Now His Kind of Town is Ave Maria
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Published on Thursday, 26 August 2010 02:17
Former Illinois State Rep Becomes AMU "Friend-Raiser"
Kevin Joyce served in as an Illinois State Representative since 2003, but when he and his wife Krista learned she was pregnant with her eighth child, they decided it was time for a change.
After exploring different possibilities, they made the decision to leave Chicago and state politics behind to come to Ave Maria. Mr. Joyce left the race for the fall election after the state primary, leaving Democrats searching to fill his spot. Now he works with AMU's Development Office.
"It was a mutual leap of faith on the part of my family and the University," says Mr. Joyce, who became familiar with the town several years ago when visiting his family in Naples.
"Public service for me was vocational," says the former state representative. "The Lord works in mysterious ways because coming to AMU was a way to leave politics but be vocational in my work as well."
As Director of Government and External Relations, Mr. Joyce says he will explore government mechanisms for funding and bring new audiences to learn about Ave Maria University such as priests, Catholic families, and students in area schools.
"I'm a ‘friend-raiser,' not a ‘fundraiser.' I believe we've got to tell people our own story, and be the ones who define ourselves instead of letting others define us. I truly believe in Ave Maria."
When questioned how he felt about being one of the few Democrats in the town, Mr. Joyce gave a hearty laugh. "I grew up in Chicago, so I grew up a Democrat. But I've always been a pro-lifer. I'm a strong supporter of school vouchers. When it comes to politics, I think you need to look at the person, not the party."
Mr. Joyce and his family rent a house in Hampton Village while they await completion of a new home being built for them in Emerson Park. His school-age children attend Donohue Academy, and he says they are settling in. "Everyone is so kind to them," he said. "These are good people. This is a town where the priorities are God and faith and family. What more is our country about?"
