From an Idea to a Thriving Educational Community

UIW Campus Bajio Rector, José Antonio López Verver, and others.

On Tuesday, Oct. 14, Campus Bajío celebrated its 10th Anniversary by hosting a gala on its beautiful campus in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.

The gala brought together students, faculty, staff, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, local dignitaries and many supporters to celebrate the community and all that has been accomplished since its establishment on June 2, 2015. Today, it is home to an internationally accredited program, features dual-degree academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level and has a thriving campus life.

UIW leadership from San Antonio also joined in the festivities. Provost Dr. Eva Fernández, Vice President for International Affairs Marcos Fragoso, General Counsel Elizabeth Perez, CFO and Vice President for Finance and Administration Lenora C. Chapman and University President Dr. Thomas M. Evans were among the evening’s honored guests.

In his role, Fragoso has supported multiple UIW’s international locations, including Campus Bajío, Centro Universitario Incarnate Word in Mexico City, the European Study Center in Strasbourg, France, as well as many global partnerships. Returning to Irapuato in celebration of Campus Bajío’s significant milestone was an emotional experience for him as he reunited with friends, colleagues and people who have helped the campus to grow throughout the years.

“My favorite aspect (of Campus Bajío) has been witnessing how an idea — one that began with vision, faith and collaboration — transformed into a thriving educational community,” expressed Fragoso. “Seeing the campus grow from the first planning meetings with Maestra Camarena, the former owner, into a University that impacts the entire Bajío region has been very rewarding. Watching students go through our institution and succeed professionally has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.”

When reflecting on the campus’ progress, Fragoso shared that he most admired its strong sense of purpose and community. The dedication of the campus’ faculty, staff and administration combined with students’ enthusiasm, has created an environment that combines academic excellence with a humanistic spirit rooted in the UIW Mission.

“My hope is that Campus Bajío continues as a reference of excellence and an opportunity for the region, and it remains faithful to the UIW Mission,” said Fragoso. “I hope future generations of Cardenales continue to dream big, serve their communities and lead with compassion.”

It was an evening that honored Campus Bajío’s legacy as part of UIW’s ongoing Mission of educating individuals who will become concerned and enlightened citizens within the global community.

“I was delighted to celebrate Campus Bajío’s 10th anniversary surrounded by a diverse community of students, faculty, staff, supporters, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and families who all embrace our Mission and our approach to Catholic education that transforms,” said Evans. “When it opened, UIW Campus Bajío was a pioneer of Catholic higher education in the region. Today, we continue forward with this pioneering spirit and with faith in our purpose, our community and in the Incarnate Word so that we may transform even more lives tomorrow.”