2025 UIW News


June
As One We Will members on Green Book Civil Rights Bus Tour

UIW Students Learn the Significance of Black History in San Antonio as they observe Juneteenth

06/27/2025 Sourced from UIW News

This Juneteenth, the social justice advocates of UIW’s student-led group “As One We Will” (AOWW) were invited by the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) to participate in the “Green Book Civil Right Bus Tour.” This tour takes place in historic east side neighborhoods and offers an opportunity for participants to “uncover the stories of African American entrepreneurship, resilience, community and travel” (saaacam.org).

Chaplain Davis with symposium attendees

UIW Hosts First-Time Moral Leadership Symposium

06/27/2025 Sourced from UIW News

This Spring, UIW welcomed Executive Officer for the Chief of Chaplains at the United States Army Headquarters Department of the Army Pentagon, Chaplain Colonel Primitivo Davis, as he led the pilot of a Moral Leadership Symposium. This first-time symposium was hosted at the Broadway campus in the hopes of initiating conversations surrounding how one can take charge while considering morality.

Tracy Avery being surprised at her celebration

UIW Celebrated 2025 Hall of Fame Order of Merit Recipient

06/27/2025 Sourced from UIW News

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).

UIW students at ARISE Muñiz

Ettling Center for Civil Leadership and Sustainability Leaders Service Trip

06/27/2025 Sourced from UIW News

This June, the ECCLS invited a group of seven UIW students to participate in their annual trip to the Rio Grande Valley as part of its work with ARISE Adelante, a nonprofit organization that empowers and supports immigrants in low-income communities in South Texas in their journey of creating a better life for themselves and their loved ones. UIW has collaborated with ARISE since 2015 and has consistently returned to help support the organization’s mission.

SNHP Faculty

UIW Celebrates Honorees at 18th Annual South Texas Nurse Imagemaker Awards

06/12/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The UIW Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions (SNHP) proudly celebrated the achievements of four exceptional Nursing faculty members honored at the 18th Annual South Texas Nurse Imagemaker Awards on Friday, May 23. This event recognized Texas nurses who went above and beyond in their roles - those who inspire others and truly represent the heart of the nursing profession.

St. Anthony Catholic High School Class of 2025

UIW Hosts Graduation Celebrations for Brainpower Connection High Schools

06/10/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is proud to have played host to the 2025 graduation celebrations of both St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS) and Incarnate Word High School (IWHS) in separate ceremonies on May 24, 2025. Thousands of family members, friends, faculty and staff gathered at the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center on the UIW Broadway campus for the momentous occasion. Both SACHS and IWHS are part of the UIW Brainpower Connection, a collaboration of five schools within the Archdiocese of San Antonio that establishes pathways from pre-k to college.


May
Spring 2025 graduates smiling with degrees

UIW Honors Spring 2025 Graduates

05/16/2025 Sourced from UIW News

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.

Ewa Kostera

Supporting the Dreams of Our Global Community: UIW Spring 2025 International Graduates

05/09/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The Incarnate Word family is found beyond its Texas-based campuses. With two UIW campus established in Mexico, one in France and the welcoming of students from various countries, the Nest is comprised of both domestic and international Cardinals. Whether pursuing a Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate degree, UIW is dedicated to serving its global students as they grow into concerned and enlightened citizens.

Jessica “Jay” Andrade

Fostering a Military and Veteran Student Community: Graduating SVA President Jessica Andrade

05/09/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has been a top-ranked institution for military and veteran students, having been voted “Best for Vets” by Military Times for two consecutive years. With the extensive efforts made by the Military and Veteran Center, UIW is able to provide and expand opportunities that support all service members who are serving and who have served to protect the rights and freedoms of our country. One of these notable military-affiliated students is Spring 2025 graduate, Jessica “Jay” Andrade.

Dr. Denise Vera Nemeth

Growing into the Doctor of Her Dreams: Spring 2025 Graduate Dr. Denise Vera Nemeth

05/08/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) presently has five health professions schools: Feik School of Pharmacy, Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions, Rosenberg School of Optometry, School of Rehabilitation Sciences and School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM). It is through the University’s emphasis on critical thinking, holistic approaches and clinical experience that UIW prepares the next generations of healthcare providers to serve their local and global communities. One of these remarkable future healthcare practitioners is Denise Vera Nemeth, a UIWSOM Spring 2025 graduate.

Jimenez family

Fulfilling Academic Dreams as a Family: UIW Mother, Father and Son Cross the Spring 2025 Graduation Stage

05/08/2025 Sourced from UIW News

Making the decision to pursue a college degree can be daunting but also immensely fulfilling. Being the first in one’s family to earn a college degree can make this achievement all the more significant. These first-time graduates serve as examples to their loved ones of their capabilities to lead their own chosen lives. For the Jimenez family, the achievement of being first-generation graduates is one that spans two generations.

Dr. Denise Vera Nemeth

UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine Graduate named National DO Student of the Year

05/06/2025 Sourced from UIW News

Those are the words of student Dr. Denise Vera Nemeth, who is set to be a Class of 2025 graduate from the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) and who was recently named National DO Student of the Year by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM).


April
Clocktower and Carnegie Classifications

UIW Named an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classifications

04/24/2025 Sourced from UIW News

April 24, 2025 – The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is proud to announce that it has been designated as an “Opportunity College and University” by the Carnegie Classifications, recognizing UIW as an institution that can serve as a model for studying how campuses can foster student success.

Football coach

The UIW Program's Lasting Impact

04/21/2025 Sourced from UIW News

Nestled in the heart of San Antonio, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) football program is a place that many from all over have come to call home.

AI hand

Enhancing Reading Comprehension in the Era of AI

04/21/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is embarking on an exciting journey to enhance undergraduate students’ reading comprehension with the launch of its Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), titled Enhancing Reading Comprehension in the Era of AI (Artificial Intelligence).

Victoria Shipley

Designing Our Everyday World

04/21/2025 Sourced from UIW News

At the UIW School of Media and Design, the Graphic Design department supports and educates designers to intentionally create the way people see and experience the world around them.

3D printed skull

Creating Innovative Resources

04/21/2025 Sourced from UIW News

UIWSOM Student Doctor Creates 3-D Printed Anatomically Accurate Model for Medical Education

AVS team

A Passion for AI

04/21/2025 Sourced from UIW News

Technology stands out as one of the most captivating innovations, continually evolving before our eyes, and for Eulises Franco, a 2021 UIW alumnus, technology has always sparked his curiosity.

Ribbon cutting

UIW Receives Leadership Gift for Feik School of Pharmacy

04/15/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is proud to announce it has received a leadership gift that has been used to bring critical upgrades to a learning laboratory at the UIW Feik School of Pharmacy. The donation from the leaders of Stonegate Pharmacy is a major investment in the future pharmacists who matriculate at UIW and who will go on to serve our community.

Red the Cardinal at Dribble event

UIW Represents as a Proud Co-Host Institution for the NCAA Men’s Final Four

04/11/2025 Sourced from UIW News

This past weekend, the city of San Antonio erupted into exuberant celebration as tens of thousands of people gathered for the much-anticipated 2025 NCAA Men’s Final Four. Throughout the city, a multitude of events were hosted for college basketball fans, leading to the final games.

Variety show

A Night of Talent, Heart and Global Impact

04/11/2025 Sourced from UIW News

Saturday night at the Diane Bennack Concert Hall was bursting with energy, talent, and purpose during the 2025 Annual Medical Mission Fundraiser Variety Show. Hosted by the San Antonio Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SAFACC) and the UIW Ettling Center for Civic Leadership & Sustainability, the event brought together our community to raise funds for medical care in underserved regions of the Philippines. Unified In Wellness was proud to be one of the evening’s sponsors.

Dr. Timothy Wingert

UIW Former Dean Inducted into Optometry Hall of Fame

04/10/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is pleased to recognize that Dr. Timothy Wingert, former Dean of the UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry, has been inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame. The award is administered through the American Optometric Association and honors optometrists who have made significant and long-lasting contributions to the optometric profession.

Chris Jung, CEO of LG Electronics North America; Dr. Kevin Milligan, UIW Director of Behavioral Health Services; Dan Gillison, Jr., CEO of NAMI

UIW Receives Major Donation to Support Mental Health Services on Campus

04/07/2025 Sourced from UIW News

LG Electronics USA, an Official NCAA Corporate Partner, is building on its commitment to supporting student well-being by partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to provide support to the host schools of the 2025 NCAA Final Four Men’s and Women’s Tournaments. This year, LG is awarding University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) and University of South Florida (USF) $10,000 each to bolster their local NAMI on Campus clubs and enhance mental health resources for students.

Noelani Spicer and Scott LeBlanc training

Coaching in the Community

04/03/2025 Sourced from UIW News

In alignment with the University’s core values of faith, innovation, education, service and truth, the Department of Athletics is dedicated to the development of all student-athletes’ minds, bodies and spirits in preparation for life beyond athletics (uiw.edu). Within all 14 of its sports and beyond, UIW Athletics nurtures each athlete that enters the Nest. However, sometimes UIW has the opportunity to support young athletes from beyond the Nest.

Matched students cheering

UIWSOM Celebrates Soon-to-Be Doctors During Match Day 2025

04/03/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Friday, March 21, medical schools across the nation celebrated Match Day, the day when the National Resident Matching Program releases results to applicants seeking residency and fellowship training positions in the United States.

Dr. Eva Fernández/UIW Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

UIW Selects New Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

04/01/2025 Sourced from UIW News

After a comprehensive national search, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is honored to announce the selection of Dr. Eva Fernández as UIW’s new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. In this role, Fernández will oversee the division of Academic Affairs, academic programs, faculty affairs, research and student success.


March
Haskins with students

A Transformative Journey to Empower Young Women: UIW Professor Travels to Support YWGLP Ugandan Students

03/21/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI), the founding congregation of the University of the Incarnate Word, have committed themselves to incarnating God’s saving and healing presence in the world. Since their establishment in 1866, the efforts of their ministries in health, education and social justice have spread across the nation and around the globe (amormeus.org).

Dr. Yutaka Maki/Associate Professor, UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry

UIW Associate Professor Named Educator of the Year

03/12/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is proud to announce that Dr. Yutaka Maki, an associate professor in the Rosenberg School of Optometry, was honored as the Educator of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association. The award was announced during the 125th Texas Optometric Association Annual Summit held in Austin in February.

Fashion show

UIW Showcases the Beauty of African and Afro-Caribbean Cultures at Annual Fashion Show

03/07/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Thursday, Feb. 27, UIW hosted its third annual African and Afro-Caribbean Fashion Show in the Student Engagement Center ballroom. UIW’s International Student and Scholar Services, Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability and the African Student Organization (ASO) hosted this yearly event in celebration of Black History Month. Attendees were welcomed to this event to experience fashion, music and art from the African continent and African Caribbean cultures.

Chief Catts with family

Upholding a Commitment to Safety, Leadership and Service

03/07/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Friday, Feb. 28, University of the Incarnate Word President Dr. Thomas M. Evans swore in John B. Catts III as UIWPD's Chief of Police. The UIW Police Department has served the UIW Community for nearly 32 years.

Dr. Jeanne L. Alhusen

UIW Hosts Annual Sr. Margaret Mary (Lucilla) Lecture

03/07/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Thursday, March 7, the UIW Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions (SNHP) hosted its annual Sr. Margaret Mary (Lucilla) Lecture in the McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room. This yearly event welcomes educators and students from the Nursing program to present their original research during poster presentations and to listen to a distinguished Nursing guest speaker.

Student winners

UIW Graphic Design Students Recognized at 2024 American Advertising Awards

03/07/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Friday, Feb. 28, the UIW School of Media and Design had much to celebrate as 23 of its Graphic Design students were recognized with awards and scholarships at the 2024 American Advertising Awards, hosted by AAF San Antonio. “The American Advertising Awards honor innovation, excellence and the bold ideas that shape our city’s advertising landscape. This year’s theme, Keep It SA, pays tribute to the vibrant culture and creative spirit that make San Antonio truly one of a kind” (adfedsa.org).


February
Students posing

Celebrating the Talents of Fashion Designers: UIW Hosts 2025 Red Dress Fashion Show

02/21/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Saturday, Feb. 15, UIW hosted the annual Red Dress Fashion Show. Since 2006, garments designed by Fashion students have been showcased at this vibrant event. In addition to UIW and San Antonio community members getting to witness the talents of the University’s students, they also got the opportunity to learn about women’s heart health.

Dr. Abuelaish speaking

UIW Welcomed Nobel Peace Prized Nominated Human Rights Advocate

02/21/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Monday, Feb. 17, students and faculty gathered in the SEC Ballroom to listen to a lecture given by guest speaker Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish. Abuelaish is an intentionally recognized human rights advocate whose continued work has led him to be a five-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and a recipient of various humanitarian awards.

Ben Rueger

UIW Names New Chief Information Officer

02/14/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is honored to announce that Ben Rueger has been named the University’s new Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Innovation and Technology. Rueger comes to UIW from the Purdue University system.

Dr. Evans and Red the Cardinal at Cowboy Breakfast

UIW Brings the Rodeo to the Nest

02/14/2025 Sourced from UIW News

In February 1950, the first ever Stock Show and Rodeo was hosted in San Antonio, Texas. This now annual event, which “emphasizes agriculture and education to develop the youth of Texas” has become a staple of the city’s culture (SARodeo.com). UIW students and faculty hosted several events to ring in the rodeo season, bringing San Antonio culture right to campus.

Dr. Karen Eifler

Remaining Close to God: College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Hosts Annual Bernadette O’Conner Lecture

02/14/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Monday, Feb. 10, the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) proudly hosted UIW’s annual Bernadette O’Conner Lecture on the Catholic Intellectual Tradition (CIT). CIT is broadly understood as the dynamic and mutually illuminating conversation between the Catholic faith and human culture. The lecture, which was originally hosted in 2017, was named in honor of Bernadette O’Conner, former CHASS dean who is known for her extensive knowledge of CIT.

Couple at mass

Loves Takes Flight: UIW Hosts Annual Cardinal Couples Mass

02/14/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Sunday, Feb. 9, Alumni Relations and Mission and Ministry celebrated the couples whose love originated at the University with the annual Cardinal Couples Mass in Our Lady’s Chapel. The lovebirds were welcomed back to the Nest to prayerfully rejoice in their continued love for their partners and for the University that brought them together.

Red Dress participants

UIW to Host Annual Red Dress Fashion Show

02/07/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Saturday, Feb. 15, UIW will host its annual Red Dress Fashion Show at 11 a.m. in the Student Engagement Center Ballroom. This time-honored tradition has been a staple event of the University’s Fashion program since 2006 with the goal of raising awareness about women’s heart health, as the signs of health attacks in women are notably different from signs exhibited by men.

UIWSOM Preceptors

UIWSOM Preceptors Uplift Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

02/07/2025 Sourced from UIW News

At the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM), professors dedicated themselves to uplifting, educating and preparing the next generation of physicians. Through its rigorous curriculum and hands-on learning experiences, the school strives to empower the medical education community to achieve academic, professional and personal success and develop a commitment to lifelong learning. But UIWSOM students also receive ample and critical support beyond the Nest.

Dr. Karen Eifler

Being True to the Mission: UIW to Host Annual Bernadette O’Conner Lecture on Catholic Intellectual Traditions

02/07/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Monday, Feb. 10, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) will proudly present UIW’s annual Bernadette O’Conner Lecture on Catholic Intellectual Traditions (CIT) at 5 p.m. in the Luella Bennack Music Center Seddon Recital Hall. The lecture was founded in 2017 with the intent to engage some facet of the CIT, most broadly understood as the dynamic and mutually illuminating conversation between the Catholic faith and human culture.

Event presentation and Dr. Lisa Brown

UIW Celebrates the First Week of Black History Month with Study of Music

02/07/2025 Sourced from UIW News

This week, the University kicked off its annual celebration of Black History Month. On Monday, Feb. 3, members of the community gathered both in person and virtually to participate in a roundtable discussion that explored “The Role of Black American Gospel & Spiritual Music Traditions: Inspirational Adult Education Pedagogy.” The event examined the historical and contemporary role that Negro Spirituals, Black Church Music and Contemporary Gospel have played as instruments for adult education and revolutionary spiritual development among adults.

Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries and Dr. Thomas M. Evans, President of the University of the Incarnate Word

University of the Incarnate Word and Methodist Healthcare Ministries Announce New Partnership

02/03/2025 Sourced from UIW News

SAN ANTONIO – February 3, 2025 – The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) and Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help MHM employees, and their dependents advance their higher education dreams through UIW. Specifically, the agreement, which was formally signed during a ceremony on Monday, January 27, 2025, will allow for MHM employees and their families to pursue, advance, or refine work skills through an array of programs offered through the UIW School of Professional Studies (UIWSPS) at reduced tuition rates.


January
UIW MLK March participants

UIW Marches in 38th San Antonio MLK March

01/31/2025 Sourced from UIW News

On Monday, Jan. 20, UIW students, faculty and community members joined the City of San Antonio for its 38th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Celebration. Despite the frigid temperatures that swept through the city, thousands of San Antonio residents bundled themselves in their warmest clothes and walked alongside one anther as their showed their collective respect for the legacy of civil rights activist, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK), Jr.

Brainpower Connection students

Brainpower Connection Schools Celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2025

01/31/2025 Sourced from UIW News

Since 1974, National Catholic Schools Week has been observed in the last week of January as an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. This year’s Catholic Schools Week theme was “Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community.”

Gary Joeris

UIW Announces $500,000 Gift for Renovation of Founders Hall

01/23/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is proud to announce that it has received a gift of $500,000 from businessman and philanthropist, Gary Joeris, CEO of Joeris General Contractors. The gift is to be used in the restoration of Founders Hall, the nine-story building currently under renovation which is located across Hildebrand from the UIW Broadway campus. In recognition of his generosity, UIW will name the ballroom in the Student Engagement Center the Joeris Ballroom.

Student on laptop

UIW Receives Top-Rankings from National Publication for Online Education

01/22/2025 Sourced from UIW News

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is proud to announce it has received some top-rankings in the 2025 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs list. This includes being ranked the No. 1 Catholic university in the Nation in the category of Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans and the No.1 private university in the State of Texas in the category of Best Online Bachelor’s Program.

Black History Month 2025

UIW to Celebrate Black History Month 2025

01/17/2025 Sourced from UIW News

With February around the corner, the University of the Incarnate Word is preparing for its annual celebration of Black History Month. Throughout the coming month, a series of events will be hosted featuring UIW students, faculty and community members who will recall their experiences, reflect on Black history and share steps we can all take to create a more just society.

ABHP FSOP student chapter

UIW Healthcare Student Organizations Take Flight in the New Year

01/17/2025 Sourced from UIW News

A new semester at UIW has just begun, but students at the University’s health professions programs wasted no time organizing to further their own professional development and opportunities for growth in their chosen fields.

MLK march

Promoting Human Dignity: UIW to Participate in San Antonio’s MLK March

01/17/2025 Sourced from UIW News

Today, nearly 57 years after Dr. Martin Luther King's (MLK) assassination, the nation continues to honor his legacy by working to bring his dream to fruition. Every year in the month of January cities across the U.S. display this commitment at MLK Day activations and events. San Antonio is the proud host of the nation’s largest MLK March and UIW will once again march in solidarity at the annual event on Monday, Jan. 20.

Red the Cardinal and student

Cardinals Return to the Nest for Spring Semester

01/17/2025 Sourced from UIW News

This week, the corner of Broadway and Hildebrand became a lot livelier as the UIW student body returned from winter break to begin the Spring 2025 semester. Campus is once again filled with smiling students, eager to create more memories at the Nest and committed to achieving their resolutions.