The Word: UIW Community Newsletter - September 10, 2021

Members of the Bennack family unveil the new Diane Bennack Concert Hall sign

On Saturday, Sept. 4, the University of the Incarnate Word dedicated the Diane Bennack Concert Hall with a series of special events. The dedication included a Mass, sign unveiling, reflections from President Thomas M. Evans, PhD, and Frank A. Bennack Jr., Diane’s father, a portrait investiture and musical performances by the Cardinal Singers and guest artists.

“A singer and performer, Diane’s beautiful voice was a gift that she shared with audiences and those she loved,” said Evans at the dedication. “Through the Diane Bennack Concert Hall, her family continues to share her gifts with us – supporting the growth of our Music students, helping us open our doors to visiting musicians and strengthening our arts community."

“The Bennack family has been a great friend to UIW for many years. Frank has spent time with our alumni and visited our campus sharing the lessons he has learned in his long and distinguished career. In 2002, we proudly awarded Frank Bennack with an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters, making him an official alumnus. Today, we count Diane’s son, Ben, and her niece, Beverly, among the many students who benefit from the Bennack family’s legacy and generosity.”

Diane Bennack was born in San Antonio, the middle of five sisters. The family moved to New Canaan, Connecticut, to be closer to the New York City area, where Frank Bennack would come to serve as CEO of Hearst. Here, Diane Bennack discovered her interest and talent in music.

A gifted singer and performer, she won the role of Dido in Purcell’s tragic opera “Dido and Aeneas” at the young age of 16. Bennack and a group of friends later started a pop band called Fire & Ice that performed in national tours and went overseas with the USO. Throughout her life, she continued to enjoy music, even singing at the dedication of UIW’s Luella Bennack Music Center, named after her late mother.

Bennack supported numerous art and charitable organizations, but her most important role was being a dedicated mother to her son. The concert hall is lovingly named in her honor in the hope future artists will be inspired.

“In the coming years, many more students will come through these doors eager for the music and arts education that Diane helped make possible,” said Evans. “I can think of no better way for our University to celebrate her than by cultivating their talent, fueling their inspiration and encouraging them to share their abilities with the world.”

Dr. Teresa Harrison, associate professor of Management and coordinator of the Management department in the H-E-B School of Business and Administration (HEBSBA), recently published an article in Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management (Vol. 39), a publication promoting the theory and research on the field of human resources management. This publication is considered by some as one of the best assets for human resources management research. 

“The immigrant journey into the workplace often means a tremendous loss in status (legally or perceived), which can lead to negative reactions in the workplace,” said Harrison. “Immigrants many times give up very distinctive markers that they had in their home countries (advanced education/degrees, status of their family names, etc.), which may not be valued in the destination country. By studying immigrant experiences in the destination countries and workplaces, we can better understand how they navigate various cultures and reconcile those cultures with their own identity, as well as how they encounter pathways or roadblocks to their workplace and, by extension, their livelihood. This ultimately enables us to understand how to better facilitate a positive transition into the workplace and to promote diversity and inclusion in organizations.”

Harrison’s article, "HRM Challenges for Immigrant Employees: Status-Laden Transitions Across Cultures and Workplace Social Environments," is co-authored by Dr. David A. Harrison and Dr. Margaret A. Shaffer. David Harrison is the University of Texas at Austin’s Charles and Elizabeth Prothro Regents Chair of Business Administration, Department of Management, and Shaffer hails from the University of Oklahoma’s Price College of Business Management and International Business. Their research focused on the status categories assigned to immigrants after they reach their destination. 

Find the abstract here

UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine students and alumni were published in the latest issue of San Antonio Medicine Magazine.

Recent graduate and current resident at the Texas Institute for Graduate Medical Education and Research (TIGMER) Dr. Faraz Yousefian has two articles published: “Manifestation and Management of Atopic Dermatitis in the Pediatric Population” and “Treatment Guidelines for Common Insect Bites Encountered in the Pediatric Population.” Yousefian’s articles are on pages 18-19 and 23, respectively. 

Current UIWSOM learners Jessica Glossop, Roshan George, Raudel Guerra and Joshua Kuehne collaborated to write “Changing Life Trajectories with Positive Intelligence,” found on pages 26-27.  

Current student Travis B. Fenlon wrote “OMT in Practice: An Anecdote from a Third-Year Medical Student,” found on pages 30-31. 

Read their articles here

David Offenbaker Jr., MSN(c), RN, UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) standardized patient educator and clinical outreach coordinator, recently had his research, “The Effects of Telemonitoring on Patients with Poor Glycemic Control,” published in the textbook,  Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge, Fifth Edition. The book is co-authored by Dee McGonigle, PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN, ANEF and Kathleen Mastrian, PhD, RN. 

Per the book's description, "Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge, Fifth Edition is a foundational text for teaching nursing students the core concepts of knowledge management while providing an understanding of the technology tools and applications where a certain level of proficiency is required. A practical guide for understanding how to leverage modern technology, the text teaches students how to acquire, process and disseminate knowledge. Grounded in the Foundation of Knowledge Model, the authors leverage this framework throughout as an organizational structure by which to teach and learn nursing informatics."

Offenbaker's contributed research is especially relevant in the pandemic era. As more patients have come to rely on telehealth in order to avoid potential exposure to COVID-19, research in the subject area is more important than ever. 

A native of Jourdanton, Texas, Offenbaker worked as a nurse educator and managed clinical simulation at the university level prior to joining UIWSOM in 2020. His previous experience also includes medical-surgical nursing, intensive care unit nursing and community/public health.

Learn more about the textbook

(Archive photo: Mass of the Holy Spirit in Our Lady's Chapel)

The readings chosen for the Liturgy were Ephesians 4/1-6 and Luke 4/16-22a. This reflection was shared at the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit by Fr. Roger Keeler, OST.

So, we might ask ourselves, what is a “university”? We might also ask, “What makes the University of the Incarnate Word distinctive from others? And, we might wonder, “How do these readings, chosen for a Liturgy of the Eucharist that prays for the help of the Holy Spirit at the onset of a new academic year, set a tone for what lies ahead”?

Well, a university is a society of scholars, a society of pursuers of knowledge, of unlockers of the universes’ mysteries. It is a society of readers, of writers, and of conversationalists who exchange ideas, theories, and even stories. A university is a society of learners.

A university is a society of those who seek answers to questions and solutions to vexing problems. Yet, oftentimes the more important significant and meaningful task is not in answering questions, but rather in posing and asking the right questions. A university is a society of seekers.

A university is a repository for that which has been learned, that which is cherished as the very foundation stones upon which the edifice of accumulated knowledge is built, is carefully preserved, and is thoughtfully commented upon. A university is a society of guardians.

A university is a society of those who reveal those secrets – those treasures – to those whose minds are receptive, whose curiosity is as an unquenchable thirst – a drive – to plumb ever-unfolding mystery. It is a society of the handers’ on, of exposers, of teachers, of mentors to those who will be empowered and entrusted as the future stewards of the treasury. A university is a society of teachers/mentors.

These categories (learners, seekers, guardians, teachers/mentors) offer an apt description of our university, don’t they?

Paul’s letter to the Church in Ephesus offers us something of the distinctive flavor of our university. He speaks of “the calling you have received,” of humility, gentleness, patience, “of bearing with one another,” and of doing all things “in love.”

Let’s parse this a little bit.

The “calling you have received” reminds us that it is the Lord who has invited us to be here at the University of the Incarnate Word this academic year. Why? Well, because it is His desire is to unleash the hidden potential deep within each and every one: for own good, for the good of His People, and for the restoration of creation to its original innocence, harmony, beauty and truth as we see in the Book of Genesis and repeated in the eleventh chapter of the Prophet Isaiah:

"The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child with lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, and their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as waters cover the sea."

When Paul speaks of “humble,” he is not referring to one becoming a “doormat” for another. Rather, the word “humble” comes from the Greek word humus – earth, soil. A humble person is a grounded person, one capable of the sober acknowledgement of giftedness, talent, ability and driving passion. At the same time, a humble person is deeply aware of personal limitations that can be faced and overcome; and of those lacks within us that encourage acceptance while they invite new strategies for moving forward.

To be “gentle” is to approach each moment in life without harshness or negative judgement, or in dredging the pasts’ problems and pain, permitting them to limit the present. Conversely, this also implies resisting the temptation to dwell in a future none can know.

To be “patient” is to deal with everyone and each moment with leniency and acceptance, without annoyance or anxiety.

“Bearing with one another” implies endurance and tolerance. It is an attitude that enables genuine respect. 

This is a word that invites some parsing. Respect comes from the Latin prefix “re,” which means “again” or “again and again.” The root word “spectare” means “to watch” or “to take a look.” Respect means to watch and look again, and again and again. It is to look at oneself in a posture that is willing to grapple with, to ponder, and to understand, my story and how it makes me who I am here and now. It is to look at others in a posture that is willing to grapple with, to ponder, and to understand their story and how it makes them where they are at in the here and now.

Finally, “love.” To love oneself – to love another – is to genuinely want and seek the good in the here and now. To seek and want good for oneself and for another!

When we take these notions together, it seems that we are being invited to create an environment within which the potential of this university is realized and advanced (learners, seekers, guardians, teachers/mentors), while at the same time desiring and working in concert in making the advancement – even realization – of the potential of each and every person in this society we know as the University of the Incarnate Word.

When we take into account what the Lord had to say to his hearers in Nazareth, ours is to do what we can in humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and love to choose for ourselves and for one another to remove that which impoverishes, imprisons, blinds and oppresses.

At UIW and as pioneers in Catholic higher education, we continue to forge new roads for every student to reach their full potential and create positive change in the world. In short, we want to ignite change.

As women and men united in “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all,” we know that nothing we do is undertaken or achieved solely by our own efforts. Rather, all that we do is engaged because it has been inspired in us by the Spirit, which is sustained by the Spirit’s power, and with the Spirit, is intended for the glory of God, the good of His People, and the salvation of the world.

Our prayer of blessing for today can be stated simply like this:

"May all we do begin with Your inspiration;
May all we do be undertaken with the help of Your grace;
May all we achieve be for Your glory,
For the good of Your people the Church.
And for the fullness of “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”

Amen!

Faith Formation Opportunities - The Bible in a Year Study Groups, Confirmation Classes, and More

University Mission and Ministry invites students, faculty, and staff to form Bible Study groups using the Ascension Press Bible in a Year Podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz. A survey was created to identify when individuals are available to meet and who would like to serve as group facilitators. Once your information is gathered, groups will be matched with same days and times. Please complete the survey here. If you would like to facilitate a group, please indicate so in the survey. A facilitator meeting will be held on Sept. 12, 2021.

In addition to Bible Study, we are offering other opportunities for faith formation such as confirmation classes. For more information, complete the Faith Formation Interest Form here.

Need Prayers?

Our UIW family is always in our prayers. If you have a special intention for which you would like us to pray, please feel free to submit it through our prayer link or via email to ministry@uiwtx.edu.

Join our flock!

If you consider UIW your worshiping community, or simply want to stay connected to Mission and Ministry to receive information about our events, ministries, and other ministry-related news, we invite you to register as part of our University of the Incarnate Word Flocknote network. Flocknote is the best means we have of keeping connected with our UIW family and sharing information quickly. Registration is free and open to students, faculty, staff, administrators, Incarnate Word Sisters, alumni and friends of UIW.

Join Flocknote here

The University of the Incarnate Word partnered with several local organizations who provide resources supporting mental health for UIW's first Let’s Taco-bout Mental Health event on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, in observance of Suicide Awareness Month. The event featured UIW mental health resources and support departments, as well as mental health resources from community partners, in a fun and safe environment with the goal of normalizing conversations about mental health while educating the UIW community on the support and help available.

“It is a tragic truth that suicide remains the second leading cause of death among college-aged students in the United States, and here in Texas that rate has escalated and is higher than the national average, said Dr. Kevin Milligan, director of Behavioral Health. “The UIW community has undoubtedly seen the profound affect that a student’s mental health has on their wellbeing as a person, and their success as a student. For some, these health issues can become a seemingly insurmountable burden that can lead to dark thoughts and intensions. Nationwide, the month of September is dedicated to breaking this downward spiral and raising awareness to prevent suicides, and we seek to support this with an event for our community.”

More than 400 students, faculty and staff attended and had the opportunity to play games, win prices and eat while gaining a better understanding of the suicide awareness initiative.

"The Suicide Awareness Event went better than we could have hoped,” added Milligan. “Seeing so many students and faculty participating in the event was encouraging and provides hope that advocacy for mental health is progressing and moving in the right direction. I am so appreciative of all the community partners and departments at UIW that participated in the event and provided great resources to our UIW community. The feedback we are hearing from students, administrators and staff is positive and encouraging. I am hopeful we can continue to advocate for those struggling with their mental health and be the support they are seeking during difficult times."

Dr. Theresa Tiggeman, professor, and Dr. Trish Driskill, associate professor, both in the H-E-B School of Business and Administration, met with representatives of the San Antonio Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs (SATXCPA) during the organization's recent Accounting Educators meeting, an event designed to host area college accounting faculty to network with local CPA professionals. During the meeting, the TXCPA gifted funds to UIW's Jim Donovan Accounting Scholarship. When TXCPA members renew annual membership dues, they can select a philanthropic designation, such as UIW, where funds from these dues are gifted.

“We are always so grateful to the TXCPA-SA, their members and UIW alumni for their generosity to our students, and our hope is that as our students become successful alumni they will serve their community by giving back like the students before them,” said Driskill.

The Jim Donovan Account Scholarship also receives funding from UIW’s Employee Campaign, where faculty/staff can earmark their donations specifically for that scholarship. UIW’s accounting faculty select a deserving student to receive the scholarship each year. The student is chosen based off merit and character and is someone the faculty believe will successfully represent UIW in the accounting profession.

On Thursday, Sept. 9, Raising Cane's on Austin Highway hosted Cardinal fans for a pep rally ahead of UIW football's Sept. 11 home opener! 

First responders were celebrated at the pep rally with free UIW swag, and all attendees received a free UIW football poster, enjoyed games and performances by UIW Spirit and of course, had delicious Raising Cane's food. 

Having a serious case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)? Don't worry! There are four more opportunities to join us for UIW Pep Rallies at Raising Cane's this season! 

• Thursday, Sept. 23
• Thursday, Oct. 14
• Thursday, Oct. 28
• Thursday, Nov. 4

Join us at Raising Cane’s on Austin Highway every Thursday before a home game for a chance to show off your football toss skills and play for a chance to win FREE Raising Cane’s for a year!

Archive photo: Sr. Dot, surrounded by UIW community members, holds a lighted candle

The Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability and University Mission and Ministry invite you to attend Sunday Mass in remembrance of dear University friend, beloved Sr. Dorothy "Dot" Ettling, as we celebrate her life after her passing seven years ago. Join us on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. in Our Lady’s Chapel. For more information, please contact Yesenia Caloca Yafout at caloca@uiwtx.edu or University Mission and Ministry at ministry@uiwtx.edu. 

Register for in-person attendance  

Register for virtual attendance

The Ettling Center for Civic Leadership, established by Sr. Dorothy Ettling (CCVI) in 2013, is an organization committed to promoting a collaborative relationship between the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) and CHRISTUS Health (CHRISTUS) with the goal of building social justice leadership. This involves more than a general commitment to be a good citizen in a democracy. Sr. Dot envisioned a center that would focus on the development of student leaders, civic engagement in the community, enhancement of academic service-learning opportunities, and the development of partnerships with local and global non-profit agencies to address the needs and issues of our global society within the construct of Catholic Social Teaching. 

In the fall of 2017, sustainability was added to the Center’s portfolio to continue to provide the leadership and maintenance of the on- and off-campus community gardens, Sustainability Scholars, and other sustainability initiatives on campus. The Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability continues to honor its founder and her legacy through the programs, services and activities conducted in collaboration with campus and community partners, impacting global community members from inner-city San Antonio to Chimbote, Peru. 

Learn more about the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Sustainability

The Lone Star Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) has announced its nominees for the prestigious 2021 regional EMMY Awards. The NATAS Lone Star Chapter is one of the largest in the country, serving all 19 television markets in Texas in broadcasting, production, post-production, education, advertising and public relations.

This year, UIWtv, the University's student-run news channel, has earned nine Lone Star EMMY Award nominations. Students at UIWtv produce live newscasts, specialty shows such as Cardinal Nights, and Spanish segments. Students receive hands-on training in live broadcasting, camera operation, interviewing skills and on-camera performance. UIWtv also provides students with real-life production experience in remote broadcasting. UIWtv students hone their skills producing broadcasts and livestream productions of various University events.

UIW EMMY nominees include:

• Nathan Rodriguez, photographer
• Antonio Bocanegra II, director, and Alyssa Munoz, director
• Joy Burgin, talent
• Antonio Bocanegra II, graphic design/animator
• Antonio Bocanegra II , operations director, Digital Film Production II Class, producers
• Serin Gupta, producer
• Zoe Del Rosario, producer
• Joy Burgin, producer
• Antonio Bocanegra II, operations director, Zoe Del Rosario, program director, Alyssa Munoz, news director

Winners will be announced on Sept. 30, 2021. Congratulations, Cardinals!

When your heart beat aligns with the rhythm of Marching Cardinals drum cadences, lights are shining at the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium and the air starts to become a little crisp (hey, this is still South Texas), you know it's almost time for Homecoming at UIW! 

Registration for UIW Homecoming opens next week! This year, the Department of Alumni and Parent Relations is excited to welcome all of our UIW Alumni back to the Nest for in-person festivities for the first time since 2019. Old and new traditions will be celebrated! All alumni, from from the Incarnate Word College-era to our most recent Cardinal graduates, are welcome to the festivities. This year we also celebrate the Class of 1971 for their 50th Anniversary Class Reunion, which included some of the first gentlemen to graduate from the Incarnate Word family with undergraduate degrees. 

Here's a first look at some of the fun-filled events in store at this year's UIW Homecoming!

Nest Fest Block Party

A Homecoming highlight this year will be the Nest Fest Block Party! This year's party is combining two of the most beloved UIW Homecoming traditions – Nest Fest and Trunk-or-Treat. All UIW Alumni and their families, employees, students and parents are welcome at this outdoor event that will feature live music, food trucks, a beer garden and the annual trunk-or-treat Halloween celebration.

RedZone Cardinal Tailgate and Salsa Competition

And don't forget about the RedZone Cardinal Tailgate, now featuring a salsa competition! Come out and enjoy a tailgate, Cardinal Style, as UIW prepares to take down the Houston Baptist Huskies. This family-friendly event is the official gathering place for alumni, parents and friends before the Homecoming game to show off your Cardinal pride, reconnect with fellow alumni and support our student-athletes before they hit the football field! Want to show off your culinary skills at this year's salsa competition? Submit your recipe to alumni@uiwtx.edu for your chance to compete!

Of course, your favorites like Thirsty Thursday, the 50th Reunion Coffee Klatch and Campus Tour, and Homecoming Memorial Mass are all returning this year, too. 

We can't wait to see you back at the corner of Broadway and Hildebrand, alumni! 

Stay up to date on UIW Alumni events and opportunities

Football season is here! Join your UIW Alumni and Parent Associations for a Cardinal-style tailgate on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. Our tailgate will begin at 5 p.m. in front of the Ann Barshop Natatorium (tailgate spots 10 - 12). Admission is only $5 per person and includes food and beverage (while supplies last).

Game tickets are not included and can be purchased online here.

UIW alumni receive an $8 discount at checkout using code "Alumni 2021" The discount is valid for stadium sections C and D only.

Purchase your UIW Alumni tailgate tickets

Archive photo: 2019 ¡Juntos Aprendemos! event

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the UIW Student Alumni and Philanthropy Association and the Department of Alumni and Parent Relations will host their annual networking mixer, ¡Juntos Aprendemos!, on Wednesday, Sept. 22. 

This event serves as an opportunity for current students who are seeking academic and career advice to meet and network with Hispanic/Latinx alumni leaders. We are currently looking for Hispanic/Latinx alumni leaders in our community to participate as mentors during this event. If you are interested in participating, please fill out the form linked below. 

In addition to our in-person portion of the event, alumni from our Mexico City and Bajio campuses will be joining us virtually – giving students the opportunity to establish international mentorship relationships as well.

Apply here

UIW football returns to Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 11 as the Cardinals host Prairie View A&M at 7 p.m. At the Cardinals' season opener, first responders will be honored for their service to our community.

To protect the health and safety of the student-athletes and spectators, UIW will allow 50% capacity inside the stadium.

In conjunction with this policy, UIW asks all Cardinals fans to read the following policies before arriving on game day:

• Practice social distancing when possible
• Mask up at all times, including vaccinated fans (no neck gaiters permitted)
• Avoid congregating outside the stadium
• Fans and spectators will be required to exit the facility immediately after the game; no interaction between spectators and student-athletes will be allowed at the stadium
• Spectators are strongly encouraged to social distance and sit only with their own groups for the game
• No pets are allowed inside the facility
• No outside food or drink is permitted inside the stadium (concession stands will be open for purchasing items)

Information on parking, tailgating, tickets, the clear bag policy, and more

One word can define the University of the Incarnate Word offensive line in the fall 2021 season: experience. The Cardinals return three all-conference student-athletes from the spring season, and offensive line coach Jordan Shoemaker said he believes the o-line features the most depth since his arrival in 2018.

"We have focused on improving fundamentally this fall camp, which will allow us to play faster up front with great technique," Shoemaker said. "I believe this group of guys we have up front are extremely hungry for success with a team first mindset."

Up front the Cardinals are led by two-time team captain Dawson Kier. The 6-3, 285 lbs veteran started all six games on the o-line in the spring. Shoemaker described the tackle as a very valuable team member on the offensive line, bringing leadership and experience to the group.

Sophomore Nash Jones earned a spot on the all-conference third team after his freshman campaign. The 6-3 300 lbs tackle has solidified himself as the blindside protector for quarterback Cameron Ward. Jones was also named to the all-conference preseason second team.

"Nash Jones is very competitive within himself, which allows him to continually grow as an offensive lineman up front," Shoemaker said.

On the left side with Jones, 6-6 senior Caleb Johnson received second team all-conference honors after the spring season, and with Jones, he was named to the all-conference preseason second team.

"Caleb Johnson is our big man on the line. He is steadily chopping wood to grow in the areas that he is weakest in," Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker acknowledged Johnson's raw strength and size helps the rest of the o-line.

At center, junior Reid Francis must direct the rest of the line within UIW's high-octane, fast-paced offense. Francis finished the spring on the all-conference third team and earned a second team preseason all-conference recognition for the fall season.

Shoemaker commended Francis's ability to set up the rest of the line for success during the pressure of the game.

"Reid Francis has a very high football IQ, which allows everyone up front to play with confidence on assignments in our up-tempo offense," Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker said he believes depth is the biggest strength of the o-line this fall.

"There are multiple players that can step out there during a game and we won't miss a beat," Shoemaker said.

Junior Stanley Mark, a transfer from Blinn Junior College, also earned a starting spot on the o-line this fall.

"He [Mark] brings a special energy to the group and plays with a high passion for the game," Shoemaker said.

Graduate student Uzoma Okere saw playing time in the spring, and Shoemaker noted the experience he will bring off the bench.

Shoemaker also highlighted two newcomers: graduate transfer Cesar Moreno and freshman Jimeto Obigbo. Moreno, a transfer from Coastal Carolina, had a strong fall camp according to Shoemaker. He added that Obigbo has progressed at a rapid rate in the fall and will add value this season. In addition to the depth, Shoemaker mentioned discipline as a key trait of the group.

"These guys are coached extremely hard and have set a very high standard for their performance," Shoemaker said. "They understand that and compete to raise that standard every day."

Shoemaker's daily message to his group: compete with yourself. He said he believes what makes a great offensive lineman is selflessness and focus.

"These guys work extremely hard and get tested every single day on and off the field," Shoemaker said. "They must sacrifice everything in order to get their job done play after play."

Shoemaker hopes his message will lead the Cardinals to success in the trenches this fall.

Purchasing season tickets is the best way to experience UIW Football. Season tickets start at $115. Single game tickets are now available for purchase as well. Fans can upgrade their game-day experience by adding a Cardinals Club membership. Fans interested in buying new season tickets can do so by visiting  Cardinals Ticket Central or by calling (210) 805-3000.

The University of the Incarnate Word softball program announced the addition of two assistant coaches, Travis Owen and Hunter Bunch.

Owen comes to UIW after serving three seasons as the head coach at Division II Minnesota-Crookston. He led the Golden Eagles to a 29-83 overall record and set a program season record with thirteen wins.

"I am excited to get started in San Antonio with coach Dean and the student-athletes! The academic, community, and on-the-field aspects of UIW are all important pillars that UIW stands on to make it a unique place,” said Owen. “That, combined with coach Dean's integrity, make it a great fit for me. I am thankful to be able to start helping the squad with steady and continual improvement.”  

Prior to coaching, Owen played men's fastpitch in New Zealand. He then went on to coach at all NCAA levels, including stops at Division I institutions Northern Colorado and Radford University.

"Travis is a pitching guru. His approach to building all styles of pitchers and developing staffs is why we're so lucky to have him join us," head coach Kimberly Dean said. “He's a well-rounded coach who can help in the majority of aspects on and off the field. He has been at all ranks in college, from being a graduate assistant to a head coach, which allows him to bring a wealth of knowledge to our staff and athletes. I couldn't be more thrilled to bring him into our Cardinal family."

Bunch was the hitting analytics coach for the Texas Bombers, a fastpitch organization that began in 2001, where he coached the 16U team to a top five finish in the Premier Girls Fastpitch National Championship. Bunch has worked with multiple travel organizations within the state of Texas.

"He has strong ties to the majority of the top tier travel organizations in Texas and loves putting in the hours needed to build relationships with current athletes and future recruits," Dean said. “Hunter is a very enthusiastic young coach. He's going to do great things throughout his career and we're excited to have him."

Creating expectations of performance both in the classroom and on the field is Bunch's passion.

"I want this team to excel in sports, but more importantly, in life," Bunch said. "I appreciate this opportunity and want to thank coach Dean for the faith she is putting in me. I will work diligently to live up to her expectations and I am ready to get to work."

Bunch and Owen join Dean in her first season as head softball coach at UIW. 

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 make an appointment for a COVID-19 test on one of UIW's campuses. 

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)