A New Commitment and a New Name | A Message from President Evans

Dear UIW community,

In this season of renewed energy and optimism, I wanted to share my excitement for a wonderful new gift pledge that our community has received. I am thrilled to share that UIW Trustee Gary Joeris, chairman and CEO of Joeris General Contractors, has committed to a $500,000 gift toward the construction of Founders Hall. 

Gary has served on our Board of Trustees since 2012, but his work helping us grow and transform UIW extends long before. A long-time member of our UIW family, he has supported our annual Swing-In Golf Tournament and Auction Party since 2002, helping us raise critical funds for student scholarships. In 2009, he pledged $1 million toward our Capital Campaign and, for his generosity, Joeris Hall is named for him. 

In keeping with that tradition, we are honoring him by naming yet another favorite UIW destination for Gary. In the spring, the Student Engagement Center Ballroom will be named Joeris Ballroom. A naming ceremony will be planned for a later date. 

Over decades, Joeris General Contractors has been a trusted partner in our efforts to advance our infrastructure. That partnership is visible in our residence halls, such as Dubuis Hall, which recently received LEED Silver Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. It can be seen in our Student Engagement Center, which we consider our Broadway campus living room. Our partnership now extends to the development of Founders Hall. I am deeply grateful to Gary for his belief in our Mission and in our Cardinals and for his continued leadership as we work to serve both well. This marks the fourth leadership gift toward construction and programming in Founders Hall. The nine-story, 380,000-square-foot, 10-acre property represents the largest renovation project in UIW history. Since its acquisition, Founders Hall has made positive impacts on our community, opening more parking for our community and guests. Once opened, Founders Hall will fundamentally transform the Broadway campus and impact all of UIW. 

As our fundraising efforts for our university continue and we move closer to our goals for Founders Hall, I remain committed to keeping you updated on our major developments. I look forward to bringing you more exciting news throughout the year.   

Praised be the Incarnate Word!

Sincerely,
 
Thomas M. Evans, PhD
President