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Ave Maria University Commissions Sculpture Honoring Charlie Kirk by Renowned Catholic Artist Timothy Schmalz

AVE MARIA, Fla., Oct. 2, 2025 – Ave Maria University is honored to receive the first casting of a new bronze sculpture by world-renowned Catholic artist Timothy Schmalz that commemorates the life and legacy of the late Charlie Kirk. This commission is made possible through the generosity of dedicated donors.

The work, depicting Jesus Christ embracing Kirk, will stand as a profound addition to the fine art collection on the University’s campus, honoring Kirk’s public witness of the dignity of the unborn, the sanctity of the family and the existence of objective truth.

Ave Maria University President Mark Middendorf attended a private unveiling of several new sculptures by Schmalz on Sept. 17. That evening, Schmalz revealed a clay work-in-progress of Jesus Christ and Charlie Kirk, which he had begun just days earlier after the tragic shooting that claimed Kirk’s life.

“I was deeply moved by this powerful piece, especially the way in which our resurrected Lord is embracing Charlie,” Middendorf said. “Timothy shared with me that no one had commissioned it — he had simply felt inspired after speaking with his daughter on September 10, the day Charlie was shot. The very next day, he dropped everything and began working on the sculpture as a way to memorialize Charlie’s life and legacy.”

At that event, Middendorf formally asked Schmalz if Ave Maria University could commission the statue. Schmalz accepted, multiple benefactors immediately pledged their support, and the University will receive the first bronze casting once the clay model is completed in January 2026.

“This sculpture is more than a work of art — it is a call for our students to live courageously for Christ,” said Middendorf. “It embodies Ave Maria University’s consecration to the service of the truth (Ex Corde Ecclesiae) and deep commitment to cultivating a joyful community where faith informs every aspect of life. Charlie Kirk left a lasting legacy, and through this piece, we pray it will inspire students to live boldly, love Christ wholeheartedly and radiate His truth and light to the world.”

“I admired Charlie’s search for truth,” said Middendorf. “Engaging in peaceful dialog with others who believe things contrary to ourselves is profoundly needed in our current climate. My hope is that our students will continue to engage our culture with courage, sharing the truths of our Faith.”

The Ave Maria University community responded immediately to news of Kirk’s passing. A Mass was offered for the repose of his soul on the very evening of his death, and on September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Deacon Mark Miravalle recalled one of Kirk’s own remarks in a stirring homily. When asked, “Why does God allow suffering or evil?” Kirk had once responded: “Wrong question. The right question is: What did God do about it? The answer: the Cross.”

This new commission continues a longstanding relationship between Ave Maria University and Schmalz. Nearly two decades ago, Monaghan commissioned Schmalz to create two iconic works for the University and parish: a statue of the Annunciation at the Rosary Wall, and the monumental crucifix in the Ave Maria parish church — the largest corpus ever commissioned.

Ave Maria University is also exploring the possibility of placing the Jesus and Charlie Kirk sculpture facing Schmalz’s “Life Monument,” a reflection of Kirk’s passionate witness to the dignity of human life.

Download photos of the sculpture here.

To schedule an interview with Mark Middendorf; Dr. Roger Nutt, provost of Ave Maria University; or Dr. Seana McGuire, Ave Maria University’s vice president of academic affairs; please contact Kevin Wandra, vice president of Carmel Communications: kwandra@carmelcommunications.com or 404-788-1276.

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About Ave Maria University

Ave Maria University is a Catholic institution of higher learning located in Ave Maria, Florida. Ave Maria University was established in 2003 as a Catholic university, according to the guidelines of the Code of Canon Law by the Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. The recognition of Ave Maria University as a Catholic University is granted upon the university’s commitment to continue to be guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church and faithfulness to the apostolic constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae. Ave Maria University is committed to helping its students develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life and grow in their appreciation of truth. The goal of AMU is simple: to build the foundation of a truly Catholic university that forms future generations of truly Catholic men and women faithful to the Magisterium of the Church. For more information about Ave Maria University, please visit www.avemaria.edu.

Resources linked:

●      Deacon Mark Miravalle Homily from September 14 (full)

●      Deacon Mark Miravalle Homily from September 14 (clip on Charlie Kirk)

●      Dr. Roger Nutt Pursuit of Wisdom Course, An Introduction to Sacramental Theology

●      Dr. Seana McGuire Pursuit of Wisdom Course, Pro-Life: Rights, Natural Law, and Catholic Thought

●      Deacon Mark Miravalle Pursuit of Wisdom Course, Introduction to Mariology