August 18, 2022

President’s Address, Orientation 2022, Ave Maria University

AMU Communications

Wisdom exalts her sons and daughters and gives help to those who seek her. And those who seek her early will be filled with joy. 

—The Book of Sirach

New President Mark Middendorf addressed an audience of incoming students and parents at Ave Maria Catholic Parish Church. In his speech, he asked students to ponder, “Why has God brought you here today… perhaps to discover, discern, and cultivate God’s gifts he has given to each of you—what He has called you to.”

President Middendorf quoted John Paul II’s apostolic constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae: “It is the honor and responsibility of the Catholic university to consecrate itself without reserve to the cause of truth. One way of distinguishing the Catholic university is that it seeks ‘the whole truth about nature, man, and God.’”

He exhorted students to commit to their faith and spend time with the Lord, including a consecration to Mary and a daily holy hour.

President Middendorf concluded remarks with themes from Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, paraphrasing that  the authentically Catholic University is the path, the way, the inspiration for this country to truly love its God as well as to preserve its soul and its love of truth.

Ave Maria University is a Catholic institution of higher learning located in Florida, and is included in the Newman Guide. 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.

Recent

ARTICLES

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,...

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...

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...
Apply
Inquire
Visit
Majors
Donate

What are you

LOOKING FOR?

NEXT STEPS