A Special Message from UIW President Thomas M. Evans, PhD

Dear students, faculty and staff, 

Today, I am thrilled to share that the University of the Incarnate Word has received a gift of nearly $2.5 million from the Hector and Gloria López Foundation to establish the López Scholars, a first-of-its kind program at UIW.

The López Scholars program will support the full cost of attendance for 15 incoming Latino students for the entirety of their undergraduate studies up to five years. In addition to receiving tuition assistance, López Scholars will receive funding for a range of expenses associated with higher education. This includes housing, paid internships, study abroad programs and leadership development. This support also covers costs that may pose barriers to student success, such as purchasing a laptop, getting health insurance, paying for childcare and tutoring. Funding will also be allocated towards university staff to support the Scholars on their journey to degree completion.

UIW and the López Foundation align in so many ways, but at the heart is our shared belief that higher education is a catalyst for economic and social mobility and key to the growth – and good – of our region. I am deeply grateful to the López Foundation and extremely proud to receive this transformative gift that will offer a life-changing opportunity for incoming Latino students and, by extension, their families and communities.

UIW was one of three universities in San Antonio to receive such a gift from the López Foundation this month, and all schools will launch the Scholars program with the incoming fall class of 2024. 

Many members of our community dedicated their time and efforts to seeing this come to fruition. I would like to thank all who contributed, including UIW Vice President for External Relations and Chief Development Officer Rick Kimbrough, Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations Jon Gillespie, Senior Director of Development Chris Gallegos, UIW Board of Trustees Chair Suzanne Goudge, Associate Provost for Student Success Monica Jimenez, and Director of Financial Assistance Cristen Alicea. 

I would also like to share my gratitude to López Foundation CEO Sergio Rodríguez, Philanthropic Director Nikki Graham Spector and COO/CFO Verónica Rosas Fernández for this investment in our Cardinals and for your trust in our Mission, in our vision and in everyone who works to make them come to life for our students.

Praised be the Incarnate Word!

Sincerely,
 
Thomas M. Evans, PhD
President 

Photo Caption (L-R): Cristen Alicea, Director of Financial Assistance; Jon Gillespie, Director of Foundation & Corporate Relations; Rick Kimbrough, VP of External Affairs and Chief Development Officer; Sr. Walter Maher, VP of Mission & Ministry; Sergio Rodríguez, HGLF President and CEO; Suzanne Goudge, UIW Board of Trustees Chair; Dr. Thomas M. Evans, UIW President; Dr. Monica Ayala-Jimenez, Associate Provost of Student Success