SKIP TO PAGE CONTENT

UIW Community Newsletter - October 11, 2019

Spotlight

UIW Named a "2019 Great College to Work For"

For the 11th consecutive year, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has been named a "Great College to Work For" according to a survey by  The Chronicle of Higher Education. In addition, this is the 10th consecutive year that UIW has received the prestigious Honor Roll designation.

UIW staff members pose for a group photos on a set of stairs.

The results are based on a survey of 236 colleges and universities. In all, 85 of the 236 institutions achieved  recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium, and large institutions, with UIW included among the large universities with 10,000 or more students.

A UIW employee enters a room as she is cheered on by cheerleaders

On Friday, Oct. 4, UIW employees enjoyed a special event to celebrate the University's designation as a great college to work for. Thank you, employees for making UIW the best place to learn and work!

Mission

Mission Lobby Dedication

On Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m., the UIW Concert Hall Mission Lobby was dedicated in honor of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in thanks for their service to our students and in celebration of their 150th anniversary. The lobby now features the works of Sister María del Socorro Lazo, CCVI, a former faculty member who was an accomplished and recognized San Antonio artist.

Dr. Evans and Sr. Stanley stand in front of commemorative plaque

Our Lady’s Chapel Services

All are welcome

  • Noon mass Monday - Friday
  • Sunday Mass at 10:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Sacrament of Reconciliation, 11:30 a.m. Fridays or by appointment with Fr. Tom Dymowski, O.SS.T. at
    (210) 829-3131 or dymowski@uiwtx.edu

CCVI Jubilee - Celebrating 150 Years

We invite you to celebrate 150 years of blessings at the following events:

  • November 1, 2019
    8:30 am — Morning Prayer, Chapel of the Incarnate Word, followed by an unveiling of a “150” commemorative plaque in the Incarnate Word Cemetery, honoring our deceased Sisters.
    6:00 pm — Eucharist in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word honoring our “great cloud of witnesses” (deceased Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word).
  • November 3, 2019
    3:00 pm — Concert by “Chanticleer” all-male vocal ensemble — Chapel of the Incarnate Word.
  • November 23, 2019
    3:00 pm — Celebrate the annual “Light the Way” with the University of the Incarnate Word.
  • December 3, 2019
    6:00 pm — Eucharist celebrated with CHRISTUS Santa Rosa, remembering the first Mass celebrated at Santa Rosa Infirmary on this day in 1869 — Chapel of the Incarnate Word.

Celebrate the CCVI Jubilee and support their ministries by purchasing their 2019 medal. Medals may be purchased all year at the CCVI International Support Office (The Generalate - 4503 Broadway) or in Sr. Kathleen Coughlin's (SEC 2053).

CCVI Fiesta Medal

Bereavement

Our thoughts and prayers go to:

  • Dr. Michael Escamilla and family on the recent loss of his mother, Dolores Mary Escamilla (BSN ’88).

Events

JORNADA POR LA JUSTICIA - Reflection and Prayer

The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, members of the Interfaith Welcome coalition, and UIW graduate students are participating in a 3 day teach-in and demonstration in El Paso for immigrants’ human rights sponsored by Hope Border Institute and the Latinx Catholic Leadership Coalition. All are invited to a Reflection and Prayer in solidarity with them on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 3:15 pm in Gorman Building 119, sponsored by the sisters' Justice, Peace, and Creation Committee and Women’s Global Connection. For more information, please contact Sr. Martha Ann Kirk at  kirk@uiwtx.edu. 

UIW Synchronized Swimming: Adventures in Neverland

UIW’s synchronized swimming team presents  Adventures in Neverland, a synchronized swimming spectacular! Come support your top four nationally ranked collegiate synchronized swimming team and enjoy the only performance of its kind in San Antonio. Performances will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13 at 4:30 p.m. at the Ann Barshop Natatorium. For tickets and show details, please contact Elizabeth Gerdin at (210) 829-2796 or  enorton@uiwtx.edu

Breast Cancer Awareness Health Fair

Join the UIW Nursing Cardinal Wellness Center and the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department for a Breast Cancer Awareness Health Fair on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Robert A. Dawson Community Center (2500 E. Commerce). Students from the Community Health Education Program will offer education on breast health and cancer awareness. Various community agencies will also be present. The Nursing Cardinal Wellness Center will be registering women for the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Mobile Mammogram Unit. For more information, please contact Maria Medina-Calvo at  medinaca@uiwtx.edu

Hispanic Heritage Month Events

The Hispanic Heritage Month Committee is excited and proud to provide various events, activities, and learning opportunities to the UIW community in celebration of the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central & South America. Hispanic Heritage Month will be celebrated at UIW from Monday, Sept. 16 through Tuesday, Oct. 15. Please see below for a full list of events. 

Hispanic Heritage Month Schedule of Events 2019:

  • Oct. 14: Put Your Piece Into The Puzzle , 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Red's Pub
  • Oct. 15: Barrio Bash, 3 p.m.-6 p.m., Dubuis Lawn

For more information, please email Teofilo Reyes at treyes@uiwtx.edu

UIW Theatre: Lobby Hero

When Jeff, a luckless young security guard, is drawn into a local murder investigation, loyalties are strained to the breaking point. As Jeff's tightly wound supervisor is called to bear witness against his troubled brother, and an attractive rookie cop finds she must stand up to her seasoned partner, truth becomes elusive and justice proves costly.  Lobby Hero is drama, comedy and romance in one play. Catch the show this weekend! For more information, please email  theatre@uiwtx.edu

Two actors in costume stand on stage and act out a scene from a play

Light the Way Display Board Contest

The annual Light the Way Display Board Contest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.! Student organization may register for the contest by searching "2019 Display Board Contest" on UIW Engage. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top designs. Spots are limited! Encourage your students to register today! 

Two girls paint a wooden board in a Christmas theme

Visitation House Garage Sale

The Visitation House Garage Sale is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 18 from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. and will take place behind the offices of the Generalate.

Thank you your support of Visitation House!

UIW Community Appreciation Football Game - Fight Song Lyrics Debut

 

Homecoming 2019

Calling all UIW community members! Homecoming 2019 registration is now LIVE! Please be sure to visit  the UIW Alumni Association site for all your Homecoming 2019 event details. Enjoy new events like the Nest Fest Block Party and classics like Thirsty Thursday and the Redzone Cardinal Tailgate! 
Red the Cardinal stands in front of the marching band and waves to the crowd
If you have any questions regarding Homecoming, please contact Gaby Alvarado, associate director of alumni & parent relations at (210) 805-5899 or gagonza1@uiwtx.edu.

UIW Women of Faith Luncheon 

Sponsored by the Catholic Daughters of the Incarnate Word #2583 and University Mission and Ministry, all UIW Women of Faith are invited to share in prayer and fellowship at a luncheon featuring Sr. Helena Monahan, CCVI. This inaugural luncheon will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 25 at noon as part of UIW’s 2019 Homecoming & the 150th Jubilee of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

In addition to individual tickets, general donations and full table sponsorships are accepted. The donations and sponsorship of tables allows our CCVI Sisters and current UIW students to attend our gathering at little to no cost. 

Click here for tickets

Community News

Heritage Day Ceremony

The 26th annual Incarnate Word Heritage Day Ceremony was held at the Chapel of the Incarnate Word on Wednesday, Oct. 9. UIW recognized and awarded all full-time employees who are celebrating five years of incremental service this year. Thank you, all employees who continue to serve UIW students year after year. 

UIW employees cheer and applaud their coworkers

Mary Ann De la Garza was honored for 40 years of service to the UIW family, as an employee of Incarnate Word High School, of which she is an alumna. She is a native of San Antonio having received her undergraduate degree at the former Incarnate Word College and her Master of Music from the University of Notre Dame. In her 40 years at IWHS, Mary Ann has worn many hats and served on numerous committees.  She has sponsored numerous clubs and she has served as part of the administration.

Mary Ann has won numerous awards in her years at IWHS. She has been recognized as an outstanding educator by the Alumni Association of the University of Notre Dame, been the recipient of the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year,  selected as the TAPPS Fine Arts Teacher of the Year, awarded the CCVI Spirit Award, received the Mother Columkille Award, and she has been recognized as an Outstanding Leader in Catholic Education by the Archdiocese of San Antonio.

Mary Ann is most proud of her work with the Glee Club and Madrigals. The experience of singing at the White House, Blair House and at the State Department are some of her favorite memories with the IWHS Madrigals. 

Thank you, Mary Ann for your 40 years of service to Incarnate Word students, and to the Mission of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. 

Mary Ann de la Garza holds her award and poses for a photo next to Dr. Evans and Charles Lutz

Heritage Day Mass

This week, UIW observed Heritage Week, a celebration of the origin of the University of the Incarnate Word!

This year, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their arrival to San Antonio. In 1869, the Sisters were responding to the call of Bishop Claude Dubuis to help the victims of a rapidly spreading cholera epidemic. They set up San Antonio's first hospital, which is now called CHRISTUS Santa Rosa. The sisters were then called upon to extend their work to the care of orphans and established St. Joseph's Orphanage for Girls and St. John's Orphanage for Boys. Their ministry in child care led to the opening of schools, and therefore, our beloved UIW!

CCVI sisters stand in a chapel and follow along the parts of the mass

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the UIW community remembered with gratitude the foundation of the University by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Students, faculty and staff joined CCVI sisters in recommitting to our Mission values at the annual Heritage Day Mass.

A priest stands behind the altar and holds up communion

Career Services: LinkedIn Workshop 

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, Career Services hosted a LinkedIn Workshop for students. The workshop covered how to set up a Linkedln profile and how to use the site to network and connect with future employers for possible job opportunities.  

A presenter stands behind a wooden podium in front of a projector screen

UIW Hangul Day

UIW exchange students from Korea and UIW students who have studied in South Korea celebrated Hangul Day on Wednesday, Oct. 9! Hangul Day featured Korean food, music, giveaways and a photo booth. Hangul, created by Sejong the Great, was a step to literacy and cultural identity in Korea. The event, co-hosted by Campus Engagement, Study Abroad and the Asian Culture Club, provided a great way to learn about Korean culture on campus. 

Two girls smile at each other and speak from across a table

Brown Bag Faculty Research Series

On Thursday, Oct. 10, Drs. Chris Nesser and Lynn Downs were featured as part of the H-E-B School of Business and Administration's Brown Bag Faculty Research Series. Their presentation was titled Health Insurance Coverage Rates Impact on Access to Care. It included research results on the relationship between insurance and access to healthcare, specifically, how different types of insurance contribute to access to healthcare.

Two presenters smile and pose for a photo together

Dining in the Dark

On Thursday, Oct. 10, the Rosenberg School of Optometry celebrated World Sight Day at the annual “Dining in the Dark”.

Two girls eat a meal while wearing blindfolds

The event featured a performance by The Spectacles and a dinner that guests enjoyed while blindfolded to simulate a meal without sight. All proceeds benefited Optometry Giving Sight – a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing eye exams and glasses to those who lack access to eye care. 

A band performs on stage

School of Professional Studies Retreat

On Friday, Oct. 4, the School of Professional Studies enjoyed their annual staff retreat. At the retreat, SPS employees also celebrated reaching 100% employee campaign participation. 

A group of people gathers around a cake and smiles at the camera

CCVI Shares History with Daughters of the Republic of Texas

Ginny Haegelin Kerr, IWHS class of 1967, of the Alamo Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT), presented a certificate to Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI who was invited to share a drama on the history of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in light of their 150 th anniversary. Sister is a seventh generation Texan and was previously a speaker at the DRT Texas Independence Day program in front of the Alamo.

Sr. Martha Ann smiles as she receives a certificate

Career Services: Etiquette Dinner

On Thursday, Oct. 3, Career Services hosted the annual Etiquette Dinner. Attendees enjoyed an evening of etiquette training and a delicious three-course meal. 

Students sit at a dinner table

Department News

2019 Employee Campaign

The Employee Campaign brings together our UIW family as faculty and staff combine their efforts to chart the course for a brighter future for our students. Your gift nurtures the philanthropic spirit of UIW and enhances quality to build on UIW's standard of excellence. It is never about the size of the gift, but the power of the combined efforts of faculty, staff and administration together. Every gift makes a difference in shaping the professional and personal lives of our students.

Click here to make your contribution today!

Dr. Die Hasselmo headshot Search for Provost and Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Ann Die Hasselmo, senior consultant at Academic Search, Inc., will be visiting the University of the Incarnate Word on October 10-11, 2019.  Dr. Die Hasselmo will be leading the searches for the Provost and Chief Financial Officer.  During her visit she will be conducting group and open sessions.  An experienced higher education professional, Dr. Die Hasselmo has more than 40 years of experience in a variety of positions, including having served as president of Hendrix College in Conway, AR.  Dr. Die Hasselmo is familiar with UIW having led the presidential search which resulted in Dr. Thomas Evans’ appointment in August 2017.  Please extend a warm Cardinal welcome to her during her visit. 

  • Friday, October 11, 2019, 2:45 - 3:30 p.m., Open session with faculty, UIW Concert Hall
  • Friday, October 11, 2019, 3:30 - 4:15 p.m., Open session with community, UIW Concert Hall

Click here to read Dr. Die Hasselmo's bio.

SSI and ALI Surveys

Attention faculty: The Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI) and the Adult Learner Inventory (ALI) surveys are in progress. Please remind your students to check their email for an invitation to complete the surveys. This is their chance to share feedback that will lead to campus improvements. All completed surveys are entered into a drawing for a $250 Visa gift card; details are in the email students received. Surveys close on Nov. 8. Please contact the Office of Institutional Research at  surveyir@uiwtx.edu  for more information.

UIW Development: Phonathon

You’re invited! We’re looking for a few good volunteers to help our small but mighty team of five students call alumni to update their information and ask them to consider giving to the University. That’s right - it’s Phonathon time! Please join us during the following days and shifts in SEC room 2041:

  • Sunday, Oct. 13, 3-6 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 14, 6-9 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6-9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6-9 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 20, 3-6 p.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 21, 6-9 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 22, 6-9 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6-9 p.m.

To sign up please email Brittany Sharnsky at sharnsky@uiwtx.edu or call 210-805-5832.

Sr. Martha Ann smiles as she speaks to someone on the phone

Communications and Brand Marketing: Event Banner Available

Are you hosting a UIW event and looking for a way to brand your event space? The Office of Communications and Brand Marketing has disposable UIW banners available for your use! Stop by the Buckley Mitchell Advancement Center to take a piece for your next event! 

UIW employees pose for a photo holding up a UIW branded banner

International Student Recruitment - Call for Information 

Are you a UIW alumnus with an interesting story to share about your experience? Are you a professor who is very passionate about a particular program or class? The International Admissions office is seeking information to use in social media features and email campaigns as faculty spotlights, program highlights, and alumni success stories. Please send a clear photograph and a three to five sentence quote to  mjjonas@uiwtx.edu. If you would be interested in filming a two-minute video testimonial please indicate that in your email as well. For examples, please visit uiw.international on Facebook and Instagram. 

Athletic News

Swimmers dive into the pool

A men's soccer player jumps to hit a soccer ball with his head

A women's golf player holds her golf club

A women's soccer player runs down the field while kicking a soccer ball