2005 Alumni Speak
2007 ALUMNI ι 2006 ALUMNI ι 2005 ALUMNI frances bradley
| From: Montgomery, IN | Major: Theology |
“I was drawn to Ave Maria primarily because of its devotion to truth, not only in academic pursuits but also in the ultimate source of Truth in which all other truths flow, namely Christ. I was inspired by its faithfulness and obedience to Holy Mother Church, drawing its inspiration from Pope John Paul II’s call for a “new springtime” of culture within the Church. God only knows where I will be in the coming years! I look forward to being a servant for Him and His church.” |
 peter cunningham
| From: Schoolcraft, MI | Major: Philosophy |
“While attending Ave Maria I have grown intellectually, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. I thank God for allowing me to attend Ave Maria for four years to gracefully integrate intellectual and emotional development into a deeper and more profound spiritual life. My tentative plan after graduation is to attend seminary.” |
 mark fein
| From: Byron Center, MI | Major: Theology |
“After graduation my future plans are to enter the Franciscans of the Primitive Observance as a brother this September. I am grateful for everything I have learned here about the Catholic faith and the good friends I have made here as well.” |
 jonathan fisher
| From: Hixson, TN | Major: Theology |
“Ave Maria University has been a very positive experience. In the immediate future I plan on teaching High School. Beyond that, only God knows.” |
 Larry Goeckner
| From: Cottonwood, ID | Major: Theology |
“The greatest strength of Ave Maria is the students—bound together in the truth of Christ—that constitute her. The integrity of the faculty, staff, students, and religious on campus has helped me to grow in every dimension of my life, namely in solidifying my Catholic identity. In the immediate future I am planning to move to Michigan following graduation and hopefully begin a career in the human resources or public relations sphere.” |
 Matthew Kinney
| From: Austin, TX | Major: Philosophy |
“The Pre-Theologate has been a huge part of my Ave Maria experience. Over the past three years I've lived, prayed, and discerned with the priests and the other men of the "Pre-The." I am currently far along in the application process to be a seminarian for the Diocese of Austin. God willing, I will be studying for the Austin Diocese at St Mary's Seminary in Houston next year.” |
 Madeline MacRae
| From: Romulus, MI | Major: Literature |
“Ave won my heart in the first month. Seeds have been planted here, not only intellectually and socially, but morally and spiritually, which I intend to cultivate, so that, as I venture into the “real world,” I can take with me a little piece of what I have been given and pass it on to others.” |
 Alex Nay
| From: Leduc, AB | Major: Philosophy |
“My years at Ave Maria have been a time of growth and learning of every sort, from academic to self-knowledge. The academics at Ave Maria has opened my eyes to the fascinating world of liberal arts, something that used to appear drab and antiquated in my engineering days. My future plans reside in graduate studies. God willing, I will attend Ave Maria’s graduate school next fall, continue the next stage of my education, and continue my discovery of the truth. I am thinking about a PhD program either in philosophy or theology as a long term goal, but much lies between now and then.” |
 Margaret Perry
| From: Napa, CA | Major: Literature |
“I came to Ave Maria as a transfer student, with three years under my belt, so my time here was short. But being here has been an amazing experience for two reasons especially: the spiritual life at Ave Maria is profoundly moving. The priests here are amazing preachers as well as confessors. The nuns on campus, the daily rosary walk, and the household programs are all enriching to even the most devout students. Secondly the friends I have gained here are some of the most amazing people I will ever know. To have the opportunity to live with six religious, gracious, fun, and intelligent young women is rich blessing. After graduation I will be taking a position at The Intercollegiate Studies Institute, and, hopefully pursue graduate work in literature or art history.” |
 Mary Catherine Spellman
| From: Turner Falls, MA | Major: Literature |
“During my time at Ave Maria I have arrived at a better understanding and appreciation of the truths of the Faith and their intimate relationship in the history, literature, and philosophy of Western civilization. I am currently seeking a position for next year where I can encourage other young Catholics to deepen their love and their wisdom for the Truth, which is only found in Jesus Our Lord.” |
 James Tutwiler
| From: Beverly Shores, IN | Major: History |
“Ave Maria University has offered me and all my classmates an opportunity to learn the truth, to come closer to Christ, and to help establish his Church. This university has prepared me to stand up for my faith and to cherish it like never before. In the future I would like to go into the advertising field, specializing in graphic design.” |
 John Chilimigras
| From: Bay St. Louis, MO | Major: Philosophy |
“The first shall be last’. I am the first graduate of Ave Maria University. I actually graduated in May of 2004, but returned to receive my degree with the class of 2005 and to participate in the first ever graduation ceremony. I will begin law school in the fall of 2005.” |
 Laura Dittus
| From: Naples, FL | Major: Theology |
“Through Ave Maria's challenging academic program, I have been exposed to the richness of the Catholic theological and philosophical tradition. After graduation I plan to continue studying theology through obtaining a masters degree from Ave Maria University. Having been introduced to the treasures of the Catholic faith, I would like to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the tradition. I hope to contribute to the work of the Church either through teaching high school or college theology, or through serving as a theological advisor.” |
 Jon Fidero
| From: Lilburn, GA | Major: Philosophy |
“I could summarize my Ave Maria experience best in calling it a transformation. I experienced Truth in a more lucid way than I had as of yet, and the experience was beautiful and fulfilling. My eyes were finally opened to the reality of the universe as God's creation, as His divine art, and I was able to come to know Him even more deeply in my new experience with this reality, with Truth itself. Along with our Blessed Mother, the saints, and my family who have never ceased praying for me and each other, Ave Maria has undoubtedly played one of the most important roles in leading me closer to Jesus Christ and closer to Salvation.” |
 Ann Gagnier
| From: Renton, WA | Major: Literature |
“I consider my experience at Ave Maria a great privilege. I transferred to Ave Maria from a state university, and this change facilitated my spiritual, intellectual, and human growth. The community life of Ave Maria is the supportive and positive environment every university should strive to possess. After I graduate in May, I plan to work for Ave Maria University while I pursue graduate studies." |
 Abigail Jovanovich
| From: St. Paul, MN | Major: Literature |
"Ave Maria is a dialogue between extremes. Thomism meets Personalism, Latin Mass meets Novus Ordo, public school kids meet homeschoolers, and mainstream America meets international personality. These dialogues occur in the classroom, liturgy, residence halls, cafeteria, and on the sports field. I pray that the lessons I’ve learned at Ave will continue to bear fruit as I work with disabled people after graduation." |
 Sr. Marie-Josee Lirette
| From: Cold Lake, AB | Major: Theology |
“It has truly been a blessing to be a part of Ave Maria University. During my time at Ave I have enjoyed the interaction with the students who have so much zeal for the faith, desire for the truth and who really want to respond to the call to be courageous and to preach the Gospel. The campus atmosphere really gives a true sign of hope. . It is my intention to continue to persevere in my religious calling and daily enter into a deeper union with Christ by building upon what I have learned and studied here at Ave Maria.” |
 Eileen Matthes
| From: Woodstock, IL | Major: Theology |
“My time here at Ave Maria University and Ave Maria College has been one of the happiest times in my life. My faith has grown tremendously and I have had the privilege of seeing first hand a truly Catholic culture grow and flourish throughout these four years. I have accepted a job at my hometown parish, St. Mary Church, in Woodstock, IL and I will assume the position of Youth Minister on May 16, 2005. I plan on working there for a while and then working for my masters in Theology and eventually become a Director of Religious Education.” |
 Bronwyn O’Jack
| From: Ann Arbor, MI | Major: Theology |
“Ave Maria has been a great help in forming and growing in my faith. My plans are to earn a Masters in a human services field, and go on to work at some sort of children’s home, where I can share with others the amazing faith that I have found.” |
 Charissa Romens
| From: East Bethel, MN | Major: Philosophy |
“I am so glad that I have studied at Ave Maria. I received a wonderful education, made life-long friends and was able to fulfill some long-time dreams to travel. I am planning on staying in the Naples area and working in something to do with sales, marketing and/ or management.” |
 Dagny Syversen
| From: Spring, TX | Major: Literature |
“I loved being so close to all of the Sacraments everyday; I don’t know how I would have gotten through college without daily Mass and without the guidance of all our wonderful priests. In the future I plan on doing mission work for a while, owning a restaurant some day, changing the world.” |
 Ivana Vasilj
| From: Bosnia, Hercegovina | Major: Political Science & Theology |
“This school has helped me to find the Truth that it teaches; and how to live in friendship with the Lord on a daily basis. I greatly thank you for helping me persevere in finding the Truth. My future interest is to pursue a Master’s Degree in International Law or International Relations.” |
 Jose Urquilla
| From: San Salvador, El Salvador | Major: Political Science & Economics |
“Not only did I receive an awesome education, but at the same time I experienced the American culture to its fullest: Now it is my turn to go into the world and spread the teachings of the Church to our society which has lost the sense of true values and morality. I have applied to the U.S. government for a 1-year work visa and God willing I will be moving to Washington D.C. so that in this coming year I may gain some experience in politics. Depending on what God says, I would like to apply to graduate schools and apply for scholarships as well because I want to help El Salvador to become a better place to live.” |
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