UIW’s “Light the Way” brings early Christmas to military family!

SAN ANTONIO – Not even threatening thunderstorms could put a damper on UIW’s 28th annual Light the Way celebration.  The event held Saturday, Nov. 22 brought over 3,500 guests to the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center where Dr. Lou Agnese and guests officially kicked off the season by flipping the switch and illuminating the campus in nearly a million vibrant twinkling lights.  The campus lighting was the final event in a fun-filled evening sponsored by H-E-B.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a “special” retirement gift for 11-year UIW employee Veronica Sanchez; her daughter Sgt. Ashley Sanchez made a grand entrance to the event surprising her mother.  Sanchez recently completed a combat tour in Shindand, Afghanistan.

Special guests for the evening included visitors from the Warrior and Family Support Center at SAMMC, Sister Tere Maya, Congregational Coordinator for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and straight from the North Pole Santa and Mrs. Claus who entered the Convocation Center accompanied by angels from UIW’s Brainpower elementary schools. The audience enjoyed performances by UIW’s Chorale and Cardinal Marching Band, the UIW dance team and choirs from Incarnate Word High School and St. Anthony Catholic School. The St. Anthony Catholic High School jazz band entertained the crowd along with headliner Tejano Music Legend and three time UIW graduate Patsy Torres.

Mariachi Las Coronelas entertained the crowd at a complimentary reception hosted by H-E-B, Sodexo and Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider. The campus will be open for self-guided tours through January 6.

Photo cutline: UIW employee Veronica Sanchez is overwhelmed by the surprise arrival of her daughter Sgt. Ashley Sanchez.

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CONTACT:    Margaret Garcia, associate director public relations, (210) 422-4052, mlgarci2@uiwtx.edu