Taking Flight Beyond the Nest: Drake Perry Denning

On Saturday, Dec. 14, UIW bid a heartfelt farewell to the graduating class as they crossed the commencement stage at the Freeman Coliseum. This year, more than 600 Incarnate Word graduates from home and abroad were honored at the ceremony where they received their hard-earned diplomas. Each one of these graduates has left their mark at UIW, intertwining their unique stories with the many others that are woven throughout the University’s history. One of these remarkable graduates is Drake Perry Denning.

Although not everyone has met Denning personally, many have gotten to know him as beloved mascot Red the Cardinal, a role he assumed in the summer of 2022. Since then, Denning has proudly brought exuberant life to Red. The passion that he brought to his performances as the iconic bird shined through every interaction he had with students, faculty and alumni.

“I was Red for almost every appearance during the 2022-2023 school year and continued through my last three semesters, with additional students performing as Red added to the mix,” explained Denning. “Some of my favorite events to attend as Red included Light the Way, Alamo Heights Night (Anyone remember Red climbing the rock wall?), Move-In Day, river parades and football games. I loved getting the opportunity to travel with the football team to New Orleans for a big game.”

While the events, travel and cheering crowds made the job fun, Denning’s favorite part about being Red was simply seeing the bright smiles of children who’d come to say “hello” to him at events. Their little hands reaching for his wings and beak with curiosity brought him so much joy.

When he wasn’t donning the red feathers, Denning’s alter ego was kept a tight secret as he embraced his other identities – a dedicated Resident Assistant, hard-working student, friend and now, fiancé. He juggled his many hats with ease while studying in pursuit of his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.

This past weekend, Denning arrived at the Freeman Coliseum for the culmination of all his efforts and one final appearance as Red. The shoes he wore with his cap and gown were Red’s feet. As he prepared to walk across the stage, he could hear fellow graduates expressing excitement and surprise that Red the Cardinal was about to graduate with them. When the time came to finally cross the stage, Denning’s big reveal made the crowd erupt in applause as the announcer read, “This next graduate has brought Cardinal spirit to all of us at UIW. Please give it up for Red the Cardinal, Drake Perry Denning, Cum Laude.” He shared an embrace with President Evans who, per tradition, had helped keep his identity a secret. They both grinned, happy that everyone was in on it now.

Denning will now take flight beyond the Nest and is excited to see what the future holds in store for him. He is currently interviewing for his dream role (no mascot costume required) and preparing to marry his college sweetheart.

As Denning closes this chapter of his life, he passes the mantle of Red the Cardinal to the next students who will carry on the legacy of spirit and joy. While his time as Red may have come to an end, the identity of UIW’s beloved mascot will continue to evolve, and the next Red stands ready to make his mark. For now, the face behind the feathers will remain a new mystery, but the heart and soul of UIW’s mascot will continue to live on in the students who follow Denning for generations of Red the Cardinal to come.

Congratulations to Denning and the rest of UIW’s Fall 2024 graduating class! Thank you for the joy you brought!