Cardinal Spirit and Traditions
UIW loves events of all kinds, from student organizations hosting karaoke nights and ping pong tournaments to departments organizing Mardi Gras celebrations.
Cardinal Spirit
Events
Our Mascot – The Cardinal
The Cardinal became the UIW mascot in 2004 and the colors red and black were adopted as the official UIW school colors. The Cardinal is a representation of the ideal promoted at UIW. “Through a college education all of your dreams can take flight.”
The Hand Sign
“Cardinal Fingers” are a symbol we use at UIW to show our school spirit at all sporting events. Flash your cardinal pride for every touchdown during football season and every hoop made at basketball games! Go Cards! Put your thumb and index finger together. Hold your middle, ring and pinkie finger stand out above separated, like feathers. Make sure the bird’s head (formed by your thumb and index finger) is oval, not circular.
Traditional Events
UIW Pinning Ceremony
The Annual University Pinning Ceremony celebrates and welcomes new students to UIW. The ceremony invites students to live out the Mission of the University. The pin they receive from current faculty, staff and student leaders bears the University seal and is a foreshadowing of their class ring and commencement ceremony.
Masses Celebrating the New Academic Year
As part of Welcome Week, the Welcome Mass is a special event dedicated to honoring the new members of the Cardinal family. This cherished tradition provides a moment of reflection, community and spiritual grounding as new students, faculty and staff come together to celebrate the beginning of their journey at the University.
The Mass of the Holy Spirit is held in Our Lady’s Chapel. This mass honors a Jesuit schools and universities tradition dating back to 1548 celebrated at the beginning of the academic year. It is a time for the community to gather and pray for guidance and wisdom from the Holy Spirit for the year ahead.
Move-In/Welcome Week
Welcome Week is the start of the fall semester, featuring fun events, diverse programs and University traditions for the student body.
The Flight of the Cardinal
"The Flight of the Cardinal" is a small parade that takes place as part of the pre-game ceremonies at the University football games. Cheerleaders, the dance team, Red the mascot, the marching band and sponsors march across the bridge, through the tailgate area, and into the stadium, marking the end of tailgating and the start of pregame, on-field ceremonies. During the first home game, incoming students who have purchased their freshman jersey join the UIW parade members in the march.
Homecoming Weekend
UIW Homecoming is a time-honored tradition that brings our University community together in celebration and fellowship. During this time, alumni, friends and families return to San Antonio for a week full of interactive festivities.
Red Dress Fashion Show
Since 2006, UIW has hosted the Red Dress Fashion Show which aims to raise awareness of heart health in women. The Red Dress Fashion show features beautiful designs created by UIW students and fashion students from area high schools.
President’s Posada
Former President Dr. Louis Agnese Jr. initiated the tradition of an annual holiday dinner for students in 1988. Today, President Dr. Thomas M. Evans, along with other administrators and faculty, continues this tradition by serving a special dinner to students with a cultural twist. Posadas are a significant cultural and religious event in Mexico and among Mexican communities worldwide, blending communal celebration with religious tradition. This gesture from the faculty, staff and administrators is a way to say "thank you" to the students who make the University such a special place.
Light the Way
Light the Way is a UIW tradition held the Saturday before Thanksgiving. During this celebration, UIW hosts thousands of guests from both UIW and the greater San Antonio community. The evening features live entertainment and holiday spirit that leads up to the “flipping of the switch,” in which approximately one million lights illuminate the University campus. The lights remain on after dark through the Christmas season until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6.
Cardinal Ceilidh
UIW President, Dr. Thomas M. Evans and his wife Lisa, began a new spring tradition in 2024, the Cardinal Ceilidh. In honor of the heritage of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, you are invited to experience the vibrant and energetic culture of Ireland. Indulge in the sumptuous flavors of Irish cuisine and a variety of traditional Irish beverages, while you move to the beat of traditional Irish music.
Heritage Day
The annual celebration honors the history and heritage of the University and its founders, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The day is marked with various activities including recognizing years of service for UIW employees and various celebrations around campus.
Incarnate Word Day
Incarnate Word Day celebrates the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Incarnation of the Eternal Word, God. The feast of the Annunciation is the feast day for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and the University. During the celebration, the annual CCVI Spirit Awards are also presented to a faculty member and a student who demonstrate in their lives the spirit and Mission of the University.
Annual Ring Ceremonies
The Annual Ring Ceremonies are held for all juniors and seniors who purchase a class ring. This is a momentous occasion where students reflect on memories created at UIW and celebrate their academic success as they approach graduation. Each ring is blessed by a member of campus ministry and then presented by the Alumni Association board president. To conclude the event, students are inducted into the Alumni Association with a “champagne” toast.
Grad Fair
Each Grad Fair provides registered graduates an opportunity to pick up their caps and gowns, guest tickets for graduation and a meal. The event has a continuous flow of upcoming graduates and their parents as they prepare to begin a new chapter in their lives.
Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement
The Baccalaureate Mass & Commencement are long-standing traditions of the University of the Incarnate Word. During these events, graduates, their families, friends and professors join one another to honor the many gifts that have brought the graduating class to the moment of graduation and to celebrate the college experiences that have transformed and enriched their lives. Both events commemorate their journey and celebrate what is yet to come.