AMU Magazine Summer 2022

FEATURES

08 HERE I AM, LORD, FOR YOU CALLED ME

Three times in Mark Middendorf’s professional life he felt the distinct call of the Lord. Rather than be filled with uncertainty and doubt, God blessed him with clear direction and purpose. In this profile, you’ll meet AMU’s fourth president and discover how he went from nominal Catholic to on-fire Catholic evangelist, willing to follow wherever the Lord calls him.

16 A JOURNEY OF SAYING YES

Meet AMU’s new chief of staff, Julie Musselman, who shares how she went from ordering tapes from Lighthouse Catholic Media to actually heading up their sales force. Being open to the will of God and saying “yes” when opportunities arise has turned her life into a true venture of faith.

20 WILDERNESS GUIDE FINDS AMU

From wilderness guide to vice president of Marketing and Communications, Susan Gallagher’s path has been unconventional. So since she has rafted, backpacked, and rock climbed her way across many dangerous terrains, we figured she could easily navigate our Q&A.

25 CAN DEATH BE GAIN?

Nothing quite takes the oxygen out of a room like someone who wants to talk about death. But like so many of our sacraments, the Anointing of the Sick has been misunderstood; the graces which flow from this sacrament are perhaps the most underappreciated gift Christ left to his Church. Find out more about Dr. Roger Nutt’s latest book and how the Anointing of the Sick can prepare you for your heavenly homeland.

28 THREE COACHES ENTER THE CHURCH

Easter 2022 represented a dramatic step in the spiritual lives of three AMU coaches as they entered the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Whereas most wins or losses in sports are viewed by the public, this victory might go unseen by many; but its indelible mark on the souls of the coaches, their families, and the players they coach is eternal. Praise be to God!

PRESIDENT Mark Middendorf

MANAGING EDITORS Susan Gallagher Kevin Murphy

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Geoff Hastings CONTRIBUTORS

Tim Dockery

Susan Gallagher Shelby Mayer

Kevin Murphy

Julie Musselman

Roger Nutt

Joseph Patterson

Tim Patton

Paula Belocura

PHOTOGRAPHY

Shelby Mayer

Ave Maria University Magazine is published by Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Fla., for alumni, parents, and friends. Third-class postage paid at Ave Maria, Fla. Postmaster: Send address changes to the Office of Advancement, Ave Maria University, 5050 Ave Maria Blvd., Ave Maria, FL, 34142. Ave Maria University is a Catholic, liberal arts institution of higher learning devoted to Mary, the Mother of God. As such, we model Mary in her Annunciation, seeking first to be filled with God’s grace, then discerning or inquiring about our own vocational call, accepting that call (fiat), and going forth to live our lives in joyful collaboration.

president

Mark J. Middendorf

Dear Friends:

My first few months at Ave Maria University (AMU) have been an incredible time of joy. I have been welcomed by our current Board of Trustees and trustees emeriti, as well as clergy, faculty, staff, coaches, alumni, students, parents, past presidents, benefactors, and Ave Maria townspeople.

Since my first day, February 1, I have focused on working with our chancellor, Thomas S. Monaghan; our provost, Dr. Roger Nutt; and our board to better understand the history of AMU, especially its founding vision, and to put together a strategic plan to help the University continue to grow and fulfill its mission.

AMU is one of only two Newman Guide universities in the country with both a master’s and doctoral program in theology. Additionally, AMU is the only University founded in direct response to Pope St. John Paul II’s clarion call to found new universities, outlined in his 1990 apostolic constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae

As such, we are dedicated to a liberal arts education with the task to "search for truth, and the certainty of already knowing the fount of truth" (Pope St. John Paul II, Discourse to the Institut Catholique de Paris, 1980, cited in Ex Corde Ecclesiae). Pope St. John Paul II wrote in Ex Corde Ecclesiae that it is his “deep conviction that a Catholic University is without any doubt one of the best instruments that the Church offers to our age which is searching for certainty and wisdom.” And, that “Catholic Universities are essential to [the Church’s] growth and to the development of Christian culture and human progress.”

We are blessed with the most talented faculty and staff, situated on one of the most beautiful campuses, with what we believe is the most joyful and talented student body in the world.

On March 25, 2022, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, we invited the entire University to better live out our culture of joy in the truth by making or renewing their Marian Consecration. This marked the 24th anniversary of our founding as Ave Maria College.

Through Our Lord’s blessing and Our Lady’s intercessory help, we have successfully recruited the largest and most mission-minded incoming class in the history of Ave Maria University. We have recruited athletes who are not only outstanding in their sport, but also strong in their faith, and who have improved our retention rate for undergraduate students.

Our Advancement and Marketing teams have created the new monthly giving community, Annunciation Circle, to better support our incredible faculty and staff. Additionally, we experienced our best year in fundraising.

Our Office of Campus Ministry and Mission Outreach offers our students opportunities for spiritual growth and nourishment—perpetual adoration, three daily Masses on campus (and three more across the street at our local parish), daily opportunities for confession, spiritual direction, and Rosary walks. The Office of Student Affairs is improving many facets of our University related to our dining hall and campus amenities.

The complementarity of our great mission-driven faculty, Catholic liberal arts curriculum, and faithanimated, joy-filled culture makes Ave Maria University a place where the head and hearts of our students are led into deeper union with Christ and love for his Church.

I would like to thank my predecessors—Nick Healy, Jim Towey, and Chris Ice—for their pioneering work as the first three presidents of AMU.

Finally, I would like to invite you to support our mission through your prayers, sacrifices, and financial support (Annunciation Circle). Together, we can continue to make Our Lady’s University a beacon of light to our age, and the finest Catholic university in the world.

God bless you,

Mark J. Middendorf President

TIM PATTON: TO JESUS THROUGH MARY

Rosary groups, Bible studies, and are daily communicants. The same neighbors are thrilled to witness the success of the University and the growth of the town. “To see the progress the University has made with freshman retention rates, incoming grade-point averages, and the rising scholarship of our student-athletes, you can see the type of environment the current leadership is fostering."

Tim Patton joined the Ave Maria University Board of Trustees in 2020 at the invitation of Chancellor Tom Monaghan. Patton and his wife, Shann, have been married for 46 years and have six children and 10 grandchildren.

Recently, Patton’s 94-year-old mother went to her eternal rest, having spent her last six weeks living in and loving the town of Ave Maria. In fact, Patton’s mother purchased picture books depicting the historic development of the University and town and sent them to friends.

Patton reflected upon his mother’s life and the lessons he learned from her. “She had two nonnegotiables: First, always love your siblings and never fight. Second, practice your Catholic faith and raise your children and grandchildren to do the same.”

The Pattons have a modest family foundation and are committed to providing scholarships for Catholic schools in each of the communities in which a Patton family member resides. Recently, the Pattons made the single largest contribution they have ever made to Ave Maria University.

Tim says they enjoy attending Mass at the Ave Maria parish and meeting many of the students. One of their greatest joys is to interact with married couples who met their spouse while at AMU and are now living out their vocation as they give back to the University and the Church.

The Pattons have made Naples their winter residence and have been amazed by the welcoming Catholic community. Several of their neighbors have organized

In addition to the support of Catholic education, the Patton’s collective ambition is to inspire our national culture to embrace the creation and preservation of life from conception to natural death. Shann Patton led Arbor Woman, a pro-life pregnancy center in Ann Arbor, Mich., for several years. Now Arbor Woman has merged with Emmaus Health to offer families a faithbased, holistic medical service providing a continuum of services from obstetrics through pediatrics, family medicine, and mental health.

“To Jesus through Mary,” the motto of Pope St. John Paul II, embodies the sacred mission of AMU and has been the guiding principle of the Patton family.

COMMENCEMENT 2022

Over 1,300 people attended the Ave Maria University class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony held May 7, at Gyrene Field. This was the first graduating class under the University’s new president, Mark Middendorf.

Fr. Mitch Pacwa, founder of Ignatius Productions, received an honorary degree and delivered the keynote address. Pacwa encouraged students to continue their pursuit of truth as a lifelong endeavor.

SISTER JOHN DOMINIC RASMUSSEN JOINS THE AMU BOARD

Sister John Dominic Rasmussen was born in Berkley, Calif., and moved to Nashville, Tenn., at the age of 5. She converted to Catholicism during her sophomore year in high school and entered the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in 1982. In 1997, she and three other Sisters founded the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Mich. Since its founding, Sister Rasmussen has served as the bursar general and overseen the financial growth of the community and schools. Sister John Dominic has also been involved in Catholic education for over 35 years as both a teacher and administrator. She holds a bachelor's degree in education from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., and a master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. From her experience in administration and teaching, she has developed Disciple of Christ—Education in Virtue providing schools, parishes, and families the resources to learn and live a virtuous life in Christ. She is currently the director of Openlight Media, which produces videos and print publications.

BRINGING “HAIL MARY” LECTURE SERIES TO NAPLES

Building on the positive reception for our fall 2021 “Hail Mary” lecture series before home football games, this past winter Ave Maria University launched a new luncheon speaker series. At a downtown Naples club, guests enjoyed lunch and a thought-provoking presentation by esteemed members of our faculty. Speakers and topics included the following:

• Dr. Seana Sugrue, ambassador Michael Novak chair of politics at AMU, spoke on “The Pandemic, The Person and the Future of Democracy.”

• Dr. James Patterson, chair of the politics department at AMU, gave a lecture with the title “Taking Venerable Fulton J. Sheen Seriously.”

• Dr. Roger Nutt, AMU provost and professor of theology, provided an overview of his book To Die Is Gain: A Theological (re-)Introduction to the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick for Clergy, Laity, Caregivers, and Everyone Else.

Save the Date

for the fall Hail Mary Lecture Series, hosted on the AMU Campus.

September 3, 2022

October 1, 2022

October 22, 2022

November 12, 2022

Each lecture will be hosted prior to home football games.

DONATION LAUNCHES COMPUTER SCIENCE MINOR

A generous gift from an anonymous couple will provide the start-up funding to hire a faculty member and develop the curriculum to establish a minor in computer science at Ave Maria University (AMU). The first course in the program will be offered this fall. The minor will include new course offerings as well as draw on existing offerings in the math and physics departments. It aims to provide students across a wide range of academic disciplines with a more advanced understanding of the way computers and computational languages operate.

“We are grateful for the support from our donors for this new initiative,” said AMU provost, Dr. Roger Nutt. “Along with our recently launched minor in data analytics, the computer science program enables the University to fill a curricular gap in an area of vital importance. The study of computer science is attractive to students of the highest capabilities. Furthermore, the knowledge and skills transmitted in computer science courses are widely recognized as essential for both understanding and working in a wide array of technological and business fields,” added Nutt.

Dr. Saverio Perugini has been hired by the University as a professor of computer science and mathematics. Dr. Perugini left a tenured, full professorship at another institution because of his passion for AMU’s mission and Catholic identity. An accomplished computer scientist and academician, Dr. Perugini’s book, Programming Languages: Concepts and Implementation, is an acclaimed work and standard text at many colleges and universities.

“I am extremely excited to join the AMU community,” said Perugini. “During my interview, I was able to spend time with members of the faculty and meet students. I came away with a profound enthusiasm for the seriousness and fidelity that is core to this unique community. I am also excited about the growth potential for the computer science program.”

DR. JAMES PATTERSONDR. SEANA SUGRUEDR. ROGER NUTT

ELEVENTH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP DINNER

Celebrating “Catholic Leaders of Tomorrow,” Ave Maria University’s 11th Annual Scholarship Dinner highlighted student accomplishments in academics, athletics, student life, and the arts. Our distinguished guests spent the cocktail hour learning about student academic research projects performed across a wide range of topics. Throughout the evening benefactors were introduced to AMU students who are preparing to be leaders in their work and for the Church.

The event grossed more than $200,000 with all proceeds earmarked to provide financial assistance to AMU students.

AMU is particularly grateful to Naples-based global medical device manufacturer, Arthrex, for allowing the use of their new conference facility and hotel. Please be sure to save the date for the 12th Annual Scholarship Dinner on Thursday, February 23, 2023.

NEW EQUIPMENT STRENGTHENING LABORATORY SCIENCES AT AMU

A generous challenge pledge of $80,000 from Joe and Karen Townshend that was quickly matched has resulted in several new scientific instruments in the laboratories at AMU:

• High-performance liquid chromatography -mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS)

• Dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectrometer

• Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC)

• Thermogravimeter analyzer (TGA)

• Cutomer

• Transepidermal water loss device

• Viscometer

“These essential machines support the independent research our faculty and students conduct. Thanks to these donations our undergraduate students can pursue and publish research working sideby-side with our professors,” explained Dr. Stephen Thong, chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department at AMU. “With our low student-faculty ratio, undergraduate majors have research opportunities at AMU that are normally only available for graduate students at most universities. Last year alone, AMU undergraduates were named co-authors on more than 14 published scientific articles.”

Dr. Thong and his colleagues have identified several additional items, especially a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer they believe are needed to further strengthen the scientific education and research experience for AMU students. For more information on how you can support undergraduate science research please contact AMU’s vice president for Advancement, Tim Dockery, at (239) 280-1695 or at tim.dockery@avemaria.edu.

Here I Am, Lord, FOR YOU CALLED ME

A PROFILE OF PRESIDENT MARK MIDDENDORF

Three times in Mark Middendorf’s professional life he has felt the distinct call of the Lord.

Eachwas an inflection point in his career where he could have been overcome with fear and uncertainty; instead, God granted him clear direction and an overwhelming peace and confidence that this is what God was calling him to do. The first was leaving a very successful secular career to co-found a new Catholic apostolate–Lighthouse Catholic Media on August 15, 2005. The second was the merger of Lighthouse Catholic Media with the Augustine Institute in 2015. And the third was applying for the position of president of Ave Maria University this past year.

EARLY YEARS

Middendorf grew up in a faithful Catholic home in Chicago, never missing Mass and attending Catholic schools from elementary through high school. He earned a degree in marketing from Northern Illinois University and, in an all-too-familiar refrain, tells of being swept up in the current of college life because his faith was there in form but not in substance. “I understood what the Church taught, but not the why,” said Middendorf. However, during these formative college years, he forged enduring friendships, and through those friendships, God would provide the stimulus to investigate and discover the beauty of the “ why ” that Middendorf had been missing.

“I had a great group of friends in college. Although we came from different faith backgrounds, we bonded over many things, including our love of playing sports and the outdoors. Not long after graduation, we were playing basketball and one of the guys asked me if I wanted to read the Bible. I don’t know why I said yes, but I did. Over the course of the next year, we read the Bible cover to cover,” said Middendorf.

Reading the Scriptures ignited Middendorf’s faith and that of the entire group. In time, Bible study morphed into a topical study where one of the guys would pose a

Christine and Mark Middendorf, Michael and Kayla Middendorf

BECAME AN EMBOLDENED CATHOLIC EVANGELIST, OPENLY SHARING THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST WITH BUSINESS COLLEAGUES AND CLIENTS."

question, and the entire group would stay on that subject until there was unanimous agreement. Since this was preinternet, participants would either have to read books or listen to cassette tapes if they wanted to add depth to the conversation. Designated as one of the Catholics in the group, Middendorf would often have to expound on the Catholic Church’s teaching regarding certain difficult subjects. Unbeknownst to him, it was here that the seed form of a future apostolate was planted as he first encountered the audiotape series Answering Common Objections. The series featured a former Protestant minister, Dr. Scott Hahn, who converted to the Catholic faith and was sharing deep insights into the topics with which Middendorf’s group were wrestling.

The marvel of the consensus study method the group employed was that they actually did achieve agreement, even when it came to the deepest theological questions. For example, one day the question came up, Are you saved? “We stayed on that question for three years and after our investigation, everyone in the group became Catholic,” said Middendorf.

Meanwhile, he continued his professional education, earning his master’s degree in finance from DePaul University, which was founded by the Vincentians in 1898 and boasted the largest enrollment of any Catholic college at the time. Yet, in Middendorf’s experience, it would become just another Catholic school capable of feeding his professional intellect but did not nourish his inquisitive soul.

CAREER LAUNCH

Upon graduation, he was offered and accepted a job with a 100-year-old privately held company located on the East Coast. The company specialized in the Toyota production system and Middendorf would spend the next seven years there. Even though he was a thousand miles away from his college friend network, the group stayed connected by telephone and written letters, continually challenging and drawing each other deeper into the faith.

As Middendorf’s knowledge and love for the Catholic faith blossomed, he sought a parish where he and his family could zealously live out their faith life. Frustrated by what he encountered, he once again turned to his friend network asking for advice. One friend recommended a parish, St. John Cantius, a vibrant, orthodox parish back in Chicago. Returning to Chicago held great appeal since Middendorf obviously had friends there and it was his wife’s home state. In addition, another friend persuaded him to transition to the software industry, so he began working for a highly successful, billion-dollar corporation, one of the largest mainframe software companies in the world. He excelled in this new position, becoming one of the corporation’s top mainframe sales consultants nationwide.

“Within a short time, I was making more in a single check than I would have in a year working elsewhere,” he said. As the blessings flowed, Middendorf felt the call of the Scriptures he so assiduously studied:

• "Honor the Lord with your wealth" (Prov 3:9).

• "Give, and it shall be given unto you" (Lk 6:38).

• "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

Then, he had a life-changing idea. He would purchase the very Catholic audio cassettes that were helping him grow spiritually and share them with others. He set up a wooden kiosk in the back of St. John Cantius parish, filled it with these inspiring audio talks, and included envelopes for a donation if people felt so inclined to give.

During this time, Middendorf became an emboldened Catholic evangelist, openly sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with business colleagues and clients. The largest deal he ever inked could be directly attributed to sharing Christ in a manner that induced trust from his client. While worldly success was his, the desire to evangelize tugged more and more at his heart.

FIRST CALL: FROM FOR-PROFIT TO NOT-FOR-PROFIT

It seemed like madness when Middendorf finally confided to his wife, Christine, that he wanted to leave the mainframe software world for full-time Catholic apostolate work. After all, the Middendorfs were no

longer a small family. In fact, they had four children under the age of 7! He pleaded his case to his wife, confident that God was calling him to make this move, but also knowing nothing could move forward without her support. While Christine discerned, a chorus of friends, family, and colleagues let her know a sudden change of this magnitude could mean financial ruin.

One of the alluring attributes employees often find in a large corporation is its perceived stability. His company was very successful and provided Middendorf a handsome salary and a job surrounded by friends. That is, until one day it all changed. A dramatic corporate upheaval occurred in which friends and colleagues whom Middendorf greatly admired were suddenly terminated, including the very friend who had beckoned him back to Chicago years earlier. The unrest rattled the Middendorfs. Void the luster of corporate stability, Christine became more open to the thought of launching a new Catholic apostolate, eventually agreeing, but calling it a “pilot program” and giving it a deadline of six months to produce.

On August 15, 2005, Middendorf consecrated the apostolate to the Blessed Virgin Mary, returned home afterward, and threw away every corporate award he had ever earned. The act was symbolic of letting go of the worldly pursuits of money and self-aggrandizement in favor of advancing the cause of Christ in the world.

“God immediately blessed me by sending me all the right people to run a company. Together with co-founders Terry Barber (founder of St. Joseph Communications) and Dave Durand (founder of Best Version Media) we launched this new apostolate. Within a few short years, we had 750 incredibly talented account managers and a presence in over half the parishes in the United States, offering Catholic audio talks, booklets, and pamphlets,” said Middendorf.

The company, which came to be known as Lighthouse Catholic Media (LCM), expanded into books, following the same model used for CDs—paying royalties, abridging the text, printing, and selling them to parishes at very affordable prices. The success was staggering. For example,

Christine and Mark Middendorf

L to R: Tim Gray, Mark Middendorf, and Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J.

“

HIS FIRST ACT WAS TO CONSECRATE THE UNIVERSITY TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY"

Middendorf shares the story of taking Dr. Scott and Kimberly Hahn’s Rome Sweet Home and selling 750,000 copies within three months. This was in stark contrast to the Catholic industry standard at the time in which sales of 5,000-10,000 copies constituted a “best seller.” The small apostolate had become the largest seller of Catholic CDs and one of the largest Catholic publishers in the world.

SECOND CALL: THE SOUL BENEFIT OF MERGING

From 2005 to 2015, LCM flourished. Middendorf’s collaborative sales and management style enabled him to become one of the best-connected Catholics in the country and provided a platform for growth and opportunity. One such opportunity came at the request of Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., founder of Ignatius Press, who insisted he set time aside to meet with Dr. Tim Gray, president of the Augustine Institute (AI). At that time the Augustine Institute was known primarily for its master’s degree program but, out of respect for Fr. Fessio, Middendorf sought a meeting.

By providence, Middendorf and Gray were scheduled to travel to San Francisco at the exact same time.

The two met on a deck overlooking the Russian River with the mountains as their backdrop at Ignatius Press’s private retreat house.

“Within a very short time, it was clear that there was a great opportunity to partner on certain new programs

L to R: Mark Middendorf and Fr. Michael Gaitley, MICave

that the AI was developing,” said Middendorf. Over time, Middendorf and Gray grew closer and found they shared a passion for the outdoors (backpacking, hiking, fishing, etc.). The two even coordinated a family backpacking trip through the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho. One day, on their descent from the mountain, Gray posed a life-changing question: “Do you think we could reach more souls if we were one apostolate instead of just partnering?” According to Middendorf, the voice that followed that question wasn’t audible, but was unmistakable. It was the same voice that he had heard 10 years earlier, calling him to leave the corporate world and co-found a Catholic start-up. In answer to this new calling, Middendorf donated his life’s work at LCM to the Augustine Institute. As Middendorf and Gray celebrated the merger, the two discovered they both consecrated to Our Lady and launched their apostolates on the exact same day—August 15, 2005, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

THIRD CALL: FROM AI TO AMU

Over the course of the next six years (2015–2021), as executive vice president for Mission Expansion, Middendorf expanded Augustine Institute’s product offering, beginning with the expansion of its most successful product, FORMED.org. FORMED is a content platform hosting thousands of movies, parish programs, Bible studies, children’s programs, eBooks, Lighthouse audio talks and audio books, all designed to help people understand, live, and share the Catholic faith. Collaborating with more than 100 apostolates, it quickly grew to well over a million users. Due to the combination of the merger of LCM, the talented and mission-oriented employees, the expanded distribution network, and Middendorf’s and Gray’s impactful leadership, by 2021 the AI had more than a sixfold increase in revenue.

“I have never worked with anyone who has such an abundance of energy combined with an incredible work ethic. Mark is simply a driver who gets things done,” said Gray.

Having donated his life’s work and knowing he was reaching millions of souls, Middendorf envisioned staying at Augustine Institute for the rest of his working life. Then, one morning, he was sitting in Gray’s office when Gray proposed that he consider putting his name in the hat for president of Ave Maria University (AMU). Although Gray had said on numerous occasions that losing Middendorf would be akin to cutting off his right arm, Gray’s love for the Church and desire to save souls superseded self-interest. He knew that his friend wholeheartedly supported AMU, had sent two of his children to the University, and was an original founder with contributions going back to 2002.

Much to Middendorf’s dismay, the same familiar voice that had prompted him twice previously was calling him once again. This time, the voice was met with hesitancy.

Middendorf didn’t just leave Gray’s office; he left the building. He found himself driving home in the middle of the day to share with his wife, Christine, what the Lord had put on his heart during his conversation with Gray. As Christine listened, she encouraged him to trust in the Lord and the Blessed Mother.

Knowing that he would need God’s help and blessing, Middendorf pledged that he would keep a holy hour, as promoted by Venerable Fulton Sheen, every day for the rest of his life if he was selected to become AMU’s president. He then wrote to 87 religious orders (including every Poor Claire Cloister in the United States) asking for prayers that God’s will be done. “If this was God’s will, then help it to happen; if not, then prevent it.” His only desire was to follow God’s will in this matter. After a lengthy interview process with the AMU selection committee, he made his way to the Martha J. Burke adoration chapel on the campus in fulfillment of his holy hour promise to the Lord.

One hour later, exiting the chapel, Middendorf received the call that he was indeed chosen as the University’s fourth president. His first act was to consecrate the University to the Blessed Virgin Mary on March 25, 2022, which also happened to be the 85th birthday of Tom Monaghan, AMU’s founder, without whom AMU would not exist. Monaghan had founded Ave Maria University for the salvation of souls and to answer Pope St. John Paul II’s call for the founding of authentically Catholic universities as defined in Ex Corde Ecclesiae. This founding vision for AMU is one to which Middendorf is wholeheartedly committed.

—Kevin Murphy Managing Editor

Julie Musselman: A JOURNEY OF SAYING YES

In the Annunciation, Mary’s “yes” or fiat is not a passive or reluctant participation in the will of God, but rather a joyful collaboration, knowing God’s promises are always life-giving, even when we don’t completely understand them. This is the model Julie Musselman has followed in both her personal and professional life. It is through a continued prayerful and trusting “yes” that she now takes on the important role of chief of staff at Ave Maria University. Musselman shared how saying yes to the opportunities God placed before her has brought her to AMU.

Q: What was the first time you said yes to God, and what was the result?

Well, at age 15, I said yes to a date with my future husband (Bob). He asked me to accompany him to an REO Speedwagon concert and even bought me the concert T-shirt! Four years later we were engaged. We’ve been married 36 years and have six wonderful children. Although I certainly didn’t know it at the time, God’s hand was obviously in it.

Q: How did a busy mom get involved in Catholic media?

Although I grew up Catholic and went to Catholic schools through college, in early motherhood I realized I didn't really know nor live my faith. I began listening to a series of cassette tapes from St. Joseph Communications, and then CDs from Lighthouse Catholic Media (LCM). They helped me grow in my faith as a wife and mother. The conversion stories were inspiring, and I wanted to share what I was learning with others. In 2006, Mark Middendorf offered me a part-time contractor role, bringing CDs to parishes. I said yes right away.

I first brought the Lighthouse kiosk to my home parish in St. Petersburg, Fla., and other parishioners began listening and sharing. After a year or so, LCM was looking for a division manager in Florida and so I began leading a team

of contractors to get the kiosks established in parishes state-wide.

Q: Did Mary play a role in these endeavors?

While contracting part-time with LCM, we began partnering with the Marian Fathers and Fr. Michael Gaitley to offer his book 33 Days to Morning Glory in our kiosks. I consecrated to Jesus through Mary on May 13, 2012. The consecration blew open the doors of evangelization for me. I started working with all kinds of small groups and offering Marian Consecration. The groups consecrated, and in turn, shared it with others. Eventually, our entire diocese of St. Petersburg was consecrated by Bishop Gregory Parkes on May 6, 2018.

Q: You did all of this part-time?

Yes, but that changed in 2015. As the consecration groups grew in Florida and throughout the United States, LCM needed someone to collaborate with the Marian Fathers to train and inspire LCM contractors. In 2015, Mark Middendorf invited me to become a full-time employee and to serve as director of the Hearts Afire Parish-based Program that included Fr. Gaitley's 33 Days to Morning Glory study, Consoling the Heart of Jesus study, and Wisdom & Works of Mercy study.

Q: Shortly after going full-time, you were thrown a curve. Can you tell us about that?

I started full-time in September 2015. Three months later, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, LCM officially merged with the Augustine Institute. Mark Middendorf donated his life's work of LCM to Augustine Institute and invited me to join their team. Over the years, my role emerged to include leading the national sales team, transitioning the contractors to employees, starting the emissary volunteer network of 1,500 to support parishes with Augustine Institute resources, and working with the new online platform, FORMED. In 2020, I became the Mission Expansion Director of Operations and Processes working directly with Mark and coordinating his larger team.

Q: With FORMED having such success, did you ever imagine another move was in your future?

I didn’t, but I’ve learned to be open to God’s calling. So, in December of last year, Mark Middendorf informed

me he applied to become the president of Ave Maria University. He didn't think he'd be selected, but just in case, he asked me to consider going with him. I said yes, of course, and on January 16, 2022, he was indeed selected by the AMU Board of Directors. I arrived on campus on February 1, 2022. My role is basically the intermediary for all President Middendorf’s activities.

Q: What’s been your initial experience with AMU and the town?

Our family has lived in St. Petersburg, Fla., since 1989, but I had never visited Ave Maria until this opportunity came about. As I’ve met with faculty, staff, and students, my biggest takeaway is the authentic joy I see all around. Everyone I speak with is here for a reason and for the mission. So many have made a “Venture of Faith” as St. John Henry Newman preached about in his famous sermon. Reading The Ventures of Faith was such a part of my “yes” to come to AMU. I see how Our Lady has drawn others here. The town overflows with grace. A great example was shortly after our arrival, Mark began inviting everyone to join in Marian Consecration and the response was overwhelming. On March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, I participated in the packed Ave Maria Church in praying the consecration prayer. It was a such delight and a sign Our Lady is on the move!

If you are considering making a venture of faith, you can read St. John Henry Newman’s sermon at http:// www.avemaria.edu/ventures. Julie Musselman, chief of staff, can be reached at Julie.Musselman@avemaria.edu.

THE AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY MONTHLY GIVING COMMUNITY

Join ANNUNCIATION CIRCLE

God brought salvation to the world through Mary’s fiat. Imagine what God can do through your yes.

The Annunciation Circle is a community of members who support Ave Maria University through their prayers and monthly donations of $10 or more.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

$10+ monthly

• Weekly Mass and Rosary offered for your intentions

• Monaghan: A Life, book by Joseph Pearce

• Special access to online community

• Member-only e-newsletter

• Exclusive updates from President Mark Middendorf

• Access to free online content from our chaplains and professors

PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Donors who give $25+ monthly will also receive the following:

• Custom-engraved Annunciation Circle 20 oz YETI

• Personal thank-you note from one of our students

RECURRING GIVERS ARE THE BEDROCK OF ANY CATHOLIC ORGANIZATION. AND THAT’S WHAT AVE MARIA NEEDS NOW. YOUR MONTHLY GIFT, AS PART OF A ‘CLOUD OF WITNESSES’, WILL BE ASSURED OF DIRECTLY HELPING THE PEOPLE, THE ‘LIVING STONES’, THAT MAKE UP AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY."

—Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J.

Wilderness Guide FINDS AVE MARIA

MEET SUSAN GALLAGHER, VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND

Fromwilderness guide to vice president of Marketing and Communications, Susan Gallagher’s path has been unconventional, but since she has rafted, backpacked, and rock climbed her way across many dangerous terrains, we knew she could easily lead us through her journey to AMU.

Q: Can you share a bit about your upbringing?

I grew up a cradle Catholic in a large family with seven siblings. While I was born in Florida, most of my youth was spent in South Carolina. I attended a small Southern Baptist college where I studied psychology, but I thoroughly enjoyed taking a number of Scripture and New Testament Greek courses. You can imagine, it led to a lot of great apologetics training!

Q: I understand your father is a convert to the faith?

Yes, Dad was an evangelical pastor who converted before I was born, but his apostolate work and love for Scripture left a big impression on me and inspired me to seek out work in a mission-driven, ministry setting.

Q: Where did that take you?

To the mountains. I ended up living in Buena Vista, Col., which means, “good view.”

It is one of my favorite Colorado mountain towns. During my undergraduate years, I spent my summers working for a nondenominational outdoor company leading whitewater rafting, backpacking, and rock-climbing trips with youth from all over the country. I especially loved my time leading all-girls trips and talking to them about God.

Since I fell in love with the area, I went to work for the Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce, promoting the town and local businesses. I eventually took a position with a locally owned outdoor gear, clothing, and accessory retailer. I gained incredible marketing experience running large festivals as fundraisers, launching an e-commerce platform, developing websites, posting and driving traffic through social media platforms and advertisements—all in an industry I loved.

While still living in Buena Vista, I formed my own company and worked as a digital marketing consultant for small businesses. This led to a variety of work in the outdoor industry, nonprofit sector, and local government.

Q: Speaking of love, is this where you met your husband?

Yes. Kevin left his fast-paced job as a commodity trader in order to seek a different career path. In between his job transition, he spent a few months in Buena Vista to recharge in the mountains and spend some time hiking and fishing. Kevin and I were among the very few Catholics living in Buena Vista, so it was an unlikely place to meet; but we became instant friends and started dating about six months later.

Q: When did you transition from the outdoor industry to Catholic apostolate work?

Because of my love of Scripture and desire to dedicate my life to working with women in an outdoor ministry setting, I had planned to attend the Augustine Institute to earn my master’s in theology. However, God had other plans. He led me through a multitude of other marketing jobs before things came full circle, and I actually joined the marketing team at the Augustine Institute. I had no clue the many jobs I previously worked would serve as a training ground, setting me up and preparing me for success while working for a Catholic mission.

Q: Can you share about your role and experience at the Augustine Institute?

I managed marketing for a variety of programs at the Augustine Institute including their graduate school, monthly donor program, Short Courses, FORMED, and the Catholic Market e-commerce store.

Applying my marketing skills to such a powerful cause as helping others understand, live, and share their Catholic faith was an absolute gift. Working with so many on-fire Catholics, many of whom are dear friends of my family, I never thought I would leave, but God had other plans.

Q: How were you presented with the opportunity to come to AMU?

My last position at the Augustine Institute had me working under the leadership of Mark Middendorf. The day we received word Mark would be leaving to become president of AMU, he asked my husband and I to read The Ventures of Faith by St. John Henry Newman.

It was while reading that sermon I first had an inkling this was leading to a greater request. Soon thereafter, Mark asked if we would consider moving to Florida so I could lead the marketing department for the University. I hesitantly shared the news of the offer with my husband because shortly before our wedding he said, “The only place I will never move is Florida.” Yet, a couple of long days of discernment left us both with a clear answer: yes, we will go.

Q: As Proverbs says, you have trusted in the Lord and He has made your path straight, bringing you to AMU. What do you see as next?

I am thrilled to join another thriving Catholic community at the University and in the town of Ave Maria where people come to seek truth through their studies, prayer, sacraments, and recreational activities. I can’t wait to leverage my experience to help attract top students here. Also, I’d like to ask everyone to consider joining our Annunciation Circle donor program if they can spare just $10 a month. In my short time, I have already been impacted by the joy of the students, faculty, and staff. I want to continue to see that flourish.

Susan Gallagher can be reached at 239-304-7918 or Susan.Gallagher@avemaria.edu.

have friends and family who would excel at Ave Maria University?

are seeking mission-fit students

are hungry to learn and grow closer to Christ. One of the things setting AMU apart is our interview

interview all students before accepting them to ensure that we are a match and they will thrive at Our Lady’s University.

“

WE CALL EACH OTHER TO BE GREAT.”

“There is a beautiful aspect to the friendships here—we not only enjoy each other’s company and have fun, but we call each other to be great. The formation one can go through partak ing in Ave’s community is invaluable. From the conversations that go past the classroom, I have been able to grow with my peers as we tackle the pursuit of truth together. I am extremely bless ed to attend this University and have the chance to meet so many wonderful professors, friends, and staff.

Can Death BE GAIN?

Nothing

quite takes the oxygen out of a room like someone who wants to talk about death. Perhaps this is why so many of my friends and colleagues have asked me why I would write a book on such a vexing topic and its accompanying sacrament—the Anointing of the Sick. Let me try to explain.

St. Paul tells the Philippians that for him “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (1:21). That attitude toward death—that it could be a gain—is foreign to most people today, even to most Christians. This book is the outgrowth of an observation derived from many years of teaching sacramental theology at Ave Maria University, my own reflections on death in light of faith in Christ, and personal experiences in journeying with those who experience end-of-life situations. My observation is that the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is, perhaps, the most underappreciated gift Christ left to his Church.

The problem with the loss of an appreciation for Anointing of the Sick is that Western culture is currently in a crisis about the meaning of life, suffering, and death. Anointing of the Sick is a proclamation and application of Christ’s dying and victory over death. Given how vulnerable every human being is at the end of life, especially if great pain, fatigue, uncertainty, and emotional instability accompany the circumstance, the importance of a sacrament for those in danger of death is most certainly worthy of careful reflection, theological speculation, and retrieval.

The place that Christ intended for this sacrament to have in the life of the Church teaches us a great deal about hope in the face of death, the meaning of suffering, and the ongoing presence of Christ to those who are most in need of his friendship. The Church prepares parents for the Baptism of their children and prepares children for Confession, Holy Communion, and Confirmation; engaged couples go through a marriage preparation program; and candidates for the diaconate, priesthood, or religious life receive years of spiritual and intellectual formation. All of us, sooner or later, are going to die. What do we do to prepare ourselves? What formation have we received to be ready to die and to do so as an offering to God?

VICTORY

The purpose of this book, therefore, is to help all Catholics—indeed, everyone—to better appreciate the profundity of this gift as a fundamental component of the Christian response to the crisis of suffering and death. By the hidden help of the graces within the soul that it causes, Anointing of the Sick draws the recipients closer to Christ, strengthens them against sin and temptation amidst the difficulty and trauma of facing death, consecrates suffering and death to God through Christ, and carries them from earthly to eternal life. It is my hope that by reflecting on the theology and spirituality contained in the Church’s teaching on this sacrament, we may all rethink death and the meaning of our lives, in light of faith and with confidence in Christ’s own death and Resurrection.

Athletics

Overthe past two years, the country has seen hundreds of collegiate sports teams discontinued. Ave Maria University stands in stark contrast to this trend as the University has expanded its varsity intercollegiate offerings from 14 to 24, and the Junior Varsity (or reserve) teams from three to eight. During this same time, the number of intercollegiate athletes at the school has expanded from 396 in spring 2020, prior to the pandemic, to a projected 650 in fall 2022.

This growth speaks to the demand for athletic programs that harmonize intercollegiate competition and Catholic identity. The AMU athletic department rallies around sacrificial effort, toughness, and love, tying each to Christ’s example and teachings.

These spiritual points of emphasis don’t compromise competitive excellence. In fact, the majority of the AMU teams have posted their best single-season performances over the course of these past two years. The department

CATHOLIC SPORTS

as a whole made a dramatic jump to third in the Sun Conference Commissioner’s Cup, which ranks the conference’s athletic department across all of the sports teams that compete as members of the conference.

This third-place finish was particularly notable because the Gyrenes had routinely finished in ninth or 10th place the previous 10 years.

Remarkably, both the growth in numbers and competitive competency coincide with an improved academic profile and improved retention. The student-athlete cumulative GPA has risen significantly, and in the most recent census, the retention rate of student-athletes trailed the Universitywide retention rate by just one percentage point. This increased proficiency coincides with an extraordinary level of collegiality between the student-athletes and their professors. On anonymous semester-end surveys, the student-athletes are asked whether they are “satisfied” or “dissatisfied” with their professors. The ratio of the student-

athletes who are satisfied to those who are dissatisfied routinely exceeds 40-to-1.

Competitive dance, along with men’s and women’s swimming, made their varsity debuts in the 2021–2022 academic year. Next year, men’s and women’s track and field (both indoor and outdoor), along with men’s ultimate frisbee, will make their varsity debuts.

Clearly, there is a demand in the athletic world for an authentically Catholic collegiate experience.

—Joseph Patterson Vice President of Athletics and Head Football Coach joseph.patterson@avemaria.edu

Three Coaches ENTER THE CHURCH

Ave

Maria University seeks to frame its athletic programs within the context of the Catholic faith. This faith allows the adversity inherent in athletics to be sanctified as virtues like teamwork, sacrifice, and perseverance and given transcendent qualities.

Some of the greatest strides in athletics are never seen by the spectators. Step by step, those engaged in athletics try to advance. For three AMU coaches, Easter 2022 represented a dramatic step in their spiritual lives, a step that gave a strong witness to their respective teams.

Michael McCormick (head baseball coach), Charles Mickens (assistant football coach), and Ryan Chlebek (assistant men’s basketball coach), all officially entered the Catholic Church in April during the Ave Maria Easter Vigil celebration.

Coach McCormick first came to AMU as an assistant coach (pitching) in January of 2020. In 2021, he served as the interim head coach before having the interim title removed going into the 2021–2022 academic year.

“If AMU had not accepted me as a Protestant, I would have never been exposed to the truth,” said McCormick. “My family and I are closer to Christ than we have ever been, and we continue to grow in Christ through Mary. Listening to and accepting God’s will, I know my family and I are exactly where we are meant to be.”

MICHAEL MCCORMICK

The baseball team posted a winning record for the 2022 season along with its most wins (27) in nine seasons, but the uptick in wins is merely a byproduct of more elevated goals. “I understand that at the end of the day, what matters most is promoting growth in Christ and helping players grow as men off the field,” said McCormick.

McCormick graduated from college in 2017 and was selected as a pitcher by the Chicago White Sox in the 2017 Major League Baseball draft. He played for three years in the White Sox farm system, being named a 2018 Pioneer League All-Star as he helped his team win the 2018 Pioneer League Championship. But his playing days gave way to coaching, and AMU offered him his first opportunity to coach in a collegiate team setting.

It ended up being a simple observation that sparked McCormick’s conversion: “I found truth in the fact that the Catholic Church is the only church founded by Christ.” Immediately, he wanted “to receive Christ’s grace through the sacraments.”

McCormick lists Fulton Sheen at the top of his list of Catholic influences, and he mentions his Marian Consecration as foundational. He makes a point to visit the adoration chapel weekly and pray the Rosary daily.

For Coach Mickens as well, it was the sacraments and Mary that led him to the Church.

“I believe that the Eucharist is the Body of Jesus, and I decided that I need to have that,” said Mickens. “Through eucharistic adoration and trusting in our Mother, it was impossible for me to continue a life distant from both.”

Mickens first came to Ave Maria as a sophomore transfer student in the fall of 2018. He was a member of

the football team for three years before graduating with a psychology degree in spring of 2021. Only a few months later, he returned to AMU as a student support advisor and football coach.

Mickens points to a few key events during his conversion. First, he heard a priest talk about dealing with depression and anxiety by recognizing that “Jesus gave us Mary as our spiritual mother to lean on and turn to.” Later—July 25, 2021, to be exact—he decided to pray the Rosary for the first time. And then on September 11, 2021, he had a pivotal conversation with Dr. Stefanie Morris, the chair of AMU’s Psychology Department. Shortly after, he attended the Baptism of a former teammate’s child, and that’s when he decided to enter the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program.

“The more I leaned into the faith, the more I felt full,” said Mickens. “The joy and love I have for life and people are ten times better.”

In addition to the Blessed Mother, Mickens lists some contemporary commentators as being formative, such as Bishop Barron, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Matthew Kelly, and Fr. Josh Johnson.

Mickens didn’t always have positive interactions with Catholics, and thus viewed the faith as judgmental and unwelcoming. But AMU helped to change that notion.

CHARLES MICKENS

“With Mass, adoration, and the liberal arts education, AMU has given me the opportunity to grow in my faith and grow through the formation of my character. They’ve given me the ability to receive a good education while playing the sport

love.”

He, like McCormick, made the Marian Consecration and prays the Rosary daily. The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Miraculous Medal also factor into his daily life. He now sees the Catholic faith as integral to his job. “My role as a coach allows me to show the athletes that being Catholic is welcoming and that the faith can be impactful in all aspects of life.” It is the fullness of life that Mickens desires. “On this journey, I’ve felt full and complete, but this is only the beginning.”

The third AMU coach to convert this past Easter, Coach Chlebek, joined the AMU men’s basketball coaching staff in 2018. He has been a key member of the staff as the basketball team has rattled off three consecutive 20-win seasons. Over the course of these past several years, he has been “able to see firsthand the power of being devoted to the faith.”

For Chlebek, the witness of others was influential, but it was something more foundational: “I wanted to make a generational difference within my family,” said Chlebek. “I am excited for the next chapter, as it is just beginning.”

It was an AMU retreat in the fall of 2020 that tipped the scale toward Chlebek’s conversion. The process has informed him as a coach, and he feels he can encourage the players “to be courageous in their faith journey.” He hopes to provide the same support that he has felt. “I am beyond grateful for the support I have received from the AMU athletics community throughout my journey.”

Head men’s basketball coach Jamon Copeland has witnessed Chlebek’s journey. “The beauty of AMU is the eternal impact it has on souls. Divine Providence led

Ryan to AMU, and it has been incredible to watch the Holy Spirit work through Ryan in his journey to the Catholic faith. I have seen a direct correlation that—as his faith has deepened—he has become a more transformational coach to our players.”

Chlebek was initially nervous as he considered converting, but that changed. “As time went on and I learned more about the journey, I became excited for the future,” he said. Indeed, the choice isn’t merely about himself but also about his “family in the future.”

RYAN CHLEBEK

The three coaches are competitive to their core, but sometimes the greatest victories don’t show up on the scoreboard. Coach McCormick, Coach Mickens, and Coach Chlebek all entered the Catholic Church on April 16, 2022, amidst an outpouring of support from the Ave Maria community. The three coaches embark on their young coaching careers, informed by a Catholic faith that gives context to all that they are trying to instill in their competitive arenas.

—Joseph Patterson Vice President of Athletics and Head Football Coach joseph.patterson@avemaria.edu

WHENPEOPLE CHANGE

CULTURE CHANGES

Disciple of Christ, Education in Virtue is more than a curriculum, it’s a way of life—the means to a happy life.

Visit openlightmedia.com/eiv to discover how we can support you.

BEEN BLESSED WITH AMAZING FRIENDS AND MENTORS.”

“AMU offered me the opportunity to surround myself with others striving to live a good and meaningful life. I’ve been blessed with amazing friends, mentors, and peers through my time at Ave Maria. Looking back, I can see how the University utilized education, faith, and community to form not only good people but highfunctioning professionals.”

Alumni NEWS

DR. MATTHEW KUHNER: TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR

professors were Dr. Waldstein, Dr. Dauphinais, Dr. Nutt, and Fr. Lamb. In recognition of the impact the professors had on him, Kuhner said, “I still keep Fr. Lamb’s holy card from his funeral right next to my desk.” He fondly recalls the way Fr. Lamb treated his students as “conversational partners in the tradition,” which gave confidence to the students in their studies.

While pursuing his Ph.D., Kuhner taught multiple theology classes for AMU undergraduates.

He learned during this time to see theology as not just an intellectual exercise, but a deeper encounter with the Lord. Kuhner was in awe at the University’s dedication at conveying theological wisdom even within the interdisciplinary model of AMU’s curriculum. As a teacher of theology, he sees himself as a matchmaker, setting up the knowledge that’s foundational for students to grow in love for Christ.

Dr. Matthew Kuhner graduated from Ave Maria University in 2017 with a Doctor of Philosophy in Systematic Theology.

Shortly after graduation, he took a position at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry in Rochester, N.Y., as an assistant professor of systematic theology. He was then promoted to academic dean while also serving as vice president of the school.

Kuhner recalls with gratitude the dedicated AMU professors who worked as teachers and administrators and imparted to him the belief that teaching can feed one’s administrative work. Some of Kuhner’s favorite theology

“AMU gave me an ideal for what Christian community can be, especially among the graduate student community,” said Kuhner.

Kuhner and his wife, Michelle, have two children, Catherine Grace and John Benedict.

AMU GAVE ME AN IDEAL FOR WHAT CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CAN BE, ESPECIALLY AMONG THE GRADUATE STUDENT COMMUNITY.”

Class NOTES

FR. JEREMIAH PAYNE, ’02

Fr. Jeremiah hails from Forestville, N.Y., near Buffalo, and moved to Ocala, Fla., with his family in the early 1980s. Fr. Jeremiah attended Franciscan University of Steubenville and Ave Maria College. Upon graduating, he attended St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Fla. In 2007, Fr. Jeremiah was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Orlando. For two years, he served as parochial vicar at St. Margaret Mary in Winter Park, and as chaplain of Bishop Moore Catholic High School in College Park. From 2009 to 2011, he was assigned to post-graduate studies in sacramental theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. After graduating, he served for three years as an assistant professor of systematic theology at his alma mater, St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. Following this assignment, Fr. Jeremiah served for two years as parochial vicar at Holy Name of Jesus in Indialantic, before being assigned as pastor of All Souls Parish in Sanford. Fr. Jeremiah served as pastor of St. Joseph’s in Palm Bay for six years. He oversaw a parish church and historic chapel, a thriving parochial school, a growing Latin Mass community, and a parish cemetery. His interests and hobbies include theology, Ignatian spirituality, cinema, music, reading, travel, canoeing, aviation, craft beer, and a healthy dose of '80s nostalgia ("totally!").

DAGNY SYVERSEN MOORE, ’05

Dagny Syversen Moore lives in the Woodlands, Texas, with her husband, Andrew, and their three sons (soon to be 4). After graduating, she wanted to travel the United States and had jobs in Pennsylvania, California, and Virginia. She then decided to attend culinary school in Houston, Texas, and became a pastry chef. After working a few years in the pastry business, she accepted a position as the marketing and events coordinator at an oil company for six years. After the birth of her first son, she retired from the 9-5 world and works full-time at her dream job of being a stay-at-home mom. Most days she can be found homeschooling her boys or preparing sourdough bread in her kitchen.

FR. JOHN AUDINO, ’13

Fr. John Audino, F.S.S.P., graduated in 2013 with a degree in literature and a minor in Latin. He spent a year serving in various roles at the Donahue Academy before entering Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in 2014. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 2021, and is overjoyed to serve as parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Church in Omaha, Neb.. He’s been blessed with the best possible first assignment as a priest and loves his parish. The principal thing he’s learned so far is that when one has been blessed with an education like the one he received at AMU, the only response is to be as generous as possible with Our Lord, throwing oneself entirely in every joy and cross upon his Most Sacred Heart. La vita e bella! (Life is beautiful!)

KATHERINE BUGOS FUGIKAWA, ’06

Katherine Bugos Fugikawa is a member of the graduating class of 2006. Afterward, she served as resident director at AMU from 2007 to 2009. She now lives in Tulsa, Okla., where she is the Montessori guide for ages 3 to 6, at Holy Family Classical School. She is graduating from an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Montessori Primary Diploma course this month and is looking forward to continuing as a Montessori guide. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, gardening, reading, and traveling with her five sons, ages 4 to 15.

TYLER “TIGER” CHURCH, ’17

Tyler “Tiger” Church graduated in 2017 as the first AMU nursing program graduate. She had been working as a bedside nurse at hospitals. After the pandemic, she began travel nursing to fill in for hospitals throughout the country. This has brought her many unique experiences, including being able to work alongside her twin brother, Tanner Church, class of 2018. She looks forward to exploring new places while she continues to work as a travel nurse. She is also pursuing a Master’s in Nursing Education at Western Governor’s University. Her goal is to teach others how to be the hands and feet of Jesus in healthcare.

ZACHARY AND MADELINE RAPPLEY, ’16

Zachary and Madeline Rappley were AMU classmates and have embraced the vocation of marriage, bringing three children into the world, and praying for the grace of many more! Having recently consecrated their family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, they have dedicated their marriage to guarding, revealing, and communicating love (Evangelium Vitae). Since both are musicians, their Naples home is bursting with song and instruments. Zachary graduated with a degree in biochemistry and is a scientist at Arthrex, a global medical device company located in Ave Maria, Fla. He is also employed as a liturgical musician with the Diocese of Venice. Madeline graduated with a degree in music and was an art teacher at Donahue Academy before transitioning to full-time mother.

“

IT’S IMPORTANT THAT THEY LIVE IN A COMMUNITY THAT SUPPORTS OUR CATHOLIC VALUES."

“I love Ave Maria University because it’s a place where my kids can really thrive. I always miss my kids when they leave home, but it brings me peace knowing they are going to a place like AMU. Especially for young adults leaving home for the first time, it’s important that they live in a community that supports our Catholic values. My kids have learned so much inside and outside the classroom and have formed meaningful friendships that will last a lifetime. I’m proud to be an Ave mom!”

PARENT: DANIELLE BEAN MOTHER OF AMBROSE (’21), JULIETTE (’22), STEPHEN (’25), AND GABRIELLE (’25)