UIW Celebrates Homecoming 2021
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.
"This was truly a weekend to build priceless memories for both young and old," said Dr. Lisa McNary, dean of Alumni and Parent Relations. "Although events may have been modified, there was still plenty of fun for everyone. This is what Incarnate Word is about ... we are a family of Crusaders and Cardinals who came together to remember all the fond memories we had at Incarnate Word. We will treasure the new friends we made at this year's Homecoming."
The week kicked off on Thursday night with Homecoming Thirsty Thursday, where attendees met outside on the patio of Coates Theatre to reminisce about their time spent at Incarnate Word. Friday, the University held its Women of Faith Luncheon, celebrating the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and their legacy. Sr. Michele O’Brien, CCVI, was the luncheon’s guest speaker.
On Friday night, UIW enjoyed the combined event of NestFest and the annual Trunk-or-Treat event, where children dressed up and went trick-or-treating around the parking lot as Cardinals passed out candy for them. Appearances by the UIW football team, Head Coach Eric Morris, UIW spirit teams, and the Homecoming Court had fans cheering ahead of the big Homecoming game. Alumni-led band, Fool in Utopia, and KUIW provided live music all evening, as attendees enjoyed food trucks, games, and a pumpkin patch.
The Classes of 1970 and 1971 both celebrated their 50 th reunions (Class of 1970 was postponed a year due to COVID-19) this year and were treated to a Coffee Klatch and campus tour on Saturday morning.
At noon on Saturday, alumni, family and friends alike attended the RedZone Cardinal Tailgate. The official alumni tailgate was one of more than 40 groups on site enjoying the beautiful weather as the smell of BBQ filled the air. Alumni joined the Flight of the Cardinal, following the Marching Cardinals and UIW spirit teams into the game.
Fans cheered the Cardinals to a big win against the Houston Baptist Huskies on Saturday afternoon. This was the football team’s sixth win of the season, tying a program record for wins in a single season. Prior to the game, Homecoming royalty was announced and senior student-athletes received a special blessing from the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, after which, the UIW Student Government Association and UIW President Dr. Thomas Evans, presented the Sisters with a special CCVI UIW football jersey. During halftime, alumni student-athletes gathered on the field for a special game recognition.
Sunday, the University celebrated its annual Homecoming Memorial Mass, remembering those who have touched our lives. Following the Mass, all were invited to attend a champagne brunch in the Student Engagement Center Ballroom.
Thank you for celebrating UIW Homecoming 2021 with us, UIW family!
