About Amu HOME | ABOUT AMU ABOUT AMU Ave Maria University is a Catholic institution of higher learning located in Florida. We are committed to helping our students develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life and grow in their appreciation of truth. Catholic Identity History Mission Faculty & Staff College Leadership Stat Book Our Founder A faith-filledUNIVERSITY Ave Maria University was established in 2003. Faithful to the Church’s magisterium, our university provides one of the strongest classical liberal arts curricula in the country, as well as exceptional opportunities for specialized study in the sciences and humanities. On our beautiful, sunny campus in Southwest Florida, students discover a vibrant location to build lasting friendships and respond to their vocation of service to God and the world. LEARN MORE FOUNDED ON FIDELITY TO THE CHURCH Thomas S. Monaghan had a dream to establish a Catholic university that was faithful to the magisterium and gave students the education they needed to become leaders in the Church and society. READ OUR FULL HISTORY A UNIVERSITY ON A MISSION Ave Maria University strives to provide the best education today’s students need to succeed in a competitive job market. But we also have a deeper calling. READ OUR MISSION STATEMENT GROW IN YOUR FAITH AT AMU We are proud of our Catholic identity and take St. John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae as our guide. Learn how you can grow in your faith at AMU. LEARN MORE ABOUT AMU FAITH AMU at a GLANCE 1,204UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS30MAJORS AND MINORS15MASSES PER WEEK95%CATHOLIC POPULATIONSEE OUR STAT BOOK WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GYRENE? If the mascot of Ave Maria University sounds different than most others, that’s intentional. Just as Ave Maria University stands as a brave witness to true Catholic values, the Gyrene serves as a symbol of bravery in serving our country and its people. “Gyrene” was a nickname given to Marines by other branches of the military, but the Marines quickly adopted it as a way to stand out. During World War I and World War II, a Gyrene was seen as a special kind of GI (government issue), one known for having an ethos that inspired courage in the heat of the toughest battles. AMU founder Tom Monaghan was a Marine, so it is only fitting that the school bears a name rich in history, steeped in tradition and emblematic of determination and service. DISCOVER GYRENE ATHLETICS Our CollegeLEADERSHIP Our leaders are committed to maintaining and strengthening AMU’s Catholic identity, rigorous academics and vibrant community life. Meet our Leadership Mark Middendorf President Roger Nutt, S.T.L., S.T.D. Provost, Professor of Theology Eugene Munin Vice President – Finance & Administration Kimberly King Vice President for Student Affairs, Title IX Coordinator Eddie Dejthai Chief Information Officer MEET OUR STAFF ACADEMICS IN PURSUIT OF TRUTH AMU has a great diversity of courses, but they are all united by a common goal: uncovering the wisdom of God. We teach our students to master particular subjects while never losing sight of the unity of all knowledge. EXPLORE OUR ACADEMICS
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