The Word: UIW Community Newsletter - April 16, 2021

As the needs of our world continue to change, UIW remains committed to providing the best educational opportunities for students to prepare for success. We are pleased to introduce the latest degree programs that have been added to UIW’s extensive list of educational offerings.

Bachelor of Science in Data Science, School of Math, Science, and Engineering (SMSE)

Program contact: Suleyman Tek, Ph.D., professor and chair of Mathematics Department, tek@uiwtx.edu

The B.S. in Data Science is the newest School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering degree offering, scheduled to launch in the Fall 2021 semester. This program is designed to prepare future professionals with the skills in mathematics, computer information systems and statistics to manage and understand the data that fuels the growth across sectors. Students will benefit from small classroom sizes, personal faculty support, professional development support and a growing job demand for data science professionals.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Data Science

Master of Science in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences, Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP)

Program contact: Adeola Coker, Ph.D., program director, grillo@uiwtx.edu

The Master of Science in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences in a two-year, 32 credit hour program that equips students with the advanced knowledge and skills for a career in pharmaceutical sciences. Career opportunities for graduates include the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, government agencies, and research laboratories. The program includes a pharmaceutical internship that provides hands-on, real-life experience. It also prepares students interested in applying to related Ph.D. programs.

Learn more on the M.S. in Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences program page

Three faculty members from the Dreeben School of Education, Drs. Sandra L. Guzman-Foster, Deepti Kharod and Joan Labay-Marquez, co-presented “Alleviating Compassion Fatigue: Tools for Teaching in Tumultuous Times” on April 11 at the 9th Annual Conference of the Faculty Women of Color in the Academy. The workshop was designed to help alleviate stress, particularly in today’s climate of social, political and religious divisiveness, by invoking compassion. Presenters shared tools to help detect and alleviate inner and outer stressors. 

“It was amazing to see that many of the faculty who attended our presentation understand the importance of increasing a sense of common humanity and the need for more compassion. We only gave them a taste of some strategies one can use to practice compassion, and hopefully piqued their interest in seeking more information to become compassionate citizens in our global community,” said Guzman-Foster.

Presenters shared how faculty juggle multiple tasks and often find that self-care activities are the first activities eliminated in times of high stress or busyness. Faculty can replenish their emotional reserves by allowing themselves to engage in self-care activities which allows them the capacity to be aware and control their emotions and responses to stressors. They can also increase their ability to manage interpersonal relationships more empathetically and minimize the inner and outer stressors that are emotionally draining on their personal well-being. In addition to enriching their own lives, these practices also help them contribute to a culture of compassion with their students and colleagues. 

“Why compassion?” Kharod asked. “According to the Charter for Compassions, the principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical, and spiritual traditions, calling us to always treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the center of our world and put another there, and to honor the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.” 

“It was incredible to learn that our presentation met the conference mission of 'Connect. Support. Empower.'  Knowing that the session provided participants with some tools that will help them in their personal and professional lives demonstrates the power of the compassion movement,” shared Labay-Marquez. 

The Faculty Women of Color in the Academy National Conference (FWCA), is an annual conference that provides a unique educational and professional opportunity for indigenous and women of color in higher education to network, engage, and learn with colleagues from around the country. 

Learn more about each presenter: 

Dr. Guzman-Foster has a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. She is a Gates Millennium Scholar and a Spencer Interdisciplinary Fellow. Prior to joining UIW, Dr. Guzman-Foster worked with the Institute for Transformational Learning at the University of Texas Systems developing and producing competency-based instructional materials. Her experience includes online and hybrid pedagogy, curriculum development, teacher education, program evaluation, and educational research. Dr. Guzman-Foster taught at the K-12 level, community college level, and at the university level in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado over the past 25 years. 

Dr. Kharod’s teaching focuses on early childhood and elementary education. Her research involves young children’s relationships with nature including the role of play and caring. Dr. Kharod serves as co-editor of Early Years, the official journal of TXAEYC. She also serves as the UIW chapter counselor for Kappa Delta Pi, an international education honor society. Prior to teaching pre-service teachers, Dr. Kharod taught elementary students for 10 years in San Antonio.

Dr. Labay-Marquez is the graduate studies coordinator and faculty member that teaches higher education law and legal issues in student affairs. Dr. Labay-Marquez serves as a reviewer on NASPA’s Review Board for the Journal of Women and Gender in Higher Education (JWG) and advisor for the Compassionate Student Peers Organization. She presents on education law for ESC Region 20 Cohort of Leadership Associates (CoLA) principal certification program and serves as liaison for UIW. This fall, she will lead a collaborative team and launch the Girl’s Leadership Program, led and organized by local high school students and supported by faculty mentors and community leaders. Prior to UIW, she maintained a general law practice and taught K-6 for Boerne Independent School District in the gifted and talented program. 

Thanks to Department of Defense grant awards, the UIW AVS Labs, under the leadership of Dr. Michael Frye, associate professor and chair of the Department of Engineering, has acquired the necessary funding to expand the growing drone fleet at UIW with the addition of the Skydio drone. AVS Labs is now the largest university drone program in San Antonio, by value and number of drones, with close to $3 million in assets and 12 flight platforms. This acquisition will increase the labs’ capability to meet Department of Defense initiatives aimed at growing Human-Automated hybrid systems. 

Skydio drone drastically ameliorates upon the suite of platforms available, principally as it pertains to fully automated tracking. The AVS flight team has been conducting a variety of experiments at the Headwaters Sanctuary to explore this capability. The Skydio demonstrated a spectacular tracking performance, able to navigate the thick vegetation and overhanging branches all while following an evasive human subject; fully autonomously. The AVS Labs will continue to investigate the Skydio capabilities and integrate this platform with the fleet of drones already in the lab, as well as allow for further human integration in the future, to continue to enhance tactical operations. 

UIW Music faculty and their students had another successful year of competition at the National Association of Teacher of Singing (NATS) South Texas Chapter Conference, held virtually on April 10. Eight Voice students from UIW competed in the conference. UIW Voice faculty Drs. Blythe Cates, lecturer of Voice; Wayne Davis, lecturer of Voice;  and Orit Eylon, associate professor of Music and coordinator of the Voice Area, served as judges in categories where UIW students did not compete. Students competed in categories identified by semester of voice study and age. Bill Gokelman, professor of Music and discipline chair, was the collaborative pianist for the competition for four of the students.  

The South Texas chapter includes institutions from Temple to Laredo to Corpus Christi, and includes schools such as the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Southwestern University, University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas State University, Trinity University, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Laredo Community College, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (both campuses) and Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The conference is highly competitive, with approximately 215 students competing in their respective categories. 

UIW students who submitted a performance for the virtual competition include: 

• Nathan Petersen, Music Education
• Andrew Beltran, Music
• Veronica Perez, Music Education
• Devon Chance, Music Therapy
• Alex Montalvo, Music Performance (Seddon Scholar)
• Serena Hernandez, Music Performance
• Maura Navarette, Music
• Stephanie Huskins, Music

Results from the 2021 spring conference auditions: 

• Stephanie Huskins, 1st place in Adult Beginners Category, voice student of Dr. Blythe Cates
• Andrew Beltran, 1st place in 10 Tenor-Bass-Baritone and Upper College Musical Theatre Category, voice student of Dr. Wayne Davis
• Nathan Petersen, 2nd place in 10 Tenor-Bass-Baritone Category, voice student with Dr. Wayne Davis. 
• Maura Navarette, 1st place in Senior Women Treble Category. This category is one of the hardest to compete in with nationally recognized judges brought in for the competition. Navarette completed her voice studies before the competition. Her former voice teachers were Dr. Orit Eylon and Dr. Blythe Cates. 

“We are so proud of our voice area students," said Dr. Eylon. "Considering the energy and time that it takes for the students to record instead of performing live, I am quite proud of all eight students’ efforts and all of them deserve a huge “bravo” for their hard work. They all performed amazingly well."

On the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis' Encyclical  Laudato Si 

By Rev. Leo Almazan (originally published in 2020) 

In a recent video message, Pope Francis invited us once again to ponder the kind of world we want to leave behind for future generations and the concrete ways in which we ought to respond to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. This dual invitation constitutes the backbone of his encyclical Laudato Si, which was promulgated five years ago and remains a sobering reminder of how environmental degradation is like a petri dish where hunger, illness, and war fester and kill people, especially the poorest of the poor in the world. 

The good news about this anniversary are that, after only five years of the Laudato Si publication, there have been many concrete actions taken to stop global warming, such as fossil-fuel divestment, the establishment of mitigation and adaption plans related to natural disasters due to climate change, and the expressed commitment of many Catholic and non-Catholic institutions at the local, national, and international levels to address environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. 

Pope Francis' invitation to engage in a nine-day period of private or public prayer (a.k.a. a Novena), from May 16-24, 2020, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of his encyclical Laudato Si is intended to encourage us to engage with renewed vigor in a global campaign to obtain special graces, implore special favors, and make special petitions so that, through our personal and collective ecological conversion, we may be willing and able to continue taking concrete actions to stop environmental degradation; that is, ozone depletion, greenhouse effect and global warming, desertification, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and disposal of wastes. 

A website for this week-long celebration of Laudato Si has been created, which will serve as a clearinghouse for the various Catholic events and actions planned, even  in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The site organizers' state, "Laudato Si Week [will] help us reshape the world that will arise after the pandemic has passed. The present crisis is an opportunity to start anew, and to make sure that the world that arises after this crisis has passed is sustainable and just. ... As we prepare for Laudato Si Week and the journey beyond, let’s reflect together on how the encyclical’s lessons guide us through the current crisis." Here are five concrete ways in which you can join in the celebration from the safety and comfort of your home: 

• Deepen your spiritual understanding of God's creation and your spiritual response by praying The Deer's Cry prayer, attributed to St. Patrick.
• Do a short examination of ecological consciousness:  
  • I give thanks to God for creation and for being wonderfully made.  
    Where did I feel God’s presence in creation today? 
  • I ask for the grace to see creation as God does. 
    Do I see the beauty of creation and hear the cries of the Earth and the poor? 
  • I ask for the grace to look closely to see how my life choices impact creation and the poor and vulnerable.  
    What challenges or joys do I experience as I recall my care for creation? How can I turn away from a throwaway culture and instead stand in solidarity with creation and the poor? 
  • I ask for the grace of conversion towards ecological justice 
    Where have I fallen short in caring for creation and my brothers and sisters? How do I ask for a conversion of heart? 
  • I ask for the grace to reconcile my relationship with God, creation and humanity, and to stand in solidarity through my actions.  
    How can I repair my relationship with creation and make choices consistent with my desire for reconciliation with creation? 
  • I offer a closing prayer for the earth and the vulnerable in our society. 
• Write a daily journal entry on your connection to creation. 
• Commit to educate yourself by reading trusted scientific sources on global warming and climate change. A great resource to do this is skepticalscience.com.   
• Pray, keeping in mind Pope Francis' words: “As the tragic coronavirus pandemic has taught us, we can overcome global challenges only by showing solidarity with one another and embracing the most vulnerable in our midst.”

UIW Mission and Ministry is now live-streaming Sunday Mass from Our Lady’s Chapel. We invite your participation in one of the following formats: 

• In-Person Attendance:  UIW Community members wishing to attend Mass in-person are asked to register for a seat using our new Flocknote app, as well as abide by all safety guidelines put in place for the pandemic, including the health screening via Cardinal Health Check and wearing a mask during the liturgy. Seating is extremely limited due to protocols put in place due to the pandemic. Students receive priority in-person registration at the following links:
  
  • April 18 – 3rd Sunday of Easter
  • April 25 – 4th Sunday of Easter/Memorial Mass
  • May 2 – 5th Sunday of Easter
• Virtual Attendance: Those wishing to attend Mass virtually should continue registering through Zoom. The links to RSVP for the livestream Mass are:
  
  • April 18 – 3rd Sunday of Easter via Zoom
  • April 25 – 4th Sunday of Easter/Memorial Mass via Zoom
  • May 2 – 5th Sunday of Easter via Zoom

Division of International Affairs Study Abroad and Exchange Coordinator, Brooke Paynter, received the 2021 NAFSA Region III Texas State Award. 

In her position, Paynter provides academic and general advising to incoming and outgoing students to over 140 study abroad programs and supports faculty-led program endeavors. She was recognized for chairing the Global Peer and Leadership (GPL) Conference in April 2021, which provided an opportunity for both student peer mentors and advisors of global peer mentor groups in Texas. The conference served as a no-cost opportunity to empower students and advisors to lead sessions, network with field experts and learn from each other.

Maggie Mahoney, GPL committee member stated, “Without Ms. Paynter, we would not have a way to engage our student peer mentors across universities, especially this year while they feel isolated, unmotivated and unsure about their future. As a leader in our field, she demonstrates compassion when needed, and she helps us all to seek excellence in our work, even for a short, virtual conference primarily for students. Her attention to detail is another way this conference and our interactions as a conference planning committee are remarkable.”

Congratulations, Brooke! Thank you for all that you do for our international students!

The 44th Annual Swing-In Auction Party and Golf Tournament is just around the corner! This year, the auction party you know and love is coming to you in a safe, virtual format. Plus, when you register for the auction, you will also be able to view the premiere of our virtual "gala" program! All proceeds raised from the auction will directly benefit the University’s scholarship fund to ensure the continuation of higher education for students at the University of the Incarnate Word.

The auction will officially open Friday, May 7 at 8 a.m. and close Thursday, May 13 at 8:30 p.m. The virtual gala program will premiere on the auction site on Thursday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m.

You don’t want to miss your chance to bid on amazing auction items including:

• Front-row Spurs tickets including car service
• Artistic Images Studio Portrait Session
• Happy Hour at Frederick’s Bistro for 20 guests including appetizers and drinks
• Invisalign or Braces Package from 7 to 7 Dental
• A $2,250 gift card to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
• Koe Wetzel autographed electric Fender guitar
• Radiance MedSpa Package
• Whataburger for a Year
• And more!

Sign up for the auction party here

As always, the Swing-In Raffle has returned as well! Only 300 tickets will be sold! Buy your Swing-In raffle ticket for $100 to support UIW scholarships – all proceeds will directly benefit the Scholarship Fund and provide UIW students with the opportunity to further their education at a faith-based institution. The raffle winner will choose one of the following prizes:

• Tuscany Culinary Escape
• Charleston Luxury Getaway
• Fairmont Chateau Whistler
• $5,000 Merchandise Credit Balance on Credit Card.

Learn more and purchase a Swing-In Raffle ticket here

The Swing-In Golf Tournament will be held Friday, May 14. For information on how to participate in the golf tournament, please contact Kendra Pittman with the UIW Office of Development at kdpittma@uiwtx.edu.

Dr. Joseph J. Pizzimenti, OD, FAAO, full-time faculty member of the Rosenberg School of Optometry, recently spoke with Parade.com to answer the age-old question: Are carrots good for your eyes?

“While carrots certainly have benefits, even more critical are leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collards,” says Pizzimenti. “This is because of their high content of zeaxanthin and lutein. These carotenoids protect the retina from toxic damage.”

Dr. Pizzimenti recommends at least four servings of leafy greens per week for optimal eye health. “In addition, other brightly colored fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and yes, carrots, are beneficial,” he says.

Read the full article

The Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability invites the community to participate in the annual spring service day, "Cardinals in the Community: A Global Day of Service" on Friday, April 23 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the UIW Broadway Campus Westgate Circle. Volunteers will have the opportunity to help beautify and prolong the life of the campus Community Gardens, address food insecurity and more. Volunteers are asked to bring five canned goods to benefit the Cardinals’ Cupboard! For more information, please contact the Ettling Center at 210-283-6423 or ccl@uiwtx.edu or visit us in AD 158. 

Register for Cardinals in the Community: A Global Day of Service

A call was sent out in early April from the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County to support and assist our community, especially children, veterans, elderly, homeless, and vulnerable populations by filling up a shoebox with basic hygiene and personal care-items such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Over 10,500 boxes have been requested of local non-profits, organizations, religious groups, and educational entities to help those in need.

A few of our students have been inspired and motivated to not only take up this call to help our community and those in need, but have also taken some additional time and effort to decorate their donated shoebox in the hopes of bringing a smile to a needing community member. Since the announcement to our campus/student community, over 20 boxes have been donated in eight days. If you, your residence hall, your class, your sports team, your office/department, or student organization are interested in participating in this effort, we kindly ask that you please make sure the box(es) can be opened for safety inspections by United Way volunteers. You can also donate items and we will fill a box for you.

Items needed

• Adhesive bandages
• Baby wipes
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap/body wash
• Deodorant
• Hair comb/brush
• Lotion
• Hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Sanitary napkins/liners/tampons

Items not accepted

• Food
• Medicine
• Mouthwash
• Razors
• Sewing kits
• Used or opened items

Drop-off Locations

• Ettling Center for Civic Leadership & Sustainability
  UIW Broadway Campus
  Administration Building Room 158
  Monday - Friday: 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Cardinal’s Cupboard Food Pantry
  UIW Broadway Campus
  Joeris Hall
  Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

As National Student Employee Week comes to a close, we're featuring some of UIW's outstanding student employees. Our student employees contribute to the success of UIW's operations in a big way. We asked a few of them six questions to celebrate their contributions and successes. Get to know our student employees below!

Julianne Salame: Communications and Brand Marketing

Julianne Salame is a senior Communication Arts senior, set to graduate this semester. She is studying Media Studies and minoring in English, but she also loves sewing, crocheting, and reading. She has been a valued member of the UIW Office of Communications and Brand Marketing work-study team since her freshman year.

What’s your favorite part of being a UIW student employee?

I love UIW, and working here has given me some of the best opportunities and opened so many doors for me personally. I enjoy feeling part of something I know is bigger than just myself. Working here has allowed me to meet so many students, faculty and staff throughout the UIW community that we all love.

Tell us about some of your favorite experiences and memories from your time as a student employee.

One of my favorite experiences to laugh about to this day, was my first official day on the job as a work study, when my boss left me to attend to the phones on my own for the first time. The phone rang, causing my heart to beat in overdrive. I was so nervous to answer it, that when I picked up the phone I just said “Hello?” as opposed to the pre-prepared line I had rehearsed: “Communications & Marketing, how can I help you?” The person on the other end of the call was super understanding, but I was so embarrassed to take a phone call after that!

How do you feel that student employment at UIW has prepared you for life after graduation?

Throughout the three years in my current work study job, I have grown in more ways than one, as a student and person. I have also grown as a professional and learned so many skills that will help guide me through my career in the future.

How did working as a student employee impact your academic journey and/or student life experience for the better?

I would say working as a student employee while being a full-time student definitely taught me to manage my time better. In addition to having the opportunity to meet people from all different majors, being a student employee has taught me the importance of self-discipline and how to carry myself in a professional setting.

What advice would you offer younger students about making the best of their time as student employees?

I would offer young students the advice of looking for student employment early in their college careers. I started my student employment position as a sophomore and I cannot imagine how much more I could have learned if I had started my freshman year. To anyone who is hesitant about student employment, I can honestly say that my current position has taught me so much.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to add a huge thank you to my office. The Office of Communications and Brand Marketing has taught me so much in life, academics and all of the in-between. I am grateful to everyone I have had the privilege of working with and meeting through this position so far, but I am especially grateful to the team at the Office of Communications and Brand Marketing, for so much more than I can put into words.

Edna Pensado: Development Office

Edna Pensado is majoring in Communication Arts with a concentration in Media Studies! She is currently a junior with plans to graduate in the spring of 2022. Her student employment role is in the Development Office as a student assistant. Fun fact – she's been doing martial arts for 11 years!

What’s your favorite part of being a UIW student employee?

I love being a UIW student employee because it has given me the opportunity to work remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, my supervisors are some of the best people I’ve ever worked with! 

Tell us about some of your favorite experiences and memories from your time as a student employee.

Some of the sweetest memories I have of the Development Office are the unexpected snacks and desserts my supervisors would give us.  

How do you feel that student employment at UIW has prepared you for life after graduation?

I do feel that my work-study position has prepared me for life after graduation by giving me an insight into the work field. My communication skills have strengthened, and I have picked up new skills during my time as a student employee! 

How did working as a student employee impact your academic journey and/or student life experience for the better?

Being a UIW student employee has allowed me to put my education first by working around my school schedule. I’m given the opportunity to choose my own work schedule, which allows me to work whenever I can. This is extremely helpful especially during finals week at the end of the semester.  

What advice would you offer younger students about making the best of their time as student employees?

I would advise taking advantage of the flexibility that work-study positions offer you and build relationships with your coworkers as well as your supervisors. Working with people you have a connection with makes the workplace better and entertaining! 

Brianna Rivera: Campus Engagement and Residence Life

Brianna (you can call her Bree) Rivera is a work study in the Office of Campus Engagement and Residence Life. This is her third year working for this office and she hopes to be with them for two more. Bree is a Community Health Education major and plans to also minor in Psychology before she graduates in Spring 2023. She's also a member of the UIW Marching Cardinal Band and serves as an undergraduate staff member for the piccolo/flute section! Along with being a full-time student and having a work study job, she also works at Peter Piper Pizza as a cashier and at Cavender's Boot City as a sales associate. Bree doesn't stop there – she volunteers to help teach Sunday school at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Get to know more about Bree below!

What’s your favorite part of being a UIW student employee?

I love getting involved with the campus and community. I like that I am able to help students and friends outside of the office and inform them about events, help guide them in the right direction with other questions and even answer questions regarding the office I work in. I know this campus like the back side of my hand. From the Wellness Center to the Ettling Center to Red's Pub, all the way up to Joeris Residence Hall. I have definitely learned my way around campus. I love helping host campus events and being able to work at multiple locations in the Student Engagement Center (SEC). I really enjoy when I get a new coworker because I not only get to help train them and teach how our office runs, but I get a new friend. Our bond goes further than the office. We have group chats, and before the pandemic, we would always go out to eat or to Spurs games together when we got the chance.

Tell us about some of your favorite experiences and memories from your time as a student employee.

My hands down most favorite memory had to have been from this semester. This family came into the office and was helping their son decide between here, UIW, or St. Mary's University. They wanted to familiarize themselves with our campus and mentioned that they specifically wanted to see where exactly Joeris Residence Hall was to make sure the walk from the hill to the center of main campus would be manageable, while also being aware of his surroundings (being that he's autistic). The four of us all took the walk up the hill. On the way, I made sure to inform them about buildings and parking lots we were passing, while ensuring not to overwhelm them with too much information. Once reaching Joeris, we all came back down, but I also made sure to show them another route they could take to get to the main part of campus from Joeris. Throughout our walk, I just really wanted them to see how beautiful and close-knit our campus is, what we offer and what extra mile we put into the staff, students and community. 

How do you feel that student employment at UIW has prepared you for life after graduation?

I feel this job has allowed me to grow as an individual. I now know how to confidently present and speak to others, trouble shoot, teach others and overall, I know how to get heard and get involved.

How did working as a student employee impact your academic journey and/or student life experience for the better?

Without this job, I believe I would be a complete mess. My time management skills are at their peak thus far. If you were able to see my planner, you all would think I am crazy. It's not just saying you will do it, but actually living up to it is where it counts. If it was not for this job, I honestly probably would have done so poorly in classes and would have dropped out of school. The supervisors in this office all push us to strive for the best. They do not let us fail. They are literally my shoulder to cry on, the first group I go to when something good happens, and a great group of contagious smiles and laughs. I really owe so much to each and every one of my supervisors and coworkers.

What advice would you offer younger students about making the best of their time as student employees?

Be open to all positions. Look at buildings, offices, and so forth because I guarantee you there is an opening somewhere. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I have no off days. Every day of the year, I have either school or one of my three jobs. I know it's crazy, but that is my choice. If you are unsure about getting a work study job, I hope you look back at my journey and that persuades you to finally push for a yes. I believe anybody can handle a work study job, but you truly have to put in the effort. You can do it.

Are you interested in participating in a future REDTalk? We are looking for UIW Alumni to share experiences, ideas and career development tools with fellow Cardinals!

If you would like to be a presenter, please fill out this form. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at alumni@uiwtx.edu.  

We can't wait to hear from you!

A new musical work by New York-based alumnus Darian Thomas (BA '16, Music Composition), will be premiered by SOLI Chamber Ensemble and San Antonio Poet Laureate Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson, on April 25 and 26 at the San Antonio Botanical Garden.

"SOLI presents the world premiere of  ((HERE)) by composer, musician, and multimedia artist Darian Donovan Thomas. This 30-minute work for SOLI, electronics, vocalist (singing, rapping, and narrating), and androgynous dancer sources texts and song material from San Antonio Poet Laureate and Hip-Hop artist Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson, who collaborated with Thomas on the commission.  ((HERE)) tells the story of the BIPOC experience, past and present, through a signature blend of styles – contemporary classical, ’80s hip hop, and flamenco all unite together in a joyful statement of strength and solidarity. Featured artists for the performances include Sanderson and noted flamenco dancer Tamara Adira.

Learn more and find tickets

We are so excited to host our "Red Put A Ring On It!" Celebration this Sunday, April 18! If you are attending this weekend’s celebration, please read all event details here.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (210) 829-6014 or alumni@uiwtx.edu.  

The University of the Incarnate Word men's soccer team had two Cardinals – Eduardo Perez and Best Emena – selected for the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) All-Freshman team, the conference officeannounced on Monday.

These selections mark the first time in program history a Cardinal was placed on the WAC All-Freshman team since joining the league in 2013.

"When we have guys represented for individual awards, it is reflective of our team culture; they cannot earn these awards without the rest of their teammates,” said UIW head coach Kiki Lara. “Edu and Best are two very humble kids who have, and continue to, put in the work to be the best they can be for the team.”

UIW went 2-7-0 in the shortened spring 2021 season, finishing 10th in the league under Lara in his first season with UIW. In their two victories, the Cardinals secured a 3-2, come-from-behind win against UNLV (Feb. 13) to open the season before shutting out Houston Baptist, 2-0 (March 26).

Throughout the season, Perez led the Cardinals with six points, scoring three goals on five shots and leading the Cardinals with both goals in the 2-0 shutout against Houston Baptist.

"(Eduardo) came to us in the spring and was able to be successful because of his elite fitness level; he's a very talented student-athlete with his scoring touch," Lara said. "He is very coachable and someone who wants to learn and get better every day."

Emena earned all-freshman honors after scoring the game-winning goal to cap the 3-2 victory against UNLV. This marked UIW’s first win against the Rebels since 2016.

"Best is a kid who has come in extremely humble; he is someone who always gives a maximum amount of energy in any situation and has been a spark on both sides of the ball for us," Lara said.

Cassandra Phillips, a senior on the University of the Incarnate Word women's swimming and diving team, was named Coastal Collegiate Sports Association (CCSA) Women's Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year, the organization announced.

"It is a very humbling experience to be acknowledged with this award," said Phillips. "After undergoing shoulder surgery in the summer of 2019, I was more eager than ever to get back into the pool.

"Unfortunately, once I was finally cleared to swim, COVID-19 struck. Despite all of the drawbacks, my family, coaches, teammates and physical therapists were able to help me overcome adversity and reach my goals."

Phillips made a splash her first time back in the pool at the opening meet of the season (Art Adamson Invitational, Nov. 18-20) where she set a new UIW record of 53.6 seconds in the 100-meter fly, good for a NCAA B cut time.

She carried that momentum in the final meet of the season, breaking her own record and claiming gold in the same event at the CCSA Championships with a time of 53.50. Also at the championships, Phillips helped the 200-yard medley relay squad to a second-place finish.

Phillips' hard work translates outside of the pool as she boasts a 3.99 cumulative GPA, while also being a member of the San Antonio Mathematics Scholars (SAMS). She has received multiple dean's list recognitions as well as the Outstanding Senior in Mathematics honor from the UIW Mathematics Department. Additionally, she was nominated for the Amy Freeman Lee Scholastic Achievement and Service Recognition Award from the school of Mathematics, Science and Engineering.

"I am truly amazed at how well my team stayed positive through these trying times, and I could not have done it without them,” said Phillips. “Being part of this team has been an incredible experience and I am beyond thankful for the memories and people it has brought into my life. It is an honor to be the CCSA Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year."

The University of the Incarnate Word continues to monitor the local, regional and state-wide progression of COVID-19 to inform decisions about safe campus operations. Below you will find links to helpful information regarding UIW's COVID-19 warning indicators, case tracking, safety guidelines and resources for the UIW community. These sites will be updated to reflect changes or new information.

Cardinal Daily Health Check

COVID-19 Information Site

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Case Updates

Cardinal Flight Plan 

Schedule a COVID-19 test on the Broadway campus (students and employees ONLY)

Schedule a COVID-19 test at the UIWSOM campus (open to general public)