Awards

Luis Valdes is this year’s student CCVI award recipient. He is originally from Eagle Pass, Texas, and is studying toward his Bachelor's in Rehabilitation Science with a Pre-PA concentration along with a double minor in biology and psychology. Luis has always had a great love for medicine. At a very young age, he remembers his mother taking him to the pediatrician, he was enamored with the hospital, the tools, and even the smells of the office. His passion for helping others started with experiences where he served low-income families in Mexico, aiding them with food and other needs. Luis credits the growth of his leadership skills to his time as his high school’s youngest drum major, directing over 295 band members.

Luis’ time at UIW sealed his passion for medicine, where he fell in love with surgery. It was during a project led by Dr. Shandra Esparza and Dr. Ortiz that provided him and his class with an opportunity to collaborate with parents of children with disabilities. From this experience, Luis felt called to engage fellow students in conversations regarding the topic of medical negligence and its near-death impact on children’s lives. This call led to a new student organization: Future Health Care Heroes, an interprofessional organization for those interested in health care and want to learn about interdisciplinary issues regarding health care.

Dr. Lucero Delgado Martinez shared:

"Throughout his academic journey, Luis has exemplified the true spirit of service. His dedication to uplifting others has been evident through his involvement in various community outreach programs, including his role as the founder of Future Healthcare Heroes. Through this student organization, Luis has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at delivering healthcare to patients facing health disparities and addressing complex societal issues head-on. From organizing events focused on the inequities in healthcare to engaging in international service projects, Luis has shown a deep-seated desire to foster solidarity and empathy on a global scale.

In Luis Valdes, we see a shining example of the transformative power of education in action. His tireless efforts to serve others, advocate for social justice, and promote human dignity align closely with the values of our university’s mission. Through his actions, Luis inspires us all to follow suit, reminding us that each of us has the power to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us."

In the future, Luis sees himself as a successful surgeon, advocating for the special needs community in Eagle Pass, Texas. He would also like to set up a health institution in Eagle Pass, making it accessible for Mexican and U.S. citizens at the border. Luis wants to become a physician that goes on and beyond for his patients, to understand their needs and not treat them as just a case to solve.

Luis is an extraordinary individual whose unwavering commitment to service and advocacy has left an indelible mark on our community and beyond, a beacon of compassion, empathy, and integrity. Congratulations, Luis!

• 2023-2024 - Luis Valdes
• 2022-2023 - Elizabeth McDougle
• 2021-2022 - Erika Haskins
• 2020-2021 - None given due to pandemic
• 2019-2020 - Julia King
• 2018-2019 - Rozlyn Bermea
• 2017-2018 - Jacqueline Suttin
• 2016-2017 - Olivia Creagar
• 2015-2016 - Olivia Almirudis
• 2014-2015 - Jon Johnston
• 2013-2014 - Amira Alsareinye
• 2012-2013 - Caroline B Garcia
• 2011-2012 - Samantha Buentello
• 2010-2011 - Manuel Edward Esquivel
• 2009-2010 - Gabriela Valdez
• 2008-2009 - Lauren Wappelhorst
• 2007-2008 - Arturo Martinez
• 2006-2007 - Peter D. Fingar
• 2005-2006 - Joan Braune
• 2004-2005 - Elizabeth Cruz
• 2003-2004 - Tai G. Ingram
• 2002-2003 - Sarah Wegenka
• 2001-2002 - Leonard Leos
• 2000-2001 - Ann Marie Cowan
• 1999-2000 - Dzao C. Vu
• 1998-1999 - Kenneth Williams
• 1997-1998 - Jennifer Aguirre
• 1996-1997 - Robert Cuellar
• 1995-1996 - Carolina Ballester

• excellence within their individual ministry and the Music Ministry as a whole,  
• continuing education and self-improvement in worship and music, and, 
• commitment to fostering the ministerial gifts of music – not for personal glory, but as tools in strengthening faith and leading others to God, 
• an openness in being used by God as an instrument of prayer, praise and gratitude. 

• 2023-2024 – Alo Rodriguez
• 2019-2020 – Gabriella Fresquez
• 2018-2019 – Sean Chapman
• 2017-2018 – Chris Ceniceros
• 2016-2017 - Amy Poniatowski
• 2015-2016 - Teresa Vincent
• 2014-2015 - Carmen Arenas
• 2013-2014 - Jennifer Kroon
• 2012-2013 - Clarissa Soto
• 2011-2012 - Marsha Sanchez
• 2010-2011 - Hayley Amols
• 2009-2010 - Elizabeth Lopez 

Each year the University awards an undergraduate student who is recognized by peers, faculty and staff as living the mission of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in her/his service to the University and the broader civic community. This Student CCVI Spirit Award was initiated in 1994 and is presented to the student at the Incarnate Word Day Mass each spring semester.

University Mission & Ministry invites all members of the University community to submit a nomination of an undergraduate student who, in their estimation, lives the mission of the Sisters and whose actions embody the spirit of human dignity and charity in relationships at the University and in the broader community. the presentation of the award will be presented at the annual Incarnate Word Day Mass and again at the SGA Student Awards Night. The student chosen for the award will be presented with a plaque which he or she may keep. Additionally, a plaque listing the student's name will be displayed in the Administration Building. The recipient will have the opportunity to identify some project or ministry of the congregation and the University will donate $250.00 to the cause.

Criteria for Nomination:

• Nominees must be a currently enrolled student at the University to be nominated for the Student CCVI Spirit Award and must be currently enrolled at the time when the award is given.
• Nominees must be in good academic standing.
• Nominees must demonstrate the spirit of the Congregation and University values in service to the University and broader civic community.
• Only one award may be given each year. If in any year the Selection Committee determines that no suitable candidate has been proposed, the award will not be given that year.

Nominations will be opened in early spring each year.

• 2023-2024 - Jocelyn Reyes
• 2022-2023 - none
• 2021-2022 - Madeline Ajero-Mercado & Dario Solis
• 2020-2021 - Mariah Solis 
• 2019-2020 - William Gokelman 
• 2018-2019 - John Gokelman & Jr. & Carolina Lira
• 2017-2018 - Angel Alcala & Sr. Eilish Ryan, CCVI
• 2016-2017 - Sr. Estella Flynn, CCVI 
• 2015-2016 - Gabriella Fresquez & Sr. Margaret Bright, CCVI

The Ecumenical and interfaith Student Award recognizes a student in Mission and Ministry at the University of the Incarnate Word, who has made significant contributions in leadership and service to Ecumenical and Interfaith activities on campus.

Contact Mission and Ministry for criteria by email at ministry@uiwtx.edu. 

Information coming soon.

•  2023-2024: Kahli A. Villanueva

(Please nominate 2 students for this award)

• Student must be active in Campus Ministry
• In good standing with the Catholic Church
• In good standing with the college/university

• 2024 - Alondra Rodriguez, Sneha Varghese
• 2023 - none
• 2022 - Sarah Tellez, Elissa Simmons, Victoria Doan
• 2021 - none
• 2020 - none
• 2019 - Renee Muniz, Mary Luevano
• 2018 - Julia King

This award is given to a (Catholic*) student who has contributed in an outstanding way to the faith life of the community. They have a heart for ministry and service that have gone our of their way to evangelize their peers, to bring others to Christ and to build the faith community on their campus. Many times this is a student who has been in ministry for several years and has contributed to the community faith life over this time. This award should only be given to a student once.

(*At UIW we have designated the de Corazon Award for a non-Catholic student who has contributed to the faith life of the UIW community.)

(Please nominate 1 student for this award)

• Student must be active in Campus Ministry (goes over and beyond the call of duty)
• In good standing with the Catholic Church
• In good standing with the college/university
• Involved in the larger community (San Antonio)
• Involved in their parish life/or campus ministry/campus
• Implements the Six (6) Accepts of Campus Ministry in their daily events/activities in campus ministry/campus.

• 2023 – none
• 2022 – none
• 2021 – none
• 2020 – none
• 2019 – Sergio Gonzalez, Zane Alsareinye
• 2018 – Camille Piper