UIW Celebrates Dedication of Joeris Ballroom

Event Space Named after Longtime Supporter and Benefactor

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is proud to announce the unveiling of the newly renamed Joeris Ballroom. The event space in the Student Engagement Center on the UIW Broadway campus is now named in honor of Maria and Gary Joeris, chairman and CEO of Joeris General Contractors and former longtime UIW Trustee.

Joeris and his team have played a pivotal role in the construction, expansion and growth of the University for many years. Earlier this year, Joeris made a generous gift of $500,000 to be used in the restoration of Founders Hall, the nine-story building currently under renovation across Hildebrand from the Broadway campus. Back in 2009, Joeris pledged $1 million toward the UIW Capital Campaign resulting in the naming of the Joeris Residence Hall. In addition, since 2002, he has supported UIW’s annual Swing-In Golf Tournament and Auction Party which has raised millions of dollars for student scholarships.

“As we near the completion of this phase of renovation at Founders Hall, I am deeply thankful for the support of Maria and Gary Joeris,” says Dr. Thomas M. Evans, UIW president. “Gary’s guidance through the years has been indispensable and the work of the hundreds of people at Joeris General Contractors have left permanent impressions throughout our University. I am grateful to Gary for his belief in our Mission and his continued leadership on behalf of the students we serve.”

Envisioned as a hub of academic excellence and gateway to global understanding for the community, Founders Hall is the future home of the Liza and Jack Lewis Center of the Americas. Founders Hall will also house a community events center, the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering, the School of Media and Design, International Affairs, a new Student Health Center and the UIW Police Department along with other areas to be determined as the project expands. Completion of the first phase of Founders Hall is expected in early 2026.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Valdes, Assistant Director/Media and Public Relations, Office of Communications & Brand Marketing, (210) 829-6001, (210) 422-4052 or michael.valdes@uiwtx.edu