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Ave Maria University Moves Into Permanent Campus in New Town of Ave Maria, Florida
August 24, 2007
Students to Begin the 2007-2008 Academic Year In August
AVE MARIA, Fla. - On August 27, classes will begin for Ave Maria University (AMU) students at the school's permanent campus in Florida's newest town, Ave Maria, Fla. These students will be the first to occupy and utilize AMU's brand new facilities.
After more than five years of planning and construction, and four years of operating from a 12-acre temporary campus in Naples, Fla., AMU will now be fully functional from its permanent location.
"Our moving into the permanent campus is the culmination of a nearly 10-year trek to build the first new Catholic university in the U.S. in the last 40 years," said Thomas S. Monaghan, Ave Maria University Founder and Chancellor. "We have had to overcome a number of challenges, but our vision has remained steadfast, to build a university that is first and foremost faithful to the Magisterium of the Church, and one that is dedicated to providing a first class liberal arts education for our students.
"In addition to our mission, I believe our location and architectural design are great assets for the University. Not only are we in beautiful southwest Florida, but the new town of Ave Maria provides us many opportunities. Great care was taken in designing the campus in the timeless architectural tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright, and I am very pleased with how it has come together."
Students from 43 states and 12 countries will attend classes in AMU's new, state-of-the-art buildings which include the Science, Math & Technology Building, the Student Activities Center, three undergraduate dormitories and the Canizaro Library, named after Joseph and Sue Ellen Canizaro for their generous donation to the University.
"The new campus is quite remarkable," said Nicholas J. Healy, Jr., President, Ave Maria University. "Aside from the natural beauty of the campus's Southwest Florida setting, these buildings offer students the finest technological and educational amenities. The entire campus was designed to offer our students and faculty all the tools necessary to foster outstanding learning."
The opening of the permanent campus is the culmination of a process that began almost 10 years ago to establish a Catholic university with national draw. In 2002 it was determined that southwest Florida would be an ideal location. Upon hearing about the plans to build a new university in southwest Florida, Paul Marinelli, President of Barron Collier Companies, one of the largest land developers in Florida, approached Monaghan about the possibility of locating the University in a brand new town which would surround the campus.
"Our vision for Ave Maria, Fla., has always been one of a family-oriented hometown where residents can take pride in their community," Marinelli said. "Ave Maria University will certainly be a catalyst to this town and help us reach our goal of becoming a thriving center of education, culture and economy."
Residents have already begun moving into the town of Ave Maria, and more than a dozen businesses will be up and running by the end of the year. The town of Ave Maria offers six different residential neighborhoods, covering a range of price points and styles, including affordable housing. At the completion of phase one, the town expects to have 11,000 residential units.
Additionally, as part of the environmental stewardship program, more than 17,000 acres of land have been set aside to preserve the natural habitats and beauty of the area.
AMU offers 10 undergraduate degrees and two graduate degrees, and the University's pre-theologate program - designed to assist young men who are discerning the priesthood - is one of the largest in the nation. AMU has received pre-accreditation from the American Academy of Liberal Education and recently submitted an application for accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University plans to grow to a combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment of approximately 6,000 students at its final build-out.