Collins-Reininger family members join UIW Chaplain Fr. Tom Dymowski (far left), O.SS.T., and Dean of Alumni Emeritus Dr. Dick McCracken (seated) for a photo following the tree dedication on the McCracken House lawn.
On July 13, 2014, a tree dedication was held at UIW’s McCracken House honoring the families of Cy and Viola Collins and Marvin and Margaret Reininger. Around the turn of the 20th century, Cy and Viola Collins left the care of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word orphanage to work at the Sisters’ Motherhouse located adjacent to the UIW campus. The couple married on campus and raised their children in a house built especially for them. Margaret Collins, Cy and Viola’s only daughter, met and married Marvin Reininger who eventually worked for Incarnate Word College as the maintenance operator. In time, he was assisted by his sons, including Peter who is currently employed full-time as air condition superintendent, and their cousins.
Through the years, their children, spouses and grandchildren have maintained a close relationship with the university. The family continues to visit the campus every Christmas to honor the family’s legacy at the university. The tree is reflective of the deep roots the Collins-Reininger families have established at UIW as a legacy gift to the future.
The plaque honoring the Collins-Reininger family installed with the tree.
