UIW Employee Couple Walks Graduation Stage Together
Grace and Martin DeJesus have long been cherished members of the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) community, and now they are also two of its newest alumni. After dedicating over a decade of service to the University as employees, and watching their daughters proudly walk across the same stage as graduates, the couple realized it was time to invest in their own education.
Their story together began in May 1989. After two years filled with love, the couple officially married on July 22, 1990. The DeJesus couple joined the Incarnate Word family in October 2010 and have remained a part of the University since, with Grace serving as a full-time student payroll specialist and Martin serving as a part-time night evening monitor for UIW’s School of Professional Studies.
Over the last 14 years at UIW, Grace and Martin have developed a deep connection with the University, its Mission, its rich history and its traditions, old and new. They are often seen enjoying signature events such as football tailgates, the President’s Posada and Light the Way. Beyond these celebrations, the couple has also been very appreciative of UIW’s opportunities to give back through volunteer work, its warm community and the many coworkers who have become friends, and even family, in their eyes.
“We love UIW and feel very blessed to be part of the UIW family,” said Grace.
The couple has also been extremely grateful for the academic support UIW has offered them and their family. Both of their daughters, Alexandra and Corina, attended and successfully earned their degrees from UIW. Following in their footsteps, both Grace and Martin pursued their own bachelor’s degrees while simultaneously working as staff members.
At the Fall 2024 commencement ceremony, the pair received their diplomas, with Grace earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Martin earning a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science. With their newly acquired degrees, the couple’s ambitions remain as high as ever. Martin hopes to use his degree for advancement at his full-time position with Marathon Petroleum. Grace’s next goal is to earn her master’s degree and obtain a Notary Public certification. With all the joy and fulfillment UIW has brought to her and her family, she intends to stay with the University until she retires. She loves the UIW team and has found her purpose supporting generations of Cardinals.
In celebration of their momentous achievements, the DeJesus couple sent each other personal messages:
“Thank you for always being my cheerleader and being so positive, especially during finals. God has blessed us with a wonderful family. Cheers my love!” said Grace to Martin.
“I am thankful to call you my wife and [that you are] a positive influence on our daughters,” shared Martin to Grace. “Thank you for your support during this journey. You have helped me become a better person, father and husband. I love you!”
Congratulations to the newest Cardinal Couple to join the UIW alumni family!