Ave Maria University 2023 Viewbook

VIEWBOOK

WHAT IS

Joy in the Truth?

According to Pope St. John Paul II, “God made us for joy.” At Ave, you’ll see the enthusiasm that overflows as students discover the intersection between truth and beauty. You’ll hear the laughter echoing around campus as they embrace the abundance of God’s plan. We know joy is found in Christ, and we strive to encounter Him in our classes, residence halls, athletics, and most notably, in the sacraments.

We’re educating the next generation of saints: people prepared to use their exceptional formation and God-given passion to transform the world around them.

Ready to join us?

Authentic Catholic Education

ACADEMICS

At Ave Maria University, our academic programs are designed to foster a love of learning and a deep appreciation for the pursuit of truth. Our approach to academics is guided by Pope St. John Paul II’s Ex Corde Ecclesiae — an apostolic constitution on Catholic higher education and its importance to our society. We encourage our students to seek joy in this pursuit of Truth.

Part of a Catholic University’s task is to promote dialogue between faith and reason, so that it can be seen more profoundly how faith and reason bear harmonious witness to unity of all truth.

— Pope St. John Paul II, Ex Corde Ecclesiae , no. 17

Uniting Faith and Reason

Whether you’re studying biology, psychology, or finance, the truths of the faith are interwoven throughout. This enables students to understand their chosen discipline and the world around them through the Catholic faith. You will graduate fully prepared to be a witness to Christ in your field and beyond.

CORE CURRICULUM

Our core curriculum is a foundation designed to help you gain a broad base of knowledge across a variety of subjects, while enhancing your chosen major. While each discipline is distinct, AMU students learn the truth about God and His creation more completely through the interplay of all the liberal arts.

Classes required in our core curriculum:

Sacred Scripture

Sacred Doctrine

Moral Theology

Metaphysics

Nature and Person

Ethics

American Civilization

Western Civilization and Culture

2 semesters

Natural Science with Lab

Foreign Language

Mathematics

Rhetoric and Poetics

2 semesters

In your core classes, you’ll discover truth, beauty, and goodness through the integrated lens of our Catholic liberal arts tradition.

Whether it was defending an argument in my ethics class or researching marketing and management tactics, every class challenged my creativity and knowledge. AMU’s academics focus on forming the whole person. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Ave Maria.

—Michael ('22), Marketing

Deepen Your Knowledge of the Truth

EXPLORE OUR MAJORS AND MINORS

35 Majors

Accounting

American Studies

Biochemistry (B.A.)

Biochemistry (B.S.)

Biology (B.A.)

Biology (B.S.)

Business Administration

Catholic Studies

Classics & Early Christian Literature

Communications

Computer Science

Economics (B.A.)

Elementary Education

Environmental Science

Exercise Physiology (B.A.)

Exercise Physiology (B.S.)

Finance

Global Affairs & International Business

Health Science

History

Humanities & Liberal Studies

Literature

Managerial Economics &

Strategic Analysis

Marine Biology

Marketing

Mathematics

Music Nursing

Philosophy

Physics

Political Economy & Government

Politics

Psychology

Quantitative Economics

Theology

31 Minors

Accounting Biology

Business Administration

Catechetics

Chemistry

Classical Languages

Communications

Computer Science

Data Analytics

Economics

Education

Environmental Science

Exercise Physiology

Marriage & Family Studies

Finance

Health Science

History

Latin

Literature

Marine Biology

Marketing

Mathematics

Medieval Studies

Music

Philosophy

Physics

Politics Psychology

Shakespeare in Performance

Theology

Writing

HONORS Program

MASTER’S Programs

avemaria.edu/programs

The Honors Program at Ave Maria offers students the very best of collegiate life. In their pursuit of academic excellence, our honors students learn to engage subjects critically through the lens of faith, working closely with professors and mentors.

As a benefit of the program, honors students get early registration for classes and housing and can access an exclusive lounge for studying and hanging out. These students receive honors in the core curriculum and graduate with a richer understanding of the Catholic liberal arts tradition.

Our three master’s programs at AMU (theology, business administration, and Catholic educational leadership) prepare students for success while challenging them to open their minds and hearts to Jesus Christ. As a graduate student at AMU, you’ll benefit from small class sizes, competitive meritbased scholarships, and a vibrant Catholic culture.

Whether you’re seeking to dive deeper into Divine Wisdom through our M.A., gain practical business knowledge through our online MBA, or lead the next generation of young Catholic leaders through the M.Ed., Ave Maria has a graduate program to form your whole person through the faith.

DOCTORATE Program in Theology

Develop a unified vision of theological wisdom according to the magisterial teachings of the Church through our Ph.D. program in theology. Through the study of biblical, moral, and systematic theology, our doctoral students become conversant in Catholic tradition and lay the groundwork for teaching roles in Catholic or non-Catholic institutions of higher education.

Did You Know?

AMU is one of only two Newman Guide universities with a Ph.D. program in theology.

(B.S.)

Nurses have a unique entry into vulnerable and insecure moments in people’s lives — moments many people don’t get to see. We are Catholic nurses; we are Ave Maria nurses. It is our duty to transmit Christ’s love to our patients.

— Laura ('22), Nursing

Dedicated to Your Growth

MEET OUR FACULTY

of our professors have terminal degrees — the highest academic degree that can be awarded in their field.

At AMU, your professors will know you by name.

Our small class sizes and intentional hands-on learning encourage meaningful connections with worldclass experts in your desired field.

Our professors have a passion for the education and Christ-centered formation of their students. They don’t just care about your intellect — they care for your soul and who God is calling you to be.

The faculty reveal the heart of any university. At Ave Maria, the recruitment of professors who excel in their disciplines while enthusiastically embracing their Catholic faith is among the most important ways our mission is safeguarded. With a missiondriven faculty committed to excellence and truth, Ave students are never forced to choose between a life of devout faith and professional excellence.

What makes the students and alumni of AMU truly unique — and highly coveted by employers and graduate schools — is that the faculty and curriculum are both ordered to forming them in faith while also preparing them to be Catholic leaders in their chosen profession. It is this commitment to both Christian and professional excellence that breeds the joy so evident on campus.

Faculty Spotlights

Dr. Diann Ecret

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Favorite class to teach:

Catholic Bioethics

— Dr. Roger Nutt Provost

Catholic Faculty

avemaria.edu/faculty

Dr. Mark Miravalle Constance Schifflin Blum Chair of Mariology

Favorite class to teach: Mariology

Dr. James Patterson Associate Professor of Politics

Favorite class to teach:

Media and Politics

Dr. Saverio Perugini Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science

Favorite class to teach:

Programming Languages

Dr. Maria Fedoryka Associate Professor of Philosophy

Favorite class to teach:

Philosophy of Love

Dr. Agnes Berki Professor of Biology

Favorite class to teach:

Directed Research

Strengthen Your Faith

VIBRANT CATHOLIC CULTURE

Faith is the center of life at Ave Maria — you’ll see it all over campus! Whether it is students gathering for daily Mass, making the sign of the cross as they walk past our chapels, or participating in a nightly Rosary, faith is an integral part of everyday life at Ave.

Our students can adore the Blessed Sacrament in our perpetual adoration chapel or take part in Mary’s Marines, a program designed to encourage faculty, staff, and students to spend one hour of each day in adoration.

Students have 11 options for Sunday Mass and 7 options for daily Mass, including the Extraordinary Form. Our campus ministry hosts several Marian Rosary processions throughout the year and invites students to entrust themselves to our Blessed Mother’s care through a yearly Marian consecration.

With seven daily Masses, daily confession, and a community that’s passionately Catholic, students don’t just keep their faith; they thrive in it.

Did You Know?

AMU is one of only three Newman Guide schools to have perpetual adoration on campus.

Prayer and Service

CAMPUS MINISTRY

Our campus ministry supports our students in their journey to become the next generation of joyful saints.

Campus ministry offers a comprehensive schedule of Masses, confessions, spiritual direction, Eucharistic Adoration, and other sacramental means for our students to grow closer to Christ daily.

Campus ministry also offers opportunities to grow spiritually in community:

Regularly Scheduled

Theology on Tap Talks

Weekend Spiritual Retreats

Eucharistic Praise and Worship

Bible Studies, Men’s Groups, and Women’s Groups

Nightly Rosary Walks

Daily Noon Angelus in the Heart of Campus

Our campus priests are always available for ongoing mentorship and growth. Whether its spiritual direction or a blessing on your birthday, Ave’s campus ministry team is here to help you prioritize a relationship with Christ that fuels your friendships, academics, and sanctity.

Mother Teresa Project

Encounter the life and legacy of St. Mother Teresa and inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

The Mother Teresa Project (MTP) is the only college program of its kind in the world. Through four key pillars — local community service, mission trips, the Mother Teresa Museum, and the Mother Teresa Scholar program — students encounter the spirituality of St. Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity in a more meaningful way.

MTP provides a curriculum for students so they can put the words of Mother Teresa into practice: Spread love wherever you go. Let no one come to you without leaving better and happier.

Answer Mother’s call and “find your own Calcutta” through the MTP at AMU.

Did You Know?

The Mother Teresa Museum is the only one of its kind outside of Calcutta, India.

Lifelong Friendships Rooted in the Faith

YOUR AVE FAMILY

At Ave Maria, it doesn’t take long for strangers to become friends and friends to become family.

At Ave Maria, everyone knows everybody, and we’re proud to be a place where new students are welcomed and included, rather than lost in the crowd. We see something special happens when people are drawn together by a love for the faith and pursuit of truth.

Whether it’s a roommate becoming a lifelong friend, a professor becoming a mentor, or a study partner becoming the love of your life, there’s something special about the connections you make at AMU. Rooted in a common pursuit of holiness, the bonds created on campus form a familial community — a place where you can be the person God is calling you to be now

We thank God every day for the gifts

He gave our family at AMU. It was at Ave that we received tremendous grace in the sacraments and adoration as we entered our vocation.

— Isabel and Kevin ('13)

Did You Know? students find their spouse at AMU.

average temperature September - May

days of outdoor living

Fishing

Swimming Pool

Beach Volleyball

Fire Pits

Outdoor Basketball

Fastest Growing Community in SWFL

Average incoming G.P.A. is

of incoming freshmen are ranked in the top nationally

ATHLETICS THIS WAY

Football Stadium

Golisano Field House

Beach Volleyball Courts

Baseball & Softball Fields

Tennis Courts

Pickleball Courts

Shopping Cafes

Restaurants

THOMAS & SELBY PRINCE BUILDING

Classrooms

Performance Hall

Black Box Shakespeare Theater Mother Teresa Museum

Fitness Center

Dining Hall

Cafe with Lanai

Ballroom

Mail Service

The Daily Grind Coffee Shop

Quiet Study Areas

Art Exhibits

HENKELS ACADEMIC BUILDING

Classrooms

Laboratories

MEN’S & WOMEN’S RESIDENCE HALLS

3 All-Male and 3 All-Female Dorms with Private Bathrooms

Chapel in Each Dorm

avemaria.edu/residence

BOB THOMAS STUDENT UNION

AVE MARIA TOWN CIRCLE

CANIZARO LIBRARY 24/7 ADORATION

PARISH CHURCH

Find Your Community

FAITH HOUSEHOLDS

Household life at Ave is a vital part of campus culture. Other universities have sororities and fraternities; we have faithcentered households! These groups are a great way to get involved on campus while forming lifelong friendships. Households are single-gender groups of five or more students who come together for intentional Catholic community. These groups commit to weekly community prayer, Mass, and fidelity to specific virtues through the intercession of their household patrons.

A new household has been created almost every year since Ave began, now numbering 17:

WOMEN 10

Rosa Mystica

Asteria tis Maris

Verso il Cielo

Theotokos

Daughters of God

Talitha Koum

Sisterhood of Mary Magdalene

Vessels of Mercy

Fiat Voluntas Tua

Stella Maris

MEN 7

Praecursores Verbi Lions of Judah

Immaculata Vincet

Ardens Virtus

Filii in Filio

Alethes Arete

Fishers of Men

I have never been a part of a more joyful, loving, faith-filled group of women. I have greatly enjoyed getting to know every girl and seeing how they bring their God-given gifts to make our household so amazing.

— Marybeth ('22), Communications and Business Administration

Discover Your Passion

STUDENT LIFE

Did You Know?

Our unique location allows students to discover coastal hobbies in our surf, snorkel, and scuba clubs!

Your Campus Home

RESIDENCE LIFE

With 30+ student-led clubs and weekly campus events, you’ll never be bored at AMU!

Some of our most popular events and clubs on campus:

EVENTS

Dorm Wars

Oktoberfest

CLUBS

Drama Club

Pre-Med Club

Living on campus fosters a sense of community, and living in the dorms means friendship is all around you — you live here, you learn here, and you practice your faith with your Ave family.

all female and all male residence halls of undergraduate students live on campus

resident assistants per floor

RD on-call for emergencies

Each dorm building is entrusted to the care of a Residence Director (RD): a full-time live-in AMU staff member dedicated to assisting their residents.

All our dorms have private, ensuite bathrooms, as well as community kitchens, common rooms, coinless laundry machines, and a chapel that houses the Blessed Sacrament 24/7.

Just as the classroom strengthens your mind, your residence hall will strengthen your heart.

Start Your Pilgrim Journey

SPRING BREAK LIKE YOU’VE NEVER EXPERIENCED IT

In our international pilgrimages, students experience sacred spaces that invite encounters with Christ and His Church. Pray the Rosary and read the Gospels in the locations where they actually happened and be moved by the mystery and majesty of the faith.

Strengthen your relationship with Christ in the Holy Land, Ireland, Rome, or on the Camino. Renew your baptismal promises in the Jordan River; follow the steps of St. Patrick and St. Brigid through Lough Derg; pray at the tomb of St. Peter, the first pope; travel the Way of St. James.

Begin your own journey of faith in the footsteps of the Church Triumphant by going on pilgrimage with AMU!

Study Abroad in Italy EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

Imagine being within walking distance of the Vatican, the Roman Forum, and Colosseum.

AMU’s Rome Program will immerse you in Italian culture and the history of the Church. You’ll walk in the footsteps of the saints, praying among magnificent relics in the company of generations of Catholics. You’ll have the opportunity to take a pilgrimage to the medieval hill town of Assisi, birthplace of Saints Francis and Clare, and will explore Renaissance art and architecture in Florence and Orvieto, and much more.

At the end of the program, you will return home with a greater appreciation for Rome’s immeasurable influence on our Catholic faith.

Every single day is a little adventure with Jesus.

— Brooke ('24), Education

Join Our Lady’s Team

GYRENE ATHLETICS

Faith is the center of our life here, and our athletic programs are no exception. The Athletic Department at Ave Maria University prepares you to be an outstanding athlete and a powerful witness of the love, perseverance, and zeal of Christ. Our athletes are more than athletes — they’re disciples.

AMU participates in the highly competitive Sun Conference of the NAIA, 240 colleges and universities that compete in a manner most similar to Division II of the NCAA. As such, student-athletes receive partial athletic scholarships that can be combined with other institutional and government aid.

At Ave Maria, we have 23 NAIA varsity athletic programs, six additional club sports, and nine intramural sports that have regularily scheduled league-play.

WOMENS Varsity 12

Basketball

Beach Volleyball

Cross Country

Dance

Golf

Lacrosse

Soccer

Softball

Swimming

Tennis

Track & Field Volleyball

CLUB 6

Women’s Rugby Equestrian

Men’s Lacrosse

Women’s Ultimate Frisbee

Cheerleading

Shotgun Shooting Disciplines

INTRAMURAL 9

Coed Kickball

Coed Softball

Coed Soccer

Coed Beach Volleyball

Coed Ultimate Frisbee

Men’s Flag Football

Women’s Flag Football

Men’s Basketball

Women’s Basketball

At Ave, athletics are a training ground for life. To be a Gyrene requires dedication, motivation, and a willing mind, body, and spirit. Our athletics staff is ready to help you strengthen your skills as you strengthen your faith.

MENS Varsity 11

Baseball Basketball

Cross Country Football Golf Soccer

Rugby

Swimming

Tennis

Track & Field Ultimate Frisbee

The term “gyrene” dates back to WWI as a nickname given to G.I. Marines in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Our founder, Tom Monaghan, served as a Marine; we honor his and all our veterans’ sacrifices through our mascot.

Coaches Who Care

MEET THE ATHLETIC STAFF

Our staff features nationally recognized names with experience coaching NCAA Division I programs and international teams — we even have two Olympians on staff!

Your coaches at AMU care about your soul, not just your skills. You’ll consistently be called to virtue on and off the field, and encouraged to pursue excellence in everything you do. Ave coaches don’t compete for glory — they coach to glorify God and honor our Mother Mary — and they’ll inspire you to do the same.

Being a Gyrene is no easy task, but if you’re willing to put in the work, you can play the sport you love in a community where you will become not only a better athlete, but a better disciple of Christ.

Ave Maria has blessed me abundantly — athletically and spiritually. My coaches care about me as a person before anything else. I will always dedicate everything I have on and off the court to represent Our Lady and this school as best as I can!

— Patrick (‘24), Men’s Basketball

Heroic sanctity isn’t easy, and neither is the life of a collegiate student-athlete.

— Elizabeth Feger (‘12), Associate Athletic Director

I love AMU athletics because of our high care factor. We care about winning, we care about our students graduating, but most importantly, we care about their souls.

— Jamon Copeland, Head Men’s Basketball Coach

The Next Generation of Catholic Leaders

SUCCESS AFTER GRADUATION

Ave Maria students graduate equipped with a comprehensive education, essential job skills, and an unwavering commitment to the faith — all the tools they need to venture into the world to make a profound impact everywhere they go.

Our Career Services department guides you in cultivating your skills and presenting yourself to future employers. From resume and cover letter workshops to career fairs, you’ll receive the support, tools, and resources to succeed in your field.

The next generation of young, Catholic leaders are coming from Our Lady’s University — and you could be one of them!

In the 2022-2023 academic year, 55 students participated in chemistry and physics research in the areas of Alzheimer’s, novel materials, and tropical deseases.

Since 2021, 18 AMU students published papers with their chemistry and physics professors in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Ave gave me an excellent formation. It encouraged me and my classmates to see ourselves as effective witnesses through our career paths. I don’t think I would be able to do this work in the same way if I hadn’t gone to Ave.

— Julia (‘13), Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Lux Counseling and Consulting

My education at Ave Maria set me up for success. Every piece of Ave was formative for my personal and professional development — it made me stand out as a candidate. I credit my Ave experience for where I am today.

— Stephen (‘19), Global & Large Enterprise Partnership Manager at Gartner

As a hiring manager at a Catholic organization, I can say Ave grads make dream colleagues. Their commitment to excellence, strong strategic-thinking skills, and fantastic communication is only rivaled by their ability to problem solve, adapt, and have fun in the process!

— Marisa Beyers (‘12), General Manager at Ascension Press

You Can Afford a Catholic Education

SCHOLARSHIP AND AID OPPORTUNITIES

At Ave Maria, we are dedicated to helping each of our students receive an excellent education without excessive financial debt. As an institution, AMU is designed to offer you a high-quality Catholic education at a manageable cost. We’ll be with you every step of the way, helping navigate your journey to Ave Maria.

A variety of scholarships and aid are available:

Merit-Based Scholarships

Government Assistance and Loans

Student Worker Programs

Athletic Scholarships

Sibling and Legacy Scholarships

Regional Scholarships

Are You Ready to Say Yes? START YOUR JOURNEY AT OUR LADY’S UNIVERSITY

At Our Lady’s University, you will be challenged academically, grow in your faith, and make lifelong friendships in a community that supports you on your journey.

What you’ll experience at Ave Maria is truly unique. There’s a joy that radiates throughout our students, staff, faculty, and campus — a joy in the Truth. Are you ready to take the next step?

Visit

Experience Our Lady’s University firsthand. Ave Maria is 30 miles from the beach, with access to four airports.

avemaria.edu/visit

Inquire

Start exploring your life at Ave. Apply

Applying is quick, easy, and free! Apply now.

Questions?

avemaria.edu/inquire avemaria.edu/apply avemaria.edu/info

98% of AMU students are on scholarship — you can afford a Catholic private education.