UIW Remembers and Celebrates the Legacy of Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery, CCVI
Photos courtesy of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word
On Saturday, July 27, the University’s beloved Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery, CCVI entered eternal life. Surrounded by her Sisters, loved ones and community, she was laid to rest in the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Cemetery on Friday, Aug. 2.
Sr. Margaret Patrice was a member of the University’s founding congregation, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI). Her wisdom, leadership and passion contributed to the evolution of Incarnate Word College (IWC) into the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), allowing the institution to further expand opportunities and better serve its community.
Sister held several notable institutional roles at Incarnate Word including teaching in and chairing the English department, serving as the college’s academic dean, as well as serving as president from 1972 to 1985. Sister Margaret Patrice served as chancellor until her retirement. In these positions, Sister Margaret Patrice helped extend the University's reach through various initiatives, oversaw the development of the campus, allocated funds to offer financial support to students, helped to add numerous undergraduate programs and established UIW’s 
Swing-In golf tournament fundraiser in 1977 which continues today.
As a scholar, she authored “Promises to Keep.” A two-volume history of the CCVI Congregation, which received recognition from the Texas Catholic Historical Society for its outstanding contribution. Her exceptional leadership and academic achievements led her to being acknowledged as one of San Antonio’s best and brightest as well as one of the most outstanding women in the city.
Sr. Margaret Patrice’s legacy is found woven throughout the fabrics of the University’s history and her spirit undeniably impacted the many lives that she encountered. We asked the Incarnate Word family to share their fond memories and notes about Sr. Margaret Patrice to help celebrate the extraordinary life she lived. Read a few of them below:
Regina Murphy Awtry:
“The last time I visited with Sr. Margaret Patrice, she gave me her two-volume book because she wanted to share with me the legacy of my aunt, Mother Columkille and her contemporaries. We will miss her as she too has a wonderful legacy of service, and I am so blessed to have known her and been educated by so many dedicated women.”
Pat Kerwin:
“What a wonderful woman. I was blessed to have her as a teacher and later as a colleague. She gave so much to the College/UIW and the community. May she rest in peace.”
Cenoviana Chavez:
“I remember her kindness when I was a student at Incarnate Word in ‘76 and ’77. She was a wonderful woman, a great leader, compassionate and caring. May she rest in peace in the arms of our Lord.”
Marisol Bustamante:
“Sr. Slattery taught me how to respond to ‘Praised be The Incarnate Word.’”
Denise Stout:
“She was such a wonderful woman and leader. When I started there in the summer of 1972, she had just become the President of the ‘College.’ She was always available to all students and faculty … ready to listen to you and always kind. She is missed.”
Monica Rangel:
“Sister was such an inspiration. I worked with her during my work study program. I helped as she wrote her book. It was astonishing to learn of all the history of the Sisters and their plights. I graduated after it was published. I stopped by to visit one day, and she had a set of books set aside for me. She had written a special note and had signed the copy. She also mentioned me in her acknowledgement. Truly a role model and I will treasure my memories. Rest in peace and God bless you always.”
Laura Shaw:
“Soon after starting to work at IWC in 1980, I grew to love and respect Sr. Margaret and her intelligence, compassion and keen wit. She was a remarkable person who was instrumental in developing many areas of the college. Swing-In was her brainchild, and I felt honored later to serve as staff head of the Swing-In implementation team.”
Leticia Vargas:
“Sister Margaret Patrice Slattery was my first boss and college mentor when I started at Incarnate Word College in 1990. I worked for her for almost years as a work study and was given the opportunity to collect research for the book that she was writing, ‘Promises to Keep.’ At the time, Sr. Slattery would host dinner events to fundraise for the University. She would hire me as a first-generation student to work serving at these meetings. In addition to earning extra money, it included a great meal. I was able to hear her conversations and her ability to help negotiate donations from affluent San Antonio citizens effectively. In my second year of college, I followed her advice and became a physician. With my love of psychology, I became an Ob/Gyn. She was a true angel incarnate in my life. She believed in me at a precarious time when I didn’t even believe I belonged in college. Her legacy and flame continue as I continue to pass on her CCVI mission, work ethic and mentorship in the formation of future UIWSOM physicians.”
Lily Lee:
“The news of Sister Margaret Patrice’s passing leaves a void in my heart. I am deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend and mentor - a friendship that began when we met in Sister Anne Vincent’s history class in ‘51. We have stayed in touch through the years and have visited each other on my trips from California and on occasions when she and Sister Mary Daniels came to California. Following Sister Margaret Patrice’s Jubilee celebration, she sent me an enlarged photo taken of herself, my husband and me. It has been a priceless treasure, a source of joy and happiness… the photo of an amazing, remarkable person whose tireless efforts were devoted to the glory of God.”
Deb and Vince McClenny:
“After a Literature class with Sister Slattery — there was no other! She was truly the ‘Awakener.’ She awakened every emotion — you felt every verse, every line every written word … she will truly be missed, but always carried in my heart and soul!”
Liz Garcia Smith:
“I loved working with her when she was President of IWC. After a trip to Ireland, she gave me an embroidered Irish handkerchief. I still have it.”
Margaret Plofchan:
“Sr. Margaret Patrice was an ever-present force at UIW, which was Incarnate Word College when I was a student. She and my father had an amazing relationship working together at UIW. She had a wicked sense of humor and was kind and compassionate (sometimes a bit intimidating). I have many memories of her at our home with my mentor, Sr. Mary Daniel. She dedicated her life to the mission of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. What a blessing. She will be missed.”
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