UIW Celebrates Fall Class of 2025

December brings both the close of the academic year and the anticipation of the Christmas season. At the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), it also marks a time of celebration as the University recognizes a new class of graduates preparing to take flight beyond the Nest.

Prior to the Fall Class of 2025 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13, several events were held to commemorate the students’ achievement.

The week’s festivities kicked off on Monday, Dec. 8 with the UIW Ring Ceremony, hosted by the UIW Office of Alumni Relations. The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word welcomed 130 graduates to the Chapel of the Incarnate Word to receive their class ring.

“The Ring Ceremony is an important milestone for our junior and senior students,” shared Clarissa Gauna, Alumni Relations manager. “Each ring represents the hard work, dedication and sacrifice that they have put into their education and the many opportunities and experiences they have had while at UIW. But above all, it is a symbol of their commitment to remain a part of our Incarnate Word community, even after they leave the Nest.”

On Thursday, Dec. 11, the University honored the next generation of health care practitioners during the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions pinning ceremony. The tradition dates back to the late 1800s and Florence Nightingale, symbolizing the successful completion of a nursing education program and its requirements.

As part of the ceremony, graduates recited the Nightingale Pledge based on the principles and ethics of the nursing profession. This year, 69 graduates took the pledge and officially entered the health care profession, prepared to provide care and support to the patients they will serve.

The fun continued Friday, Dec. 12, as veteran and military-affiliated graduates were honored at the Veterans Graduation Reception at the Student Engagement Center. Graduates were joined by their friends, families and mentors to celebrate the academic achievements. Each graduate was presented with a UIW Graduation Challenge Coin.

“The Veterans Graduation Reception is a time to celebrate our student veterans’ achievements,” said Veterans Services Specialist Karissa Ramos Vigil. “Students are given a challenge coin as a token to mark their success at UIW. It is something they can carry as a reminder. This event is a time of food, family, fun and reflection, and the UIW Military and Veteran Center is honored to take part in this semesterly tradition to celebrate our students.”

Later that day, the Incarnate Word community gathered at the Chapel of the Incarnate Word to pray over the graduates at UIW’s Baccalaureate Masses. Graduates were once again joined by their family, mentors and UIW leadership as they collectively asked for God’s guiding light to shine upon them during this next chapter of their lives.

Commencement was held Saturday, Dec. 13, as graduates walked the stage to receive their degrees. The Fall Class of 2025 included approximately 600 graduates. Of those, 24 were from UIW’s Global Online program, representing countries including Mexico, Colombia and Nicaragua.

The ceremony brought together members of the UIW community to celebrate the graduates’ achievements.

“From this day forward, your journey is yours to design,” expressed UIW President Thomas M. Evans, PhD. “The UIW Mission and our core values of faith, innovation, education, service and truth have given you the framework … The faculty has provided the tools and broadened your understanding of the world … And the Incarnate Word community has offered their support and their prayers. Now, what you do with all of this—the daily, moment-to-moment decisions that define the life you will live—that is your sacred responsibility and your divine gift”

Congratulations, fall Class of 2025!