Campus News
Community College Students Discover UIW Universe
UIW Provost Dr. Terry Dicianna (left) and President Dr. Louis Agnese (second from right) join our San Antonio College (SAC) partners Dr. Robert Ziegler, president, and Dr. Kristine Clark, executive vice president, at the grand opening of the UIW Dual Enrollment Center.
In a joint venture with the Alamo Community College District (ACCD), UIW launched a Dual Enrollment Center near San Antonio College in December to give students the opportunity to take UIW classes in anticipation of joining the university's main campus to complete a four-year degree. Prospective students can receive academic advising and financial assistance information.
Day and evening courses began in January at the standalone transfer site, conveniently situated across from San Antonio College downtown.
“This center represents the next step in the educational process for community college students,” said UIW Dean of Enrollment Andrea Cyterski-Acosta. “The center will make it even easier to complete the transfer process.”
The Dual Enrollment Center is the first of several planned by UIW in close proximity to ACCD Schools to help students transfer easily from a community college to a four-year university. Initial class offerings include selected courses from the university's core curriculum.
UIW Extends Reach to Arizona
UIW, known for its campuses around the world, will once again forge new ground -- opening the first college campus in Goodyear, AZ, and also the first Catholic university in Arizona.
Last year, Goodyear city officials invited proposals from private universities interested in opening a campus there. UIW answered the call and was selected as the school that best matched the city's cultural climate.
The university expects to open an Extended Academic Program Center in Goodyear later this year with on-ground, online and blended academic offerings in a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The second phase involves partnering with the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic community to open and operate boys and girls high schools on church property, allowing qualified students to take courses at the university and receive college credit.
"The City of Goodyear welcomes the University of the Incarnate Word,” said Goodyear Mayor James Cavanaugh. “We look forward to UIW becoming a part of our City Center and part of the lifestyle and culture that we are developing in Goodyear.”
Portraits of Distinction
The university celebrated Heritage Day in October with a special unveiling of the Leadership Wall. The wall in the Administration Building honors the visionary and charismatic leaders who helped lead Incarnate Word through 125 years to today.
Alumnae of Distinction
There was no more fitting way to conclude the university's 125th anniversary year than with formal recognition of all Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word alumni.
At the December commencement ceremonies, UIW collectively honored 1,000 Sisters, living and deceased, who graduated and worked full-time at the college, the university, or Incarnate Word High School during their lifetime. President Dr. Louis Agnese presented them with the prestigious Alumnae of Distinction for Service in Mission award.
More than 50 Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (some pictured above) attended the two graduation ceremonies to be recognized. Sr. Bette Bluhm, provincial coordinator of the U.S. Province of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, accepted the award on the Sisters' behalf.
For 125 years, the Sisters' concern and caring guidance have allowed us to fulfill our mission of fostering educational excellence within a context of faith. Thousands of students' lives have been, and will be, enriched because of the ministry of these Sisters. Theirs is a legacy that has had a profound and lasting impact in San Antonio, South Texas, and Northern Mexico.
On the Cutting Edge of Fashion
UIW fashion management students are busy selecting themes, fabrics and models for the original clothing designs they'll showcase at the 27th Annual Cutting Edge Fashion Show on April 23. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. with a silent auction followed by the fashion show and lunch, the official Fiesta event starts down the runway at 11:30 a.m. in the Rosenberg Sky Room.
This year's presenting sponsor is Tiffany & Co., a fashion icon and fitting partner for the unique artistic creations of 11 UIW students whose work will take center stage. Each student's collection of six garments centers around a chosen theme, and each piece is the result of what happens when imagination, education, passion and discipline cross paths. All the outfits are designed and constructed by the students.
For 27 years, UIW students have coordinated every aspect of this annual event. Although other universities produce shows, none present one of this magnitude produced entirely by students. The sound, lighting, staging and contracting of models are all part of the students' comprehensive learning experience.
For information about this year's show, call (210) 829-6013.
Let There Be Light
Recording artist Patsy Torres ‘03 BA, ‘05 Med
More than one million twinkling lights illuminated the night sky at UIW on Nov. 18 when the holiday season was officially switched on during the 21st Annual Light the Way celebration. Mass was followed by an opening ceremony at the McDermott Convocation Center with music and a presentation of gifts to the Elf Louise Toy Drive.
Light the Way began over 20 years ago when President Dr. Louis J. Agnese, Jr., shared his vision to unite the community in the spirit of the holiday season.
First Alumni-Parents Weekend
Assistant dean for HASS Dr. Lydia Andrade talks with visiting parents.
UIW ushered in the fall season with a weekend of activities just for alumni and students' parents. The first Alumni and Parents Weekend was held in November in conjunction with Light the Way to celebrate the holiday season and the new school year. There were campus tours, Mass and receptions where participants spent time with faculty members and President Dr. Louis Agnese. Guests made new friends, connected with old friends and learned about what's new on campus.
Bell Family Garden
Julie, Tyler and Emma Bell at the blessing of the Bell Family Garden.
Thanks to everyone for such a great honor. Philip knows that he was greatly appreciated and loved at Incarnate Word. This will be a constant reminder to Emma and Tyler just how wonderful their daddy was to many people.“ -- Julie Bell
The garden in the back courtyard of the Administration Building on campus was named in memory of former UIW director of special events, Philip Bell, who passed away in 2005, and his family.
Each year, before the annual Light the Way ceremony, Phil and his wife Julie and their children, Emma and Tyler, would gather where the garden is now and join other volunteers from the UIW community to prepare strings of lights to light the campus during the holidays. In the process, Phil touched others' lives with his special charisma and excitement for the event.
The garden and commemorative plaque were given by the university and friends of the Bell family in a dedication ceremony at Light the Way on Nov. 18.