What is a founder?

Ave Maria University is the first new Catholic university to be built in the United States in more than 40 years. When established universities need to expand or grow, they can call on their alumni for assistance, but Ave Maria University has few alumni at this early stage in her development. One thing AMU does have is truly unique.

Ave Maria University has a treasure of support in its "Founders," people across the nation and the world who contribute $120 or more to the university.

Founders receive a quarterly report on the progress of Ave Maria University. (And it's true that many exciting things are happening from week to week!)

To become a Founder please complete the application and mail it to us.

Some Founders in various communities took the call to become Founders even a step further. They decided they wanted to meet together in a more organized way - as a club. A Founders Club may gather for dinner, share a meal, have presentations by expert guest speakers, pray together, support the university in different ways, and act as ambassadors to their local community. The Founders Club events are open to all and we encourage others to be invited. To learn more about the locations and activities of existing Founders Clubs please go to our listing of Founders Clubs across the country.

founders mission statement 

our vision

Gather in Community

Our regular events offer a setting where our Founders, Supporters, and other "like minded thinkers" can gather together in local communities. Here, we can share a meal, enjoy each other's company and discuss topics pertinent to our mission. Many people who attend our events are pleasantly surprised to meet their acquaintances and friends, and often make new friends while attending an event. We consider it a great blessing to witness the further development of the Ave Maria University community at the local level. Our events are open to all and we encourage you to invite others.

Adult Catechesis

Just as we here at Ave Maria University yearn to further develop our Catholic faith and knowledge, we find many of our event participants are interested in further developing their own knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith. During our gatherings, engaging speakers educate our attendees on timely topics as they relate to the true teachings of the Catholic Church. Our speakers may be local individuals, professors from Ave Maria University, or knowledgeable and intriguing speakers from any number of sources. In some instances, clubs may gather for a prayer or rosary session, with the specific intentions being the spiritual support and guidance of Ave Maria University.

AMU Communication and Support

Those who attend our events are often curious about the latest developments at Ave Maria University, and how best to contribute to and assist in our efforts. To meet this need, we provide attendees with the latest news on Ave Maria University and give individuals an avenue of communication with the University. Our hope is that, under the guidance of the National Founders Office, local Founders will gather together and identify and implement methods by which the group or individuals can provide Ave Maria University with additional financial and/or spiritual support. Founders can further develop local interest in and support of Ave Maria University by sharing with others what they learn at our gatherings and events.

formation

contact information