Grace and Martin DeJesus have long been cherished members of the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) community, and now they are also two of its newest alumni. After dedicating over a decade of service to the university as employees, and watching their daughters proudly walk across the same stage as graduates, the couple realized it was time to invest in their own education.
Ten graduate-level accounting students from UIW’s H-E-B School of Business and Administration (HEBSBA) are the deserving recipients of the Adam Guerrero Memorial Foundation $25,000 scholarship program. Each student will receive $2,500 to aid in continuing their education at UIW.
Dr. Amanda L. Roberts is honored to serve as the UIW Alumni Association Board President starting in 2024. She is currently the Academic Program Director for the Engineering and Mathematics Department at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, TX. She was previously a Research Scientist PhD for the DoD Defense Health Agency who supports Military Medicine for the Armed Forces at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
The UIW Office of Alumni Relations was ecstatic to connect with the University’s alumni family in the Houston and Dallas areas at its recent Alumni and Friends Gathering events.
On Saturday, January 13 the UIW Office of Alumni Relations welcomed UIW alumni and friends to watch the San Antonio Spurs take on the Chicago Bulls at the Frost Bank Center.
U.S. active duty and veteran service members who walk the stage at commencement don a navy-blue stole. Donning the 50 stars, the UIW seal and the phrase, “Valor and Respect,” the graduates who wear it represent the best of our nation. One such graduate of the Fall Class of 2023 is Nneoma Lewis, who graduated last weekend with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
When I first learned that I was nominated to participate in the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability’s UIW Centro Fox Leadership and Mission Program, I was overwhelmed with excitement to travel to San Cristóbal, Guanajuato, Mexico, to attend the program. This was my first international trip from the U.S. to Mexico to study abroad as a PhD student and two-time alumna of the University of the Incarnate Word. The Centro Fox Program is a nonprofit organization founded by Former President Vicente Fox that offers leadership training to develop compassionate global community leaders in collaboration with the Vamos México Foundation, established by First Lady Marta Sahagún Fox, which supports local and national causes by helping people living in vulnerable situations through social action. A group of 15 undergraduate and graduate students with diverse backgrounds were nominated to participate in the leadership program. As a doctoral student in the Dreeben School of Education, I was excited to explore what I previously learned in my studies focusing on my concentration in adult education, social innovation and entrepreneurship.
The University of the Incarnate Word is committed to cultivating the development of the whole person and fostering values of lifelong learning. This commitment is deeply intertwined with the mission and ministry of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. In keeping with this mission, UIW alumnae Erika Haskins, Jennifer Stuart and Linda Gjergji are mentoring and facilitating a high school global leadership program that focuses on women and young women's global issues known as UIWs Young Women's Global Leadership Program (YWGLP). They are joined in their efforts with this program by Dr. Joan Labay-Marquez, YWGLP program sponsor and YWGLP advisors Sister Martha Ann Kirk, ThD and Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez.
In 2002, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Information Systems from UIW, alumna Vanessa Jupe embarked on her career journey in website development. However, it was a challenging time for young graduates entering the industry following the dot-com bubble burst in 2000.
Christie Cody fondly remembers playing in the halls of Incarnate Word College. Her father, Dr. Keith Tucker worked on the Broadway campus for over 42 years. During that time, she, her siblings and other children of employees would explore the then much smaller campus and visit with all the members of the community. Through her time exploring the buildings, visiting the lunchroom and interacting with students, faculty and employees, one sentiment struck her: “UIW felt like home.”
A graduate of the Class of 2016, and the first UIW football alumnus to make an NFL game day roster, Wick is grateful for the opportunities and professional experiences he’s had. But he always knew that his life’s purpose and identity would be greater than football.
It was at one of his bleakest moments when Ralph Evans found God. A U.S. soldier during World War II, he devoted his life to faith and family upon returning from the war.
With campuses in Texas, Mexico and France, a Global Online program that welcomes students from around the world, and alumni whose endeavors have carried UIW’s Mission to various countries and continents, the University of the Incarnate Word’s reach knows no bounds. Thanks to alumna Angela Mahoney, the University can now add the South Pole to its list of places its alumni have made their mark. Mahoney has just begun a new role on the continent’s Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, a U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) scientific research station funded and managed by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
In a genuine act of generosity, an alumnus of the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has made a thoughtful gift of $250,000 to the H-E-B School of Business & Administration’s Endowed Faculty Development Fund. This impactful gift is earmarked to facilitate the professional growth of the dedicated faculty and staff, ultimately enriching the educational experience for students.
When students leave home to go to university for the first time, it’s an emotional milestone for all families. The day when students fly the nest to pursue their passions and follow their dreams. Alumnus, Martin Padron, Jr. ‘2011, experienced all these emotions last month as he helped his family move his little sister, Marsil, into the Sky View dormitories on UIW’s campus for her first semester as a freshman student. Martin said, ‘As we were walking the campus helping Mearsil move in, all the memories from my time at UIW flooded my mind. It brought this happiness and sense of joy to me knowing that it wasn’t just me connected with UIW anymore, it was my little sister now too.’ During the move-in process, the family was assisted by UIW’s staff and volunteers to find Marsil’s room and treated to an exclusive tour of the halls by the on-site Resident Assistant. When unpacking boxes in the room, there was an unexpected treat for the new student. From the desk next to Marsil’s bed, she had a straight view of San Antonio’s downtown skyline. Speaking about his sister’s new view, Martin smiled and said, ‘Who doesn’t want to sit down, do their homework, and then take a mental break to look at the beautiful skyline of San Antonio and the Hemisphere Tower out of their window? That’s awesome!’ While the family visited colleges in New York, Utah and other states, UIW’s campus (also known as The Nest) was a big draw for Marsil when choosing where she wanted to earn her degree. With a 15-year gap between Martin and his younger sister, Marsil’s childhood was filled with trips to UIW with her big brother. Both during Martin’s time as a student and in his role after graduation on the UIW Alumni Association Board. Martin operated on the board for 6 years 2015-2021, serving the final two years of this term as President of the UIW Alumni Association. Martin said, ‘Marsil grew up going to UIW, I think she felt the campus at UIW offered a sense of safety and community amidst real natural beauty. I also think the memories and connections she made on campus growing up played a big part in her choosing UIW.’ He added, ‘As Alumni Board President I got invited to so many events on campus where Marsil would tag along with me. She got to see all these events with the university’s leadership, the board of trustees, and supporters of UIW. She felt that connection with UIW from early on in her life. UIW’s academic programs also proved to be a draw for Marsil, offering her the opportunity to enroll in a nuclear medicine program. Martin said, ‘Finding a school that offered a nuclear medicine program was initially the focus of my sister’s decision. When she narrowed it down to three choices, and UIW offered the program, it made it an easy choice for her to choose UIW.’ Considering his journey at UIW, and the successful career he has developed in financial trading and commodities over the past decade, Martin’s advice to students setting out on their own journey, was simple. ‘This goes for my sister, and for all students on campus, and everyone studying at UIW….my advice is connect, connect, connect. Give yourself the tools to build lasting relationships. To learn to connect with faculty, staff and fellow students. That’s invaluable.’ He added ‘When you build these connections, it broadens your horizons and cultivates a wonderful sense of diversity. We all think differently, but it’s so hard to see other people’s perspectives unless you connect with them in a meaningful way. Those are real leadership skills, and the type of skills you have to rely on when you enter the work force’
In 2004, Fernando Mora looked out of his cell in the Bexar County Jail and knew that his life needed to change. Facing the judge for the second time in two years for repeat offenses, he was at risk of spending a significant amount of time behind bars.
This is how Francisca Zarate, mother of four UIW graduates, described the schedule she kept for her children during time off from school. While weeks away from the classroom during Spring Breaks and Christmas holidays were filled with fun and lots of love, she knew the importance of teaching them to prioritize education, service and faith. Those are the principles that have guided the Zarate family through years of challenges, triumphs and most recently, the celebration of the final Zarate child to graduate from the University of the Incarnate Word.
It is not uncommon for a coach to want to return to their alma mater to lead the next generation of student-athletes. At UIW, eight head coaches have crossed the stage and earned the distinction of “UIW alum.” Three of those coaches, Clint Killough (head football coach), Amanda Lopez (head dance coach) and Elyssa Barrientos (head cheer coach), are also each working on a second degree while they lead the Cardinals to new heights.
Melissa and Frances Silva have much in common. The sisters share devoted parents, an upbringing they uniquely understand, doctoral degrees in healthcare, and most recently, they became alumnae of the University of the Incarnate Word on the exact same day.
Members of the UIW Dreeben School of Education attended the 22nd Annual Region 5 Texas National Association of Multicultural Education (TXNAME) Conference in Waco, Texas on Saturday, May 20. Dr. Sandra Guzman Foster, UIW’s director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, also attended the conference. NAME is a non-profit organization that advances and advocates for equity and social justice through multicultural education.
She always wanted “the hat,” – the tam doctoral candidates wear as they graduate and earn their degrees. On Saturday, May 6, Jessica Parra finally achieved her dream. The director of Student Services for UIW’s School of Professional Studies (SPS) crossed the stage and became Dr. Jessica Parra, finally earning her Doctor of Business Administration degree from UIW’s SPS program.
More than 80 Cardinals celebrated the 7th annual Ring Ceremony on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in late spring. The time-honored tradition was held in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, paying homage to the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word who founded UIW.
When Dr. Rafael Hoyle, director of the Liza and Jack Lewis Center of the Americas, read the stories of UIW alumni Atzel Jonatan Peña, BBA '08, MBA '20 and Dr. Jonathan R. Everhart CPA, Esq., MCSI (MS ’11, DBA ’17), he thought about “the internationality of the UIW system and the remarkable intercultural competence of so many of our students and faculty.”
1968 graduate and 2003 Alumni of Distinction recipient Dr. Eloisa Taméz walked the stage this past May to receive her fifth degree
In his role advising the U.S. Government, the World Bank and the United Nations, UIW alumnus Dr. Jonathan R. Everhart CPA, Esq., MCSI (MS ’11, DBA ’17), has quickly become recognized as a global leader in financial innovation and technology.
Raul Saenz '94 is a Sports Anchor / Producer for CNN en Español based out of Miami
Wonder what it takes to open a business? UIW alumnus Josh Rangel, ’13, founder, president and CEO of Rangel Renewables, will share his secrets for setting goals, creating a business plan of action, and setting a company up for success during a presentation at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, in the Mabee Library’s Watson Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
Shantel Wilkins, '98 recently spoke with a class of UIW Business students about preparing for their careers. She shared challenges she faced growing up with a single mother and how those helped her develop resiliency that she still displays to this day.
UIW is a home away from home for thousands of alumni and students, but for many, it’s also the place they found their life partners. During this Valentine’s Week, we caught up with Cardinal Couples of all ages and invited them to tell us more about the journey that lead them to the lives — and the loves — that God has prepared for them.
University of the Incarnate Word Vice President for External Affairs Rick Kimbrough has announced the hiring of William Bailey, ‘15 as the new Senior Director of Alumni Relations. Bailey will arrive at UIW in March.
University of the Incarnate Word students and alumni are invited to participate in the third annual Hispanic Serving Institution Virtual Career Expo from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22. The career fair is open to all UIW undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students, as well as all alumni.
The University of the Incarnate Word celebrated its Fall 2022 graduates on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Freeman Coliseum. More than 500 graduates crossed the stage during the Commencement ceremony, with thousands of loved ones in attendance. Following the UIW core value of service, the Fall 2022 graduating class contributed 28,704 community service hours for an economic impact of $859,685.
Among the UIW freshmen who moved to campus in August was Xzavier Perales, a new UIW Nursing student who was accompanied by his mom and dad, Roxanne and Eddie Perales, alumni of the University of the Incarnate Word. For the Perales family, UIW isn’t just an institution of learning. It’s their second home.
On Thursday, Dec. 8, Dean of Alumni Relations Dr. Lisa McNary will conclude more than 17 years of service to the students and alumni of UIW. The two-time alum assumed her role in 2005, and since then, has worked tirelessly to connect alumni to the Mission of the University.
Providing advice for the U.S. Government, the World Bank and the United Nations, UIW Alumnus Dr. Jonathan R. Everhart CPA, Esq., MCSI (MS ’11, DBA ’17), has quickly become recognized as a global leader in financial innovation and technology.
Are you ready for UIW Homecoming? Bring family and friends and join your fellow alumni for food, drinks and fun while reminiscing about time spent at UIW!
Micah Hunter admits it has taken a little while to get used to her new job as a first-year teacher of fourth graders at Woodlawn Academy in the San Antonio Independent School District, but it hasn’t take her long to reach new heights. Earlier this year, the Texas Directors of Field Experience recognized Hunter as the 2021-2022 Texas Clinical Teacher of the Year.
The UIW triathlon team, comprised of 11 students, faculty, staff and alumni, competed in the Marble Falls Triathlon on July 31. Eight members of the UIW team earned medals in their age group.
Nadia (learner) and Scheel (faculty member) Nayar reflect on what it meant to them to be part of UIWSOM’s inaugural cohort together
In May 2021, the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine celebrated its inaugural graduating class. Now, the first cohort has completed a year of residency and six program alumni have been named Resident of the Year by their respective programs.
The teaching partnership between the University of the Incarnate Word and Medio Creek Elementary School has never been stronger. The students from UIW’s teacher education program spend time shadowing established teachers at Medio Creek and learning from them just as their students do. Many of these teachers and administrators are UIW alumni.
For more than 25 years, Kate Crosby ’96 has lent her insight and influence to the University of the Incarnate Word, helping positively impact programs, spearhead initiatives and otherwise support students, many just like her, to achieve their academic dreams.
For Dr. Ricardo Carrion ’98, the decision to attend the University of the Incarnate Word was an easy one. In addition to his family’s bond with the Sisters, he loved the school’s Catholic identity and small class sizes, as well as the enthusiasm of the instructors who encouraged his passion for biology.
As a group of nine students crossed the stage on a cloudy Mexico City afternoon on June 21, 2008, history was made. UIW became the first American university to confer a collegiate degree on a Mexican campus. For Atzel Jonatan Peña, BBA ’08, MBA ’20, being a member of the first graduating class is something he holds dear to his heart. This pioneer group of Cardinals is remembered as the group paving the way for all subsequent classes.
After graduating with a 3D Animation and Game Design degree from UIW in 2021, Joshua McMullen is living his dream as an associate animator at Sony San Diego Studio, a company that develops video games.
Each spring, the University of the Incarnate Word community comes together as “One Word” to work towards “One Goal” – raising funds to support current and future UIW students. UIW’s fourth annual Day of Giving, known as “One Word. One Goal.,” will be celebrated for 1881 minutes, in honor of the University’s founding year, during Incarnate Word Week beginning March 23.
Faculty, staff, students and an alumnus of the UIW Theatre Department were recently honored with seven Globe Awards from the Alamo Theatre Arts Council (ATAC). The 30th Annual ATAC Globe Awards Gala honored local community and educational productions from the 2019 and 2020-2021 season in 25 categories.
Kim Beechner ’10, ’15 was selected to the Forbes Next 1000 list for 2021. Beechner is the founder and CEO of Embark Marketing, a Texas-based, digital marketing agency specializing in the food and beverage industry. Beechner founded Embark Marketing in 2010.
Dr. Norman St. Clair, professor and director of Graduate Studies, and Dr. Deborah Poole, alumna, co-published “Exploring and Developing a Comprehensive Teaching Model for Graduate Ethics,” in Teaching Ethics at The Society for Ethics Across the Curriculum. The journal is dedicated to ethical issues across the curriculum with particular attention to pedagogical methodology and practice in both academic inquiry and professional practice.
UIW celebrated Homecoming 2021 from Oct. 28-31, marking its first in-person Homecoming since 2019. Alumni and Cardinal families reconnected over food, fun and a UIW football victory.
The University of the Incarnate Word is gearing up to celebrate Homecoming from Oct. 28 - 31. This year's UIW Homecoming festivities will include the return of the annual Trunk-or-Treat, Nest Fest Block Party, Homecoming Tailgate and Game and more!
UIW and the San Antonio community are important to Dr. Christopher Alvarado, and he has always wanted to give back to both.
Two UIW alumnae were named Top C-Suite Executives by the San Antonio Business Journal last month. Kim Beechner ‘10, ’15 (right), and Dr. Keely Petty, ’94 (left), were two of the 20 honorees selected by the journal.
It was smiles and tears that came much more easily than words to Yesenia Covarrubias. The first-year teacher at Walzem Elementary in the Northeast Independent School District was greeted with a surprise celebration on the morning of Wednesday, September 22, 2021 after being named the 2020-21 Texas Clinical Teacher of the Year. Covarrubias, who graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in May of 2021, was celebrated in her classroom for the achievement.
When Josh Sanchez first crossed paths with the University of the Incarnate Word he had his sights set on a future in business.
From a distinguished alum to an open mic for future alums, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is set to host several events during January and February in celebration of Black History Month.
