Dear Friends:

This is our annual donor's issue of the Word, which is our way of saying “Thank You” to the many people from around the world who contribute to the University of the Incarnate Word.

The cover features three women who have made a significant difference to our University in a number of ways, and who exemplify our Mission by constantly giving of themselves – Dr. Ruth Eilene Sullivan, Mrs. Ruth Juren and Dr. Mary Ruth Moore (it's a timely coincidence that all three share the name Ruth).

We coaxed Dr. Sullivan out of retirement in 2000 to serve as Chairman of the UIW Board of Trustees after our then-Chairman, Kathleen Martin Watson, passed away. I say “coaxed” because Dr. Sullivan had by this time actually attained Emeriti status for her previous exemplary service to the Board of Trustees. Since her return, Dr. Sullivan has done a terrific job as Chairman in continuing the vision of Mrs. Watson, and we will miss her greatly when she fulfills her term in December.

Ruth Juren has also been a wonderful friend to our University for many years, especially our fashion program. She has played a key role in the burgeoning success of the annual Cutting Edge Fashion Show, which is now recognized as one of the signature events of Fiesta San Antonio.

We were extremely pleased, then, to have named the Juren/Sullivan Center for Fashion Management in their honor earlier this year because it will stand as a lasting tribute to their tireless work on behalf of Incarnate Word. In addition, the Center will house The Ruth Birmingham Juren Fashion Merchandising Program and The Ruth Eilene Sullivan Fashion Design Program.

Meanwhile Dr. Moore, who teaches in the Dreeben School of Education, was selected as one of this year's 10 statewide recipients of the prestigious Piper Professor award, which has recognized excellence in teaching at the college level in Texas since 1958. Dr. Moore also serves as President of the Faculty Senate and on the UIW Board of Trustees.

In this issue you will also be able to read about our latest international venture, the opening in August of Centro Internacional Universitario (CIU) Miguel Angel-Incarnate Word in Mexico City. This is a joint academic venture with the Province of Mexico to develop a site that offers Incarnate Word degrees in Mexico. More than 500 people attended the dedication ceremonies, a festive event that included dignitaries from Mexico and the United States as well as many Incarnate Word alumni and Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word from throughout the area.

I encourage you to read the rest of The Word for more information on all of our recent activities. In the meantime, let me thank all of you for your steadfast support. It's that support that allows us to continue fulfilling Incarnate Word's goal of offering students the best possible educational opportunity within a context of faith. Special blessings on you and your loved ones throughout the remainder of 2003.

Best wishes,

Louis J. Agnese, Jr., Ph.D.
President