UIW News

Drops of holy water fell into the nearly half-million gallons of water the new Ann Barshop Natatorium at the University of the Incarnate Word holds during a blessing by Archbishop Patrick Flores.

The facility is named for the wife of UIW Board Member Sam Barshop. Guest speaker at the opening was Josh Davis, Olympic swimming medalist and native of San Antonio.

Josh is the son of UIW alumni Mike and Joan Davis. Josh began the first steps to what would lead to his promising career at the old Incarnate Word pool. He learned how to swim while attending the Ryan Center School on campus.

The pool is an architectural beauty with an enormous window from which the natural splendor of the campus can be appreciated. But it caters not only to the eye, but also to the educational and health needs of the students and the community.

The natatorium will serve as the primary teaching ground for the new Bachelor of Science degree program in athletic training and sports medicine. The natatorium will also be the home of the new synchronized swimming team.

2000 Olympian Kim Wurzel will perform at the grand opening and will coach the synchronized swimming program at UIW. Also scheduled to perform is Bill May, U.S. Synchronized Swimming Athlete of the Year from 1997-2000.

UIW Receives TIF Board Grant

Archived November 29, 2001

The TIF Board (Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board) has announced that the University of the Incarnate Word is among this year’s Texas institutions to receive grants. The University of the Incarnate Word has been awarded nearly $200,000 by TIF under two programs.

The University will use $100,000 under the Higher Education 3 for upgrading the campus network to enhance student learning through wireless technologies that enhance use of student laptop computers. UIW Chief Information Officer Steve Wilson will administer the project.

The Library will use its grant award of $77,577 under Library Section 8 for a new computerized library management system to replace the existing system, Dynix. UIW Dean of Library Services Mendell Morgan will administer the library grant.

This is the second TIF grant received by the university. The first grant of $177,231 was received in 1999 and it made possible many upgrades to the original Dynix system, computers for the Information Literacy classroom, routers, switchers, cabling and the wireless technology setup. The first grant allowed the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Library to be the first wireless building on campus.

These funds have been essential to the progress of the University in increasing access to information through technology both on and off campus.

SGA Sponsors Golden Harvest Food Drive

Archived November 5, 2001

The Student Government Association at the University of the Incarnate Word has set a goal to collect 4 tons of non-perishable food for the needy through their 15th Annual Golden Harvest Food Drive to be held from 8 a.m.- 3p.m. on Nov. 3.

Students from the university will gather at the Ann Barshop Natatorium before heading out on different routes accompanied by alumni, volunteers, and members of the 217th Army Transportation Company.

"It’s become a tradition that helps the students do their part in helping the community. By participating in Golden Harvest, we provide and give back to the community, keeping alive the mission of Incarnate Word," said Juaquin Soliz, President of the Student Government Association.

After the food is collected, it is weighed and the volunteer organizations compete against one another to see who collected the most food. A small lunch is provided to all the volunteers after completing their hard work.

Donations can also be dropped off from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Ann Barshop Natatorium, located on the UIW campus. Volunteers are welcome and can sign up on the day of the event from 8 a.m.- 9 a.m. For more information contact the SGA office at (210) 829-3833.

UIW Reaches Enrollment Milestone

Archived November 1, 2001

A substantial increase in the number of Hispanic students helped enrollment at the University of the Incarnate Word surpass the 4,000-mark for the first time in its 120-year history. This is the sixteenth consecutive year enrollment has increased at the university.

The official overall enrollment number for fall 2001 is 4,283, a 16 percent increase from last year. The greatest areas of growth were among Hispanics and in first-time degree seeking freshmen. Freshmen enrollment is up 7 percent from the last academic year and the total number of Hispanic students is up 11 percent. Hispanics make up 50 percent of the student body and African-Americans another 6 percent.

The international student population also increased from last year and now stands at 9 percent of the student body. International students represent more than two dozen countries.

Several factors contributed to this historic enrollment milestone. These include the rapid growth of UIW’s on-line educational offerings, the continued expansion of its international initiatives, upgrades in technology featuring the IBM ThinkPad student program, and the introduction of new academic programs in computer graphics, computer science and civil engineering.

Enrollment at Incarnate Word was approximately 1,300 in 1985. Since then, enrollment has increased more than 220 percent, including a nearly 300 percent jump in the part-time student population.

Ernesto Cortes, COPS Founder, Speaks October 23

Archived October 24, 2001

For almost three decades, Ernesto J. Cortes Jr. has worked at improving the lives of the San Antonio community by training them how to become leaders in their neighborhoods and make an impact politically.

University of the Incarnate Word has invited Cortes to speak to the San Antonio community as part of their Distinguished Speaker Series at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 in Marian Hall Ballroom. This event is free and open to the public.

Cortes is a native of San Antonio and founder of the local church-based grassroots organization called Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS) in 1974.

Over the years, COPS’s efforts have resulted in the removal of junkyards, installment of drainage systems, erection of traffic signals, and the dedication of new parks and libraries.

But his work did not stop at the city limits of San Antonio. In 1978, he founded The Metropolitan Organization (TMO) in Houston and four years later founded Valley Interfaith in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.

Together with COPS in San Antonio, these organizations form the foundation of what today is called the Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) Network.

As a whole unit, the organizations work together on a regional and statewide level to revitalize local democracies, thereby bringing change to poor and moderate-income communities.

Currently, Cortes serves as the Southwest Regional director of IAF. This region has grown tremendously over the years and now includes over 23 community-based organizations, stretching from New Orleans to Des Moines to Los Angeles.

Cortes is a graduate of Texas A&M and a recipient of the Heinz Award in Public Policy for his dedication to making government more responsive to increasing citizen participation in the political process at the community level.

For more information about the event or the Distinguished Speaker Series, call UIW at 829-6034.

Theatre Arts Presents Private Eyes

Archived October 14, 2001

UIW’s Theatre Arts Department presents Steven Dietz’s Private Eyes, opening October 5 and continuing weekends through October 13.

Showtime is 8 p.m., and performances are also scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 7 and 7 p.m. on Thursday October 11 in the university’s Coates Theater.

Examining the theme of honesty in relationships, the plot involves a high wire act of suspicion and deception set in the world of theater, where illusion and reality are often confused.

Staged in more than 80 cities, Private Eyes has proved to be one of Dietz’s most popular plays.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for Seniors, and $8 for students (although UIW students may attend at no charge). Group rates are also available; contact the UIW Theatre Arts box office at 829-3800 for more information.

UIW "Honors Its Own" During Heritage Week

Archived October 14, 2001

The University of the Incarnate Word celebrates its heritage the week of October 8-12. This year’s theme is "Honoring Our Own." A large Heritage display opens October 8 in the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Library and remains on display the entire week.

Events showcasing the history of the different schools of study and academic areas at the university are scheduled to be on display in their corresponding departments. Also scheduled to occur on Monday is a one-woman drama presented by Sister Martha Ann Kirk relating the struggle of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in the 1800s and their determination to achieve the spirit of Christian service that is embodied in the university’s mission today.

Tours focusing on the people that are important in the history of the Congregation and the university will be given on October 9 and October 10 from 12:15-1:15 p.m.

The annual Heritage Liturgy to honor employees who will be receiving awards for their years of service and commitment to the university will be held on Oct. 10 at noon in Our Lady’s Chapel. The Employee Recognition Ceremony will be at 3 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel with a reception following in the Brackenridge Villa.

At noon on October 11, the university will be honoring the victims of the New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania tragedies in a mass that will be held in Our Lady’s Chapel. The flag that will be displayed at the university¹s new Natatorium will be blessed at this mass and Incarnate Word students will carry the flag out in a procession to the Natatorium. At 4 p.m. that afternoon the grand opening of the Natatorium will take place. The event will feature Olympic medallist Josh Davis, a native of San Antonio.

Concluding events on Oct. 12 will include the judging of various on-campus activities promoting the Heritage Week Celebration such as essay contests, bulletin board designs, and Trivia games.

UIW Receives Grant from STHEF to aid students

Archived October 9, 2001

It has only been two years since the South Texas Higher Education Foundation (STHEF) was founded, but they have already awarded over $301,000 in scholarship funds to select colleges and universities in South Texas.

In their most recent round of recipients, the University of the Incarnate Word was selected to receive a $4,000 award, which recently was presented to UIW by members of STHEF outside the UIW Brackenridge Villa. UIW was the first of the San Antonio institutions to receive their award this year.

STHEF, a non-profit corporation established out of McAllen, allocates the funds to institutions such as UIW to aid students who have exhausted their funds and need additional financial assistance. The Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) has been the primary donor to the Foundation. In addition, COSTEP is providing administrative and operational support to STHEF.

Those in attendance at the ceremony included: Bruce Taylor, COSTEP Vice President for Marketing; Cathy Wilson, COSTEP Marketing Manager; Rose Delgado, STHEF board member; Dr. David M. Jurenovich, UIW Vice President for Administration; and Amy Carcanagues, UIW Director of Financial Assistance.

UIW Appoints New Dean of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering

Archived October 9, 2001

The University of the Incarnate Word recently announced the appointment of David Elizandro as the new Dean of Mathematics, Science and Engineering. His appointment became effective July 1.

Elizandro comes to UIW from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tenn. where he has taught for the last eight years in the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.

Before TNTECH, he taught at Texas A & M Commerce from 1986 1993, University of Texas at Arlington from 1978 1986, and University of Arkansas at Little Rock from 1970 1978.

Elizandro is a graduate of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he completed every level of his education. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1969, his Master of Business Administration in 1971, and his doctorate in Industrial Engineering in 1974. He also completed 12 upper level accounting courses at UT Arlington between 1979 and 1981.

In the past, he has served on numerous academic and technical committees and was very active in the curriculum development of several technical courses. He has also been very successful in receiving research contracts and grants totaling over $1.5 million.

He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas, a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the Institute of Industrial Engineers and serves as a member of the Computers in Education Division’s Board of Directors.

Elizandro will fill the position held by Dr. Reginald Traylor who served as the acting dean for the last year. Dr. Traylor was appointed after Paul Nowak left UIW last summer. Dr. Traylor will remain at UIW as a Professor of Mathematics.

The School of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering offers degree programs for science-minded students. Each program contains practical courses with rigorous curriculum.

Currently, Bachelor’s Degrees are available in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics, and Nutrition. All programs promise to challenge students and to prepare them for their professional careers or for graduate school.

There are also graduate degrees offered within the School in the fields of Biology, Mathematics, Mathematics Education, and Nutrition. In addition, the School has just added an undergraduate degree program in Civil Engineering with an Environmental Engineering concentration.

For more information, call the Science Hall office at (210) 829-3171.

Dicianna Returns to San Antonio as UIW Administrator

Archived September 24, 2001

He’s back in San Antonio and still active higher education, but this time at the University of the Incarnate Word. Dr. Terry Dicianna began his new duties at UIW on Aug. 1 as the Vice President of Extended Academic Programs and also as Acting Provost.

Dicianna has a strong background in higher education administration and has worked at institutions in Texas, California, and Pennsylvania for over 30 years.

He comes to UIW from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi where he served as the college President for the last six years. Before his position at Del Mar, he was the Chancellor of Chabot - Las Positas Community College District located in Pleasanton, Calif.

His past experience also includes a strong connection to San Antonio. In 1985, he became part of the Alamo Community College District as the Founding President of Palo Alto College. He held that post for four years and as also served as the Acting Chancellor for the college his first year.

Prior to his years in San Antonio, he spent 15 years at the Community College of Beaver County located in Monaca, Penn. He held the positions of Counselor, Director of Financial Aid, Dean of Students, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, and finally as the President of the college for his last four years.

During this time, he also taught colleges courses in Psychology part-time, but began his career in academia teaching Biology and Physical Science full-time at Montour High School in McKees, Penn. from 1965 to 1969.

Dicianna earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology from Geneva College located in Beaver Falls, Penn. in 1965. In 1969, he earned his master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Penn. He then earned his Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Kent State University located in Kent, Ohio in 1974.

In the past, he has been involved with community-service organization including: Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors; The Salvation Army Advisory Board; Higher Education Council of San Antonio (HECSA); Chamber of Commerce; Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Board of Directors; and Local Business and Educational Development Programs.

Dicianna is a native of Pennsylvania and enjoys reading, being active in youth sports, and raising turtles. He and his wife, Patricia, have two children, Kristen and Kevin.

UIW Distinguished Speaker Series Welcomes Author, Energy Activist

Archived September 24, 2001

Internationally known ecology and energy activist Harvey Wasserman will be in San Antonio as part of the University of the Incarnate Word’s Distinguished Speaker Series at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25 in the UIW Marian Hall Ballroom. This event is free and open to the public.

Wasserman has been educating the world on environmental issues nearly all of his life and will present a lecture entitled "Future of Deregulation in the Energy Industry: Learning from California’s Energy Crisis."

In his most recent book, The Last Energy War, he explored the modern power industry and accurately predicted the American electrical power industry would erupt into a "monstrosity," with the power to bankrupt the nation.

In his presentation, Wasserman will enlighten the audience on the current state of the power industry in America. He will explain the effects deregulation has on the industry and examine environmentally safe alternative power sources.

Besides his duties as an activist, journalist, and author, Wasserman is the owner and president of the Wasserman Uniform Company, which is the largest independent distributor of uniforms and shoes in the state of Ohio. He holds a master’s degree in American History from the University of Chicago.

In 1989, he was the winner of the Leo Goodman Award for Safe Energy Activism and the following year was named Senior Advisor to Greenpeace USA. Recently, he participated in the 53rd Annual Conference on World Affairs.

Other books he has written include Energy War, a history of the movement against atomic power, and Killing Our Own, the first full-spectrum account of the effects of radiation on American citizens. He has appeared on news outlets across the country including the Phil Donahue Show, TODAY, CBS Nightwatch, Osgood File, National Public Radio, and the Sonya Friedman Show.

UIW Awards Sodexho-Marriott New Food Service Contract

Archived September 24, 2001

After 10 years of service to the University of the Incarnate Word community, ARAMARK is leaving the campus effective August 5.

Recently, the university underwent a competitive bid process for the food service contract on campus and after much deliberation, the committee awarded the contract to Sodexho-Marriott.

The committee was made up of representatives from the faculty, staff, administration, and students. They drafted a Request for Proposal (RFP) and invited five companies to bid for the contract including the current contractor ARAMARK.

Sodexho-Marriott will officially assume responsibility for the university food service on Aug. 6. Service will be extended to Incarnate Word High School and St. Anthony Catholic High School, which are divisions of the university.

"Sodexho-Marriott is well known in the food service industry, and while UIW will be their first university account in San Antonio, they are a leader in the hospitality industry," said UIW Vice President for Administration Dr. David M. Jurenovich. Jurenovich was chairman of the selection committee for the food service provider.

Currently, Sodexho-Marriott can be found on the Texas campuses of Southwestern University in Georgetown and at Texas Lutheran in Seguin.

Along with the contract, the new food service provider will also bring in such national brands as Chick-fil-A and Freshens Yogurt to the university. The main food court on campus will feature a daily "all-you-can-eat" dinner in addition to some of the current favorites. Classes begin Aug. 22 at UIW.

UIW Mourns Passing of Sr. Maria Goretti Zehr, Longtime Music Faculty

Archived September 5, 2001

This story, written by Staff Writer Carmina Danini of the San Antonio Express-News, appears here courtesy of the newspaper and writer

Sister Maria Goretti Zehr, a popular nun who taught piano to thousands of students at the University of the Incarnate Word during a teaching career that spanned nearly a half century, died August 23.

Zehr, who observed her 70th birthday March 4, collapsed outside a classroom in the Fine Arts Building at the university early that morning, said Sister Helena Monahan, United States Province coordinator for the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

"She was walking into class, told the students she did not feel well and said, 'I’m going to get a drink of water’ and collapsed," Monahan said.

Zehr was taken by ambulance to Metropolitan Methodist Hospital. She never regained consciousness.

"She died of a massive heart attack," Monahan said. "She was fine and totally full of life. That’s why this is so totally unexpected and so unbelievable."

It was just the second day of classes of the 2001-2002 academic year at the university, and her death cast a pall over the campus, said William Gokelman, an associate professor on the music faculty.

"Right now, we feel like there's a hole in the music department," said Gokelman, who took piano classes from Zehr at Central Catholic High School in the late 1970s and later as a student at the university.

"One of her favorite sayings was, 'You play and I’ll pray,'" Gokelman recalled. "Every time one of the sisters died, she’d smile and say, 'She's going home.’ She was one of the most joyful, popular nuns."

A native of St. Louis, Zehr joined the convent in 1949 and took her first vows in 1952. Three years later, she obtained a bachelor of music degree in piano performance from UIW, then known as Incarnate Word College.

She earned a master of music from the University of Texas at Austin and a doctorate from Indiana University.

Zehr began teaching at UIW in 1957 and spent her career there. She taught piano to non-music majors as well as advanced courses in music history and literature. She also gave private piano and organ classes and played at churches all over San Antonio.

She was known for her atrocious puns, Gokelman said.

Zehr is survived by a sister, Dorothy Bonot of St. Louis.

Her family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Sister Maria Goretti Zehr Scholarship in Music. A music scholarship in her name was established by alumnus Paul Rosetti in January 2001 and additional contributions may be made to that endowment.

New Principals Take Helms of Brainpower Connection Schools

Archived September 5, 2001

Harvard Grad Noga to Head IWHS

The University of the Incarnate Word recently named Andrew Noga as the new principal of Incarnate Word High School. His appointment became effective July 1.

Noga received his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Harvard University in 1998 and his bachelor’s degree in 1990 from the College of the Holy Cross located in Worcester, Mass.

His most recent administrative position was Assistant Headmaster/Head of Upper School at the Texas Military Institute located in San Antonio.

Prior to moving to San Antonio last year, he was the Dean of Students and Residential Life Program at the Christ School in Arden, N.C. In his teaching career, he has taught Latin courses and coached athletics at a number of high schools along the East Coast.

In 1995, he was awarded a grant from Dodge Foundation to travel to Greece for research. Noga has also had the opportunity to study at the American Academy in Rome as a Fullbright Summer Fellow in 1994.

Besides being a former U.S. Navy SEAL, he is an experienced triathlete, Ironman finisher, and adventure-racing competitor. Noga is also a parishioner at the St. Peter Catholic Church in Boerne, Texas and a community service volunteer.

IWHS is a college-preparatory school for young women, grades 9 through 12. For more information about IWHS, visit www.incarnatewordhs.org.

San Antonio Native Ochoa to Head St. Anthony CHS

The University of the Incarnate Word recently named Dan Ochoa as the new principal of St. Anthony Catholic High School. His appointment became effective July 1.

Ochoa comes to SACHS from the Winston School in San Antonio, where he has been employed for the last 15 years. He has held the positions of athletic director, director of activities, assistant Headmaster, and as the Head of the Upper School for the last six years.

In 1989, he received his master’s degree with a Mid/Management Certificate from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He also completed his undergraduate work at UTSA in 1986, earning a bachelor’s degree in Education.

Ochoa is a member of the Association of Secondary Principals, the World Affairs Council, the National Conference of Community and Justice (NCCJ), Rotary Interact, the Texas Association of Parochial and Private Schools (TAPS), the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and Special Olympics.

SACHS is a college preparatory school for young men, grades 9 through 12, operated by the University of the Incarnate Word, under the Brainpower Connection. For more information about SACHS, visit www.sachs.org.

UIW Introduces Brainpower Online Mentoring Program

Archived August 24, 2001

In response to a growing need for students to start early in high school to prepare for "high tech" futures, Brainpower Online is a new program that facilitates an educational interaction between students and faculty mentors throughout the formative high school years.

In the program, Students will be matched up with a University of Incarnate Word faculty mentor, in their area of interest, allowing them to develop important relationships that will help them to better prepare for a college future and to be part of the "high tech" workforce of San Antonio’s future.

If you are interested in taking part, please contact us at porter@universe.uiwtx.edu.

We look forward to "hearing" from you!

UIW Administrator Awarded Fulbright Fellowship in Mexico

Archived August 13, 2001

Dr. Pat LeMay Burr, dean of the University of the Incarnate Word’s International Initiatives, was recently awarded a Fulbright Fellowship for the academic year 2001-2002.

With this award, she will now have the opportunity to use her multilingual skills to lecture at Monterrey Tech-ITESM in Monterrey, Mexico, on issues related to international trade and e-commerce. She will not move to Mexico, but will commute during her teaching assignment.

Burr holds a doctorate in business with emphasis in marketing, management, and economics from the University of North Texas in Denton.

As part of her post-doctoral work, she has attended the following institutions for research: the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan; Harvard Business School; the Yale Center for International and Area Studies at Yale University; and several other institutions for Spanish-language study.

The Council for International Exchange of Scholars selects Fulbright Fellows in a very competitive process among U.S. university faculty. UIW holds claim to two other Fulbright Fellows: UIW Provost Dr. Eduardo Paderon, who taught in Russia, and business professor Dr. Michael McGuire, who taught in El Salvador.

UIW, Taiwan’s Chien Kuo Institute of Technology Ink Agreement

Archived August 8, 2001

The University of the Incarnate Word is making its key slogan "The Universe is Yours" more of a reality with the recent decision to sign an exchange agreement with Chien Kuo Institute of Technology in Taiwan.

The agreement marks the 70th sister school agreement signed by the University in the last 12 years.

Representatives from the Taiwanese institute were in San Antonio for the April 23 agreement signing ceremony with UIW in the SBC Board Room of the UIW International Conference Center.

According to the agreement, UIW will exchange professors, students, and researchers with the sister school for the purpose of teaching.

Those taking part in the ceremony were Dr. Louis J. Agnese Jr., UIW President and Dr. Jia-Ming Shyu, President of Chien Kuo Institute of Technology. Other representatives from Taiwan included Dr. Rung-Ching Chen, Director of Computer Center and Dr. Frances Chang, Chairperson of the Department of Applied Foreign Languages.

For more information regarding the UIW international exchange programs, contact the Office of International Initiatives at (210) 805-5700.

UIW Offers "Strides To Success" Summer Programs for Children

Archived August 8, 2001

The University of the Incarnate Word Learning Assistance Center is working to help the youth of San Antonio get ahead academically by hosting the "Strides to Success 2001" Summer Academic Programs for Children this summer. The programs are designed for students ages 10 to 14.

This developmental series will focus on challenging subjects such as Spanish, writing, and math. UIW students that have been trained in these courses and were recommended by the UIW faculty will teach the courses.

The first program to be offered is the Spanish Camp that immerses the child in Spanish and places an emphasis on conversation. It is for children ages 10 to 13 and is being held from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. June 11 - 29 (Monday-Friday). The cost per child is $130.

The second program is the Summer Writing Camp for ages 10 to 13. This program encourages the growth of a child's writing, reading, and study skills, while seeking to develop a love of writing. The classes will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. June 18 - 29 (M-F). The cost per child is $100.

The third program is a Math Camp for ages 10 to 13 that creates an active learning environment, which demonstrates how useful math skills can be in life. The camp will be held from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. July 9 - 20 (M-F). The cost is $100 per child.

The final program to be held is a Writing Workshop designed for students preparing to enter high school in fall 2001. The workshop challenges the students by putting them through an intensive program that helps develop the skills they will need in high school. The class will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. July 9 - 20 (M-F). The cost per student is $150.

Participants must be 10 years of age before the first day of the respective class. For more information regarding these summer academic programs, contact Cristina Ariza at 283-5020. Seating is limited. Please call to reserve your space today.

UIW Names Papich New Athletic Director

Archived August 8, 2001

The University of the Incarnate Word named Mark Papich, 42, as the NCAA-DII school’s new athletic director to become effective July 1. The announcement was made by Dr. David M. Jurenovich, UIW Vice President for Administration at a June 18 news conference.

Papich has been with the university for the last 6 years, first coming to UIW as an assistant coach. This past fall, Papich completed his fifth season as head coach of the women’s volleyball team.

At UIW, in addition to his volleyball coaching duties, Papich works as director of the Wellness Center and oversees the university’s intramural programs.

His UIW career highlights include winning the NAIA Southwest Regional tournament in 1997 and advancing to the national championship for the first time ever.

Following the 1997 season, in which the Crusaders won a school record 31 matches, Papich was named the Tachikara Region Coach of the Year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, the NAIA Southwest region Coach of the Year, and the Heart of Texas Conference Coach of the Year. This made him the most decorated Crusader volleyball coach ever for a single year.

Before coming to UIW, he coached club teams in the Texas juniors divisions for six years finishing with a cumulative mark of 358-112. In 1997, he received a National Junior Volleyball award as the Outstanding Male Coach.

He is the director and founder of the Texas Juniors Volleyball Club, and in 1996 his team won the U.S. Juniors Olympic Club title. In 1998, he coached the U.S. Air Force team to a gold medal in the U.S. Armed Forces Tournament.

A member of the American Volleyball Coaches Association, Papich holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Design from the University of Cincinnati. As an undergraduate, he played baseball and lacrosse. He is a native of New Kensington, Pa.

Reverend Father Virgil Elizondo Receives Honorary Degree

Archived July 9, 2001

Reverend Father Virgil Elizondo will always be remembered as the local kid who has made his good calling as a priest, but now will also be known as a recipient of the Doctor of Humane Letters, which was presented to him by the University of the Incarnate Word on May 12.

The presentation took place during the UIW Spring Commencement at the UIW Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center, at which Father Elizondo served as the keynote speaker.

Father Elizondo is the Rector of San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio. He is truly a man of global fame and reputation from Manila, Philippines, where he started his pastoral studies, to Paris, France, where he received his S.T.D./Ph.D., degree from the Institut Catholique.

For San Antonio, however, he will always be the smiling face on CTSA, preaching in Spanish and English and the visionary founder of the Mexican American Cultural Center. To UIW he will always be a teacher, trustee, and the revolutionary founder of the UIW Pastoral Institute.

His books are widely used in major universities around the country, including Princeton, Harvard, and Notre Dame. His honors include honorary degrees from institutions such as Notre Dame, the University of California at Santa Barbara, and the Catholic University of America.

The City of San Antonio has also honored his dedication to the community by naming the park between City Hall and the San Fernando Cathedral "The Elizondo Plaza." Also, Time Magazine recently named him on its list of "100 Innovators in Religion," in an article titled, "If Jesus Had Been Born in San Antonio."