY: CELEBRATING 10 YEARS WITH TOWN AND GOWN FOUNDER, TOM MONAGHAN

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2017

marked the 10-year anniversary of Ave Maria as a town and university community. Ave Maria University commemorated its 10-year anniversary on its permanent campus last academic year, with a celebration on its patronal feast day (the Feast of the Annunciation). AMU’s founder, Tom Monaghan, was present for the day’s festivities, which coincided with his 80th birthday celebration. The party lasted late into the evening, with food, drink, dancing, live music, and a show-stopping firework display to close out the night. More recently, the town hosted its own 10-year anniversary, for which Tom Monaghan was also present. In February, the town’s piazza was filled with town residents as they enjoyed the day’s activities, vendors, raffles, rides, games and music. The highlight of the day was Founder Tom Monaghan’s cutting of the 10-year anniversary cake and the commemoration of the town time capsule. Thomas S. Monaghan was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1937. After a rough upbringing, marked by his father’s early death, subsequent stays in foster care, and ultimately landing at St. Joseph Home for Children, Tom Monaghan went on to found the remarkably successful and innovative Domino’s Pizza. He sold the company for an estimated $1 billion in 1998. Filled with a desire to give everything back to God, Monaghan signed The Giving Pledge, vowing to spend all of his remaining fortune on charitable work and to “die broke.” It is all thanks to Tom Monaghan’s overabundant generosity and pioneering vision that the community of Ave Maria, both town and university, is thriving today.

arch 22nd saw the penultimate meeting of The Colloquium Luncheon Series, a gathering of faculty across disciplines in which they explore the themes of AMU’s exciting new interdisciplinary core courses, namely Core 101, spanning Greek Antiquity through the Renaissance and Reformation, and Core 102, which moves from Early Modernity into the Modern and Contemporary eras. The series met eight times this academic year, covering topics such as: Ancient Greek Civilization, Eternal Rome, Medieval Europe, Renaissance and Reformation, Science and Enlightenment and The Revolutionary Era. The March meeting dealt with the Contemporary Era before World War II, while the series closed out in April with a follow-up discussion on the Contemporary Era after World War II. At each session, 2-3 faculty members deliver short presentations, which are followed by Q&A and engaging discussion between all in attendance. With interdisciplinarity in mind, the dates of each meeting were coordinated with the syllabus schedule for the Core Courses. The topics being taught in class aligned with the themes covered in the colloquia. “Since Core 101 and 102 are interdisciplinary, the series promotes an interdisciplinary approach to each topical area,” explains Dr. Barry David, Associate Professor of Philosophy and co-organizer of The Colloquium Luncheon Series. (Dr. David is joined in the organization of the series by Dr. Daniel Davy, Assistant Dean of Faculty and Assistant Professor of History Education.) “Our principal objective consists in understanding and articulating the meaning of life, in the context of a liberal arts program in the Catholic tradition. This is done,” Dr. David goes on, “by analyzing (from a broadly conceived Catholic liberal arts perspective), in historical sequence, the principal periods and issues structuring Western civilization from antiquity through the contemporary era.” The presentations were made by faculty from a wide variety of disciplines—including Biology, Classics, Economics and Business, History, Humanities, Literature, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Politics, and Theology. “The colloquia are for the immediate benefit of the faculty—both for those not in the core program and for those teaching in it,” Dr. David further explains. “They help everyone to consider the meaning of life through the looking-glass of reflecting on the significance of Western (and ultimately world) civilization; and, for much the same reason, they can also help those teaching in the program. Finally,” he says, “the faculty, and all visitors, very much enjoy the opportunity to reflect on the lofty matter of the meaning of life, in conjunction with studying the nature and development of Western Civilization, while having their lunch.”

PHILOSOPHY DEPT’S ANNUAL AQUINAS LECTURE FEATURES PROF. ROBERT KOONS The Philosophy Department’s annual Aquinas Lecture was delivered by Robert Koons, professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin, on February 2nd. He addressed the topic of “The Thomistic Theory of our Knowledge of

Necessities: The Formal Identity of Intellect and Object.” Prof. Koons has authored or edited six books, most recently, The Atlas of Reality: A Comprehensive Guide to Metaphysics (Wiley-Blackwell, 2017).

Pondering Persons

Dr. Houde contributes to updated edition of classic psychology textbook

n 2015, Dr. Keith Houde, Associate Professor of Psychology at AMU, was in search of a more focused textbook to use in PSYC 490, a course on the history and systems of psychology. After coming across the 6th edition of James Brennan’s textbook, History and Systems of Psychology, Dr. Houde decided to reach out to the author with an offer to collaborate on creating supplementary teaching materials for the text. “As Providence would have it,” Dr. Houde recalls, “Dr. Brennan had been considering a revision of the textbook and, as we became further acquainted, he invited me to join him on the project, for which I am most grateful!” Cambridge University Press offered a contract in early 2016, and the updated 7th edition, with Dr. Keith Houde listed as co-author, was recently released with a 2018 publication date. In the 7th edition, Brennan and Houde, with their combined passion for the field, continue to bring a fresh and engaging perspective to the history of ideas in psychology. New material in the updated edition includes following “five streams” of psychological thought across each historical period, from antiquity to modernity. Additionally, the 7th edition incorporates personalism and the thought of Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II). “This is, to the best of my knowledge, the first such consideration within a history of psychology textbook,” says Dr. Houde.

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The Colloquium Luncheon Series

ADVANCEMENT

Inaugural Symposium on Principled Entrepreneurship

Dr. Arthur Brooks Challenges Students to “Disrupt the Culture”

Brooks delivers a riveting keynote address at the 7th Annual Scholarship Dinner

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n the morning before the 2018 Scholarship Dinner, Ave Maria University hosted an Inaugural Symposium on Principled Entrepreneurship at the Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort in Naples, Florida. For a university founded by legendary entrepreneur Tom Monaghan, the Entrepreneurship Symposium was a fitting opportunity to bring together Ave Maria University students with several individuals who have taken risks and been met with success. The Symposium featured plenary speakers Dr. Seana Sugrue (Ave Maria University) and Dr. Peter Whalen (Pennsylvania State University). During the symposium, it was announced that Dr. Whalen will be joining the AMU faculty in Fall 2018 as the Ungarino Associate Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Symposium panelists included Larry Blanford (retired President and CEO of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc), Mary Demetree (Owner of Demetree Real Estate Services), and Michael Pinto (AMU student and Co-Founder of Home Court Advantage, LCC). Each panelist was invited to share their stories and speak about how faith has impacted their role as entrepreneurs. With its Inaugural Entrepreneurship Symposium on the topic of “Creating Faith-Based Value,” AMU is embarking on a renaissance in entrepreneurship education. When asked what she thought of the link between these two things, Dr. Seana Sugrue replied: “Both the Renaissance and the field of entrepreneurship celebrate the unleashing of human potential. Each looks toward the future with joyful anticipation of what might be achieved.”

Symposium panelists, from left to right, Peter Whalen, Seana Sugrue, Mary Demetree, Michael Pinto, and Larry Blanford Seana Sugrue, D.C.L. Chair of the Politics Department, Professor of Politics

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Creating Faith-Based Value

andlelit tables transported guests to the Renaissance at the 7th Annual Scholarship Dinner. With over 300 in attendance, including the Board of Trustees, President Jim Towey, Bishop Dewane of the Diocese of Venice, keynote speaker Dr. Brooks, various faculty, administration, staff, students, and friends of the University, “Welcome to the Renaissance” was truly a night to remember. For many, the highlight of this year’s Scholarship Dinner was the keynote address given by Dr. Arthur C. Brooks, President of the American Enterprise Institute and AMU Trustee. In his address, Dr. Brooks called upon those gathered to “disrupt” the current culture’s destructive tendencies. “Our culture is destructive, and we need people to disrupt it,” Dan and Gayle D’Aniello, he said. “We need to create and support institutions that teach disrupDonna and Bill Bradt, and tive practices,” Dr. Brooks went on. “And that’s why I’m here tonight. ’18 Hunter Rose That’s why I’m involved with Ave Maria University.” Dr. Brooks challenged the audience to be disruptive Catholics in three ways: “Let’s go where we’re not invited,” he said. “Let’s make our beliefs sound strangely normal, and let’s answer the world’s contempt with love.” After the fact, AMU students are taking this call to “go where they’re not wanted” seriously. Sarah Kozak, a senior Psychology major, comments, “I felt that it was a call to action that is so relevant for our generation. As a college student who will be graduating soon and venturing out into the professional world,” she continues, “I felt encouraged not to be afraid to take the truth that I have been given during my time at Ave, and not to be afraid to share that with Shakespeare in Performance Troupe those I will encounter in the future.” performing “Welcome to the Renaissance” “We live in a culture where we’re told bad things are normal,” Dr. Brooks insisted in his address. “We have to live in a world [where] good things are normal too.” AMU senior Marketing major Nicholas Root was especially impressed with this second way of being “disruptive” in today’s culture, by making one’s beliefs sound normal. “This really struck me,” Nick reflects. “At Ave Maria, we receive the education that we need to be able to answer the hard questions about faith. Our beliefs should be a normal part of our lives that we can share with others.” Humanities major John Coffey adds: “One need not be a zealot to spread the Gospel, but in all sincerity and conviction hold to the truth of the Catholic faith in every sphere of one’s life.” In his address at the Scholarship Dinner, Dr. Brooks asserted that answering Dr. Arthur C. Brooks contempt with love is the “true secret to disruption, because that’s the ultimate expression of our Catholic faith.” Senior Theology major Nora Anderson believes all of her fellow students should be ready to take Brooks’ advice, no matter what they might be doing after graduation. “I appreciated that his suggestions are things each person can put into practice,” she shares. “To go where we’re not invited, make our faith sound normal, and to answer contempt with love are practices that we can continue to work on in our everyday encounters.”

The Arts

AT AV E M A RI A UNI V ERSI T Y

THE FLOURISHMENT OF THE

Arts & Sciences AT AV E M A R I A U N I V E R S I T Y

atheus Bressan, AMU Junior, has been blessed with a remarkable talent.

He is studying music and specializing in Opera at Ave Maria University. Through the dedication and effort of his voice teacher, Dr. Taylor Ferranti (Associate Professor of Music), Matheus is being prepared for a future as an opera singer. The student-teacher pair have a great dynamic. In the words of Dr. Ferranti, “Matheus flew over here, we had one voice lesson, and we agreed that we would work very well together.” Before coming to Ave Maria University, Matheus was in Brazil, working in finance, and singing in choirs. He was encouraged to audition for AMU’s music

Academic Records. Junior Music major Angelie Batista is excited about the new performance space: “As many of the other music students are, I look forward to sharing the gifts God gave us with our community.” Zachary Johanni, playing a merchant in The Taming of the Shrew, explains how the new black box theater has affected this year’s Shakespeare in Performance production: “It gives us a stage, lighting, and dressing rooms on par with a professional theater.” The new space will help the Shakespeare in Performance troupe bring the audience into the performance like never before. [see page 18 for highlights from our Shakespeare Troupe’s first performances in The Prince Building]. Turning to the sciences, the Nursing faculty and students are very excited about the new lab, which will be equipped with the latest simulation equipment. This is where Ave’s top-notch clinical instructors will teach students how to put nursing theory into practice. Featuring equipment and supplies one would find in an advanced hospital setting, the lab will develop individual and team-based nursing competencies in a safe learning environment. There will also be a separate lecture area for classroom training of Ave’s future nursing students. Junior Nursing major Hannah Martin expresses her excitement: “It’s great to be a part of this transition and seeing the nursing program grow. This new space will create space for more students to learn the art, vocation and science of nursing!”

program by his former voice teacher, Katia Rezende,

Rezende family. The Naples Philharmonic recently invited Matheus to

who currently works in the Music Department. Matheus

play a double role as Curzio and Basilio in Mozart’s The

openly admits he originally could not sight-sing well and

Marriage of Figaro. “My favorite part of being in this per-

struggled with rhythm. He credits his success as a singer

formance is learning how to improve my skills as a singer,

to Dr. Ferranti and his studies at AMU. Acknowledging

musician, and actor,” Matheus shares. “Mozart’s operas

that his student has indeed come a long way, Dr. Ferranti

are a complete package.” With big plans to sing opera all

says, “Matt’s technique has developed well over the past

over the world, Matheus dreams of playing the tenor role

year. I am certainly thankful for the role I have had in that,”

of Rodolfo in La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini. He describes

he goes on. “However, he has done the hard work. He is

himself as a very romantic singer: “I can feel the passion in

constantly practicing, listening to great singers, audition-

my veins, and this [Rodolfo] is such a passionate role.”

ing in the area, and learning the sacrifices necessary to be successful.” Matheus does not take his gift of an “instrument” for

For now, Matheus continues his formation as a student at AMU with his mentor, Dr. Ferranti, who considers it a “great privilege” to work with the students of AMU. The

granted: “For me, singing is a mission. It is a way of doing

voice teacher understands that there are no shortcuts in

God’s work, bringing people together and evangelizing,

learning to sing well. “Students need to learn extreme pa-

and of course, having fun.” The student-teacher pair is of

tience and perseverance if they intend to have a career in

one mind on the ultimate purpose of their craft. “Matt and

music,” he says. “There is an unbelievable amount of prac-

I give all the glory to God for allowing us to work together,

tice involved.” Dr. Ferranti, who says he owes his skill and

and serve Him through music,” Dr. Ferranti says. Despite

ability to his own teachers, explains that his main job is

the sometimes difficult process of mastering vocal tech-

to give Matheus the tools he needs to be successful as a

nique, Matheus has learned to keep trying and to trust

singer. While he has the knowledge to teach a healthy and

in God. “Because He gives us our talents, our gifts for a

dependable vocal technique, Matheus needs to put in the

reason,” he explains. Matheus is grateful to the many

time and effort. Fortunately, Dr. Ferranti has in Matheus a

people who have helped him along the way, especially the

student eager to put in the hard work to succeed.

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ve Maria University is deservedly proud of its core curriculum and majors. The core curriculum grounds students in the liberal arts: theology, philosophy, literature, history, languages and science. It is in the core that students develop certain habits of mind which they then use in the specialization of their majors. This year’s changes in the core curriculum allow students to take additional advanced courses in their majors, making it easier for them to explore their chosen majors earlier in their studies. AMU’s offering of undergraduate majors has grown from just ten, seven years ago, to 34. Four new majors were added this year (Chemistry, Communications, Marine Biology, Marketing) and some of the most popular majors joined the list in the last four years (Biology BS, Environmental Science, Exercise Science, Finance, Health Science Administration, Health Science, Nursing). The opening of the magnificent Thomas and Selby Prince Building, housing both the arts and sciences, is but the latest sign that arts and sciences are flourishing. The state-of-theart multi-purpose building will be the permanent home of the Mother Teresa Museum, and will also include a nursing laboratory, a 125-seat black box theater, a 400-seat auditorium, classrooms and the Offices of Admissions, Financial Aid and

S T UDE N T-T E ACHE R DUO A RE IN H A RMON Y A BOU T T HEIR WORK

The Arts

AT AV E M A RI A UNI V ERSI T Y

A N IN T ERV IE W W I T H S T UDE N T A R T IS T JOHNNIE E A G A N ( ’ 19)

unior Humanities major Johnnie Eagan’s drawings

How has your education at AMU formed your art?

can be found in stores around town and at the

It doesn’t matter if you have something you’re passionate

weekly farmers’ market. The Long Beach, California

about, a talent, if you’re not using it for anything. It has to

native heard about Ave through her church, and has been

be helping some message along. I got more into pro-life

working at her art from an early age.

things here, so I want to start incorporating that a lot more.

What inspires you? Usually before I draw, I’ll listen to a song. The Beatles are

Who is your favorite artist?

my favorite.

My favorite was Frida Kahlo growing up. She had a sad life, and endured a lot of physical pain because of a disability,

Do you prefer drawing or painting?

but her art really spoke to me. You feel something when

Definitely drawing. I can knock out in two hours, and I love

you look at her pictures.

getting it done. What is the role of the artist in society? What’s the first artwork you ever sold?

That’s hard. One of my teachers here said art should make

I illustrated a book called Scarlet and the Dragon. It’s a

you look inward and upward. That’s the whole point of it. I

kids’ book, but still felt like a grown-up job so I was excited.

really like that concept.

What’s your favorite book? The Little Prince is my favorite. I remember reading it

me. I hope to do stuff like that. What has been your favorite class at AMU? Tyranny and Totalitarianism with Dr. Colman. We talk a lot about what’s wrong in society in terms of people wanting the government to do everything for them, and that’s what leads to oppressive governments. It’s scary because we can see a lot of that in our society today.

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when I was little, and again 10 years later. It still sticks with

The Arts

The Sciences

AT AV E M A RI A UNI V ERSI T Y

AV E A S A SP RINGBO A RD IN T O ME DICINE

W EL COME T O T HE RE N A ISS A NCE!

pening night of The Taming of the

Donahue Black Box Theater. Audience

Biology department, explains: “The core curriculum

think critically, an invaluable skill for a healthcare profes-

participation is easily accessible, with

teaches our students how to think, how to learn, and how

sional.”

seating on three sides of the stage. No set

to write. These are all characteristics highly valued by med

or adornment was used. Instead, the words

school admissions. All students who typically apply to

and actions of each cast member shaped

med school will have good grades, so admissions offices

the experience for the rapt audience.

can be expected to look for something that distinguish-

Shakespeare in Performance

Troupe, was made all the more grand by

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the fact that it was held in the new Jack

ve Maria University acts as a springboard for

can, an Ave Maria pre-health student must take classes in

doctors, dentists, optometrists, chiropractors,

multiple disciplines. This immersion in philosophy, history,

and nurses. Dr. Nicholas Curtis, the chair of the

and theology allows a graduate of Ave Maria to be able to

U.S. MED SCHOOLS HOME T O A MU GR A DUAT ES

Before the show, performers drew the

es applicants. Medical school admissions committees

Graduates from Ave Maria University have gone on to

crowd into the spirit of the evening with mu-

are looking for well-rounded students with leadership

study medicine and graduate from many distinguished

sic and song. Audience members were then

qualities. The core curriculum gives students that breadth of knowledge, wisdom, and service which med school

transported back in time through language and costume to experience the zany love stories and antics played out in expert fashion by the troupe. The mu-

The audience became so enthralled with the story, that even as troupe members bowed and left the stage at the

admission offices desire.” Senior Biochemistry major Jeffrey Simpson concurs:

sical talent of the players was on display throughout the

end, onlookers sat, anticipating what the next song or

“Ave Maria University is truly an institution that forms the

show, as well as during intermission, when the showgoers

energetic showcase might be, only to be released from

whole person. Instead of taking as much science as possi-

were dismissed and called back by the ringing of a bell.

the spell by the ringing of the bell.

ble and getting to graduate school as quickly as he or she

medical schools in America, including: Northwestern University

Texas A&M

Creighton University

University of Louisville

University of Florida

Florida State University

DePaul University

Duquesne University

Saint George’s University of London

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Shrew, as presented by AMU’s

The Sciences

AT AV E M A RI A UNI V ERSI T Y

EL I Z A BE T H COX : P L A NS F OR ME DIC A L SCHOOL

L I Z S A X E : A SPIRING DE N T IS T L E A RNS A L O V E FOR L IBER A L A R T S

iz Saxe is excelling in her classes, landed a remarkable internship last summer, and has plans to pursue a career in dentistry. A junior

biochemistry major who grew up in rural Alaska, Liz attended a native college before coming to AMU. In her year at Iļisaġvik College (“A Place to Learn”), she participated in the Dental Assisting Program, taking bush planes to small villages to provide dental care. As she approached the end of her first year, Liz decided to transfer to Ave Maria University. “It was affordable, it was someplace new, someplace warm, and it was small,” she explains. “It was a big step to leave and make something of myself,” she shares about her decision. Her leap of faith was validated immediately upon her arrival. “I knew I chose the right school as soon as I heard President Towey say during Orientation: ‘Ave would have failed you if it hasn’t formed you as a person,’” Liz recalls. She is happy to report that Ave has formed her as a person in many ways. One of the highlights of her time at AMU has been its liberal arts education. “I didn’t even know what it was before I came here!” she exclaims. Liz marvels at the unity of truth which is taught, and how each discipline illuminates the others. For Liz, literature, philosophy, and theology are deeply connected to biology, chemistry, and physics. “The liberal arts can tell us a lot about science and technology,” she remarks. “They mold people

entering the MD Program at The University of

the application process for medical school,” Elizabeth

Last summer, Liz interned at Harvard Medical

shares. “I would spend hours in professors’ offices as

School. The internship was mentor-based: Liz was

pursue a residency in orthopedic surgery and a fellowship

they read over my CV and helped me prepare for medical

paired with a specific doctor studying serious neu-

in pediatrics.

school interviews.” She also acknowledges the role

rological disorders, and her project pertained to schizo-

arts education. Philosophy teaches you what science

of AMU’s core curriculum in preparing her for medical

phrenia in youth and young adults. Liz points to her AMU

can’t. It’s so necessary for medical school, or if you want

dent-to-faculty ratio and its strong Catholic identity. “I

school and beyond: “I am not simply a robot who can

core courses in the liberal arts as integral to her success.

to be an interesting person.”

knew that the exclusive professor-student mentoring

recite scientific facts from memory, but I can carry a

Case in point, Liz was the only intern who could read Har-

would give me an opportunity to become involved in

discussion in Latin, classical literature, theology, and

vard’s mission statement, which was in Latin. “Any premed

ternship and preparing for dental school applications.

research on campus and freely integrate Catholicism with

philosophy as well because of the classes I’ve taken

needs to take Latin,” she opines. “All medical prefixes are

After she finishes with her DMD, Liz wants to go back to

my studies,” she explains. Her interest in the medical field

at AMU. I believe that this will help to make me a more

in Latin. You can know a medical procedure by listening for

rural Alaska to be a dentist. “This area of medicine is so

was confirmed during a mission trip to the Dominican

humane physician who acknowledges the well-being of

the Latin prefix.” Liz continues on the theme of the liberal

unrecognized, and it’s not accessible to these people,”

Republic through the Mother Teresa Project.

the entire person.”

arts: “I didn’t realize I would have such a love for a liberal

she shares.

Florida’s College of Medicine this fall. She hopes to

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Elizabeth chose AMU because of its small stu-

students.”

“My professors at AMU helped me a great deal in

Liz plans to spend this summer doing another in-

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into successful students and future medical

enior Biochemistry major Elizabeth Cox will be

The Sciences AT AV E M A RI A UNI V ERSI T Y

BR A NDON BA BIN ( ’ 14) OP E NS V I A V I TA E CHIROP R A C T IC

Finding Fulfillment in Helping Her Students Succeed

ver 40 AMU graduates have gone on to medical school, and Brandon Babin (’14) is an outstanding exam-

Lucy Pilarski graduated in 2015 with a degree in Mathematics. Now, she teaches middle school and high school math and is the Department Chair of the Math Team at Mason Classical Academy.

ple. He completed the Doctor of Chiropractic program at Palmer College of Chiropractic last September, and is currently opening his own practice, Via Vitae Chiropractic, in Vir-

While at AMU, Lucy was active in a variety of clubs and organizations. She volunteered in Immokalee, served on Student Government, and ran with the Cross Country team, winning the NAIA Sun Conference Academic All-Star Award. She participated in intramural sports, performing arts, student clubs, and more. Her nomination for the 2015 President’s Award is affirmation of her active engagement on campus while excelling in her studies.

ginia. When asked why he opted to start his own practice, Brandon explains, “Having my own practice allows me to educate others in the way that I feel is most beneficial to the person.” As far as his undergraduate education goes, Brandon recalls two key criteria in his search for the right institution: high academic standards, and opportunities to grow

Lucy’s love for teaching dates back to the hours she spent tutoring for Dr. Dittus’ College Algebra course. She enjoyed helping students without much background in mathematics improve and hone their skills. She says her AMU education “definitely” prepared her for a career in teaching. “It is one thing to learn math and another thing to be able to explain it,” she states.

AMU,” he says. On the academics, he shares: “My classes in philosophy had the most profound effect on me as a person by allowing me to see the world in a more critical light. Logical thought processes are essential for being a doctor, and philosophy has given me the ability to think and organize my thoughts well.”

The name “Via Vitae,” Latin for “way of life,” goes back to Brandon’s days at AMU: “My wife, Heather, and I both took Latin at AMU. We wanted to incorporate this beautiful language into the practice’s name, since it reflects the personal journey we took during our under-

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graduate education.” Brandon urges students interested in healthcare to consider AMU. “Frequently people impressed with how well I had handled the transition into a graduate-level program would ask me where I went to school. I was always proud to tell them I went to a liberal arts school called Ave Maria University, which had prepared me well for my journey ahead.”

For Lucy, teaching isn’t just about math; she loves the process. “Helping them understand something and persevere is something that feels fulfilling,” she shares. Her engagement with the learning experience is partly what drew Lucy to accept a position teaching at Mason Classical Academy. “Mason Academy stood out because of their teaching method: Socratic teaching,” Lucy explains. “It asks questions to guide the students.” She found herself drawn to the interactive, personalized, give-and-take experience that the Socratic Method affords. “Instead of just giving [students] a formula, I give an example, and guide them with questions,” she says. Plus, the Socratic Method is often employed in AMU’s core courses. Located in Naples, Florida, Mason Academy has attracted many AMU graduates as teachers in the years since its opening in 2014. “Even though Mason has no religious affiliation,” Lucy remarks, “I feel like AMU alumni are particularly attracted to this school because of its classical education and its focus on virtue and truth.” Right now, Lucy plans to remain at Mason Academy teaching math for another few years. Down the road, she’d like to move back to Michigan and teach there.

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in faith. “I found the best of both worlds at

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHT LUCY PILARSKI (CLASS OF 2015)

Haiti Mission Trip STUDENTS SPEND PART OF THEIR CHRISTMAS BREAK SERVING ALONGSIDE THE MCs

eight students returned to school early so they could participate in a 5-day mission trip to Haiti. Led by Mary Towey, wife to President Towey, these eight students had an intense service experience focused on prayer. “Going to Haiti opened my eyes in many different ways,” says Junior Biochemistry major Bernadette Hartney. “I had never seen such poverty and state of living in my life as we experienced in Haiti.” The students worked alongside Mother Teresa’s congregation of sisters, The Missionaries of Charity (MCs) at their compound in Port-au-Prince, served in the Children’s Home, and accompanied the sisters as they traveled to other cities, attending to men, women and children in need. “The joy emanating from the MCs was contagious,” Bernadette continues, “and it was truly a gift to be able to share in their joy by serving others.” During the trip, chaperone Mary Towey was joined by her husband Jim in Haiti, where they led a retreat for the sisters. The annual mission trip to Haiti is just one among the many places where our students have the opportunity to serve through the Mother Teresa Project (MTP). Other mission trips offered this year included Calcutta, Washington, D.C., Dominican Republic, New Mexico, Mexico City, and Uganda. As with all the MTP mission trips, our students in Haiti attended daily Mass and adoration. They journaled about and shared with one another the transforming power of the experience of service. “Perhaps one thing that impacted me the most was witnessing the power of touch in the home of the sick and the dying,” Bernadette recalls. “Seeing the residents’ faces completely light up when we visited them and lotioned their legs was absolutely incredible. This trip revealed to me how simple it is to give of yourself, and how beautiful it is to help another person to feel valued, accepted, and loved.” The MTP mission trips are an opportunity for Ave Maria University students to broaden their horizons, grow in self-knowledge, discover the dignity of each and every person, and encounter the loving face of Jesus in the poor. Bernadette sums up her experience on the 2018 Haiti Mission Trip: “I am extremely grateful I was able to go to Haiti and experience the Sisters’ undeniable joy amidst the poverty and despair.”

Mary Towey and AMU students joyfully worked with the Missionaries of Charity.

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Over Christmas Break,

AMU EYES ARE SMILING IN STUDIES ABROAD AMU’s inaugural Ireland Study Abroad Semester Program

t took a while, but a University founded by an Irishman finally got around to offering a study abroad program in Ireland. The students in Ireland live at the Emmaus Center, a retreat center 30-minutes North of Dublin. “The center itself,” Nora Gillen writes, “is a large, two-story building with two different wings. Any door could possibly hold a library, a bell-tower, a classroom, or a prayer room. It was easy to get lost in the long hallways initially, but now the center is familiar and welcoming despite its sprawling layout. There are also wonderful gardens and yards surrounding the retreat center with beautiful walking paths. Exploring the center has been a particularly special experience for me, mostly because our home away from home is a beautiful, peaceful place.”

Swords is the closest town to the Emmaus Center. “It is a charming, quaint little place dotted with pubs, parks, and even its own shopping mall,” informs Cora Saftner. “Swords is close enough for afternoon walks through a park and into town, yet far enough away that we are not in the thick of things on a dayto-day basis. … The pubs are famous in the surrounding areas, and are always lively with music, conversation, and many times with dancing. There is something for everyone in Swords, and the quaintness of the town aided in its quickly becoming home away from home for our group.” Sophie Moore writes in about how she is finding her course work abroad: “The style of teaching is very intimate, and the professor expects a great deal. However, this has been a welcome challenge in my eyes, because it has pushed me to do better

knowing that we could have a conversation over dinner together, potentially delving deeper into a particular subject or following up on a particular question.” She goes on to explain how traveling over the 3-day weekends is encouraged, and facilitated. “The professor knows that we are here to travel and take in the culture, and so sets a high bar for us to follow but is very understanding and flexible based on travel plans.” One group of students took a weekend trip to Paris. “We arrived late Thursday night and were very tired, but the closer we got to our apartment the more the excitement built up, especially when we looked out our cab window right before arriving and were able to see Notre Dame lit up across the river,” Theresa shares. The next day, they stumbled upon a Veneration of the Crown of Thorns at Notre Dame, and were able to participate in

the ceremony. “This was an incredible opportunity that I never would’ve anticipated!” Over their 10-day Spring Break, the group traveled throughout Europe, seeing sights in places like Slovakia, Vienna, Bolzano, Salzburg and Venice. “For me, all the adventures we had over the course of the ten days were connected by a single thread: a palpable historical gravitas,” Ana writes. “I was struck with awe at every laid-brick street, and every Viennese balcony, and every Italian Monastery because all of my Western Civ. and theology classes spoke of these very places as the foundation of my culture and traditions...and here I was, separated by time only, and by distance no longer.” Caitria Mick recounts one highlight from her time abroad: “We had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the Missionaries of Charity. We gathered at their food center for the homeless in Dublin on a Sunday afternoon. There, we were able to attend a beautiful, yet simple, Mass with the homeless prior to diligently serving them a well-deserved meal. In a whirlwind of nonstop activity, we were able to feed over 50 people, including seconds, in just under 45 minutes. … The opportunity to help the homeless in such a simple yet profound way brought joy to each of us. We cannot wait until we are able to return to Ave and devote more time to helping those in need.”

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The Emerald Isle

CAMPUS COMMUNITY

Fr. Robert Conroy, the third priest ordained for the Missionaries of Charity, has been offering retreats for nearly 30 years in 30 countries. In March, he led a retreat for AMU students in the new Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel. Fr. Conroy offered insights on Jesus’ cry for souls from the cross, “I Thirst.”

GENUINE FEMININE HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Genuine Feminine, a student club at AMU, recently held its 8th annual conference, “Women and Family: The Sanctuary of Life,” featuring keynote speaker, Janet Smith. Events took place over the weekend of January 12-13, beginning with the talk and social on Friday night.

Mary Hunt, Assistant Professor of Business and Psychology

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Keynote Speaker Dr. Janet Smith

Dr. Maria Fedoryka, Associate Professor of Philosophy

Alexandria Fountain, AMU student, helped organize conference

AMU student Sarah Seghers enjoys the keynote address

Students furthered dialogue with many probing questions

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SPRING RETREAT

CAMPUS COMMUNITY

LESSONS AND CAROLS

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The joy with which Mary received the news from Gabriel is clearly reflected in Ave’s annual celebration of the Annunciation. Following Mass, the community gathered on the mall to share a meal. Mary’s Fiat was joyfully celebrated with song and dance late into the night.

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In December, the Music Department held its 11th annual Lessons and Carols for Advent, engaging in a 100-year-old tradition of prayer and reflection punctuated by musical interludes. AMU’s Choir, Chamber Choir, Scholae Gregorianae and accompanying instrumentalist performed selections of seasonal hymns, Gregorian chant, and masterworks.

FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION

CAMPUS COMMUNITY

COUNTRY NIGHT

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Battle of the Bands is always a blast, and more so this year because it fell on St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day. Student bands duked it out while a panel of judges looked on. A big congrats to S(kool) Kids for coming away with the win!

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On the field behind the Student Union, with strings of lights illuminating a dance floor, boots were tapping and flannels flying around at Country Night. Thanks to the Student Activities Board for organizing another fun night of music and memories!

BATTLE OF THE BANDS

2017-2018 Athletics Season Closes Out #AveStrong The Gyrene men’s tennis team set a new record for wins this Spring with one match and postseason play to go. Ave Maria is 8-5 on the season and 4-3 in conference play. The Gyrenes were receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 Poll for the first time in their history, earning nine votes in the March 13 poll. They conclude their regular season on April 7 against Eckerd College before competing in the Sun Conference tournament for the first time on April 19 in Brunswick, Ga. At the Eckerd match, the Gyrenes will recognize lone senior Brian Schmidt. The Gyrenes will be the four seed in the conference tournament. Ave Maria also defeated a pair of teams that were receiving votes in the NAIA Top 25 poll this season, Warner on Feb. 10 and Webber International on March 3.

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The Ave Maria softball team is off to one of their best starts in school history with an 18-11 overall record as they get deeper into their conference schedule. Nine of their 11 loses have come against teams ranked or receiving votes in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 poll or NCAA DII opponents. The Lady Gyrenes defeated eighthranked William Carey 3-2 on Feb. 18. Sophomore Kalie Romig leads the team in batting average (0.374) and stolen bases (35). Her 35 stolen bases is currently third in the NAIA and is two shy of Krista Wells’ single season stolen base record of 37. AMU will recognize their lone senior, Deanna Stirtzinger, on April 7 against Keiser.

The Gyrene men’s basketball team capped their season with a win in their final home game against Florida Memorial 77-70. The Blue and Green finished the season 4-25 and 2-16 in Sun Conference play. A mid-year transfer to the team, junior guard Gianpaolo Riccio was named Second Team All-Sun Conference, becoming the seventh different player in AMU men’s basketball history to be named among the best players in the conference. Riccio averaged 18.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in his 15 games with the Gyrenes. Graduating after the Fall semester, Josh Flowers was the lone senior on this year’s team.

ATHLETICS UPDATE

The Ave Maria women’s basketball team finished the 201718 season with a 20-9 overall record and a 11-7 mark in Sun Conference play. They finished tied for third in the conference and hosted a TSC playoff game on Feb. 20 in front of a packed house. It was the first 20-win season for the Lady Gyrenes since the 2013-14 season. The Blue and Green had two players earn postseason accolades with sophomore Sarah Miller being named First Team All-Sun Conference and senior Lauren Gillingham earning Second Team All-Sun Conference recognition. Ave Maria said goodbye to five seniors who will graduate this Spring in Gillingham, Jasmine Bateman, Mallory Burton, Cassidy Lalumiere, and Kandice Smith.

The women’s tennis team at Ave Maria concludes its season on April 7 against Eckerd College. The Lady Gyrenes are 3-8 on the year. After starting the season 0-7, AMU won three straight matches on their Spring Break trip to Orlando, defeating Penn State Berks, Roosevelt (Ill.), and Ursinus (Pa.). The three wins for the Blue and Green are the most since the 2-16 season when they finished 3-8 overall.

The Ave Maria women’s lacrosse team opened the season ranked sixth in the NAIA Coaches’ Preseason Top 10 Poll after their 2017 season earned them a birth in the NAIA Postseason Tournament. The Lady Gyrenes are off to a 1-8 start after playing arguably the toughest schedule in the NAIA. AMU has faced four teams ranked in the top eight including two teams who have been ranked second in the country. Against the University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) on March 16, Ave Maria recognized the three graduating seniors on the team in Anneliese Sawick, Valeria Tkacik, and Andie Wagner.

The Ave Maria golf team began the Spring with a season best fourth place finish at the Start 2 Finish Classic hosted by Webber International in Lake Wales, Fla. At that tournament, Andre’a Scopone carded a 54-hole score of 229 to finish tied for 11th individually. In the final round, Isaac Nycum tied for the fourth lowest round in school history with a two-under par round of 70. At the Brenau Tournament, the Gyrenes shot two of their lowest team scores of the season with a 310 in round one and a 307 in round two to finish in seventh place. AMU will conclude the season on April 21-24 when they compete in The Sun Conference Championship hosted by Johnson & Wales at Plantation Reserve Golf Course and Club in Plantation, Fla. Ave Maria men’s golf will graduate Joseph Schwartz and James Stoll this Spring.

The Ave Maria baseball team is off to a 13-24 start to their season under firstyear head coach Grant Desme. Justin Bureau has been a force on the mound for the Gyrenes in his seven starts and eight appearances. He has a 2.12 ERA and a 3-2 record for AMU. His 46 strikeouts are a team-best and he has two combined shutouts with AMU closer Andrew Giddens. Giddens’ six saves on the season so far is currently tied for fifth in the NAIA. AMU will recognize its eight seniors on April 14 against USCB.

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ATHLETICS UPDATE

Friends of The Mother Teresa Project at Ave Maria University

Growing Intramural and Club Sports Means There’s Even More to Look Forward to!

Benefactors who help fund The Mother Teresa Project and its mission:

“to spread the message of God’s love through Mother’s words and works.”

THE WORK OF THE MOTHER TERESA PROJECT

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OVER 250 STUDENTS INVOLVED I MISSION TRIPS I RETREATS I 13,000+ HOURS OF SERVICE

Beginning in the fall of 2018, AMU will be creating a new division within the Athletic Department called “Intramural, Clubs and Recreation Sports.” The current junior varsity and club programs will transfer under this non-varsity athletics structure. The University will sponsor non-varsity men’s and women’s basketball, softball, baseball, rugby, frisbee and equestrian and will add men’s and women’s swimming. With interest, a future men’s lacrosse team will also be added to the offerings. This is a great opportunity for students who want to continue participating in sports in college.

ANNUAL GIVING LEVELS $25,000+ $10,000+ $5,000+ $3,000+ $1,000+ Up to $999

PARTNER CHAMPION LEADERSHIP MISSION TRIP SPONSOR SERVICE ADVOCATE FRIENDS

MOTHER TERESA PROJECT EVENTS INCLUDE: • • • • •

Inspiration Day in September An Annual Mother Teresa Project Celebration Dinner Student Presentations A Project Serving the Poor Programs with the Leaders of the Mother Teresa Project

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE FRIENDS OF THE MOTHER TERESA PROJECT? Become a member today by donating online at: donate.avemaria.edu/MTP

“I wanted to somehow help students and support Ave Maria University because the school does what we can’t - go out to all the world and preach the Gospel.” -Kathleen Lumbra Leadership Sponsor

Questions? Phone: (239) 280-2586 Email: advancement@avemaria.edu

Ave Maria University 5050 Ave Maria Blvd. Ave Maria, FL 34142

The Ave Maria Mission Society was created to advance the University’s highest priorities and recognize donors who provide the critical funding that makes an Ave Maria University education possible. Mission gifts support scholarships, programs, faculty, and opportunities to advance the institution.

Become a part of the Ave Maria Mission Society and join a group of dedicated individuals who are passionate about educating students in an authentic Catholic tradition - students who will have the intellectual gravitas, moral formation and initiative to be tremendous forces for good in the world.

Office of Advancement 5050 Ave Maria Blvd. Ave Maria, FL 34142

RECOGNITION LEVELS CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE $50,000+ PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE $25,000+ DEAN’S CIRCLE $10,000+

FELLOWS $5,000+ GUARDIANS $2,500+ ADVOCATES $1,000+ FOUNDERS Up to $999

To become a part of our mission or to find out more, please contact us at: Web: www.avemaria.edu/MissionSociety Email: advancement@avemaria.edu I Phone: (239) 280-2586 Benefits include access to exclusive events, meaningful opportunities to engage University leaders, and special communication about key Ave Maria initiatives. Levels represent annual gift commitments to the Ave Maria Mission Fund.