UIW Honors Spring 2025 Graduates
With another school year coming to a close also comes the celebration for the latest generation of graduating Cardinals. Each graduate, no matter how different their fields of study or walks of life are, will be embodiments of the Word living in the world as they continue to share the teachings and love of Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God. Before their departure from the Nest, the University’s community gathered together to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of Spring 2025.
On Friday, May 9, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) opened the doors of the Chapel of the Incarnate Word, welcoming graduates and their loved ones to join in UIW’s Baccalaureate Masses. These services offer graduates the opportunity to gather with their loved ones, fellow students and mentors as they collectively pray to God for His continued guidance and protection during the next chapter of their lives.
“The Baccalaureate Mass is the last spiritual act for our students,” shared Vice President of Mission and Ministry, Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI. “It was exciting to see the Chapel of the Incarnate Word full of families who came to worship, pray and bless the students as they embark on a new journey. The families recognized the importance of prayer and celebrated the Jubilee Year of Grace while welcoming our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV who is about Catholic Social Teaching and Synodality.”
On Saturday, May 10, the big day finally arrived for graduates to walk the stage and receive their hard-earned degrees. This year, nearly 1000 graduates from UIW’s undergraduate programs and health professions schools were honored.
This graduating class accomplished many notable strides, including collectively contributing 99,022 hours of community service, resulting in an economic impact of $3,316,246 from volunteer service hours. “We hope that they will carry forward this legacy of service and dedication to the community as engaged and enlightened citizens of society,” shared Dr. Ricardo Gonzales, director of the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability.
One-by-one each graduate crossed the stage with a gleeful smile on their face as they were met with thunderous applause and cheers from their attending loved ones. With their degrees now in hand, they will move beyond the Nest continuing to grow as individuals and professionals in their perspective fields. But, as UIW President, Dr. Thomas M. Evans reminded them at the close of his commencement address, that they will always have a home at the Nest.
“Graduates, no matter where your journeys take you, I hope that you will always consider this (UIW) your home and we your family,” expressed Evans. “As you go on to new adventures, carry the University’s Mission in your hearts. Continue to love UIW as you have and cherish it as we will always cherish you. On behalf of our University community here and around the globe, I congratulate you and your families on this great achievement. Today you are sons and daughters of the University of the Incarnate Word forever. Praised be the Incarnate Word! Forever, Amen!”
Congratulations, graduates of the UIW Class of Spring 2025!