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The Cutting Edge Fiesta Fashion Show

The University of the Incarnate Word held its official Fiesta event, the Cutting Edge Fashion Show and Luncheon, on April 20 at the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel. The 2009 event marked the 29th anniversary of showcasing the rising stars of the fashion industry.

Student designers produced fashion collections they illustrated, designed and constructed in a fashion capstone course. They showcased their theme, which could be a season, color or market segment. In addition to designing their collections, students are also responsible for producing the fashion show event. Sound, lighting, staging and contracting professional models is all the responsibility of the students as they experience every aspect of planning a professional runway show.

And the winners, with the theme of their collections, were…

Construction
1st Allison Andrews, “C’est La Vie”
2nd Rachel Ross, “Tchaikovsky’s Swans”
3rd Griselda Aguirre Esparza, “The First Dandelion”

Design
1st Allison Andrews, “C’est La Vie”
2nd Grace Manley, “Alluring Sins”
3rd Denise Garza, “In Full Bloom”

Collection
1st Allison Andrews, “C’est La Vie”
2nd Grace Manley, “Alluring Sins”
3rd Denise Garza, “In Full Bloom”

Best of Show
Allison Andrews, “C’est La Vie”

All winners received engraved crystal plates from Tiffany’s. Proceeds from the event fund student scholarships.

UIW announces next step for School of Optometry

Dr. Louis Agnese, with School of Optometry Founding Dean Dr. Hani Ghazi-Birry, announced March 2 that the school has received pre-accreditation approval to begin its doctoral professional program.

The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association granted the approval. As a result, UIW began pursuing student recruitment, selection and admissions, and the program expects to enroll about 55 students. The program will offer students the opportunity to pursue a Spanish certificate, which will help fill a void for the Spanish-speaking residents of this region, Ghazi-Birry said.

The school’s facilities will be housed in two locations. The primary 60,000-square-foot location will be in the heart of the San Antonio Medical Center. The second location will be a 30,000-square-foot clinical facility on San Antonio’s impoverished East Side near the AT&T Center. Each location will offer a wide range of optometric services and will also have a special commitment to pediatric eye care and low-vision services.

In conjunction with the doctor of optometry program, UIW launched a Bachelor of Science degree program in Vision Science in January. It will provide graduates with suitable credentials to embark on a biomedical graduate research career or to enter the workforce as a vision-science or ophthalmic-related specialist.

“This is another significant milestone for us,” Agnese said. “Along with nursing and pharmacy, optometry advances our historical Mission in healthcare. And with the country’s economy reeling, our optometry program is positive news for San Antonio.”

Magazine lists UIW as top Hispanic-Serving Institution

The University of the Incarnate Word is proud to be listed in “Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education” magazine as one of the top 100 universities serving Hispanics in the United States.

Each year “Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education” publishes its list of the top 100 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. conferring the most bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on Hispanic students. UIW is listed No. 51 among those universities conferring bachelor’s degrees and No. 42 among those universities awarding master’s degrees to Hispanics.

The information cited by “Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education” is derived from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System program.

ROTC students practice drills

UIW and St. Mary’s University share a joint ROTC program, which includes 51 UIW students. During lab days this semester, they practiced battle drills. Freshman and sophomore students learned how to create a rope bridge, which builds teamworking skills. Above, their instructor Capt. Michael Martinez, the ROTC training officer, demonstrated how to cross a body of water using the rope bridge. During practice drills, juniors and seniors worked on the “knock out a bunker” exercise in the woods behind the back soccer fields on the UIW campus.

UIW celebrates Incarnate Word Day

The University of the Incarnate Word celebrated its annual Incarnate Word Day on March 25 to observe the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Incarnation of the Eternal Word, God.

Students began the celebration early in the morning decorating the campus for the festivities. Later Sodexo served a Picnic at the Tower in the Jordan Carillon Plaza. At noon, the UIW community cheered on the Cardinal Carnival Golf Cart Parade as it wound its way through the campus.

The daylong celebration continued with “Justice, Solidarity and Hope - the Magnificat” presented by Fr. Juan Molina, O.Ss.T., Catholic Relief Services and Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, Th.D. Fr. Juan explored global challenges and Sr. Martha Ann examined glimpses of hope from Mary's prayer “The Magnificat” (Luke 1:46-56).

The Incarnate Word Day liturgy was celebrated in Our Lady’s Chapel, where the CCVI Spirit Award was presented to Adela Gott, UIW multimedia specialist. The CCVI Spirit Award is given annually to a person whose life embodies the spirit of service of the founding Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

Sophomore Lauren Wappelhorst was awarded the CCVI Student Award at the liturgy.

Welcome back, Class of ’59!

The Office of Alumni Relations hosted the Class of 1959 for their 50-year reunion celebration in conjunction with the May 2009 Commencement ceremonies. More than 35 alumnae and guests attended a reunion dinner. On graduation day, 18 alumnae dressed in graduation gowns with gold stoles and gold UIW medals walked across the stage and received commemorative 50th anniversary diplomas from president Dr. Louis Agnese. Following the ceremony, more than 50 alumnae and guests gathered for a luncheon to reminisce about their days at Incarnate Word.

The next 50-year reunion ceremony will be for the Class of 1960 in May 2010.

Class of 1959 Honorees

Patricia Zappe Billmeier, BS
Corean Jacqueline Johnson Carter, BS
Leticia Valadez Cuellar, BA
Nicola Varelas Frey, BA, MA
Sr. Norma Rosa Garcia, CCVI, BA, MA
Yolanda Guzman Garcia, BSN
Dorothy Higuera Giammona, BA
Rosemary Wilke Goodyear, BSN
Helen Ruhnke Hammer, BS
Barbara Elbel Hill, BA
Rose Linnartz Hoelscher, BS
Donna Whisenhunt Irwine, BSN
Marguerite Mooney Lara, BS
Barbara Moore Lyssy, BSN
Sharon Sharp McCullough, BSN
Sr. Theresa McGrath, CCVI, BA , MA
Carolyn A. Patiño, BSN
Annette Kalka-Schulte, BA
Dr. Caroline Schoch Spana, BSN
Ida Najvar Tassos, BM
Sophie Tse, BA
Dorothy Garten Wohlfeil, BA
Judy Kuan Young, BA

Welcome new alumni, Class of 2009!

A record-breaking 541 students graduated at UIW's Spring Commencement ceremonies in the McDermott Convocation Center on May 9. For the second year, the ceremonies were also broadcast live on the Internet for those who were unable to attend.

Winell Herron, group vice president for H-E-B Grocery Company and a member of the UIW Board of Trustees, gave the morning Commencement address. In the afternoon, the Most Rev. José Gomez, S.T.D., Archbishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio, spoke to graduates and was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters

The UIW Alumni of Distinction for Service in Mission was Joan E. Shepack, SRA. Shepack, of El Paso, is a 1979 magna cum laude graduate of the University of the Incarnate Word. Among her activities, Shepack was instrumental in the construction of the $1 million El Paso Desert Botanical Garden at Keystone Heritage Park, and she helped create billboards and commercials to increase awareness of domestic violence prevention in El Paso. She led the Field of Miracles project, a program that designed a baseball field specifically for children with special needs and disabilities. Shepack is currently launching “Project 2013,” which is aimed at serving the most at-risk incoming freshman girls at one of the poorest performing high schools in Texas.

Prestigious 2009 Piper Professor awarded to CCVI Sister

Sr. Dorothy Ettling, CCVI, Ph.D., was selected a Piper Professor of 2009 by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation.

As a professor in the Dreeben School of Education, Sr. Dot prepares graduates for positions of leadership in education, business, public and social agencies. In 2001, she and Sr. Neomi Hayes founded the Women’s Global Connection (WGC) under the sponsorship of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and in partnership with UIW to promote the learning and leadership of women locally and globally and to further education and research in the global community.

“UIW is honored to receive this Piper Award as it is, in truth, a tribute to all of us in the educational profession. And we are grateful to the Piper Foundation for their acknowledgement of this vocation,” Sr. Dot said.

The Piper Professor Awards program was established in 1958 with eight awards, and the roster of Piper Professors includes outstanding professors from two- and four-year colleges and universities, public and private. The program was created to bring recognition to outstanding achievement in the teaching profession. Piper Professors are selected on the basis of nominations submitted by each college or university in the state.

In addition to Sr. Dot, the following UIW faculty members have been named Piper Professors: Sr. Mary Agnesine Hanick, CCVI, in 1958; Sr. Joseph Marie Armer, CCVI, in 1964; Sr. Claude Marie Faust, CCVI, in 1967; Dr. Bernard O’Halloran in 1972, Dr. Robert J. Connelly in 1980; Dr. Larry Hufford in 1983; and Dr. Mary Ruth Moore in 2003.

ADCaP and VU offer students free e-books

UIW’s Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCaP) and the Universe Online are now offering undergraduates free textbooks. ADCaP and the Virtual University (VU) are trading traditional bound textbooks for e-books, which will save students about $100 per class. And considering many students take two classes each eight-week term, that savings adds up quickly.

“We are very excited to be offering this benefit to our students. During this tough economic time, we continue to look for ways to assist UIW students with their higher education expenses,” said Dr. Cyndi Wilson Porter, vice president for extended academic programs.

ADCaP and VU have always had a “no fees” policy, and with the addition of free textbooks, the path to each student’s degree is now even more affordable.

Education specialist named Moody Professor

Dr. Mary Ruth Moore, a professor in the Dreeben School of Education, was named the Moody Professor for the 2009-10 school year at the faculty appreciation luncheon on March 27. The Moody Professorship is the highest honor the university bestows and is elected by the faculty. It reflects the level of scholarship, teaching excellence and community service achieved by the recipient. The Moody Professor delivers two public lectures annually and leads the graduation procession for UIW.

Moore has been teaching for 41 years, including 16 years at UIW. She focuses on early childhood development and has conducted research involving the importance of play at the university and in the San Antonio community. Included in her work with child’s play is the Playday for Peace, held every year on Peace Day at UIW. Children are invited from around the community and education students facilitate a day of play for them on the campus. In addition, Moore is involved in the upkeep of the Dr. Joe Frost Collection, one of the largest children's play and play environment research collections in the United States. She also has helped host a variety of conferences on children’s play and literacy to provide learning opportunities at little or no cost to the community.

Moore plans to focus her Moody lectureship on women educators who brought about the American kindergarten movement to help give students an understanding of the history of these women. Original photos of many of these women’s works will be a part of the lectures at UIW and Our Lady of the Lake University.

McCreless Art Gallery displays newest additions

UIW celebrated the newest additions to the McCreless Art Gallery with an event April 19 in the university’s J.E. & L.E. Mabee Library. Members of the McCreless family, the university community and others were present.

Among the pieces added to the collection were “The Three Marys at the Tomb” ca. 1820-1830, a painting from the circle of Francesco Hayez; the “Virgin Hodegetria,” a carved relief of the Madonna and Child from the 14th century; and “The Descent from the Cross” a woodcut ca. 1520. Twelve new pieces were added to the collection.

The McCreless Art Gallery, established at the university by Dr. Glen and Andrea McCreless in 2006, features medieval and Renaissance art. The McCrelesses were recognized in 2007 by the national “Art & Antiques” magazine as one of the nation’s top 100 art collectors whose philanthropic efforts are changing the face of the art world. The goal of their collection on loan to the university is to share the arts with society’s younger generations.

The gallery is free to view and open to the public during regular library hours.

Newest Additions

Francesco Hayez (circle of), Italian, 1791-1882
“The Three Marys at the Tomb,” ca 1820-1830

Anonymous sculptor, Italian 14th century
“Virgin Hodegetria,” ca. 1350

Flemish School, late 16th century
“The Judgment of King Solomon,” ca. 1580

Crispin De Passé, Flemish, 1564-1637
“The Third Word from the Cross,” ca. 1740

Ugo da Carpi, Italian, 1480-1532
“The Descent from the Cross,” ca. 1520, after Raphael

Johann Anton Tischbein, German, 1720-1787
“Descent from the Cross,” 1752

Gregorian Chant Leaf, Spanish, 1560-1580
Introit for “All Saints Day”

Heinrich Aldegrever, German, 1502-1558
“King David Rending His Garments,” 1540

Franz Anton Maulbertsch, (attributed), Austrian, 1724-1796
“Dante in Paridiso,” ca. 1750-1760

Franz Anton Maulbertsch, Austrian, 1724-1796
“The Glorification of Christ,” 1762

Anonymous sculptor, German, 17th century
“Saint Mary,” ca. 1680

Lucas Van Leyden, Dutch, 1494-1533
“Adam and Eve Lamenting the Death of Abel,” 1529

University congratulates the newest Kemper Scholar

Incarnate Word football player Caleb Kocian is one of 15 college students throughout the nation named to be a Kemper Foundation Scholar. Kocian, who will be a sophomore in the fall, is thrilled to have the opportunity to do internships in Chicago and, he hopes, South America.

“It gives you something to work for because if you can do this, you can do better things when you get out of college,” he said.

Kocian, an international business major, finished his freshman year at UIW with a 3.59 GPA. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he plans to work toward a master’s in international business and then a law degree. He would like one of his internships to be law-related. “For someone who wants to be a lawyer, it’s a great opportunity. What does a law firm want more than prior experience?” he said.

Kocian is a member of the inaugural football signing class for the UIW Cardinals.
After his sophomore year, Kocian will have a summer internship in Chicago with a nonprofit organization to learn about financial management, organizational strategy, fundraising and nonprofit administration. After his junior year, he will design his own summer project, which could take him overseas for an internship, and he hopes to travel to Brazil.

The Kemper Foundation, into its 60th year, selects one student from each of 15 colleges and universities across the nation. It is a three-year scholarship assistance program including two summers with projects and internships.

Employee visits France for professional development, personal growth

Ashley Festa, the coordinator for The Word magazine, was blessed with the opportunity to join a group of professionals with the Rotary International for a month-long visit to France in Rotary District 1780. Dr. Louis Agnese selected Festa to apply for a position in the group because of her French fluency, but she gained much more than an improvement in her language skills while on the trip.

While in France, each team member made professional visits to those who do the same or similar jobs in France to provide cross-cultural understanding and exchange of ideas. Festa made several scheduled professional visits, and she also happened to meet journalists unexpectedly throughout the trip. The most interesting professional experience, she said, was a visit at the University of Savoie with the president’s communications assistant. The university is in the midst of its 30th anniversary celebration, and learning about their year-long plans brought about much discussion of ideas. Many thoughts and ideas were exchanged, to the benefit of both the French and American schools.

In addition to learning about her own profession, Festa also had a chance to see the Rotary in action. The organization’s motto of “Service above Self” was seen full force through the generosity and kindness shown by host French families and the French district’s Rotary clubs.

To read more details about the trip, visit www.francegse.blogspot.com.

Swing-In brings in highest proceeds to benefit students

The 32nd annual Swing-In Auction Party and Golf Tournament were held April 30 and May 1.

Nearly 500 guests kicked off the two-day event with the Auction Party in UIW’s Rosenberg SkyRoom. The presence of the Cardinal football team created the backdrop for the evening’s theme, Ultimate Tailgate Party. Half-time entertainment was provided by the UIW Cardinal Dance Team. Live and silent auctions along with lavish buffets, drinks and live music rounded out the event. The fun continued the following day on the course as participants teed off at The Republic Golf Club. More than 200 golfers participated in the morning and afternoon rounds.

Auction party revenues and golf sponsorships brought in more than $231,000, the highest net proceeds ever for Swing-In. Proceeds provide scholarships for UIW students. To date, Swing-In Golf Tournament and Auction Party sponsors have helped the university raise more than $1 million benefitting student scholarships. Mark your calendars now for the 33rd annual Swing-In on April 29-30, 2010.

UIW selected as great place to work

UIW has been selected by the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of 2009’s Great Colleges to Work For in a national survey that recognizes “institutions that have created exceptional work environments.” Given how competitive the Great Colleges program was this year, this accolade is a remarkable accomplishment. The results were officially announced online and in the July 10 print issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education. Congratulations UIW!

Students lobby in Capitol for TEG

Nine UIW students gathered before daybreak on Feb. 11 in front of Marian Hall to travel to Austin for Student Lobbying Day. They were on their way to spend the day speaking with Texas legislators about the TEG, or Tuition Equalization Grant. The TEG provides funds to financially needy students to enable them to attend private, nonprofit colleges or universities in Texas, such as the University of the Incarnate Word. Students had the opportunity to talk to Texas State Senators and Representatives about how the grant has helped them receive an education at UIW.

Dr. Renee Moore, dean of Campus Life, was on the road with the students and a curious publications coordinator before the sun came up. They were all in Austin by 8:30 a.m. with Dr. Gary Keith, an assistant professor of political science, who was on hand to facilitate the day. First thing, a professional lobbyist gave students hints about speaking politely and efficiently to Texas legislators.

Richard J. Martinez Jr., a business information systems junior, decided to participate in Student Lobbying Day because of the benefit it has provided him. “I received a grant so I figured it would be a good opportunity to represent the student body and help my peers. Anything to give back.”

While speaking to legislators and their staff members, students urged that they were not asking for an increase in funds, just to continue the level of support going to TEG. They told their stories, explaining why they chose UIW and how the university has benefited them educationally and personally. They also stressed that without the TEG, getting a college education would be much more difficult.

“I come from a single parent household, and I didn’t know these funds were available. I want to make sure these funds remain available,” said Monica White, a senior majoring in history.

UIW chosen for $100,000 Wal-Mart Minority Student Success Award

UIW will soon have more help in enrolling, retaining and graduating first-generation college students.

The Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) selected the university to receive a $100,000 Wal-Mart Minority Student Success Award. UIW was one of only 15 minority-serving institutions selected through a highly competitive application process to strengthen efforts to support first-generation students.

“The University of the Incarnate Word is honored to be selected as one of the outstanding institutions of higher education nationwide to receive this award,” said Dr. David M. Jurenovich, vice president for enrollment management and student services.

“Thanks to the generosity and vision of Wal-Mart, the university will be able to continue to enhance and expand our commitment to first-generation students and their success.”
The award will be used to introduce a faculty development program focused on first-generation sophomore student success. The initiative will educate faculty on sophomore challenges and ways of realigning teaching approaches to address these challenges.

“We are excited to be working with such a diverse group of minority-serving institutions focused on improving the success of this critical student group,” said IHEP president Michelle Asha Cooper. “Their planned initiatives demonstrate a long-term commitment to first-generation student success that builds on their well-established mission to retain and graduate underserved student populations.”

UIW and MACC unite to offer new degree

The University of the Incarnate Word and the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) signed an agreement June 5 to work together to offer a Bachelor of Arts in pastoral ministry.

Archbishop José Gomez, MACC President Dr. Arturo Chávez, and UIW President Dr. Louis Agnese joined trustees and faculty from both institutions at a luncheon to celebrate the agreement. The new program will provide students with the skills to be leaders in the multicultural Catholic Church and help build unity in diversity.

“This will be a creative solution for some of the obstacles that Hispanics, including seminarians, permanent deacons, religious and lay faithful, encounter in pursuing higher theological education,” Archbishop Gomez said.

Agnese and Chavez signed a five-year agreement that will primarily help MACC attain accreditation in higher education. UIW has agreed to provide a safety net for students as MACC attains academic autonomy by providing institutional support to MACC’s administration and educational resources to its students.

“UIW and MACC share a mission to empower students by providing access to higher education. We are happy to be partners in the extension of this mission,” said UIW Chancellor Sr. Helena Monahan, CCVI.

Student engagement is priority for Presidential Teaching Award recipient

UIW President Dr. Louis Agnese awarded this year’s Presidential Teaching Award to Theresa Tiggeman on March 27 at the faculty appreciation luncheon.

“To be recognized for my teaching by the best teachers is really the ultimate honor,” said Tiggeman, professor of accounting and finance in the H-E-B School of Business and Administration.

She credits her dedication to student involvement as part of the reason she earned this award.

“Bright students must be challenged or they tend to lose interest, learning only the minimum needed for another A,” she said. “Poorer students need assistance, encouragement and accomplishment. Otherwise, they quickly give up because they cannot visualize any success.

“My instructional focus is centered on engaging the student at the beginning of his or her undergraduate university experience.”

The purpose of the Presidential Teaching Award is to acknowledge a full-time faculty member who exemplifies excellence in teaching that leads to student engagement. Recipients receive a $5,000 stipend, given by Agnese. Like all prior recipients, Tiggeman will become a member of the Selection Committee in succeeding years.

UIW administrator visits New Zealand

In April, Vincent Rodriguez, assistant to the president/communications, visited one of UIW’s sister schools, the Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School, in Wellington, New Zealand. Rodriguez met with Annie Ruth (left), the school’s director, and Salesi Le ‘Ota (right), a graduate of and instructor at the school. The visit was part of the International Ambassadors Program, founded by Dr. Pat Watkins, UIW’s vice president for international programs. Through the program, faculty members and administrators have the opportunity to visit sister schools when they’re traveling overseas. The goodwill visits are an important means of maintaining sister school relationships.

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