UIW Celebrates Homecoming 2023

Every Homecoming provides the rewarding experience of bringing generations of Cardinals and Crusaders back to the Nest to connect over their shared love and pride for UIW. Though each person who makes up UIW’s alumni community has gone on to lead their own unique lives, homecoming serves as a beautiful reminder that Incarnate Word forever remains part of their story.

UIW celebrated Homecoming 2023 from October 29 through November 5 with a week’s worth of festivities and events that allowed students, alumni, employees and friends to reminisce and reconnect.

Some events offered attendees to reflect on the institution’s foundational value of service. UIW collaborated with the San Antonio River Authority and the City of San Antonio to host River Clean Up Days, during which volunteers came together to remove trash from local creeks and rivers. Even the UIW Homecoming football game was an opportunity to give back, as community members participated in the nationwide GameDay Football Zero-Waste Touchdown Challenge to help reduce and recycle waste generated at the game.

Other events honored the Class of 1973 as its members celebrated the 50th anniversary of graduating from Incarnate Word. The Class of 1973 enjoyed special moments like the 50th Reunion Celebration Dinner at the Brackenridge Villa and gathering to flip the coin at the start of the homecoming football game.

Alumni and community members also enjoyed new events like the inaugural President’s Homecoming Address. Dr. Evans addressed a crowd of faculty, staff and alumni, as well as virtual attendees, detailing some of the University’s latest successes while outlining what lies ahead.

“There are a lot of different parts to this institution, but we are much stronger when we work together,” Evans stated. “We need to celebrate and acknowledge the sum of those parts rather than just the individual parts. We need to be One Word, united in all that we do to try to be number one. In everything that we do, let’s be the best that we can, but let’s do it together.”

Homecoming culminated in a weekend that welcomed alumni back home to Incarnate Word. On Saturday, UIW hosted the first-ever Breakfast Taco 5K, followed by the annual football tailgate, game and NestFest Block Party. Current students and alumni decked out in red, black and white, came to support the UIW football team as they gave it their all on the Benson Stadium field. Homecoming concluded on Sunday with a beautiful Mass honoring members of the 50th reunion class, followed by a farewell brunch.

“To all those that made homecoming 2023 a reality, a profound thank you,” an attendee shared. “Your efforts made this one of, if not the best UIW Homecoming ever … Here's to all those that continue to live the Mission of UIW and serve others, for it is in giving that we truly receive the gift.”