Dean’s Letter

A WORD FROM OUR DEAN

Tom Monaghan, Dean Cieply, Driver, Monsignor McGrath

Dear Ave Maria School of Law Community, As we look back at 2020, there was hardship we all endured and experienced together as a nation and as an Ave Maria Law community. There were also positive moments and silver linings. We are celebrating the law school’s 20th Anniversary this year. The law school opened its doors in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2000, and moved to our current Vineyards campus in Naples, Florida in 2009. From Marching for Life in Washington, D.C. since 2001 to bringing in 20 classes, we’re just getting started. There are many factors that make Ave Maria Law what it is today, and for that we have our community to thank immensely. One of the identities that we are most proud of at Ave Maria School of Law is the profound sense of community that exists. The law school consists of its students, faculty, staff, alumni, the local Southwest Florida community, as well as friends and supporters across the country. We reached a milestone when we officially opened our Cancro Family Wellness Center on February 7, 2020 during our annual Veterans Celebration. We launched a mind, body, and spirit initiative on campus with the intentional purpose of wanting our students, faculty, and staff to strive for their true potential. Our Chaplain Monsignor Frank McGrath celebrated 50 years in the priesthood on May 9, 2020. Devoted to his service and a true blessing to our community, Monsignor is our spiritual leader and the heart of Ave Maria Law. Our school was founded on the Faith of the Catholic religion, the Catholic name derives from Latin and Greek terms that mean universal. Christ gave us this gift—he gave his life for all women and all men, young and old, poor and rich, white and black, and everyone in between, all shades, all sizes, all cultures. We are one human race. I affectionately refer to the Class of 2020 as the Class of Steel because this class began law school in the Fall of 2017 and endured Hurricane Irma and they graduated during a pandemic. They have learned to succeed in the face of adversity, and that skill will truly serve them well as they move into the practice of law. Success is always in reach. It may be a longer reach for some of us, than others. But some who have a short reach will never achieve it, while many who have a very long reach will eventually get there. The difference in the result is not how long or short the journey; the difference always comes down to who is willing to endure, who has the grit—the determination to never quit. I hope you enjoy our latest issue. It’s filled with hope, determination, kindness, vision for the future, and the fondest memories from the past. During challenging times endured in 2020, we know that God will continue to bless Ave Maria Law and each of you. We are here for you. We are praying for you. We are Ave Maria Law. God Bless You.