News | News | University of the Incarnate Word

UIW Welcomes Worldwide Recognized Theologian, Dr. Thomas Groome

11/10/2023 Sourced from UIW News

On November 3, UIW’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) hosted worldwide recognized theological author and professor of Theology and Religious Education at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry, Dr. Thomas Groome. Groome has authored nine books and co-edited five collections of essays. His books have been translated into various languages and have been used in multiple graduate level courses across the globe.

UIW’s Music Therapy and Health Professions Programs Collaborate to Prepare Students

11/10/2023 Sourced from UIW News

UIW’s Music Therapy program is one of only five such programs in the state of Texas. A degree in music therapy trains students to combine the use of musical skills and therapeutic techniques to help support clients’ health and wellness goals. The program is housed in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, but faculty at the University of the Incarnate Word’s health professions schools understand the healing power of music in treating stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as supporting immune function.

CHASS Hosts First Ever Harry Potter: Historical Enchantments Event

11/03/2023 Sourced from UIW News

UIW’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) contributed some magic to the fall season on campus by hosting a Harry Potter centered event. The event, formally known as Historical Enchantments: A Magical Journey Through Time, explored the Harry Potter book and film series as a pop culturally significant piece of media and how it relates to various academic disciplines offered at the University.

Long Awaited Mariachi Cardenal Presents Debut Performance

10/27/2023 Sourced from UIW News

UIW’s newest music ensemble, Mariachi Cardenal, played for an enthusiastic crowd of UIW and San Antonio community members at their debut concert on Wednesday, Oct. 25. The addition of the highly anticipated mariachi group has students, employees, alumni and more celebrating the ensemble’s arrival. The group’s director, John Lopez, is a San Antonio native, and saw the opportunity to lead Mariachi Cardenal as a chance to give back to the community he grew up in.

UIW’s Communication Arts Department Hosts Workshop with Actor Pepe Serna

10/27/2023 Sourced from UIW News

On Wednesday, October 25, UIW’s Department of Communication Arts had the honor and privilege of welcoming actor Pepe Serna to hold a workshop with students. Serna’s acting career includes 76 years of entertainment experience, 54 years behind the Hollywood scenes, and more than 100 movies and 300 television series. He has been involved in projects such as The Jerk (1979), Scarface (1983), and Flamin’ Hot (2023).

UIW Hosts TEDx: 21st-Century Revival of the Liberal Arts

09/29/2023 Sourced from UIW News

On Saturday, September 23, UIW hosted its very own TEDx event in collaboration with the famously known media organization, TED Conferences. TED Conferences, or TED Talks, are international talks that center upon various topics and are spread online for others to enjoy under the slogan “ideas worth spreading."

Professor Builds International Bridges Through Music

09/01/2023 Sourced from UIW News

Dr. Orit Eylon, UIW professor of Music, spent the summer traveling abroad to form and strengthen interfaith connections through music. For the last three years, Eylon has volunteered for Partnership2gether, a program that partners with Jewish communities around the world to share talents and academic information and open dialogue in interfaith communities.

Thank you, Margaret Mitchell

07/24/2023 Sourced from UIW News

Scenery and costume designer, writer, professor, mentor, colleague and friend are just a few of the roles that Margaret Mitchell played at UIW over the course of her 31-year tenure. As Christopher McCollum, senior instructor of Theatre Arts shared, “She leaves not only a powerful legacy, but also an empty space that is daunting to try to offset.

Dr. Javier Clavere, Red the Cardinal, Dr. Kevin Vichcales

Moment of Reflection

06/05/2023 Sourced from UIW News

When we think of entrepreneurship, we think of business ventures or processes where a new enterprise is created, bearing all the risk with the goal of making a profit. However, there is another type of entrepreneurship, a concept I articulate as “humanistic entrepreneurship,” where a venture or enterprise has the goal of the well-being of humanity rather than profit.

UIW Concludes Season One of Conversations with Ambassador Creagan

04/20/2023 Sourced from UIW News

The UIW Department of Political Science and the Liza and Jack Lewis Center of the Americas recently wrapped up the three-session series, Conversations with Ambassador Creagan. The third session, titled “Advancement of U.S. Relations in the Americas through Military Cooperation,” featured special guest Mr. Richard C. Merrin, Foreign Policy Advisor, U.S. Army South.

Feik School of Pharmacy students at the community health fair

Academic Round Up

04/20/2023 Sourced from UIW News

Psychology Faculty Members Participate in Two Regional Conferences

04/13/2023 Sourced from UIW News

Four faculty members from the UIW Department of Psychology – Professor Dr. Stefanie Boswell, Associate Professor Dr. Lisa Lockhart, Associate Professor Dr. Leslie Martinez and Associate Professor Dr. Teresa Taylor Partridge – recently attended the annual meetings of the Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA) and Southwest Teachers of Psychology (SWTOP) in Frisco, Texas.

UIW student and faculty at National Association of Teachers of Singing competition

UIW Students Earn Awards at NATS Competition

04/13/2023 Sourced from UIW News

Students of UIW’s Department of Music in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences competed at the annual South Texas Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) competition on April 1 in Austin. Of the six UIW students who competed, four earned top three placements.

Student in black hat and glasses reading a book

Celebrating Edgar Allan Poe

04/11/2023 Sourced from UIW News

University students can typically expect an educational experience that consists of going to class, listening to lectures and taking tests, but UIW’s small class sizes also allow its students to actively participate in helping to determine their method of learning. This was evident Thursday, March 30, in the Scandalous Nineteenth Century class, taught by Associate Professor of English Dr. LuElla D’Amico. The students engaged in readings, art, activities, games and more for the Edgar Allan Poe Celebration.

Political Science Associate Professor Receives Southwestern Social Science Association Award

03/30/2023 Sourced from UIW News

Dr. Brandon Metroka, associate professor of Political Science at UIW, received the 2023 Allan Saxe Best Paper Award for State and Local Politics following his presentation titled “Intergovernmental Relations in the 21st Century: Revisiting Preemption” at the 2022 Southwestern Social Science Association (SSSA) annual meeting. Metroka collaborated with Yashas Mallikarjun, a student at Johns Hopkins University, on the paper.

UIW International Arts Festival is Open to Community

03/23/2023 Sourced from UIW News

Does an evening of music, food and dance sound exciting? Throw in a little international flair and the UIW International Arts Festival, scheduled for Saturday, March 25, promises to be a good time for all. The event, hosted by the UIW College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) from 5-9 p.m. at the Luella Bennack Music Center, is free and open to the public.

UIW Religious Studies Hosts Annual Pierre Lecture

03/10/2023 Sourced from UIW News

Members of the UIW community attended the Department of Religious Studies’ annual Pierre Lecture on Tuesday, March 7, in the SEC Ballroom. Dr. Nichole M. Flores, associate professor of Religious Studies at the University of Virginia, lectured on her recently published book The Aesthetics of Solidarity: Our Lady of Guadalupe and American Democracy.

Second Session of Conversations with Ambassador Creagan Set

03/09/2023 Sourced from UIW News

The Liza and Jack Lewis Center of the Americas and the Department of Political Science are hosting the second session of the new Conversations with Ambassador Creagan series at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, in the Mabee Library Special Collections Room.

We Can Heal Together

03/03/2023 Sourced from UIW News

The COVID-19 pandemic brought hardship and challenges to communities across the globe. The arts, and in particular music, have long been a place of inspiration and respite. Saturday, March 4, the UIW Cardinal Singers and soloists join musicians from Trinity University for the premiere performance of “Requiem, for the Victims of a Pandemic” by Yvonne Freckmann, a composer and Trinity University alumna.

UIW Theatre Presents Eurydice

02/23/2023 Sourced from UIW News

Enter a world of talking stones, two newlyweds and a mysterious man as the UIW Department of Theatre Arts presents Sarah Ruhl’s reimagining of the classic myth Eurydice. The show opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, in the Cheever Theatre on the Broadway campus.

Conversations with Ambassador Creagan Series

02/17/2023 Sourced from UIW News

Members of the UIW community gathered on Thursday, Feb. 16, for the first session of Conversations with Ambassador Creagan, hosted by the Lewis Center of the Americas and the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. The event was live streamed to Centro Universitario Incarnate Word and Universidad Incarnate Word Campus Bajío.

UIW Music Faculty to Revisit Romeo and Juliet and the Art It Has Inspired

02/03/2023 Sourced from UIW News

This month, OPERA San Antonio (OSA), in partnership with the McNay Art Museum, will host a lecture and performance called Romeo and Juliet: Valentines Revisited. The event is a precursor to OSA’s production of Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts this spring.

Cardinals Give Back with Lesson in Art Journaling

01/20/2023 Sourced from UIW News

“A group of friends just looking to make more friends.” That’s what third-year UIW student Gianna Melendez says inspired the establishment of one of UIW’s newest student organizations – the UIW Art Club.

Rocio Montelongo holds an orange sign that says my first day of school

Proud to be a Cardinal

12/09/2022 Sourced from UIW News

When Rocio Montelongo was deciding which college to attend, she knew that having a good support system around her was important. She wanted to be able to build close connections with her professors and classmates, and she believed the smaller class sizes UIW offers would afford her that opportunity.

Amahl with the three kings and his mother in the background

Amahl and the Night Visitors

11/17/2022 Sourced from UIW News

The UIW Department of Music is hosting its annual performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, in the Diane Bennack Concert Hall.

Dr. Brett Richardson conducting the UIW Marching Cardinals at a football game

The Art of Conducting

11/09/2022 Sourced from UIW News

“Conducting is the physical craft of showing performers the speed, style and emotional components of the music they are performing.” This is how Dr. Brett Richardson (UIW associate professor, coordinator of Music Education and director of Bands) explained conducting.

Theatre Earns Standing Ovation with 27 Globe Awards

10/25/2022 Sourced from UIW News

“It is always great to receive recognition from our community, and we hope it will bring an awareness to our larger goals.” Those are the words Mark Stringham, chair and producing director of Theatre Arts, shared about the recent awards the Department of Theatre Arts received from the Alamo Theatre Arts Council. After winning five awards in Fall 2021, the department brought home an astounding 27 honors from the 2022 Alamo Theatre Arts Council Globe Awards.

Dr. Javier Clavere, Red the Cardinal and Dr. Kevin Vichcales

Social Justice, Ethics, and Aesthetics: A Q&A with Dr. Javier Clavere, Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

09/23/2022 Sourced from UIW News

UIW recently welcomed Dr. Javier Clavere as the new dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS). Dr. Clavere was born in Rosario, Argentina, and was invited to the United States on a full scholarship to attend Brigham Young University. His graduate studies followed at the College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati. Most recently, he served as chairman of the Department of Music at Berea College in Kentucky.

#HSIBelong – University of the Incarnate Word Students Celebrate Belonging with Class Assignment

09/23/2022 Sourced from UIW News

Dr. Leslie Martinez, UIW associate professor of Psychology, teaches a “first-year engagement” course, which aims to promote the success of first-year students at the University. In honor of National HSIs week and in preparation of an upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month event at the University, Dr. Martinez tasked students in the class with a special assignment.

Meet UIW’s Lead Catholic Chaplain, Fr. Hector Kalaluka, OMI

09/16/2022 Sourced from UIW News

A new member of the UIW community, Fr. Hector Kalaluka, OMI now serves as UIW’s lead Catholic Chaplain, presiding at Mass, sacramental celebrations and other special events hosted by UIW’s Office of Mission and Ministry. At UIW, he also puts his love of teaching to use as a part-time professor of Environmental Theology and Ethics in the Religious Studies department. Below, Fr. Kalaluka shares a little about his background, his favorite Bible passage, and why he felt compelled to serve God and others at UIW.

Gwyn Creagan, Hillary Clinton and James Creagan

Returning Home - Ambassador Dr. James F. Creagan

08/29/2022 Sourced from UIW News

Ambassador Dr. James F. Creagan, who served under nine U.S. Presidents in a diplomatic career that spanned three decades, returns to UIW for the Fall 2022 semester as Ambassador in Residence, professor of Political Science and fellow at the Liza and Jack Lewis Center of the Americas.

SA24 – UIW Music Department Comes Together for New Documentary

07/29/2022 Sourced from UIW News

Assistant Dean and Professor of Music Kevin Salfen created a “San Antonio version” of the music collection Twenty-Four Italian Songs and Arias, a classic teaching text for singers. The process – from writing the new pieces to premiering them – was all captured on film for a new documentary called SA24 – Two Dozen Songs From Now. The documentary, co-produced by Salfen and Dr. Ken Metz, professor, will be shared with the local community at the San Antonio Film Festival on Tuesday, Aug. 2.

UIW’s Community Health Education Program Receives Accreditation

07/01/2022 Sourced from UIW News

UIW’s Community Health Education (CHED) program, an interdisciplinary program housed in the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health professions, has earned full accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Clarissa Gauna (left) and Danielle DeCotis smile in front of the McDermott Convocation Center

UIW Wins Sustainability Award for Green Game

06/14/2022 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word, as a participant in the Campus Race to Zero Waste competition, won the GameDay Basketball category for its Green Game initiative, which occurred during the spring semester at a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader.

Moment for Reflection - Learning in Pandemic Times

06/13/2022 Sourced from UIW News

As readers of this magazine know, in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many professors and students to shift their in-person classes to remote learning. The semesters following have been a mix of learning methodologies and platforms. A Texas-sized snowstorm, the omicron variant, constant political upheaval in the United States and now a European war—in addition to the numerous other global conflicts, have all been part of our shared learning communities. Starting. Stopping. Adapting. Ratcheting up anxiety at every turn.

UIW Welcomes New Deans

05/13/2022 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is proud to announce the appointment of two new Deans. Dr. John Pham will head the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM) and Dr. Javier Clavere will take over as the Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS).

May 2022 Academic Highlights

05/12/2022 Sourced from UIW News

Academic highlights from the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, as well as the Dreeben School of Education.

World-famous Irish tenor Emmet Cahill performs alongside the UIW Cardinal Chorale and University Mission and Ministry Laudate Choir

World-Famous Tenor Performs One-Night-Only Concert with UIW Choirs

04/22/2022 Sourced from UIW News

World-famous Irish tenor Emmet Cahill, alongside the UIW Cardinal Chorale and University Mission and Ministry Laudate Choir, performed at the Diane Bennack Concert Hall on Wednesday, April 20.

Four UIW students who competed in the South Texas Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing

Students Find Success at National Association of Teachers of Singing Conference

04/18/2022 Sourced from UIW News

Eight students from the University of the Incarnate Word Department of Music attended and competed in the South Texas Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) conference.

Religious Studies Holds 20th Annual Pierre Lecture

03/18/2022 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word Religious Studies Department held its 20th annual Pierre Lecture on March 16, via Zoom. This year’s presentation, titled “Do THE WORK: Antiracism and the U.S. Catholic Church” was presented by Tia Noelle Pratt, PhD, director of Mission Engagement and Strategic Initiatives, Courtesy Assistant Professor of Sociology, and editor-elect of the Journal of Catholic Social Thought at Villanova University.

UIW to Celebrate Fourth Annual Day of Giving

03/18/2022 Sourced from UIW News

Each spring, the University of the Incarnate Word community comes together as “One Word” to work towards “One Goal” – raising funds to support current and future UIW students. UIW’s fourth annual Day of Giving, known as “One Word. One Goal.,” will be celebrated for 1881 minutes, in honor of the University’s founding year, during Incarnate Word Week beginning March 23.

An early re-enactment of the sisters 1869 journey from Galveston to San Antonio

Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope: UIW Celebrates Women’s History Month

03/04/2022 Sourced from UIW News

In 1869, three young women did what, to most, probably seemed extreme. Armed only with determination, a crash course in nursing skills and a love for people, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word responded to a call for help, moving from France to the U.S. to help those in need. Now, more than 150 years later, women at the University of the Incarnate Word, and around the world, are still making a difference. In celebration of Women’s History Month, UIW has a series of events scheduled to honor women who have changed lives, like the founders of the University.

Psychology Department Represented at Virtual Southeastern Teaching of Psychology Conference

02/23/2022 Sourced from UIW News

Three members of the University of the Incarnate Word Department of Psychology – Professor and Department Chair Dr. Rachel Walker, Professor Dr. Stefanie Boswell, and Associate Professor Dr. Lisa Lockhart, participated virtually in the Southeastern Teaching of Psychology Conference on Feb. 18-19.

Wynette Keller Poses with 20 Year Service Award

Keller Receives 20 Year Service Award from Texas TRiO Association

02/22/2022 Sourced from UIW News

Wynette Keller, director of TRiO Student Support Services at the University of the Incarnate Word, was recognized by the Texas TRiO Association with a 20 Year Service Award at the organization’s conference. We caught up with Keller to discuss how rewarding her work is and how it aligns with the Mission of UIW.

Vocal masterclass with Prof. Louise Toppin (Univ. of Michigan), featuring UIW Dept. of Music students Alex Montalvo and Nia Newton (far right)

UIW, TLU Hold Florence Price Celebration

02/11/2022 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word Department of Music, in collaboration with Texas Lutheran University, hosted a Florence Price Celebration (1887-1953) on Feb. 5-6, honoring the legacy of one of the 20th century’s most notable Black women composers. Price wrote over 300 works and was the first Black woman to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra.

UIW Theatre Opens Season with Classic French Comedy

02/04/2022 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word Department of Theatre Arts will continue its 2021-2022 season with the classic French comedy Tartuffe by Moliere and adapted by Richard Wilbur. The show opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18, in the Coates Theatre on the Broadway campus.

Dr. Julie Nadeau (left) and Dr. Tanja Stampfl (right)

UIW Announces 2022 Faculty Awards

02/04/2022 Sourced from UIW News

Sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the University of the Incarnate Word Faculty Senate and University Mission and Ministry, faculty across UIW were honored with the 2022 Faculty Awards in January.

Student studies on a computer in the library

UIW Libraries and CHASS Awarded American Rescue Grant

02/03/2022 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word Libraries and the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences have been awarded the American Rescue Grant from the American Library Association.

Nicole Pfaff playing the piano at her senior recital

Graduate Spotlight: Like Mother, Like Daughter

12/07/2021 Sourced from UIW News

Nicole Pfaff graduates on Saturday, earning a Bachelor’s in Music with an emphasis in Performance (piano). She comes by her love of the art honestly, as her mother is a talented music teacher. Pfaff has always loved playing, with her first memories of piano occurring around six or seven years old.

Samuel Egger (right) and Troy Daly (left) posing with their Globe Awards

UIW Theatre Honored with ATAC Globe Awards

12/03/2021 Sourced from UIW News

Faculty, staff, students and an alumnus of the UIW Theatre Department were recently honored with seven Globe Awards from the Alamo Theatre Arts Council (ATAC). The 30th Annual ATAC Globe Awards Gala honored local community and educational productions from the 2019 and 2020-2021 season in 25 categories.

Miguel Cortinas presents on water and art for the students

Seven Faculty Help Area High School Students with Texas Academic Decathlon Competition Prep

11/18/2021 Sourced from UIW News

Seven UIW faculty members assisted the Texas Academic Decathlon team from Travis Early College High School prepare for the state academic decathlon competition, which will take place Feb. 25-27.

Actresses perform a scene from Little Women

UIW Theatre Presents Live Production of Little Women

11/18/2021 Sourced from UIW News

The UIW Department of Theatre Arts held live performances of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (adapted by Kevin M. Cunningham) from Nov. 12-14 and again from Nov. 17-19 in the Elizabeth Huth Coates Theatre.

UIW Presents at World’s Religions Conference

10/21/2021 Sourced from UIW News

Sandra Guzman-Foster, PhD, associate professor of Education, and Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, ThD, professor emeritus of Religious Studies, co-presented “What Makes for a Compassionate City” at the 8th Parliament of the World’s Religions Conference with Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Rev. Ann Helmke of the City Faith-Based Office, and Andrew Hill, JD, associate professor of Philosophy at St. Philip's College. This year’s theme was “Opening our Hearts to the World: Compassion in Action.”

Margaret Mitchell Receives Friends of the San Antonio Public Library’s 2021 Arts Education Award

10/21/2021 Sourced from UIW News

Margaret Mitchell, professor of Theatre Arts at UIW, received the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library’s 2021 Arts Education Award, which recognizes “an individual who is a dedicated arts educator, shows transformational leadership in arts education, and is active within the community.”

Theatre Arts students Learn from Guest Speaker David Grindle

10/14/2021 Sourced from UIW News

Students in UIW’s Theatre Arts practicum class were invited to attend a lecture by David Grindle, executive director of the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT) on Oct. 8. Grindle gave a workshop on communication and hosted a roundtable discussion with theatre students who have a specific interest in management in the entertainment industry.

Live Theatre Returns to UIW

09/30/2021 Sourced from UIW News

UIW is proud to announce that the Department of Theatre Arts is bringing live theatre back to the UIW stage. The department will kick off its 2021-2022 season with the comedic play All Hail Hurricane Gordo by Carly Mensch. The show will open October 1, 2021 in the Coates Theatre on the UIW Broadway campus.

Love for family, music and UIW

09/24/2021 Sourced from UIW News

“UIW is a school that feels like home.” Ambar Valtierra, a senior in UIW’s Music Therapy program, moved to Houston from San Antonio at age two. After attending two other higher education schools before becoming a Cardinal, she is happy to be back home in the Alamo City and at UIW.

UIW Students Help Step Up Vaccine Effort

08/27/2021 Sourced from UIW News

UIW is proud to announce that Dr. Heather Barton-Weston, assistant professor and public health coordinator in the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions; Dr. Nile Barnes, assistant professor of Pharmacy; and Dr. Maria Felix-Ortiz, professor and chair of Psychology, obtained $32,000 of stipends from Interfaith Youth Core’s (IFYC) Faith in the Vaccine grant for UIW students to serve as “vaxambassadors” who promote vaccination against COVID-19.