Ford Salutes 20 Years of Achievement
Banquet Honors Dr. Louis Agnese's Contribution to Education
Dr. Agnese shakes hands with Clarence Kahlig, dealer principal
of North Park Lincoln Mercury.
President Dr. Louis J. Agnese, Jr., received the Ford Salute to Education Lifetime Achievement Award on July 25 at the Rivercenter Marriot downtown. Honored for his many significant contributions to education, Dr. Agnese was called a visionary and a pioneer. He was recognized for “shaking up” education in San Antonio by introducing big business marketing strategies to transform one of the smallest private universities in Texas to the fourth largest private university in the state.
For 20 years, Dr. Agnese has led the charge, an accomplishment few college presidents have attained. He has remained committed to making a difference in the lives of students and the greater community. As a result of his efforts to provide students a global experience, he successfully recruited students that reflect the diverse population not only of San Antonio, but of the world. And to extend this further, UIW opened campuses around the globe including in China and Mexico during his presidency.
This is a momentous year for UIW. San Antonio's only pharmacy school is under construction on campus, the ADCaP program opened a large new facility on the northwest side, the nursing program acknowledged 75 years of service, and the university celebrates its 125th birthday. At the same time, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word celebrate the anniversary of the state charter with 125 years of service to others.
The Ford Motor Company and local Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers began Salute to Education in San Antonio as a multifaceted initiative to provide college scholarships to high school seniors, award grants to schools and nonprofit organizations and to recognize outstanding individuals for their contributions to education. Salute to Education has blossomed to include dealerships across Texas, California and Florida with more than $10 million in scholarships and grants awarded nationwide - more than $6 million in South Texas alone.