UIW Celebrated 2025 Hall of Fame Order of Merit Recipient

On Thursday, June 5, Tracy Avery was celebrated as the next recipient of the exclusive Order of Merit award as part of the 2025 UIW Athletics Hall of Fame. This honor is given to a notable individual that has “made (a) significant contribution(s) to the advancement of the intercollegiate athletics program at UIW” (uiwcardinals.com/sports). She was honored with a surprise celebration hosted in the Mabee Library Special Collections room to present her with the 2025 Order of Merit, and was surrounded by her mother Estella Hollin-Avery, her sister Lindsey Hollin, 2024 Order of Merit recipient Kate Crosby, UIW President Thomas M. Evans, PhD and many more.

Avery is a two-time alumna, having earned her Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Management and Design in 1996 and her Master of Business Administration in 2012. She enjoyed the curriculum of her undergraduate program as it prepared her to successfully handle various aspects of the fashion industry – executing concepts and designs, branding, marketing, pricing, manufacturing and showcasing her skillset in a competitive field. She graduated with a job in her field and felt well prepared to succeed. She joined the UIW Alumni Relations Board in 2011 and was able to simultaneously pursue her Masters.

Avery has since had an extensive history with the UIW Alumni Board, having served as a member, board president elect, president and immediate past president. Additionally, she has been involved in organizations that seek to provide philanthropic and financial support to athletes, including Cardinals Club and Tartan Society.

“I have most enjoyed seeing all the organizations grow and increase alumni involvement,” shared Avery. “I think that the value of my degrees is not only based on the programs that I completed but on the overall quality of the University at any given time. The Alumni Association, Cardinals Club and Tartan Society are organizations that shape alumni, current and prospective students’ vision of UIW. Continuing to support UIW through these groups helps ensure the UIW community can continue to provide a special experience for those that choose to become a part of it.”

Dr. Evans remarked that Avery has been a steadfast supporter who has remained present throughout some of UIW’s earliest developments and is always ready to be a part of the latest initiatives. Her passion and advocacy have remained an inspiration to others as the University aims to do more.

Avery felt very honored to have received such acknowledgement from her beloved alma mater. She wore a gleeful smile throughout the day as her loved ones and Incarnate Word family celebrated her and all her noble efforts in advancing UIW Athletics.

“Being a former cheerleader taught me the value of being part of a team and the importance of appreciating others’ hard-work and celebrating and learning from successes and losses,” shared Avery. “I was very surprised and honored (to receive the UIW Hall of Fame Order of Merit).”

Avery will be formally presented with the Order of Merit award during the 2025 Hall of Fame celebration in the Fall.

Congratulations, Tracy Avery!