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Classes Begin at Ave Maria University for the First Time at Permanent Campus
August 27, 2007
University Marks Inaugural Year at New Campus with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
AVE MARIA, Fla. (August 27, 2007) - More than five years of planning and two years of construction culminated today at Ave Maria University (AMU) when students attended class for the first time at the university's permanent campus in Ave Maria, Fla.
AMU officially welcomed students, faculty and staff to the new campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the new campus and the beginning of the 2007-2008 academic year.
Thomas S. Monaghan, Ave Maria University Chancellor and Founder, greeted all those in attendance by reflecting on the steps it took to build the university and looking forward to its future.
"This is a momentous day for Ave Maria University, and something that could not have been accomplished without the prayer and support of so many people. I want to thank our Board of Trustees for their ongoing service and leadership, as well as our Board of Regents and all of our donors for their support. Of course, our faculty, staff and administration have worked tirelessly to get to this point and they are to be commended. Today is also a special day for our students, as they begin classes on the campus for whom it was built," Monaghan said. "Our university is committed to providing the finest education possible for our students, both academically and in the teachings of the Church. We look forward to seeing them go forth from here as the future leaders of our Church and society."
University students lined the main campus green to take part in the ribbon cutting before heading to their first classes of the year. Erin Sedlacek, a senior politics major from Wisconsin, noted that, "with the new students arriving for orientation the campus has taken on a new life which until now has been full of mere expectation." She went on to say that, "Going into my senior year, I am really excited to begin classes in the brand new facilities. It is great to finally be at the campus that we have been hearing about for so long."
Sedlacek's politics major is one of ten undergraduate degrees offered by AMU. The other nine include biology, classics/early Christian literature, economics, history, literature, mathematics, philosophy, sacred music and theology. The university also offers two masters degree programs and a doctoral degree in theology.
In addition to their eagerness about using the brand new classroom and dorm facilities, students were also looking forward to having access to the new sports facilities, including a new softball field, soccer field and tennis courts, which will be available to the university's intramural and club sports teams as well as the student body as a whole.
"Today is very invigorating for all of us at Ave Maria, and the excitement we as educators and administrators have is derived from the enthusiasm of our students," said Daniel Dentino, Ave Maria University Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. "We are proud of each of our students and eagerly look forward to watching them develop right in stride with the development of the university."
The first day of class was also punctuated with a very special presentation at noon Mass when Robert "Bob" Thomas, former chairman of AMU's board of trustees, was conferred with an honorary degree in appreciation of his dedication to the university and its development. Thomas succeeded Monaghan as chairman in November 2004, serving through 2006. He continued as a general trustee from 2006-2007.