Dear Parents:

“The mission that the Church, with great hope, entrusts to Catholic Universities holds a cultural and religious meaning of vital importance because it concerns the very future of humanity.”

–St. Pope John Paul II, Ex Corde Ecclesiae

John Paul II was not a man who minced words. He was calling for renewal. Let his words sink in: The primary business of Catholic universities is the future of humanity.

We live in an era of disruption. Institutions are failing which previously gave us stability in such turbulent times. The primary culprits, let’s be honest, are universities. Consequently, the future-forming mission of Catholic Universities is even more important today.  Thankfully, AMU and our Newman Guide peers are holding the line as we face down a withering fire.

How many parents send their children to college only to have them come back home over Thanksgiving with radically new beliefs? It’s heartbreaking. But we also recognize that the college years are not one of personal status either. John Paul II’s commission avoids both extremes. But how do we do it?

In my view, it’s about going on the offensive. There shall be no retreat. And the armaments are rather simple for the fight. First, we want students at AMU to “put on the full armor of God”. An education steeped in faith, truth, and virtue allows our students to “stand [their] ground”. Education ought to be immutable.  Then, we want our students to become ambassadors, equipped with the formation and education to create the future. Education ought to be abundant too. For instance, a graduate steeped in AMU’s core liberal arts curriculum, specialized in one of our 35 majors including our recently added BS in Mechanical Engineering, and having completed the rigorous training in The Institute, is equipped to build the future.

At Ave Maria University, we’d love to have your family join us in building the future. We do it together—one student at a time.

Best,

Daniel Schreck

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