An Era of Opportunity: UIW President Delivers Second Annual Homecoming Address

UIW’s Homecoming week ushers in both a sense of familiarity and anticipation for the possibilities ahead. It’s a time for the University community to celebrate all that has been accomplished, welcome back its alumni and consider how to better serve the next generations of Cardinals.

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the UIW community gathered in the Student Engagement Center Ballroom and connected via livestream to hear UIW President Dr. Thomas Evans discuss just that and more during his second annual Homecoming address. Titled An Era of Opportunity, this address was an opportunity for Evans to share the recent advancements the institution has made, as well as exciting plans for the University’s future. Evans was introduced by Ana Hoff, director of Alumni Relations and UIW alumna, and Student Government Association Officer Galilea Garcia, who both shared how the University has shaped them and prepared them for the world.

“I love homecoming at UIW,” Garcia shared. “I love the spirit that’s in the air and how our community feels so much bigger at this time of year. It is exciting to see how many people love and appreciate this university – and it’s so motivating for our students.”

When Evans took the stage, he pointed out how many times both Hoff and Garcia had used the word love in their remarks to describe how they feel about UIW. It’s a sentiment that he shared, both for the institution, and for its students.

“When I go out in the community, people will say they know who UIW graduates are because they're different,” shared Evans during the address. “And I ask, What is different about them? To which people say that UIW students care about the whole person. Their care is evident, and they're formed wholly. I think it's just so wonderful to hear.”

To him, the love that others hold for UIW and its students is touching. Each graduating student is an example of the “Word in the world,” a phrase used to describe UIW graduates’ unique preparation and their call to continue utilizing their education in the context of faith in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God to create a more just and better world. The address touched on how the University is continuing to rise, all in service of these amazing students and in fulfillment of the Mission.

Evans recognized that in fall 2024, UIW welcomed its third largest class of first-time-in-college (FTIC) students and enrolled a total of 10,319 students across its global system. Additionally, last year saw UIW’s most successful fundraising year yet in terms of cash and pledges with $14 million raised and 17 new endowed scholarships established. All of these efforts show how the institution is committed to supporting its students, now and in the future.

During his address, Evans highlighted a variety of achievements such as how the University has expanded opportunities involving its Health Professions schools, campuses in the U.S. and Mexico, Mission and Ministry, virtual learning and relationships with the Brainpower Connection schools. He shared that UIW has many notable areas of distinction, among them a broad academic portfolio, strength in the Health Professions, excellence in serving military and veteran students, commitment to social mobility and serving Hispanic and minority students, position as a Catholic D1 athletics institution and global reach. These distinctions set UIW apart in the education landscape, are drivers of opportunity, and are connected through our Mission. Yet, there is room for greater synchronicity and even more opportunities to be found through better integration.

“What I hope is that by 2031, we see our system fully activated, interconnected and working seamlessly … and greater collaboration and work across our areas of distinction,” he said. “It is remarkable to have so many areas of distinction at one University with a radically student-centered approach to serve all better, which in turn serves everyone better.

Evans concluded by addressing questions submitted by the community and, finally, offered a question of his own. “I can’t help but think of the founding Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and what they went through to come here and get us started,” he said. “What would they think today if they could see the extension of the healing hands of Christ through Mission trips? What would they think walking through campus or the Student Engagement Center at midday? What would they think if they saw Artistic Swimming in the pool? What would they say? I think they would say what I am going to end with, which is Praised be the Incarnate Word, forever. Amen.”

Click here to watch the full Homecoming address to hear all of this year’s highlights.