Ave Maria UniversityChancellor's Gala
Celebrating Tom's 90th Birthday

A Toast
to Tom

Saturday, January 30, 20276:00 PM ET
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
A Toast to Tom

Join Us in Raising a Glass

Saturday, January 30, 2027 · 6:00 PM ET
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples · 280 Vanderbilt Blvd, Naples, Florida 34108

Thomas S. Monaghan
Our HonoreeThomas S. MonaghanThomas S. Monaghan founded Ave Maria University with a bold Yes — he built not just a university, but a movement of faithful leaders answering God's call. Join us in raising our hearts and glasses in honoring him on his 90th birthday.
Jonathan Roumie
Keynote SpeakerJonathan RoumieTogether with special guest Jonathan Roumie, award-winning actor known for his portrayal of Jesus in The Chosen, we will celebrate an extraordinary milestone, a remarkable man, and the Catholic mission that continues to inspire all we do.

One night. One remarkable man. One incredible mission.

A Limited Number of Seats

Take your place at the table

Tables and seats for the 16th Annual Chancellor's Gala are reserved on a first-response basis.

Seats & Sponsorships

One evening, one reservation — individual seats and every sponsorship circle, with your guests and preferences handled at checkout.

Underwriting

Underwrite a piece of the evening — from the keynote to the valet — with recognition in the program, on the event screens, and on the event website.

Why Give

What Your Generosity Goes To

100% of funds raised go directly to support students.

$9,000funds 1 student
$30,000funds 2 students
$60,000funds 3 students
$75,000funds 6 students
$90,000funds 9 students
$3,000funds a campus-wide retreat
$6,000funds a professor’s research

Scholarships at a Glance

0
scholarships awarded in 2025–26
0%
of students with demonstrated need receive aid
$0.0M
in scholarships awarded to AMU students in 2025–2026
$0+
unmet funding gap
per student, per year
The Particulars

Everything you'll need

The Evening

Date
Saturday, January 30, 2027
Schedule
6:00–7:00 p.m. — Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. — Dinner Program
Attire
Black tie
The Setting

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

280 Vanderbilt Blvd, Naples, FL 34108

The evening begins with a 6:00 p.m. cocktail reception featuring student groups, followed by an elegant dinner. Jonathan Roumie, Keynote Speaker.

View Map & Directions →

Frequently Asked Questions

Parking & arrival

The cocktail reception begins at 7 p.m. in the Vanderbilt Courtyard, with a private entrance to the event on the right upon entry to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

Staying the night

Founder's and Chancellor's Circle sponsorships include rooms at The Ritz-Carlton the evening of the Gala. For other room reservations, contact The Ritz-Carlton and ask for the Ave Maria University Chancellor's Gala room block, or book online here.

What does a sponsorship include?

Each circle includes a set of seats at the Gala and recognition in the event program, on the event screens, and on the event website. Sponsorships over $9,000 add the Jonathan Roumie meet & greet, preferred seating, program ads, or Ritz-Carlton rooms. Open the reservation form for full details by level.

By when should I send my name or advertisement?

To be recognized on print materials, sponsorships and ads are due January 4, 2027.

Can't join us?

Your gift still changes lives

If you're unable to be with us on January 30, you can still take part. Gifts to the Chancellor's Gala are unrestricted — put to work where they matter most, for student scholarships and the University's ongoing mission.

View from the back deck of the venue
Saturday, January 30, 2027

As the sun sets over the Gulf,
join us for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

An extraordinary evening honoring Chancellor Thomas S. Monaghan's 90th birthday — Ritz-Carlton, Vanderbilt Beach, Naples, Florida.