AMU Celebrates Record Growth in Faith: 345 Graduates in 2026, 5 Alumni Ordained, and New Campus and Chapel Milestones

Ave Maria University is celebrating a remarkable year of spiritual and academic growth, with the Class of 2026 representing our largest graduating cohort to date at 345 students. As these graduates embark on their next chapters, they carry with them the distinctive AMU education rooted in Catholic faith and rigorous liberal arts learning. Their success reflects the dedication of our faculty, the commitment of our students, and the grace of God working through our university community.

This year brings additional cause for celebration with five of our alumni answering the call to the priesthood:

Fr.Joseph Haas — May 23 Fr.Peter Randolph — June 6 Fr. Greenan Sullivan — June 6 Fr. Jessiah Rojas — June 20 Dcn. Abbe Sebastian Hugoboom- July 2

These five men join a growing legacy of AMU graduates who have discerned vocations to religious life, a testament to the formative spiritual environment cultivated on our campus. Their call to priesthood represents not only personal spiritual triumphs but also a profound blessing for the Church and the world.

Alongside these celebrations of individual achievement and faith, Ave Maria University has reached significant milestones in its physical expansion. The new Ireland campus, Mount Melleray Abbey and the ground breaking of our stunning Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Chapel inspire both learning and prayer. These additions enhance our ability to serve our growing student body while deepening the sacred character that defines life at AMU.

As we reflect on these remarkable achievements, we are deeply grateful for the foundation laid by and support of our alumni community, whose prayers and generosity sustain our mission. Whether you are cheering on our newest graduates or celebrating our newly ordained priests, we invite you to stay connected to Ave Maria as we continue building the university you helped found and form minds and hearts for God's purpose.

News buy the numbers: 345 students graduating this May. We believe AMU leads the nation in highest priest-to-student ratio 9 daily Masses 27 students discerning religious life 29 couples in marriage prep. 5 men alumni ordained to the priesthood this summer. As of July 1, our faculty will be 94% Catholic; 100% of all full-time faculty hired since 2/1/22 have been Catholic. Fall ’25 total UG was 92.5% Catholic, new record Fall ’26 incoming class is 96% Catholic, new record (only 14 non-Catholic). 12 students were received into the Catholic Church this Easter (10% of our non-Catholic student body) We now have 458 students in faith based households (up 58 from this time last year).

Speaking about Big Projects keep checking back on exciting updates: Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Student Chapel Rosary Wall with 24 Chapels: Maronite Chapel is the first to break ground NEW expanded Martha Burke Adoration Chapel Mount Melleray Abbey Ireland Campus