The first Catholic university established in 40 years is being built, and roofed, with long-term sustainability in mind.

Ave Maria University, Naples, Florida

Personal commitment to an idea is a rare commodity in business, where corporate interests, market forces and the need for profit often undermine the loftiest of goals.

So when Thomas S. Monaghan purchased 270 tons of copper sheet metal to roof his dream project—creating a Catholic university in southwest Florida—he had to do some serious soul-searching when the value of the copper more than doubled within two years.

Monaghan, the founder of Domino’s Pizza and former owner of the 1984 World Series champion Detroit Tigers baseball team, is without question a successful and savvy businessman. By cashing in the copper, he stood to gain a quick $1 million or more in profit, but it would require a major revision of his campus architectural plans.

For a man of big ideas and well-defined goals, like Tom Monaghan, the choice was easy.

Please Login or Register to read the rest of this content.