UIW Honors Employees’ Years of Service during Heritage Day 2024

Every October, UIW celebrates Heritage Day as part of Heritage Week, a cherished tradition that honors the origins of the University of the Incarnate Word and recognizes those who continue to further its Mission.

“Heritage Week commemorates the Sisters of Charity's response to Bishop Dubuis’ call, expressly, ‘Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of the sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands,’” recalled Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, vice president of Mission and Ministry. “The sisters’ response consisted in getting up, traveling far away and embracing a new life of loving service in favor of the most vulnerable in their time. Today, all of us at UIW are still called to respond to that call. Like our founder and foundresses, we are called to spend time in prayer, especially at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, to listen attentively to God’s Word, and to give thanks for the Spirit of God's given ability to go out and meet the needs of the poorest of our time.”

Heritage Day serves as a special opportunity to recognize the ongoing legacy nurtured by the current UIW community. During the ceremony, milestone employment anniversaries for faculty, staff, and administrators across the University are celebrated. On Wednesday, Oct. 9, 126 employees were recognized for their service ranging from five to 35 years, each receiving a gift that symbolized their part in the University’s ongoing story. For those being honored for 15 or more years of service, words were shared about their various contributions to the University and what they love most about being part of the Incarnate Word family.

Dr. Douglas A. Gilmour, associate professor of Philosophy, was honored at the ceremony for his milestone 35 years with UIW. During his career thus far, Gilmour had the privilege of witnessing the transformation of Incarnate Word College into the University of the Incarnate Word in 1996.

“I have seen tremendous changes over the 35 years I have been at Incarnate Word, but what I feel has always kept us united and grounded is our Mission and the compassionate community of friends and colleagues who serve daily to animate its values,” shared Gilmour. “I feel incredibly blessed to have played a small part in Incarnate Word’s inspiring story of service, and I will always consider this to be my second home and the friends I have made here a very special part of my extended family.”

The combined years of service contributed by Student Success Division members Moises Torrescano, Cristina Ariza and Wynette Keller added up to a notable 85 years at UIW. Their division recognized all of their collective efforts towards generations of UIW students with a celebration in their honor.

UIW President Dr. Thomas Evans concluded the ceremony by remarking on how inspiring it was to learn about what drives each of this year’s honorees. He found it moving that many expressed their love for the University’s Mission and shared that they draw inspiration from the founding Sisters and the reward they experience from serving UIW students.

“You continue to be exceptional by giving more to our students, finding ways to support them and to live our Mission through new ways. I'm so truly thankful for that,” expressed Evans.

Congratulations and thank you to all who contribute to UIW. Praised be the Incarnate Word.