The Thomas S. Monaghan Founder's Scholarship Program (FSP) at Ave Maria University offers a unique opportunity for students to engage deeply with the Catholic liberal arts tradition.

This prestigious program emphasizes spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership development. FSP scholars at Ave participate in careful study of Scripture, attend Catholic events, and are part of a close-knit cohort of peers. Close mentorship from faculty and campus involvement further embed FSP participants into the faithful and vibrant Ave community. By the end of four years, our scholars graduate ready to step into their roles as well-formed, Christ-like leaders in their careers, the Church, and beyond.

The Thomas S. Monaghan Founder's Scholarship Program at Ave Maria University

Ave Maria University (AMU), grounded in the Catholic tradition, stands as an exciting option for Catholic higher education, offering students not only academic excellence but also a vibrant community and intentional faith formation.

One way in which AMU lives out its unique mission is through the Thomas S. Monaghan Founder's Scholarship Program (FSP), an initiative that embodies the University's commitment to forming future leaders who are deeply committed to their Catholic faith. The program provides a transformative experience for participants to embed themselves deeply into the Catholic liberal arts tradition. By connecting faith, academics, and leadership in a way that both aligns with and reinforces the university's core values, FSP scholars graduate ready to step into their roles as well-formed, Christ-like leaders in their careers, the Church, and beyond.

Why the Founder's Scholarship Program Exists

The Founder's Scholarship Program exists to enable participants to embrace intentional formation in the Catholic liberal arts tradition. It reflects the vision of Thomas S. Monaghan, AMU’s founder, who sought to establish a program that would nurture the next generation of Catholic leaders. The FSP also aligns with the guidelines and expectations outlined in the Newman Guide, which underscores the importance of Catholic education that remains faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The FSP is designed for AMU students seeking to grow even more in their faith while pursuing their academic goals. The program instills values that are essential for thriving in both personal and professional life, emphasizing dynamic faith, avid learning, community orientation, and sacrificial leadership.

FSP scholars are not just students but members of a closely-knit community, driven by a common mission to serve both the university and the Church. By joining FSP, students place themselves within a framework designed to help them grow not only academically but also spiritually and morally, enabling them to become well-rounded individuals, capable of making a meaningful impact on the world around them.

A Comprehensive, Faith-Centered Experience

The Founder's Scholarship Program is far more than a typical scholarship. It offers a holistic approach to education, uniting intellectual growth with spiritual development, all within the context of a supportive community. Students who are part of the FSP are expected to actively engage in their own faith formation, which is a core aspect of their development as future leaders.

One of the program's key components is the opportunity for students to read and discuss Scripture and other important Catholic texts. This practice of reflection and dialogue is not only foundational to deepening one's understanding of the Catholic faith, but to learning how to think independently and well. Through these discussions, students engage with the rich intellectual tradition of the Church while cultivating habits of thought and contemplation that will serve them throughout their lives. This ongoing dialogue with Scripture encourages them to apply the lessons of faith in their everyday actions, helping them to become authentic witnesses to the Gospel.

In addition to their study of Scripture, FSP participants attend events tailored to further their faith formation. These events include guest lectures, retreats, and workshops that provide students with practical tools for living out their faith. They also offer opportunities for prayer, reflection, and fellowship with others who share their commitment to the Catholic tradition. The program ensures that students are constantly surrounded by a vibrant Catholic culture, which nourishes their souls and strengthens their resolve to lead a life in accordance with Church teachings.

Moreover, the FSP provides a sense of belonging and connection that many students find essential to their success at Ave Maria University. Participants in the program are placed within a cohort of peers who share their passion for learning and their dedication to the faith. This cohort model encourages mutual support and collaboration, allowing students to form meaningful relationships that extend beyond the classroom. These relationships often blossom into lifelong friendships, rooted in shared values and common goals. The sense of community within FSP is further strengthened by planned social events, where students can relax and enjoy each other's company in a faith-filled atmosphere.

Formation of Leaders for the Church and Society

Leadership is a cornerstone of the Founder's Scholarship Program. Ave Maria University recognizes that the world needs leaders who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also virtuous and principled. The FSP aims to cultivate such leaders by providing students with ample opportunities to develop their leadership skills in a variety of settings.

One of the ways the program achieves this is through mentorship. Each FSP student is paired with professors and staff leaders who serve as mentors throughout their time at Ave Maria. These mentors play an integral role in the student's formation, offering guidance, support, and encouragement as they navigate their academic and spiritual journeys. The mentor-student relationship is one of mutual respect and trust, grounded in a shared commitment to personal and intellectual growth. Mentors help students as they navigate university life, set goals, and grow in their faith.

Beyond mentorship, FSP participants are encouraged to take an active role in campus life, particularly in areas related to faith and service. Students are expected to participate in outreach programs that allow them to put their faith into action by serving others. These outreach activities help students to develop a sense of responsibility and compassion for their community, fostering a spirit of sacrificial leadership. By engaging in these service opportunities, students are reminded of the importance of giving back and are challenged to think about how they can use their talents and abilities for the greater good of the Church and society.

Opportunities for Growth: Spiritual, Academic, and Social

The Founder's Scholarship Program is designed to foster growth in all areas of a student's life, providing a well-rounded education that prepares them for success. The program offers numerous opportunities for students to expand their horizons, challenge themselves, and deepen their understanding of their Catholic faith.

Each week, FSP scholars meet with their cohort to discuss the required readings. These discussions provide a forum for students to share their insights, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue with their peers. The readings cover a range of topics, from theology and philosophy to social justice and moral theology, allowing students to explore different aspects of the Catholic tradition. These meetings help students to develop critical thinking skills, improve their ability to articulate their beliefs, and gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of the Church's intellectual heritage.

In addition to these weekly meetings, FSP participants are required to attend a series of Catholic formation events throughout the semester. These events are carefully curated to provide students with opportunities to grow in their faith and develop a stronger connection to the life of the Church. Spiritual retreats and talks by renowned Catholic scholars and clergy offer valuable insights and inspiration that students can carry with them as they move forward in their lives. The formation events are also a chance for students to gather with all FSP members, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and fellowship between the different cohorts.

Social events are another important part of the FSP experience. These events are designed to be fun and relaxing, providing students with an opportunity to unwind and connect with their peers in a casual setting. Whether it's a game night, movie viewing, or simply a gathering for snacks and conversation, these social events foster a sense of community among FSP participants. They also serve as a reminder that faith and fellowship go hand in hand, and that living a joyful, balanced life is an essential part of the Catholic experience.

Alignment with the Newman Guide

One of the key aspects of the Founder's Scholarship Program is its alignment with the principles of the Newman Guide, a college evaluation tool that highlights Catholic institutions committed to providing an exceptional education in faithful accordance with Church teachings. Ave Maria University has long been recognized as a Newman Guide institution, and the FSP is a natural extension of that commitment.

The Newman Guide emphasizes the importance of integrating faith into every aspect of university life, and the FSP embodies this ideal. From the academic rigor of the program to its focus on spiritual formation, the FSP reflects the values that the Newman Guide emphasizes. Students in the program are encouraged to see their education not simply as a path to a degree, but as a means of deepening their relationship with God and preparing themselves to dynamically serve the Church and the world.

By aligning with the Newman Guide, the FSP confirms that students are receiving an education that is authentically Catholic. As has been established, the program is designed to help students grow in their faith, develop a strong moral compass, and cultivate the virtues necessary for a life of service and leadership. In doing so, the FSP contributes to Ave Maria University’s mission of providing a faithful Catholic education that prepares students to be leaders in both the Church and society.

Feel called to join the Founder's Scholarship Program?

The Thomas S. Monaghan Founder's Scholarship Program is an extraordinary opportunity for students who are seeking to deepen their faith, excel academically, and develop the skills necessary for leadership in the Church and society. With its focus on spiritual formation, intellectual growth, and community building, the FSP offers a transformative experience that goes beyond the typical scholarship program.

If you are a student who is passionate about the Catholic faith and committed to making a difference in the world, the FSP may be the perfect fit for you. By joining the program, you will become part of a close-knit community of like-minded individuals who share your values and aspirations. You will have the opportunity to grow in your faith, develop your leadership skills, and build lasting friendships with your peers and mentors.