Ave Maria School of Law

We are proud to congratulate Dean of Admissions Roxanna Cruz on receiving the Camille deJorna Ubuntu Award from the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

Established in 2023, the award recognizes individuals whose service, mentorship, leadership, and commitment to community have made a meaningful impact on legal education.

The award is rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, often translated as "I am because we are," reflecting the belief that our success is tied to how we support and uplift others.

Presented by LSAC President Sudha Setty, this national honor recognizes those who expand opportunity, foster community, and help others succeed.

Reflecting on the recognition, Cruz shared:

"With so many people in the room whom I admire and respect, I could hardly process hearing my name called. My first thought was, 'How did this happen? Why me?' The entire experience felt truly surreal.

This honor is a meaningful reminder that the work we do to support our students and colleagues matters. I am deeply humbled by this recognition and grateful to be acknowledged in such a major way. More than anything, it has renewed my commitment to this work and strengthened my motivation to continue serving others."

Anyone who has worked with Roxanna knows the dedication, compassion, and encouragement she brings to students and colleagues alike. We are grateful for her leadership and proud to see her recognized on the national stage.

Congratulations, Roxanna!

The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in a major case examining President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship and the constitutional questions surrounding the 14th Amendment.

Today, Dean John Czarnetzky joined Marcus Peter on “Ave Maria in the Afternoon” to provide legal analysis and discuss the broader constitutional implications now before the Court.

As both a legal scholar and Dean of Ave Maria School of Law, Dean Czarnetzky brings decades of experience in constitutional law, international law, and public policy to the national conversation.

Watch the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8QiMuXxlps

As the legal profession continues to emphasize civility, accountability, and professional conduct, the formation of future attorneys matters more than ever.

"Professionalism is not something students should begin learning after graduation. It should be part of their legal education from day one."

Associate Dean Jill Backer shares her perspective on professionalism, legal education, and professional identity in our latest Q&A.

https://www.avemarialaw.edu/why-professionalism-matters-more-than-ever-in-the-practice-of-law/

Professor Connolly recently joined Ave Law alumnae Mary Purcell and Lillian Kennedy in downtown Naples for a discussion with Judge Javier Pacheco.

The group enjoyed learning about Judge Pacheco's background, judicial philosophy, and experiences on the bench while connecting with fellow members of the legal community.

Ordained on May 20, 1976, Father Orsi has faithfully served the Church for nearly five decades. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he pursued his formation at Cathedral College in Queens, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, and Fordham University.

His ministry has included service in both the Diocese of Camden and the Diocese of Venice in Florida, where he served as chaplain of Ave Maria School of Law and as Parochial Vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Naples.

Though he retired in 2024, Father Orsi continues to assist parishes throughout Collier County.

We give thanks for his faithful priesthood, his spiritual guidance, and the lasting impact he has had on our community.

Please join us in offering prayers of thanksgiving for Father Orsi.

Ave Maria School of Law was honored to be represented at the Holy See’s “Path to Peace” Gala in New York this week, with Dean John Czarnetzky, Professor Ligia Castaldi, Professor Antony Kolenc, and Professor Brian Scarnecchia in attendance alongside bishops, Church leaders, and members of the international community.

The event, hosted by the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations, honored Patrick E. Kelly, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and brought together leaders committed to advancing peace, human dignity, and the common good.

We are grateful to be part of conversations that extend beyond the classroom and onto the global stage.

Ave Maria School of Law proudly celebrates the Class of 2026.

This weekend, 77 graduates received Juris Doctor degrees during Commencement Exercises held at Artis–Naples, marking the culmination of years of rigorous legal study, professional formation, and dedication to the principles of faith and reason.

The ceremony featured remarks from The Honorable Carlos G. Muñiz, Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, and student commencement speaker Lillian Marie Kennedy.

Congratulations to the newest graduates of Ave Maria School of Law. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to the many ways they will serve the common good in the years ahead.

View the full commencement story, graduate names, honors, and photo gallery on our website: https://www.avemarialaw.edu/2026-commencement/

See all the photos in our FLICKR album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ave-maria-law/albums/72177720333731718/

This evening, the Ave Maria School of Law community gathered for the Baccalaureate Mass in celebration of the Class of 2026.

Before tomorrow’s Commencement Exercises, students, faculty, families, and friends came together in prayer and thanksgiving to mark the culmination of years of study, sacrifice, and formation.

At Ave Maria School of Law, legal education is not merely professional training. It is formation grounded in faith, reason, and service.

Please join us in praying for our graduates as they prepare to enter the legal profession and begin the next chapter of their vocation.

The Diocese of Venice in Florida announced the appointment of Bishop-designate Emilio Biosca Agüero by Pope Leo XIV as the next bishop of the Diocese of Venice.

The announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Diocese following the faithful leadership of Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

Those who were unable to watch live may now view the full press conference via WINK News here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu2V2Z2QkOc

Please continue to keep Bishop-designate Biosca, Bishop Dewane, and the Diocese of Venice in your prayers during this important moment in the life of the Church.

Bishop Frank Dewane resigns from governance of the Diocese of Venice VENICE, Fla. (WINK) — Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Frank J. Dewane from the Diocese of Venice and appointed Rev. Emilio Biosca Agüero ...