News

On Wednesday, March 15th, Ave Maria University had the honor of hosting Dr. Edward Sri for a Theology on Tap talk titled “The Art of Living.” The event was held on campus and drew a large crowd of students and community members who were eager to hear what Dr. Sri had to say.

Dr. Sri is a well-known theologian, speaker, and author who has dedicated his life to sharing the wisdom of the Catholic Church. In his talk, he focused on the importance of virtue in our lives and how our practice of virtue affects everything we do. He also discussed the church’s teachings on virtue and love, and the relationship between the two.

Dr. Sri began his talk by emphasizing the need to pass down knowledge from one generation to the next. He used the example of playing the piano, explaining that no one can simply walk into a piano room and “figure out” how to play. Instead, they need a teacher to guide them. He then went on to talk about the importance of virtue, and how the four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) should guide everyone’s life.

One of the most powerful messages of Dr. Sri’s talk was the idea that struggling with virtue is not a personal problem. Our lack of virtue affects the people around us, and we must work to cultivate it in order to be a positive influence on those around us. He emphasized that anyone can say the words “I love you,” but only those who possess virtue can actually love. He explained the Church’s definition of love, which is to will the good of the other, and the definition of virtue, which is the habitual and firm disposition to do the good.

Dr. Sri also talked about the Catholic Church’s three ways to grow in virtue: education, deliberate acts, and perseverance in struggle. He explained that we must constantly educate ourselves on what it means to be virtuous, and then deliberately practice virtuous acts. He also emphasized the importance of perseverance, noting that growing in virtue is a lifelong process that requires patience and dedication.

He shared a powerful analogy that has stuck with many attendees. He explained that in London, there are signs all over the subway that read “Mind the Gap.” This is because there is a gap between the train and the platform that commuters must be mindful of before stepping on or off the train. Dr. Sri used this as an analogy for the gaps in our lives where we struggle with virtue.

He explained that there are gaps between friends, family, coworkers, and God, and it is in these gaps where we often struggle to cultivate virtue. For example, the gap between friends might be our tendency to gossip or speak ill of others. The gap between family members might be a lack of forgiveness or patience. The gap between coworkers might be a tendency to compete or put others down. And the gap between ourselves and God might be a lack of trust or faith.

Dr. Sri’s analogy is a powerful reminder that we must be mindful of the gaps in our lives in order to grow in virtue. We must recognize where we struggle and actively work to close those gaps through deliberate acts of virtue. This might involve seeking forgiveness, practicing gratitude, or cultivating habits of prayer and reflection. By mindfully tending to the gaps in our lives, we can become better versions of ourselves and more fully embrace the art of living.

Overall, Dr. Sri’s talk was a powerful reminder of the importance of virtue in our lives. His insights into the Church’s teachings on love and virtue were truly inspiring and left a lasting impact on all who attended. Ave Maria University was honored to have Dr. Sri as a guest speaker, and we look forward to welcoming more distinguished guests to our campus in the future.

On Thursday, March 9, the president of Hungary, Katalin Novák, visited Ave Maria University to deliver a lecture on faith and family values within the political world. Her talk was followed by a Q&A section with AMU students.

President Novák addressed the calling of the Christian in politics, and she talked about her own experience being religious and family-centered while working in government. Novák also talked about her decision to leave the professional world to be a stay-at-home mom for six years.

“It is feasible — even having three kids and having spent six years at home as a stay-at-home mom, and not caring for anything else but the children — you can [still] be at the top of a country.” — Hungarian President Katalin Novák

Katalin Novák serves as the youngest — and also the first woman — president of Hungary. She shared that the most important thing about her background is the family where she comes from and the family she created with her husband.

Throughout her lecture, Madam President talked of how Hungary has a Christian essence, as it was founded on Christian principles by St. Stephen of Hungary. She confidently claimed that Hungary’s past, present and future are Christian. Novák also discussed the pro-family and pro-life legislation in the Hungarian constitution, and she mentioned how — over the past decade — fertility has increased, and abortions have decreased significantly in Hungary.

As she addressed the students, President Novák recounted three moments during her time as president of Hungary when she felt God working in her life. One of the stories she shared was about her decision to support persecuted Christians around the world — despite the potential dangers that came with that decision.

Novák went on to explain how her Christian faith is decisive for her on a daily basis; she continued to boast about Hungary’s pro-family policies — such as the fact that having children lowers the personal income tax, and that whoever has more than three children does not have to pay back their student loans.

“It’s not worth missing out on having children, and it’s not worth missing out on having a family. You have a given period of time when you can do it, and it will fade away. … You can always catch up on your professional career. … but never on the family. For me, I just cannot imagine my life without having our children. [My family] is what I am most proud of and most thankful for.” — Hungarian President Katalin Novák

AMU thanks President Katalin Novák of Hungary for coming down to Ave Maria to share her testimony of faith with the University students, faculty and staff.

If you would like to support the formation of the authentic Christian leaders of the future, consider joining AMU’s Annunciation Circle: a community of members who support Ave Maria University through their prayers and monthly donations of $10 or more. You can learn more about Annunciation Circle here.

AMU Offers Innovative M.B.A.

Ave Maria University offers an extremely affordable online Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), which can be completed in 12–16 months. This flexible program offers four areas of concentration: Management, Accounting, Communications, and International Business.

The M.B.A. program at AMU provides students the opportunity to experience a high-quality, well-rounded business education at an affordable price, while offering the flexibility of being able to study whenever and wherever they desire, thanks to its fully online modality. The program consists of 32 credit hours distributed in eight courses—five required courses that equip students with financial and managerial skills, and three courses that are electives for their respective area of concentration.

“Ave Maria University has created an M.B.A. program that can be completed at a reasonable cost in one year, using faculty from AMU as well as selected excellent adjunct faculty in specialty areas.”—Professor John May, Director of the M.B.A. Program and Chair of the Business Department at AMU

As stated above, the M.B.A. can be completed in as little as 12 months. There are four convenient start times throughout the year: fall, spring, summer session I, and summer session II. This is a perfect opportunity to advance one’s career, since time is not a limiting factor in the student’s graduate formation, especially for those who enroll in the program while holding a full-time job.

“Ave Maria University’s Online M.B.A. program has allowed me to further my education, while still providing me with the ideal work-life and school balance,” said Danielle Domino, M.B.A. coordinator and AMU alumnus (’22). “The program’s flexible course structure and hands-on professors have given me the ability to study at my own pace. One of the most rewarding aspects about the M.B.A. program is that I have learned both academic and spiritual principles that are applicable to my professional life.”

A master’s degree in business administration can prepare students for positions in management, marketing, and finance, as well as for multiple leadership positions in the business world. Ave Maria University is proud to be part of the formation of the business leaders of tomorrow, who will make an impact in the world by living out the convergence of ethical wisdom and professional training.

If you wish to learn more about AMU’s online M.B.A., you can go to the program’s page, or you can contact the program coordinator at onlinemba@avemaria.edu.

The Ave Maria Gyrenes had a busy year in 2022, filled with record breakings, historic wins, and talent acquisitions! Here is a wrap-up of some of the most important news of the year for AMU Athletics:

Five Home Runs Lead AMU to Series Win
The Ave Maria University baseball team bounced back on January 22, winning both games of a doubleheader to earn a series victory over the Eagles of the University of Fort Lauderdale. The Gyrenes belted five home runs over the two games, earning victories of 10-8 and 5-3. The Gyrenes hit eight home runs on that weekend, a total that currently ranks fifth in the nation.

Gyrenes Earn Major SUN Win over STU
The Ave Maria University women’s tennis team made their first win of 2022 an important one, as the Gyrenes defeated the St. Thomas University Bobcats, 4-3, in Miami Gardens on February 5. The win opened Sun Conference play for both schools, and saw Ave Maria knock off a Bobcat team that received votes in the preseason NAIA Coaches’ Poll.

Dance Team Wins First Dual in Big Easy
The Ave Maria University competitive dance team took the floor for the first time in school history on the second week of February, competing in the Battle in the Big Easy, hosted by Xavier University New Orleans. The Gyrenes competed in three dual meets, including the first head-to-head win in school history. They finished in the middle of a competitive nine-team field in the overall competition.

Swimmers Rewrite Records at Conference Championships
The Ave Maria University swim teams competed in the Sun Coast Conference Championships on February 14 in Fort Pierce, completing the first season in school history. The Gyrenes logged 48 total personal bests during that weekend, which saw the Gyrene women place fourth of the six teams in the conference, and the men take fifth of six teams.

Men’s Tennis Beats Division I Team
The Ave Maria University men’s tennis team made program history on the evening of March 12, defeating an NCAA Division I opponent for the first time ever. The Gyrenes, then ranked 17th in the most recent NAIA Coaches’ Poll, swept all five singles matches that were played against Bucknell University of the Patriot League. They remained undefeated at home with a 6-1 win over the Bison. Bucknell is a top four program in the Patriot League and had the Patriot League Player of the Week earlier this season.

Gyrenes Advance By Breaking Georgetown Curse
The Ave Maria University lacrosse team ended an eight-game losing streak to the Tigers—dating back to the start of the program—on the third Thursday of April, and advanced in the Mid-South Conference Tournament with a 14-13 victory on the campus of the University of the Cumberlands. AMU rallied from a 12-7 deficit after three quarters to pull off the shocker, the team’s first-ever postseason win.

Alan Webb Joins Ave Maria Family
The Ave Maria University athletic department announced the hiring of Alan Webb as the new head coach of the Ave Maria cross country, track and field, and swimming programs. Webb is a three-time United States champion in the 1500-meter run, and he represented the United States in the event in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. In 2007, he ran the mile in 3:46.91, a mark that still stands as the fastest mile ran by an American runner. He also possesses the mark for fastest mile run from a high schooler, clocking in at 3:53.43 in a 2001 race.

“Coach Webb epitomizes excellence,” said AMU Director of Athletics Joe Patterson. “His Catholic faith is inspiring, his coaching credentials are great, and his own competitive successes are impeccable. During his visit to Ave Maria, he inspired great confidence from all of the key stakeholders. I’m thrilled that he will be joining the Ave family.”

Gyrenes Dominant against FNU
The Ave Maria University volleyball team dominated in every facet of the game on August 30, sweeping past the Conquistadors of Florida National University in Hialeah, 25-13, 25-13, 25-11. The victory was Ave Maria’s tenth consecutive victory over Florida National, who played in last season’s NAIA Tournament as the champions of the Continental Athletic Conference, and the third consecutive sweep for the Gyrenes over FNU.

Men’s Soccer Steamrolls Trinity
Ave Maria Gyrenes men’s soccer team had a historic start to the season, as they beat the Trinity College Tigers 11-0. The Gyrenes broke many school records on the evening of the second Saturday of September and are beginning to etch their name as the greatest Ave Maria team in their 13 years of existence.

Men’s Golf Sets Program Records in Lakeland
The Ave Maria University men’s golf team once again proved they can compete among some of the best teams in the nation, placing sixth at the Southeastern University Fall Invitational, which was played in October at the Grasslands Golf and Country Club in Lakeland. The Gyrenes set a school record with their 289 in the second round. They shot the first 54-hole tournament of less than 900 strokes in school history, playing the event in 899 strokes.

Gyrenes End Season with Emphatic Victory
The Ave Maria University football team made it a Senior Night to remember on November 12, as the Gyrenes throttled the Warner University Royals, 48-6, at Gyrene Field. It marked the second consecutive 48-point outing for the Gyrenes against the Royals, and it was AMU’s third straight win in the series. The win gave the Gyrenes a 6-3 record to conclude the 2022 season, the program’s second-best mark ever.

Uzdavinis Hits 1000 in Gyrene Win
The Ave Maria University men’s basketball team finished off a sweep of the SUN-SSAC Challenge on December 30, rallying in the second half for a 68-66 victory over the Rams of the University of Mobile in Montgomery, Alabama. Ave Maria came back from a 14-point second half deficit to earn their ninth win of the season, while senior Lucas Uzdavinis made program history, becoming the seventh player to reach 1000 points in an Ave Maria uniform.

Follow all our athletic department updates and teams on avemariagyrenes.com  

AMU Offers New Writing Minor

Ave Maria University is offering a new undergraduate minor in writing, which allows students to get a concentration in rhetorical or literary composition, validated in their degree at the time of graduation.

“[Do] the writing minor if you want to learn how to think better. . . . The best way to know something is to write about it; you have to structure your thinking in sentence units, in word choices, and the connectives between your ideas.”
—Dr. Gavin Hurley, Director of the Writing Program and Assistant Professor of Composition at AMU

The purpose of this new program is to elevate the clarity and power of the students’ written communication, forming them in the arts of composition, rhetoric, language, poetics, and narration. Those doing the writing minor are also able to apply the skills learned in the classroom to online publications of their own, aiding the creation of a strong portfolio by the time they graduate.

“Communication—as far as the data goes—is one of the most important skills that employers look for in applicants,” said Dr. Hurley, as he emphasized the enduring relevance of eloquent writing in the present day. “Written communication is still sought-after.”

Although the skills gained in the program can be applied to any field, a degree in writing can specially prepare students for careers in journalism, marketing, film, law, and medicine.

To satisfy the requirements of the minor, students are offered courses of a wide variety, including journalistic writing, poetry, business communication, and creative writing. Students in the program also have the possibility of working one-on-one with professors on a directed independent study (DIS), to dive deeper into a style or technique of writing that best suits their interests.

“The [Communications and Literature] Department educates students in the traditional liberal arts of the trivium while cultivating their ability to think critically and creatively about contemporary culture. In this way, the department uniquely balances tradition and innovation in the language arts, which helps students prepare for success in private, public, and professional life.”
—Dr. John Jasso, Chair of the Communications and Literature Department and Associate Professor of Communications at AMU

If you wish to learn more about the writing minor, you can visit the program’s page or contact Dr. Hurley at gavin.hurley@avemaria.edu.

AMU History Professor Launches New Book

Dr. Paul Baxa, associate professor of history at Ave Maria University, recently launched his new book, Motorsport and Fascism: Living Dangerously, the first English-language study of motorsport and Italian fascism.

The official book launch took place on Friday, October 28, 2022, in the Canizaro Library on Ave Maria’s campus. During the presentation, Baxa explained how his new book explores the historical connections between motor racing and fascism, based on archival research he conducted in Italy.

Dr. Baxa kindly agreed to answer some questions about his new book:

Q. What was your motivation to write Motorsport and Fascism: Living Dangerously?

A. The interest in fascism goes back to my family. My parents grew up in fascist Italy, so I grew up listening to stories about fascism and Mussolini, and so it was always an interest of mine. Motorsport is one of my great passions, and reading about it growing up, I learned it was also an important element of fascism.

Q. Could you expound more on how your book is the first English-language study of motorsport and fascism?

A. There are books on fascism and sport, and they will mention the importance of motorsport—there’s two in Italian—but there is no actual book-length study of the topic [in English]. So, because I am so interested in the topics [of fascism and motorsport], and how they come together, I figured “ok, I’ll do it.”

Q. What is the message you hope to transmit through this book?

A. The one really important message is that politics and sports do go together in many ways. We tend to see sport as something totally separate from other things like politics, but there is a connection; sport shows the greatness of your country in competition. This goes back to the original Olympic games, when the Greek city-states used to come together and compete with each other; it was political. Sports can be used politically.

Q. What would you say to those who are thinking about studying history?

A. I would advise them to! History is a discipline that gives you perspective on current events. It is important to have a perspective on how things develop over time, and how change occurs over time; to have a more balanced view of what happens today, you need a historical background. History shows us that the world we live in is a product of the past.

Dr. Baxa has been teaching history at AMU since 2006 and is also the author of Roads and Ruins: The Symbolic Landscape of Fascist Rome (Toronto, 2010). On the day following the launch, he gave a talk for the University’s Hail Mary Lecture Series, where he spoke about the origins of fascism and its development over the years.

“Our History Department showcases the best of AMU. . . . Our students benefit from [a] unique combination of Catholic fidelity, scholarly excellence, and international experience,” said Dr. Michael Breidenbach, chair and associate professor of history at AMU. “Dr. Baxa’s book is a testament to the talent of our history professors and how our students can also benefit from the original research we do outside the classroom.”

AMU is very blessed to have Dr. Baxa as part of its faculty. A student praised his entertaining style of teaching, saying that going to one of his lectures is “like listening to a very compelling story.” The University proudly salutes Baxa for his dedication in teaching and the launch of his new book.

If you would like to support the work of AMU’s faculty and staff, such as Dr. Paul Baxa, you can join the Annunciation Circle, a community of members who support Ave Maria University through their prayers and monthly donations of $10 or more. Learn more about Ave Maria’s Annunciation Circle here.

Dr. Roger Nutt Launches New Book on Anointing of the Sick

Dr. Roger Nutt, provost and professor of theology at Ave Maria University, recently launched his new book, To Die Is Gain: A Theological Re-introduction to the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick for Clergy, Laity, Caregivers, and Everyone Else.

Since the launch, Catholics across academia have been reacting to the book, raving about its impact and relevance to the faith.

“This is the best book on the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick that I’ve read. Prof. Nutt is a great scholar, but he writes with a clarity and practicality that pastors and lay readers will appreciate. This is probably the most neglected and misunderstood of the seven sacraments, which makes this book all the more valuable. Read this book, and your gain will be incalculable.”
—Dr. Scott Hahn, Renowned Theologian and Christian Apologist, Chair and Professor of Biblical Theology and the New Evangelization at Franciscan University of Steubenville

To Die Is Gain dives into a deep analysis of Anointing of the Sick, seeking to awaken a greater understanding and appreciation for the sacrament. In the book, Dr. Nutt examines cultural perceptions of dying, death, and burial, and talks of how the sacraments received during the Last Rites highlight the great dignity of the human person and the depth of Christian hope.

The National Catholic Register published an article—written by Fr. Roger Landry—extolling Dr. Nutt’s new book. “To Die Is Gain is a very timely and helpful resource,” said Landry, who was appointed National Eucharistic Preacher by the U.S. bishops. “[Dr. Nutt] provides us with an easy-to-read, clear, and theologically accurate primer on the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. . . . [His] book is an important reading for every Catholic this November.”

Nutt is the author of many other works on Christology and sacramental theology, and is also co-director of the Aquinas Center for Theological Renewal at AMU. Shortly after the launch, he gave a talk for the University’s Hail Mary Lecture Series, where he spoke about his book and its contents on Anointing of the Sick.

“Dr. Nutt is a theologian of first-class caliber. Deeply rooted in Scripture, the theology of St. Thomas, and with a great love of Jesus Christ, Dr. Nutt’s writings and teachings demonstrate how, the more the faith is understood, the more meaningful it becomes.”
—Dr. Michael Dauphinais, Chair and Professor of Theology at AMU

The University is very proud of Dr. Nutt, and takes this opportunity to congratulate him for his new book and meaningful contributions to the field of theology and Catholic apologetics. If you would like to support the work of AMU’s faculty and staff, such as Provost Roger Nutt, you can join the Annunciation Circle, a community of members who support Ave Maria.

AMU Chemistry Professor Receives Prestigious Grant

Dr. Patrick Hillesheim, assistant professor of chemistry at Ave Maria University, is among a select group of 24 professors who have been awarded a Petroleum Research Fund grant for the 2023–2025 funding cycle.

The Petroleum Research Fund (PRF) grant is endowed and managed by the American Chemical Society—one of the world’s largest scientific organizations—and it is awarded to promising young faculty performing research in the energy and petroleum science fields.

Dr. Hillesheim’s research is in the field of ionic liquids, for which he has over 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts. He has been awarded $55,000 for a period of two years, which will allow him and a group of students to develop new ionic materials to address the societal need for new energy-related technologies. Additionally, the PRF award is sure to pave the way for future grants from the American Chemical Society and other organizations.

When asked about the science program at AMU, Hillesheim said: “In the other schools I’ve worked at, there is a collaboration between faculty and students, but not like what we have here at Ave. We have something special here.”

Highly competitive grants like the PRF provide students with interactive, hands-on experience in the lab and in the scientific world—but these experiences are not foreign to Ave Maria students. The University’s Chemistry and Physics Department has had over 20 student publications in the past three years, and students across the biochemistry, physics, biology, marine biology, and health science majors gain extensive lab and research experience during their time at AMU.

“We are committed not only to the students’ excellence but to their mission as well; we want to help them grow in their faith. By being grounded in philosophy and theology, our students are able to become great scientists,” said Dr. Stephen Thong, chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department and assistant professor of chemistry at AMU. “If you really wish to learn [biochemistry, physics, or any of the sciences], the personal attention and academic opportunities at AMU are really unparalleled.”

Ave Maria University is very proud of Dr. Hillesheim’s accomplishments, and AMU’s students have expressed immense gratitude to have him and the other members of Ave Maria’s faculty as both instructors and mentors.

If you would like to support AMU’s faculty and staff, you can join the Annunciation Circle, a community of members who support Ave Maria University through their prayers and monthly donations of $10 or more. Learn more about Ave Maria’s Annunciation Circle here.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Addresses AMU

On Sunday, October 30, 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited Ave Maria University to kick off the annual All Saints’ Day Celebration with a talk on Catholic values and the need for good political leadership.

The day started with a 10 a.m. Mass at the Ave Maria Parish, which the Governor attended with his wife, Casey, and 2 of their 3 children, Madison and Mason. Following Mass, hundreds of people gathered in front of the Thomas and Selby Prince Building for the Governor’s address. The event, hosted by Catholic Vote, began at 11:45 a.m. with remarks from AMU President Mark Middendorf and Catholic Vote President Brian Burch, who welcomed Gov. DeSantis to the stage.

When introducing the Governor, Burch talked about the importance of having good political leaders—like DeSantis—that stay true to the teachings of the Catholic Church, notably in the defense of life at all stages. “Our ideas are not true because they happen to be Catholic,” said Burch. “They are Catholic because they are true.”

During his time on the stage, Florida’s Governor talked about the importance of respecting the freedom of every individual and emphasized the significance of protecting our families. DeSantis also touched briefly on his commitment to promote laws that allow people to worship God freely.

Gov. DeSantis was essential in keeping the University open during COVID-19 and ensured his policies supported religious freedom and the sanctity of life.

“We learned—as did the entire country—during COVID, that teaching is done best when it is done in person. Thanks to the policies of Governor DeSantis, Ave Maria was able to reopen for in-person classes in the Fall of 2020. Only 9% of the universities across this great land can make that claim.”
–Mark Middendorf, AMU President

DeSantis joyfully recalled the time he came to Ave Maria University as a Lieutenant to recruit for the U.S. Navy about 15 years ago. “I remember that people were nice,” said DeSantis as he addressed the crowd. “It’s really remarkable how much [Ave Maria] has grown.”

The Governor’s address was later followed by AMU’s annual All Saints’ Day Celebration on campus. Students, faculty, and staff were able to enjoy a fun evening with live music and food, celebrating the Church Triumphant.

Ave Maria University thanks Catholic Vote for hosting this event, as well as Governor Ron DeSantis for coming down to Ave Maria with his family.

If you would like to support the formation of future authentic Catholic leaders, consider joining AMU’s Annunciation Circle: a community of members who support Ave Maria University through their prayers and monthly donations of $10 or more. You can learn more about Annunciation Circle here.

AMU Launches New Faculty Podcast

Ave Maria University is launching its first faculty podcast, The Catholic Theology Show, on Saturday, October 22, 2022—the feast day of Pope Saint John Paul II.

The podcast is hosted by Dr. Michael Dauphinais, chair of the Theology Department and professor of theology at AMU. Each week, Dr. Dauphinais will sit down with colleagues, friends, and other members of the University community to discuss Catholic theology. The variety of themes covered on the show will range from religious liberty and higher education to the natural sciences and the philosophies of Thomas Aquinas.

“In the show, my goal is to help people discover that theology matters… I hope that our listeners and viewers will discover the joy of talking about God, ourselves, and the whole world in the light of God and his revelation to us. I try to adopt the perspective of one who finds joy in the truth and sees each guest as an opportunity to learn more and to deepen my knowledge and love of God.”
—Dr. Michael Dauphinais, Chair of the Theology Department and Professor of Theology at AMU, Host of The Catholic Theology Show

The motive for launching The Catholic Theology Show on the feast day of Saint John Paul II lies at the core identity of Ave Maria University. The pope’s apostolic constitution, Ex Corde Ecclesiae (which is Latin for From the Heart of the Church), set the foundations for the academic and spiritual standards of the University at the time it was founded.

AMU takes advantage of this opportunity to honor the great John Paul II, who was a champion of Catholic theology, and to uphold and emphasize the intellectual level it strives for as a Catholic institution.

“This show honors JP II’s legacy by its excellence, its profound articulation to the faith, its engagement with people and issues of our time, and its evangelical spirit… Dr. Michael Dauphinais embodies the highest commitment to Ave Maria University’s core values: he is a renowned scholar, a faithful theologian, and devoted to living the faith. As host of The Catholic Theology Show, all these elements of his work and life at the University will be made accessible to the AMU community and beyond.”
–Dr. Roger Nutt, Provost and Professor of Theology at AMU

As the show’s debut approaches, AMU students are eager to see their beloved and admired professor, Dr. Dauphinais, as the host of the University’s first faculty podcast.

“He is a great professor; in the classes I have taken with him, I have been really impressed by his knowledge and work. I am very excited to see him as a host for this new podcast that the University is launching, for he will definitely cultivate beautiful and fruitful theological discussions.”
—Grace Eckard, AMU Student (’22)

Dauphinais hopes that a broad audience will find the show “helpful in drawing meaning from the Catholic faith.” He wants to “show that the insights of theology are very human and very accessible.”

Starting on October 22, you can find The Catholic Theology Show on all streaming platforms as well as on its website. This podcast is made possible through the generous support of AMU’s Annunciation Circle, a community of members who support Ave Maria University through their prayers and monthly donations of $10 or more. You can join the Annunciation Circle here.