campus news
Light the Way ushers in holiday season in Benson Stadium
Dr. Louis Agnese congratulates Sarwat Husain during fall Commencement.
UIW presents 2010 Alumni of Distinction for Service in Mission The University of the Incarnate Word presented Sarwat Husain as the 2010 Alumni of Distinction for Service in Mission at the fall Commencement ceremonies, which conferred 731 graduates Dec. 10-11. Husain received her Master of Science in nutrition from the university in 1994 and is active in the community continuing the Mission of the university. She serves as vice chair of the National Board of the Council on American-Islamic Relations based in Washington, D.C., and she serves on the San Antonio Interreligious Council and the Texas Media Empowerment Project. Among her many projects, Husain is the founding president of the San Antonio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and a leader in our city in interfaith relations. She is also a founder of the San Antonio Muslim Council and a member of the San Antonio Council for International Visitors. She formerly served on the FBI Regional Advisory Council and was selected to serve on the board of the San Antonio Mayor’s Commission for a United San Antonio under Mayor Ed Garza. In addition, Husain founded Al-Ittihaad Monthly, the largest American Muslim newspaper in Texas. She works to encourage political engagement in Texas by conducting regular voter registration drives and training on how to become delegates, precinct chairs and judges. She is a member of the Texas Muslim Political Taskforce and a founding member of American Muslim Democratic Caucus. Husain helped establish the American Muslim Youth Association and the Muslim Boys Scouts of America, Pack 786, and acts as an adviser to both.
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THE WORD | SPRING 2011
More than 6,200 guests flooded Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium to officially kick off the Christmas season at the annual Light the Way ceremony on Nov. 20. Because of the enormous popularity of the free holiday event, Dr. Louis Agnese decided to move the celebration to the stadium to accommodate the growing number of attendees. Special guests for the evening included Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantú, H-E-B Public Affairs Director Dya Campos, Santa Claus and guest emcees Ursula Pari and Steve Spriester of KSAT 12. Sounds of holiday music filled the air thanks to the UIW Chorale, the UIW Marching Band and the choirs from Incarnate Word High School, St. Anthony Catholic School and St. Peter Prince of Apostles Catholic School. In addition, the St. Anthony Catholic High School jazz band with featured singer Sarah Centeno entertained the crowd along with headliner Tejano music legend Patsy Torres. As he has for the past 24 years, Dr. Agnese ended the ceremony with the flip of a switch, illuminating the UIW campus with twinkling lights. Mariachi Sol De Tejas led the candlelight procession of guests through the campus and to Central Market H-E-B for a complimentary reception. Mark your calendar for the 2011 Light the Way, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 19.
Dr. Agnese flipped the switch with the help of board member John Miller’s grandsons at the Light the Way ceremony at Benson Stadium.