UIW Community Mourns the Passing of Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery

Former UIW President Oversaw a Time of Great Change and Growth

San Antonio – July 30, 2024 – It is with deep sadness that the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) shares the news of the passing of former UIW President Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery, CCVI. Sr. Margaret Patrice passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024. She was a member of the founding congregation of the University, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and she served as president of UIW from 1972 to 1985.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri to Margaret Mary (Harris) and Patrick J. Slattery, Sr. Margaret Patrice entered the Congregation of the Sisters Charity of the Incarnate Word in 1944. She professed her first vows in 1947 and perpetual vows in 1952. She taught at St. Frances of Rome School in Illinois, Immaculate Conception School in Missouri and Blessed Sacrament School in St. Louis before arriving at what was then known as Incarnate Word College.

Sr. Margaret Patrice completed her bachelor’s at Incarnate Word College, her master’s at Marquette University, and her Doctorate at the Catholic University of America. She further pursued post-doctoral studies at the University of Edinburgh. Prior to her role as President, she taught, chaired and served as the dean of the UIW English Department.

Her visionary leadership extended the University’s reach through various initiatives, including the formation of a lay Development Board, the expansion of the Board of Directors to include lay membership and the first lay chairperson, and enhanced student participation in governance structures. Under her guidance, the University transitioned to a co-educational institution, marking a significant milestone in its history. Indeed, Sr. Margaret Patrice often recalled that she interviewed the first young man to become a full-time student at Incarnate Word.

During her tenure, UIW experienced unprecedented internal expansion, adding numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees. She oversaw the development of the campus, including the establishment of the west campus for athletic fields. She also prioritized student support, even allocating funds from her inaugural ceremony to start the President’s Scholarship Fund. Her legacy also includes the establishment of the Swing-In Golf Tournament fundraiser in 1977, which has raised millions of dollars in funds dedicated to student scholarships and continues today.

A remarkable scholar, she authored “Promises to Keep,” a two-volume history of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, which received recognition from the Texas Catholic Historical Society for its outstanding contribution.

After 13 years of transformative leadership, Sr. Margaret Patrice resigned from her presidential role, emphasizing the evolving nature of education and the need for dynamic leadership. She then assumed the newly created position of Chancellor with a focus on external relations, leaving behind a lasting impact on UIW’s growth and academic excellence.

“Since I joined this community, I have looked to Sr. Margaret Patrice as a model of servant leadership, uncompromising dedication to Mission and daily embodiment of our values,” said UIW President, Dr. Thomas M. Evans in a message to the community. “Please join me in praying for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Sr. Margaret Patrice’s family and everyone in our wider Incarnate Word family who are affected by this profound loss.”

Services for Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery will begin with a Wake on Thursday, August 1 at 6 p.m. in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day on August 2 at 11 a.m. also at the Chapel of the Incarnate Word. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sister Margaret Patrice’s memory may be made to the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, 4503 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209.