Welcome, new Alumni Association Board members!
The Alumni Association Board has added eight new members. Take a moment to get to know the newest members. We have asked them a bit about themselves and gave them the chance to tell us what they would do to improve UIW if money were no object.
Mary Alice Teveni Ayon attended Incarnate Word High School, and she received a BA in 1978 and an MS in 1981 from UIW. She’s now working as the director at the Center for Caring at University Health System. While at UIW, she served as secretary to Phi Sigma Kappa, as a volunteer at the St. Joseph Retirement Center, and on the Minority Biomedical Association. She also volunteers in several organizations such as the Ella Austin Community Center and as a Girl School troop leader. She is excited to have the opportunity to give back to UIW by joining the alumni board.
If money were no object, what amenity would you add at UIW?
“I would definitely like to have an area open to both alumni and students where they can go and de-stress and learn about self-care, so they can, in turn, continue their journey at an optimal level.”
Regina Cerna received a BS in nursing from UIW in 1983. She immediately joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and served for seven years. Now she is working for Merck & Co. Inc. While at UIW, she was instrumental in UIW’s partnership with the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. Cerna was the founder of the gala for the National Society of Hispanic MBAs and she also has volunteered for St. John Bosco’s fundraising events. She serves as one of UIW’s adjunct professors in the H-E-B School of Business and Administration. As a member of UIW’s alumni board, she hopes to foster alumni commitment to the Mission.
If money were no object, what amenity would you add at UIW?
“A medical school.”
Kevin Daniel Esparza received a BBA in computer information systems and business management from UIW in 1985 and is now working at Bracken Collision Center. While at UIW, he was involved with Campus Ministry, a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity and a Logos staff photographer. He served on several committees since his graduation, including Phonathon and Alumni of Distinction. Esparza is also involved in several community service projects, including the United Way and St. Jude’s Ranch for children. By joining the board, Esparza wants to continue to be actively involved in the university community and to help the campus grow in all areas.
If money were no object, what amenity would you add at UIW?
“A huge fountain, even bigger than the one there now, because I love fountains.”
Gustavo Guzman received a Ph.D. in education from UIW in 2008 and is now working as a lieutenant for the San Antonio Police Department. While at UIW, he participated in a mentoring program for incoming Ph.D. students. He volunteers with the United Way and with the Catholic Youth Organization. By serving on the board, he hopes to provide a voice for other alumni.
If money were no object, what amenity would you add at UIW?
“I would construct a 10-story central parking garage so that we can free up existing parking lots to create more green space and walking trails. I would add an outdoor swimming and conditioning complex as well.”
Gerald Hernandez received a BBA in finance and banking from UIW in 2008 and is now working for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. In February, Hernandez was a guest speaker for the UIW Business Club, where he talked about careers for financial advisers and about the transition from being a student to being a professional. He is a volunteer at several organizations, including the SAMM Shelter and Child Protective Services. As part of the Alumni Association Board, he hopes to increase participation among young alumni.
If money were no object, what amenity would you add at UIW?
“I would add a better student center.”
Sheri Palma received a BBA in banking and finance from UIW in 1997, graduating magna cum laude. She now works for the State Securities Board as an attorney. While at UIW, she was a member of the Delta Mu Delta business honor society. Palma is an active participant for the North American Securities Administrators Association. She is a former member of the Executive Women in Texas Government where she served as the marketing committee chair in 2006 for the public relations committee. By becoming a member of the alumni board, she again offers her service to the university.
If money were no object, what amenity would you add at UIW?
“Areas dedicated to beautification and a state-of-the-art performing arts center”
Lorri Renaud received a BA in business from UIW in 1999, graduating cum laude. She now works for DPT Laboratories. While at UIW, she taught aerobics at the university’s Wellness Center. She has served on the board of directors at the DR Semmes YMCA, and as gala co-chairwoman for the local National Kidney Foundation Fundraiser. She joined the board to help continue reaching out to UIW alumni and to build on the solid foundation created by previous board members.
If money were no object, what amenity would you add at UIW?
“Before I can answer this question I would want to better understand the future needs of the individuals I will serve as a board member. Ask me this question again in six months.”
Yvette Reyna received a BA in communications from UIW in 2003 and is now working for FOX 29 and MY 35 TV in San Antonio. While attending UIW, Reyna wrote for the Logos student newspaper, and since graduating, she has kept in touch with communications professors to advise them of internship opportunities at FOX. She is thrilled to become more involved with the university by contributing her services to the alumni board.
If money were no object, what amenity would you add at UIW?
“Since many college students eat cereal to get through their college years, I would love to add a Cereal Cafe to the UIW Campus. You could choose from a variety of hot or cold cereals and add granola, nuts, grains or fresh fruit toppings. You could dine in or get a bowl to go. The best part is, students can stop by anytime, day or night–even in their pajamas.”