Joseph Grady, president of My Jesus Mercy Ministries and father of a current Ave Maria University student, came up with the initial idea of a scholarship to help these students finance their educations. Grady also made the first contribution to the fund.

In establishing this scholarship, Grady and Ave Maria University leaders aim to carry on Terri's name and assist future priests and laypersons in creating and developing a Catholic culture of life. University Provost Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., hopes that the scholarship will commemorate the life of Terri Schindler-Schiavo, as well as put forth a positive message for the future.

"Terri's death was a tragedy not only to her family but for the entire country," said Fessio. "But it can also be a new beginning in renewing the conscience of Americans; and this type of pro-life scholarship will certainly contribute to that."

Bob and Mary Schindler, Terri's father and mother, have expressed much gratitude toward Ave Maria University, saying they are flattered and humbled to have such recognition for their daughter.

"From the bottom of our hearts, we're just so pleased and honored," said Bob Schindler. "It's great to have an institution willing to take on something like this. We feel that Terri was chosen by God to combat evil, and what a fine way to pay tribute to her life."

Set up to become one of the university's annual endowed scholarships, the financial goal is to have between three and four million dollars in scholarship money available to students within the next few years. Ave Maria University has created the scholarship in such a way that any individual or group can make a contribution. The university aims to provide funds for at least one pre-theologate student for the fall semester of 2005.

"Terri would often say, 'Where there is life, there is hope,'" said Grady. "Through Ave Maria University's pre-theologate program, her prophetic words are being fulfilled. If we can bring future priests and bishops out of Ave Maria University with this same ideal, then her life-given gift will continue."

Bob and Mary Schindler were available today in the Fireplace Room in the Arc of the Covenant building to comment on this new scholarship and the legacy of their daughter.

Ave Maria University is the first new Catholic university built in the United States in more than 40 years.

Editor's note:
Terri Schiavo - Mark Fuhrman Investigates ... Go Here Now