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HISTORY

Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ TIMELINE

THE HISTORY OF AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY

Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ began as a dream in the mind of our founder, Tom S. Monaghan, to restore Catholic higher education amid an age of secularism, progressivism and even doctrinal divergence in Catholic institutions. The goal of Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ was simple: to build the foundation of a truly Catholic university that would form future generations of truly Catholic men and women faithful to the Magisterium of the Church.

After an initial $250 million donation from our founder and a generous land donation from the Barron Collier Family in Southwest Florida, the dream began to take shape.

Tom Monaghan

OUR FOUNDER

Tom Monaghan's bond with the Catholic Church dates back to when he was four years old. His father died and his mother was unable to care for Tom and his younger brother for some time. She placed them in an orphanage run by the Felician Sisters. The positive experience led him to consider the priesthood, but eventually Tom decided on a career as an entrepreneur and businessman. His pizzeria, Domino's, grew from a single store in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to franchises around the country.

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OUR FOUNDING

OUR FOUNDING

In 2003, by decree of the Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ became the first new Catholic university since 1963. We took the mottos "Ex Corde Ecclesiae" (From the Heart of the Church) and "Veritatis Splendor" (The Splendor of Truth).
HOW WE GREW

HOW WE GREW

Our beautiful Florida campus soon became recognized as an ideal location to obtain a higher education that was faithful to the tenets of the Catholic Church. Whether students focused on theology or marine biology, they could rely on a college experience infused with values that create strong leaders in and out of the classroom.

TODAY AND TOMORROW

Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ continues its mission to restore the splendor and fidelity of Catholic higher education and assist Catholic youth in strengthening their faith and discovering their unique call to holiness.

Learn about our Catholic Identity and how it influences everything we do at Βι¶ΉΣ³»­.

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SEEING IS BELIEVING

The sunny atmosphere of our Southwest Florida campus is matched only by the welcoming nature of our faculty, administration and students. You'll find beautiful locations to study, pray and recreate. See for yourself what makes Βι¶ΉΣ³»­ the right place to discover your calling.
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