What is a Gyrene?

The origin of the name "Gyrene" has been the subject of much controversy over the years. First applied to Marines as a jocular reference by other branches of the service, the Marines quickly adopted it as an affectionate, self-descriptive phrase - one that made them stand out from other services. During World Wars I and II the phrase "GI" was applied to all service members as being "Government Issue." Then and now, Gyrene was understood to be special kind of "government issue" - a "government issue Marine," or "Gyrene."

While not a commonly used term today, it is remembered with great nostalgia by older Americans who identify the name with that special breed of young men who fought the desperate battles of Belleau Wood and the island campaigns of the Pacific. These men formed the battle history of the United States Marine Corps and fashioned an ethos that inspires the men and women who serve in today's Marine Corps.   

About Ave Maria University

Ave Maria University is a vibrant university in the Catholic Tradition located in beautiful Southwest Florida. It is an academic institution that pledges faithfulness to the teachings of the Church and is committed to providing one of the finest classical liberal arts curricula available. The professional staff and challenging curriculum provide students with training that empowers them to step out into the working world with a strong confidence in their academic foundation.

Majors Offered

Ave Maria University offers bachelor's degrees in American Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Business Administration, Catholic Studies, Classics and Early Christian Literature, Economics, Global Affairs and International Business, Greek, History, Humanities and Liberal Studies, Literature, Mathematics, Managerial Economics and Strategic Analysis, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Political Economy and Government, Psychology, and Theology. We also offer two pre-professional programs in Pre-Med and Pre-Law. As the University increases in size, major offerings will expand.

Faculty

More than 98% of the faculty have earned doctoral degrees. Each student receives academic advising from a full-time faculty member. Accomplishments of the faculty in the classroom are matched by their professional and scholarly work.

Campus Facilities

Residence Halls

Each Residence Hall has common rooms, study lounges, computer labs, kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and a chapel.

Student Enrollment

Student to Faculty Ratio

12 to 1

Average Class Size

17 students

Scholarships

All students who complete an application will be automatically considered for merit-based and leadership scholarships. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.  

Student Profile

46 states and 31 foreign countries represented.

Student Organizations

More than 50 student clubs and organizations.

Athletics

Varsity Sports: Volleyball; Men's Basketball; Women's Basketball; Men's Soccer; Women's Soccer; Men's Golf; Women's Golf; Baseball; Softball; Men's Tennis; Women's Tennis; Football; Men's Cross Country; Women's Cross Country; Men's Track & Field; Women's Track & Field; Cheerleading/Dance

Club Sports: Rugby; Women's Rowing; Women's Swimming; Women's Lacrosse

Intramural Sports: Co-Ed Volleyball; Co-Ed Soccer; Co-Ed Frisbee; Flag Football; Basketball

Study Abroad

Spend a semester in tropical Nicaragua or historic Rome.

Admission Requirements

Minimum high school GPA: 2.8
Minimum college GPA: 2.4
Minimum ACT: 22
Minimum SAT (including writing portion): 1580
Minimum SAT (on older form): 1050

2011-2012 Cost

Tuition & Fees: $20,090
Room & Board: $8,420
Total Cost: $28,510