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AMU Holds Annual Dorm Wars Event

On Saturday, September 9, Residence Life hosted AMU’s annual “Dorm Wars” event, a long-standing Ave Maria tradition.

At Dorm Wars, each of the University’s six residence halls compete with one another in multiple games and contests—including tug-of-war, an egg toss, and synchronized swimming.

As the most anticipated event of the semester, Dorm Wars is a great opportunity for students to experience a time of fun and healthy competition as a University community. The winner of this year’s trophy was St. Joseph’s Hall.

Introducing “The Pursuit of Wisdom” at AMU

A series of Catholic short courses presented by the faculty of Ave Maria University seeks to highlight the true, good and beautiful

In today’s fast-paced, information-driven world, we may feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of noise and data. Numbers, facts, opinions, websites, books … we can easily become burned out on the joy of learning. Ave Maria University has a solution: “The Pursuit of Wisdom,” a series of free online courses presented by the faculty of Ave Maria University that will provide practical wisdom and insights around important topics and themes to help Catholics lead a more inspired, meaningful and joyful life.

Each video course is between one to three hours and broken down for on-the-go inspiration.

Watch “The Pursuit of Wisdom” trailer:

Here is the lineup of Ave Maria professors and the topics they address in this initial launch of short courses:

The short courses also can be accessed via the free “Pursuit of Wisdom” app, available to download on major podcasting platforms, such as the App Store, and coming soon on Google Play.

More courses will be available later this year.

“We’re inundated with information everywhere we go,” said Roger Nutt, provost and professor of theology at Ave Maria University. “God desires for our hearts and minds to be filled with wisdom, not information. Our hope with ‘The Pursuit of Wisdom’ short courses is to provide Catholics with edifying content that helps them to joyfully recognize the truth, beauty and goodness we all crave.”

For more information, please visit https://thepursuitofwisdom.org.

Fishers of Men Household Hosts 4th Annual Dodgeball Tournament

On Saturday, August 26, the Fishers of Men faith household hosted their annual dodgeball tournament at Ave Maria University.

The event took place in the Academic Lawn, and the students in attendance enjoyed a fun time of games and food. This is the fourth instance of the tournament since it started in 2020, and all the proceeds benefit the Fishers of Men household.

Thank you, Fishers of Men, for hosting this fun event!

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone Delivers Convocation Address at Ave Maria University

On Friday, August 25, the 2023-24 school year officially kicked off with the Academic Convocation. At this year’s Convocation, AMU was honored to have the Archbishop of San Francisco, the Most Reverend Salvatore J. Cordileone, deliver the Convocation Address.

In his lecture, titled “The Three Pillars of Catholic Education,” Archbishop Cordileone discussed the significance of Catholic higher education as a modern solution to guide an age that has lost its way. His talk resonated deeply with all those present, reaffirming the University’s dedication to teaching faith and reason.

The promotions of five AMU faculty members were also announced during the Convocation.

Following the Archbishop’s address, there was a reception in the Bob Thomas Student Union Ballroom to honor the students who made it to the Spring 2023 Dean’s List. This was a fitting tribute to their hard work, and a testament to the University’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

On the day prior to the Academic Convocation, Campus Ministry held the first Theology on Tap of the year, titled “All Things New.” The University’s own Fr. Rick Martignetti—director of Campus Ministry—spoke to the student body about relationships.

In his talk, Fr. Rick shared valuable insights on how to make room for new people in our lives, and how to foster love for those around us.

 

The Academic Convocation and the first Theology on Tap of the year set the tone for a semester of abundant spiritual growth and faithful scholarship. AMU thanks Archbishop Cordileone for coming down to Ave Maria to talk to the University community, and it wishes all the best to students as they embark on this new academic year.

If you would like to give to Ave Maria University, consider joining the Annunciation Circle, a community of members who support Ave Maria University through their prayers and monthly donations of $10 or more.

Faith and Scholarship: AMU Launches 2023-24 Academic Year with Opening Mass and Campus Blessing

Ave Maria University commenced the 2023-24 academic year with solemn and spiritually enriching events.

On Monday, August 21, at 5 p.m., the Ave Maria Parish Church welcomed students, faculty, and staff to the opening Mass for the 2023-24 academic year. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Diocese of Venice, and co-celebrated by all the priests from the University and town.

At the conclusion of the Mass, five promising scholars set their feet on a path of profound theological exploration as they embarked on the Ph.D. program in theology. In a moment filled with reverence and commitment, these students made their Profession of Faith and received the mandatum from Bishop Dewane, which symbolized their commitment to upholding the Catholic faith and embracing their roles as scholars and spiritual leaders.

 

Continuing in the spirit of blessing and spiritual guidance, the following day witnessed a special procession through the University’s residence halls. Led by Fr. Rick Martignetti, director of Campus Ministry, and joined by Fr. Joseph Lugalambi, adjunct instructor of theology—as well as two other AMU priests—the Blessed Sacrament graced the campus. This procession served as a powerful reminder of the University’s commitment to nurturing the spiritual life of its students.

As they made their way through the residence halls, blessings were bestowed upon each dorm room, infusing the living spaces with the divine grace and protection of the Blessed Sacrament. It was a beautiful demonstration of faith and a testament to the University’s dedication to fostering a spiritually enriching environment on campus.

 

May this academic year be one of growth, faithful scholarship, and heavenly joy for all members of the Ave Maria University community.

Orientation 2023 Highlights

As we kick off this semester, we are thrilled to share the excitement of the 2023 incoming student orientation. This fall, we welcome the Class of 2027!

Orientation weekend—which took place August 17-19—was packed with incredible opportunities for our newest students to immerse themselves in the Ave Maria experience. They met our dedicated staff, connected with fellow classmates, experienced communal prayer, and explored our beautiful campus.

Here is a video recap of AMU’s 2023 incoming student orientation:

To learn more about the events that took place during orientation weekend, please visit the orientation page.

Tom Monaghan Featured on EWTN

Thomas Monaghan, founder of Ave Maria University, was featured on EWTN News In Depth on Friday, June 23.

The news segment—reported by Colm Flynn—discussed Monaghan’s founding of Domino’s Pizza, and his transformation from an orphan into a billionaire. During the interview, Tom shared how he left the corporate world to help the Catholic Church, most notably through the advancement of Catholic higher education.

Commencement Keynote Highlights Featuring Best-Selling Author Patrick Lencioni

In the keynote address, Patrick Lencioni encouraged the graduates to always prioritize their relationship with Christ first, and not let the pressures of the world keep them from doing so. “Whether a bird is tied down by a chain or a string, it does not matter because either way it cannot fly… I know this because I did it myself. I was unhappy because my treasure was here on Earth, not with God.” With his words of guidance, he sent the class of 2023 with marching orders to take their faith into the world, letting the Lord take them where He needs them to be, saying, “Please have the courage to go into that world and stand firm in the Truth of Christ. Wake up and announce to the Lord that you want only what He wants. Ask Him to protect you. Nothing is worth more than eternal joy… choose Him every day.”

The Next Generation of Catholic Nurses

2023 AMU Nursing Program Pinning Ceremony 

On May 5, 2023, Ave Maria University celebrated the class of 2023 nursing program graduates at a Pinning Ceremony in the Thomas and Selby Prince Building. The ceremony included student-nominated faculty and graduate awards, candle lighting while reciting the Nightingale Pledge, and the pinning of graduates by their family and friends. 

Class of 2023 graduate nursing student, Zachary Mauro, addressed his class, sharing his own testimony and reflections on Catholic nursing. He shared, “The nurse is an advocate, the nurse is a healer… Whether we can heal them physically or only spiritually, we will have become a light of Christ for them.” He then encouraged his classmates, emphasizing the importance of their education in this field. “This is the sacred calling that all of us soon-to-be graduates have chosen to accept, and what a powerful calling it is… But I must exhort you all, do not be afraid. God’s grace never calls us anywhere that His providence will not provide for us.” 

Ave Maria University is very proud of the nursing class of 2023 and is honored to have them as alumni of Our Lady’s University. We look forward to the good work they will accomplish in the field of nursing, sharing the healing power of Christ with those who need it most. 

Beginning Graduation Weekend in Prayer

2023 AMU Baccalaureate Mass 

On May 5, 2023, Ave Maria University began graduation weekend with a Baccalaureate Mass for the class of 2023 in the Ave Maria Catholic Church. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Frank J. Dewane of the Diocese of Venice, with many members of the Ave Maria town and University joining in concelebration.  

In his homily, Bishop Dewane focused on the mission of a Catholic university, saying, “A Catholic university is one in which Christ holds the central integration and organizing place—all the circles and disciplines have to be Christ-centered.” He also spoke of the importance of evangelization within the Church, especially for our young graduates. “You have many talents that you will come to know… It is my prayer that you will use your influence of faith to make the light of Christ present in whatever position, whatever vocation you move forward in.” 

AMU’s founder, Tom Monaghan, also spoke to the graduates, challenging them to do three things after graduating from the University. “To the extent you can, Go to Mass every day. The second is to say a rosary every day for the rest of your life, and the third is to go to Confession at least once a month for the rest of your life.” 

Ave Maria University expresses its gratitude to Bishop Dewane and the Ave Maria Parish for celebrating the class of 2023 with them in prayer.  

 

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