UIW Celebrates the 2026 CCVI Spirit Award Recipients
Established in 1994, the CCVI Spirit Awards are presented annually to two members of the UIW community, one faculty and one student, whose lives embody the spirit of service of the founding Sisters. Recipients are selected by a committee of faculty and administrators, including previous award winners, and are recognized for exemplifying the mission and spirit of the Sisters through their service to both the UIW community and the broader San Antonio area.
This year, the UIW community gathered in the Seddon Recital Hall to celebrate the 2026 CCVI Spirit Award recipients.
“We are gathering to celebrate, once again, the CCVI Spirit Awards, which is an opportunity for all of us to pause, stop and reflect on what it means to be a member of the University community,” said Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, vice president of Mission and Ministry. “When we celebrate our award recipients, they actually embody, or in flesh, the spirit of the congregation, because they model for us in the way they live and serve true charity. They promote human dignity according to gospel values, and they do this on a daily basis, not just once in a while. It's a continued discipline action every day.”
This year’s honored faculty recipient is Leticia Vargas, MD, MBA, UIW alumna and associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM). Vargas was chosen for her compassionate approach to medical education, clinical service and mentoring at UIWSOM and beyond. Her care extends beyond the University, with her servantship reaching local, national and international communities. Through her efforts, she coordinates logistics, governmental partnerships and clinical care for hundreds of patients each year.
Although she was unable to accept her award in person, David J. Bayardo, MATS, MDiv, UIWSOM director of Mission Integration accepted on her behalf. Vargas also sent a message with Bayardo to share with her Incarnate Word community.
“Thank you very much for this incredible acknowledgement,” wrote Vargas. “This award, to me, is priceless. My education at UIW was never only about finding my vocation - it was about becoming a world citizen along the way. I was mentored by the CCVI Sisters in ways that shaped not only my career but my life. When the first three sisters arrived in San Antonio at the call of Bishop Dubuis, they embraced the mission that crossed borders and transformed lives. In our own way, we continue that tradition. I am who I am because of you (the CCVI Sisters).”
Abigail (Abby) M. Allen-Barria was honored as the 2026 CCVI Student Spirit Award recipient. Allen-Barria was chosen for her exemplary commitment to servant leadership and community engagement. She has served UIW in leadership roles within the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability, the Student Government Association Executive Council and as coordinator of the campuswide Golden Harvest Food Drive. The CCVI Spirit Award selection committee noted that Allen-Barria earned this recognition for her exceptional character, selfless service, commitment to human dignity and compassionate leadership.
“I wanted to be an advocate for my community, and I wanted to speak for my community, but I didn't know how,” shared Allen-Barria as she reflected on entering UIW. “Over the course of three years, I can definitely say I've had an impact. I've learned how to actually become an advocate, and how to turn my thoughts and my ideas into action. I'm very thankful that as I graduate this semester that I can carry that into law school. I’ll continue to carry on the mission of the CCVI Sisters and advocating for social justice, change and healing in these seemingly hard times.”
The celebration also included a musical performance by Javier Clavere, DMA, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and his wife Lindsey Clavere, PhD. The couple have performed together since 1996 and were honored to perform in celebration of this year’s winners.
Congratulations, 2026 CCVI Spirit Awards winners!