Ave Maria University, Catholic university in Southwest Florida, United States
Ave Maria University is a private Catholic higher education institution in Southwest Florida offering undergraduate and graduate programs in philosophy, theology, and liberal arts. The campus includes classrooms, residence halls, athletic facilities, and a library with reading rooms and study spaces.
Tom Monaghan, founder of the Domino's Pizza chain, established the institution in 2003 with a large personal contribution. The campus developed alongside the planned town of Ave Maria, which grew over the following years.
The institution maintains 40 student organizations and schedules 250 annual events focusing on academics, arts, faith, service, and athletic activities.
The campus sits about half an hour by car east of the Gulf of Mexico coast and is easiest to reach by vehicle. Buildings connect via walkways and roads that can be traveled on foot or by bicycle.
The grounds include a small museum honoring Mother Teresa with photographs, letters, and items from her life. The display presents documents and keepsakes rarely seen in public.
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