Cardinals Return to the Nest for Spring Semester

This week, the corner of Broadway and Hildebrand became a lot livelier as the UIW student body returned from winter break to begin the Spring 2025 semester. Campus is once again filled with smiling students, eager to create more memories at the Nest and committed to achieving their resolutions.

To welcome back the Cardinals, UIW Campus Engagement hosted a number of exciting events.

On Monday, Jan. 13, students were greeted with delicious baked goods at the “Red’s Panaderia” bakery-themed event. Students were invited to take a break during their busy first day of classes to enjoy goodies of all kinds and catch up with their peers about their winter break adventures.

“Campus Engagement makes an effort to welcome students back with a variety of events to help foster a sense of community, connection, and excitement for the upcoming semester,” said Gustavo De La Cerda, campus engagement coordinator. “These events provide students with opportunities to meet new people, engage with campus organizations and reconnect with peers, which can make the transition back to campus smoother and more enjoyable.”

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, students gathered in the Cervera Wellness Center to enjoy the “Luchador Showdown,” an event that welcomed students to learn about UIW’s Greek Life and Club Sports. As students visited with each student organization, Campus Engagement provided tasty street tacos and refreshing aguas fresca for attendees to enjoy.

To really make the showdown event, students tried their luck at a few playful rounds in an inflatable boxing ring. Students laughed hysterically as they threw soft punches wearing oversized, inflatable boxing gloves and comically large boxing helmets. Although fighters tried their best to defeat their opponents, each match was held between friends who were glad to have shared in the fun.

To encourage students to become more involved on campus in the new year, Campus Life hosted the Student Organization Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The event brought together many of the University’s student-run organizations so visitors could learn about their respective goals, activities and future events. The fair showcased diverse student organizations, representing generations of Cardinals who founded, maintained and improved them to provide opportunities for other students to enjoy during their Incarnate Word journeys.

Finally, on Thursday, Jan. 16, Campus Engagement hosted “Club 1881” in the SEC Ballroom, an event that brought together students for an evening of dancing, delicious treats and even a vintage costume contest.

“Club 1881 was thoughtfully decorated to reflect the era in which the University was founded, blending industrial elegance with a timeless sense of sophistication,” explained De La Cerda.

Students danced the night away in fashion and enjoyed an atmosphere that dripped in gold and glitter. Even UIW mascot Red the Cardinal made his way to the Ballroom to dance his tail feathers alongside students. It was a night filled with joy for all who attended.

Welcome back, UIW students! This week was only the start of what is sure to be an exciting new year.