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WORD the

Spring 2014

Flight surgeon destined to help and empower others

A special letter from Dr. Denise Doyle, chancellor of UIW. President Dr. Louis Agnese is on a sabbatical this semester. Dear Friends:

“This year, I have had the occasion to look back over my 25 years of service at UIW and I am immediately struck by all of the changes we have experienced.”

Sitting temporarily in the president’s office, I am looking out on part of the campus and watching the wind whip up leaves along a dry river on a cool afternoon. Being here is quite an experience! I have often reminded faculty that I came to Incarnate Word as an adjunct professor and eventually became the academic vice president and then the provost. Isn’t Incarnate Word a wonderful place of opportunity and surprises! This year, I have had the occasion to look back over my 25 years of service at UIW and I am immediately struck by all of the changes we have experienced. Like many returning alumni, I can hardly envision the campus as it was when I first walked across it. The new buildings, new paths, and beautiful landscape seem to crowd out my first impressions of 1988. The years have passed swiftly, and change and construction, while incremental, have become part of the normal life of the university. So have hard-hat workers, cranes, bulldozers, and detours. Even now as we wind our way around the campus, making room for the new Fine Arts Complex, it is gratifying to think that soon we will complete that long-awaited project and move on to a Student Engagement Center, a School of Osteopathic Medicine, and then a new building somewhere and the next program in something, all of which will continue to mark the ever-changing and vibrant expressions of the UIW footprint. Today, looking out the president’s office window, I am struck by some characteristics of our student body that have changed. Every student crossing the bridge or heading to class will generally have a telephone in hand and something plugged into his or her ears. Each one is enjoying the beat of their favorite music or maybe even motivational talk. Across the way I see a large number of international students going back and forth to their English language classes and representing many corners of the world. Recently, we have become home for a substantial contingent of students from Saudi Arabia, many of them women, most of whom wear hijabs - scarves that cover their faces. I also see students in ROTC uniforms and all the many student-athletes who walk with teammates, wearing their team gear and colors that remind us of the many hours spent in practice in addition to their studies. Students find their niches in the growing number of smaller communities that are integrated into the diversity and complexity of the larger community of UIW. In the midst of all of this change, I often reflect on how some things don’t change: the energy of young students stepping forward into the next phase of life; the incredible opportunities faculty create to engage their students in positive and life-giving directions; the invisible but unmistakable presence of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word shepherding us along as they have for generations; and the reach of the Mission and vision of the University of the Incarnate Word that continues to energize faculty, students and administrators. So, the essence of Incarnate Word still grounds us while the winds of change scatter us in new and exciting directions. Please accept my best wishes for a safe and rewarding spring. Sincerely,

Dr. Denise Doyle Chancellor

contents 2

Campus News

Flight surgeon destined to help and empower others

Cardinal shares perspective shaped by life events

UIW’s Mexico City campus growing by leaps and bounds

50 years, a lifetime of influence

An atmosphere of success

Saudi-sponsored students find a home at UIW

UIW, Diver Down

University Collective

Class Notes

UIW bids farewell to Amato and welcomes Lutz as new chairman of the board of trustees

Moment for Reflection

Alumni Events

28 7

24 6 Contributing Writers Rudy Arispe ’97 BA Brance Arnold ’10 MA Alex Castaneda ’83 BA Coordinator Brance Arnold ’10 MA Raul Dominguez Rebecca Esparza ’99 BBA Art Director ’03 MBA Michael Hood Ashley Festa Margaret Garcia Graphic Designer Steve Hemphill ’13 MAA Marisol Martinez Crystale Lopez John Peveto

credits

Managing Editor Debra Del Toro

Cover Photo 9RW Public Affairs

Dr. Louis J. Agnese Jr. President

Dr. Lisa McNary ’91 BA,’95 MA Director of Alumni & Parent Relations

Sr. Kathleen Coughlin ’67 Debra Del Toro BSN Vice President for Institutional Director of Public Relations Advancement The Word is published by the Vincent Rodriguez Public Relations Office of the Chief of Staff to the President University of the Incarnate Word for the alumni, parents, benefactors and friends of the Incarnate Word community.

Board of Trustees Dr. Louis J. Agnese Jr. Ernesto Ancira Charlie Amato Tracy Avery Scott Beckendorf Michael Belz Doyle Beneby Gayle Benson Mike Beucler Sr. Brigid Marie Clarke Sr. Martha Estela Perez Curiel

Catherine Dulle Veronica Edwards John Feik Gary Henry Sr. Mary C. Henry Winell Herron Gary Joeris Betty Kelso Nancy Kudla Jack Lewis Stephen Lucke Charles Lutz Sr. Teresa Yolanda Maya

Sr. Rose Ann McDonald John Miller William Moll Carmen Nava Ramona Parker John Peveto Bobby Rosenthal Richard Schlosberg Sr. Yolanda Tarango Sr. Gloria Ortiz Villalon

campus news

UIW celebrates the Fall Class of 2013

Seven hundred twenty-three students participated in the graduation held on Dec. 8 in the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum.

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) conferred degrees to graduates at a fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 8 in the Joe and Harry Freeman Coliseum. The commencement honored students who completed their undergraduate, graduate, Ph.D. or professional degrees in August or at the closing of the fall semester. Seven hundred twenty-three students participated in the graduation. Theresa Tiggeman, professor of business administration, the university’s Moody Professor, served as commencement speaker.

Alumna of Distinction The 2013 Alumna of Distinction for service in Mission was presented to Veronica Vela Whitacre ’81 BA during the commencement ceremony. In May 2013, Whitacre was elected to serve as city commissioner for District 6 in McAllen, Texas. She is also a member

2013 Alumna of Distinction for service in Mission Veronica Vela Whitacre ’81 BA 2

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of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of McAllen and is involved in fundraising efforts. She was recently reappointed as a board member of the McAllen Education Foundation. Whitacre has served on numerous charitable boards including Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, the International Museum of Art and Science, Easter Seals, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (now known as STARS), the McAllen Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Board and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She is past sponsorship chairman of the McAllen Junior League and currently serves as the college and sponsorship chair of the International Museum of Art and Science. Whitacre is a founding member of the UIW Alumni Association Board, has assisted with organizing UIW recruitment events in the Rio Grande Valley, has nominated students for the McCracken Alumni Referral Scholarship and has organized numerous visits for McAllen High School students to the UIW campus.

campus news

11th Annual Veterans Day Celebration

Dr. Robyn Phillips-Madson, founding dean of UIW’s School of Osteopathic Medicine

UIW hires founding dean of new School of Osteopathic Medicine UIW is proud to announce the selection of the founding dean of its School of Osteopathic Medicine, Robyn Phillips-Madson, DO, MPH. Most recently, Madson has been the dean and chief academic officer at the Pacific Northwest University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Yakima, Wash., where she had previously taught and served as chair of the Department of Clinical Medicine and assistant dean of clinical sciences. Madson has a BS in pharmacy from the University of Washington, Seattle, and received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Michigan State University, Lansing, Mich. She is board certified in family practice and most recently completed a master’s in public health at Nova Southeastern University, Fla. She completed the Health Policy Fellowship Certificate program with the American Osteopathic Association in 2006. In addition to her extensive academic experience, Madson has been a hospital pharmacist, practiced as a solo family physician in Seattle, and served as the medical director of the Lake Forest Park Medical Clinic in Seattle. She was the recipient of the 2007 Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Founder’s Award in recognition of her professional and personal commitment to osteopathic medicine and to quality-of-life health care for the people of Guatemala. She was the Washington Osteopathic Medical Association 2007 Physician of the Year. The foundation of all of her medical accomplishments is a warm and caring personality that impressed all who met her at UIW. “It is the belief and hope of the university administration that Dr. Madson will lead the effort to inspire a new generation of doctors to serve with the same enthusiasm and dedication that has motivated her throughout her medical career. We welcome Dr. Madson to our community and to San Antonio and commit to supporting her in the enormous task of creating a distinctive and quality osteopathic medical school for South Texas,” said UIW Chancellor and Chair of the Search Committee Dr. Denise Doyle.

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) honored all who have served our country at UIW’s 11th Annual Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 7. The ceremony took place on the Dubuis Lawn located on main campus. Speaker for the event was UIW student Maj. Tony Patterson (USA), OD. Patterson is an optometrist at the San Antonio Military Medical Center and is currently enrolled in UIW’s Master of Health Administration program. UIW is home to nearly 1,300 veteran students that are either active duty, veteran or dependents using federal tuition assistance (TA) or VA benefits. The annual Veterans Day ceremony is an opportunity for UIW student veterans and their families to share insights on how their experience of military service blends with the UIW Mission of service. In addition, on Nov. 11, all students, employees and alumni who are veterans or current military were invited to a meet-and-greet lunch in the ICC Conference Room, featuring guest speaker Brig. Gen. Sue Turner (USAF, Ret.) ’73 BSN and former senior service members from the UIW faculty and community.

(Pictured L-R) Brig. Gen. Sue Turner and Dr. Lisa McNary, director of alumni and parent relations, share a photo during the Veterans Day Luncheon held Nov. 11.

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campus news

UIW Extended Run Players awarded $5,000 grant from Orsinger Foundation UIW’s Extended Run Players are pleased to announce the receipt of a $5,000 grant awarded to the organization by the Genevieve and Ward Orsinger Foundation. The grant allows the Extended Run Players to take their production of “Memories on Review: Tales from World War II” to area high schools free of charge. This readers’ theatre production consists of memories of veterans as shared in personal interviews since 2003, music from the World War II era and a slide show of scenes from the war. High schools that have already reserved a date for the show include Brackenridge, Brennan, Brandeis, Steele,

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Edgewood, Incarnate Word and Southwest. Founded in 1966, the Extended Run Players are a group of theatre lovers, ranging from seasoned veterans to stage struck tyros, all still growing and learning from one another. Since 1997, 100 percent of the profits from the productions have been donated to an endowed scholarship for theatre arts majors, providing ever-growing scholarship support for talented UIW undergraduates. To learn more about the Extended Run Players or to book a program, contact Sr. Germaine Corbin, CCVI, at (210) 829-3806 or by email at corbin@uiwtx.edu

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Friendly School

2013 President’s Spaghetti Dinner Dr. Louis Agnese, Jr., UIW president, serves a student at the 2013 President’s Spaghetti Dinner in the McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room on Nov. 20. Administrators, faculty and staff volunteered to serve students at the event. The annual tradition is a way of saying “thank you” to students for making the university such a special and enriching place.

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Military Advanced Education (MAE) has awarded UIW the designation of a Top Military-Friendly university in its “2014 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities,” released in print, and available online at www.mae-kmi.com. From community colleges to state universities, online universities and nationally known centers of higher learning, MAE’s “2014 Guide to Military-Friendly Colleges & Universities” provides potential students with information about institutions that go out of their way to give back to our men and women in uniform. Among the attributes considered in evaluating this year’s institution for inclusion in the guide are: the flexibility of online learning options; extent of transfer credits accepted by degree level; on-campus ROTC; Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) participation; on-campus active duty/veteran assistance; support provided to the families of service members; faculty trained in veteran reintegration issues; presence on military installations; and full-time counselors trained in veteran-specific mental health concerns; to name a few. “Our staff used strict criteria to evaluate the submissions of the respondents, and we had a record number of schools participating this year. We believe the guide serves as an invaluable tool for both education services officers and transition officers when advising service members about their educational opportunities,” said Kelly Fodel, MAE’s editor. “We are so very proud to have once again been listed in the “Guide to Military Friendly Colleges & Universities.” We consider it an honor every time an activeduty service member or veteran selects UIW to help them reach their educational goals,” said Dr. Cyndi Wilson-Porter, vice president of UIW’s Extended Academic Programs.

campus news

UIW Dedicates the Geneva R. Johnson Library At an event held Nov. 8, UIW officially dedicated the Geneva R. Johnson Library located at the UIW School of Physical Therapy. The library is named after Geneva Johnson, PT, Ph.D., FAPTA, who is a national leader in physical therapy education. Johnson is known for her excellence in patient care, clinical research, clinical specialization, administration, staff development and postgraduate education. Joining UIW President Dr. Louis Agnese at the dedication were School of Physical Therapy Founding Dean Dr. Caroline Goulet, Chancellor Dr. Denise Doyle, Provost Dr. Kathi Light, and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Sr. Kathleen Coughlin, CCVI. In addition to UIW faculty, staff and students from the School of Physical Therapy, several close friends and family members of Johnson made the trip to San Antonio from Houston, Georgia, Alabama, Florida and Louisiana for the dedication. The School of Physical Therapy is a “tremendous legacy for this university. It has been a pleasure to be associated with this institution. It has been a work of the heart, the head and the hands,” said Johnson in her remarks. Johnson’s leadership has been acknowledged over the years by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Mary McMillan Lecture Award and Catherine Worthingham Fellow (1985), the APTA Lucy Blair Service Award (1988), the Army Physical Therapy Program Outstanding Alumni Award (1994), and the APTA Pauline Cerasoli Education Award (2008). Most recently her legacy was recognized by the American Council for Academic Physical Therapy (ACAPT) who established the Geneva Johnson’s Annual Forum on Innovation in Education. Johnson served as a consultant to UIW for the development of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and the development of problem-based curriculum. In addition, she provided a gift of archival documents and books for the School of PhysiDr. Geneva Johnson addresses guests at the library cal Therapy’s library and dedication held in her honor at UIW’s School of established a scholarship for Physical Therapy. DPT graduates.

H-E-B School of Business and Administration listed as one of the Great Schools for Financial Planning

UIW welcomes Texas Health and Science University to San Antonio

(Pictured L-R) Lisa Ping-Hui Tsao Lin, E.M.B.A., president and CEO, Texas Health and Science University (THSU), and Douglas Endsley, UIW vice president of business and finance, pose at the signing of an agreement between UIW and THSU. UIW welcomed THSU, an Austin-based institution, to San Antonio at a press conference on Dec. 2. THSU, formerly the Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is offering acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine classes at UIW’s Debbie and Naty Saidoff Center. For information on classes visit thsu.edu/sa-classroom.

The H-E-B School of Business and Administration has been listed as one of the 30 Great Schools for Financial Planning by Financial Planning, a website dedicated to the needs of independent financial planners. Financial Planning recognized the school’s Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Board-Registered bachelor of business administration with concentration in planning program and stated that its students have shined at national Financial Planning Association (FPA) competitions and the local FPA holds campus workshops. In the listing’s overview, Dr. Alicia Rodriguez-Rubio, assistant professor of finance, was quoted as saying, “We also work closely with our students to provide internships and opportunities to shadow professionals.” THE WORD | SPRING 2014

campus news

“A Global Christmas,” Student Inspired Shoe Designs Teri Lopez, instructor of fashion management, led her fall Promotional Strategies class in the creation of shoe art and branded their concept of a “Global Christmas” on their own fashion shoes. Students were instructed to be inspired by Christmas traditions from countries representing their family background. Twenty-one students submitted projects and spent anywhere from 25 to 50 hours working individually on their shoe art. They invested their own money in the projects and spent from $30 to $125 on supplies. The UIW community judged the project and awarded “Best in Show” to Maria Ayala; “Best Representation of a Global Christmas” to Elizabeth Izarraras; and “Most Outrageous” to Ashley Martinez. The shoes were on display in the Mabee Library until the beginning of the spring semester. A “Global Christmas” coincided with this year’s Light the Way theme of “Christmas Around the World.”

A student shoe design inspired by a “Global Christmas”

You are invited to University of the Incarnate Word’s

THE CUTTING EDGE FIESTA FASHION SHOW

Wednesday, April 16 Doors open: 11:00 Show starts: 11:30 Luncheon immediately following show

Marriott Rivercenter 101 Bowie St. San Antonio, TX 78205 Tables available for $1500, $1000, $750 Individual seats available: $75 with lunch, $25 show only Tickets may be purchased online at https://commerce.cashnet.com/cashneta/selfserve/BrowseCatalog.aspx

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campus news Guests enjoy a fireworks extravaganza during the finale of the Light the Way event.

Old man winter couldn’t stop UIW’s 27th annual Light the Way

On Saturday, Nov. 23, over 5,500 guests joined UIW President Dr. Louis Agnese at the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center for UIW’s 27th annual Light the Way. Due to the inclement weather, the event was moved from the Benson Stadium to the Convocation Center where guests were treated to traditional holiday entertainment and then moved outside to watch Agnese and his guests officially kick off the season by flipping the switch and illuminating the campus in twinkling lights. Guests were treated to a fireworks grand finale sponsored by Tobin Lofts. The campus lighting topped off a fun-filled evening sponsored by H-E-B. The event, which featured a “Christmas Around the World” theme, was emceed by KSAT12’s Steve Spriester and Isis Romero.

The audience enjoyed special performances by the choirs, dance teams and jazz band of the Brainpower Connection schools. UIW’s Institute of World Cultures Lion Dance Team surprised the crowd with a traditional Lion Dance and headliner Patsy Torres entertained guests. After the official switch was flipped, Mariachi Las Coronelas entertained the crowd at a complimentary reception hosted by H-E-B and Sodexo. Make plans to attend the 2014 Light the Way event scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014.

UIW celebrates 20th annual Heritage Day Oct. 9 marked UIW’s 20th annual Heritage Day. The celebration honors the history and heritage of the university and its founders the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI). University employees were honored for their years of service at an employee recognition ceremony held in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word. Employees with five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 50 years of service were recognized. Dr. Caroline Spana, director of student affairs, Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing, was recognized for her 50 years of service (see story page 14). A reception followed the ceremony on the Brackenridge Villa lawn.

Employees honored for five years of service stand to be recognized during the Heritage Day ceremony. THE WORD | SPRING 2014

Flight surgeon destined to help and empower others By Rudy Arispe ’97 BA

Dr. Clarence Marcus Lee ’04 BS leading a workshop at a youth camp in Austin, Texas. He spoke on the “price of success.”

hile doing his internship at Brooke Army Medical Center, Dr. Clarence Marcus Lee, Jr. ’04 BS wanted to help at-risk students from underprivileged backgrounds stay in school and reach for the stars. So he asked his colleagues where he might start. They suggested he look into Sam Houston High School on San Antonio’s East Side. “I just wanted to reach out to guys who were like me when I was growing up,” the 32-year-old Air Force captain and flight surgeon said during a phone conversation from his home in Lincoln, Calif., a suburb of Sacramento, some 40 miles north of Beale AFB where he’s stationed. “I tracked down the president of the school board and told him my idea. He set up a meeting with the principal of Sam

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Houston and I presented the mentor model and curriculum I created. Then I met the basketball coach, and we started scheduling an hour a week for me to spend time with the guys.” One of those young men was Isaac Thornton, 19, who plays guard for the men’s basketball team at San Jose State University in California. He fondly recalls the impact that Lee has had on his life. “One of the biggest things he taught us was “E” plus “R” equals “O,” or event plus response equals outcome,” Thornton said. “It’s about controlling what happens in your life. You are in charge of the outcome.” “Before, I used to let little things get to me and ruin my day. Now as a person or on the basketball court, when something happens I don’t dwell on it. Let it go. Focus on the things you

can control and make those changes for a better outcome.” Today, Lee continues to have a positive impact on others by offering words of wisdom and other insightful advice that he shares when he’s not busy with his military career in aerospace medicine, but as a life coach, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and now writer through his upcoming book, “Well, My Mom Says …” to be published in March. In it, the author devotes each chapter to a conversation he had with his mother, Ruffina Rector, a registered nurse, and the lessons learned from her while growing up in Kansas City, Mo. “I want readers to come away seeing struggles for what they truly are – God-given opportunities for growth that uniquely position you to help others at similar crossroads in their life,” he said. “I cover a huge span of time from childhood to adulthood, and an array of situations like racial discrimination, failure in school, failure on the basketball court, failure in my first marriage, as well as a near death experience.” While playing basketball on a scholarship for UIW from 2001-2003 and earning a degree in biology, Lee decided his junior year he wanted to become a physician and joined the Air Force Reserves after graduation. Lee began medical school at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia and completed his internship in general surgery at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. While training in general surgery, the Air Force was offering physicians the opportunity to be flight surgeons. “I couldn’t turn down the chance to fly,” he said. As a flight surgeon, Lee is responsible for the medical evaluation and treatment of pilots. “We are the physicians who certify pilots to be able to fly,” he said, adding that although he’s not a pilot he has more than 100 flying hours aboard various military aircraft. Although he enjoys a fulfilling Air Force career, Lee said he has always believed he was destined to help and empower others. “Once I finished medical school, I started seeing the disparities in health care,” he said. “I realized I could prescribe someone a pill to make them feel better. But I also saw patients who didn’t have the mental motivation to take that pill or they had no will to live. I knew I wanted to help people change their life for the better.”

Realizing he wanted to help other people outside of the military, he launched his self-help company, CMLEEJR, in 2010. In conjunction with that, he is working on his MBA in entrepreneurship at Drexel University Lebow College of Business in Sacramento and plans to graduate in September. He credits his time at UIW for preparing him for a successful career in the military and civilian world as an entrepreneur, which included having the support to succeed by the number of people he met on campus. “Everyone from Dr. Agnese to professors and even alumni were so supportive of me,” Lee recalled. “They would show up at basketball games and were always visible on campus.” And one of the most important skills he acquired was time management. “Playing sports was a full day,” he said. “We’d run in the morning, go to class, practice, watch films (of previous games) and travel. So I had to figure out how to manage my time, and that’s key to success when you’re in medical school.” The author-speaker-physician recalled his youth growing up while being raised by his mother, a single parent, in Missouri. It was partly because of her that he chose to pursue a career in medicine. “I remember her always working hard to provide for my sister and me. She worked three jobs sometimes,” Lee said. “When she decided to go to nursing school, I got to help her study and later, when I was older, I would sometimes go with her to the hospital.” And as far as the best advice his mother ever gave him? “All things work together for the good,” he said. “It has been something I take with me every day, and I keep it in mind when things aren’t going my way. I tell myself, ‘For some reason I’m going through this struggle, and it’s all going to work out for the greater good.’ ” “Every parent looks forward to the investment in their child,” Ruffina said. “I’m proud of him and his way of giving back to the community.”

To contact Dr. Lee or for more information, visit www.cmleejr.com

Lee at Dominican University in San Rafeal, Calif. He spoke to the women’s basketball program about “making a season special.”

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Cardinal shares perspective shaped by life events By Raul Dominguez

he drills in preparation for the University of the Incarnate Word’s (UIW) upcoming football season were painfully exhausting and the heat was oppressive. The Cardinals were struggling to make it through a humid practice, but surely it wasn’t as difficult for their newest teammate. Jason Everding enrolled in college after serving four years in the Marine Corps, including twice being deployed to Iraq for combat duty in 2007. Having lived through the heat and trials of war in the Middle East, surely playing football in 90-degree temperatures was a piece of cake for the Marine sergeant. “You never get used to it,” Everding said, laughing. “Hot is hot.” Nothing is ever easy, he said. There will always be difficulties in life, but Jason Everding in Iraq in 2007 those trials are easier to

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overcome if one properly trains one’s mind and body. Receiving the right preparation is a big reason the 27-yearold chose to attend and play for UIW. Even after suffering a season-ending knee injury Oct. 5 in his first season with the Cardinals, the native of Bismarck, N.D., is glad he came to San Antonio. “I’ve had a lot of opportunities I wouldn’t have had at a lot of other schools, it was the right decision,” Everding said. At 6-foot-4 and 270 pounds and in possession of the G.I. Bill, Everding had numerous options after a solid two-year career at San Diego Mesa College. He first learned of UIW from Cardinal tight ends coach Larry Moore, a former assistant at Mesa College. “Initially, I didn’t know much about the program,” Everding said. “I started learning more about it. It made me want to play here more because it was a new program and they were trying to move to Division I. It was neat to be part of an up-and-coming program. The more I thought about it, the more it grew on me.” It didn’t take long for the coaching staff to take to Everding, either. A defensive lineman for all but his final four games at Mesa, Everding was asked to become an offensive lineman full-time for the Cardinals. He quickly became one of the team’s top eight

linemen despite being unfamiliar with offensive schemes. “I told them whatever you want me to do,” Everding said, “and whatever is going to give me a chance to play.” He hadn’t even taken a step onto Benson Field yet and Everding was already a great teammate – if also a unique one. “He is a military veteran; he knows what it’s like to be part of a team,” UIW head coach Larry Kennan said. “He understands team. He’s a great example for the rest of the guys. He’s very unselfish and the rest of the team can learn a lot from him.” Everding’s perspective is shaped by the events of his life, not simply the number of years he has lived. While many of his new teammates were just a few months removed from agonizing over how to celebrate Spring Break, Everding was only years removed from the rigors of war. “If I had to do it all over again, I would (serve) again,” he said. “It helped me grow physically (and) emotionally. You meet so many people and it just opens your eyes. It made me humble, and made me realize there is more in this world than just you.” It was an evolution Everding needed after graduating from Bismarck’s Century High School. “I didn’t want to go back to school,” Everding said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I felt if I went back to school right away, I would have ended up doing something that I didn’t really want to do.” After working for about a year, Everding joined the Marines five days after his 20th birthday. During his four years of service for our country, he spent time in Djibouti, Africa, and saw combat as a forward observer for an artillery unit in Iraq. As dangerous as it was, Everding somehow found an inner tranquility. “The Marine Corps does prepare you,” he said. “We were prepared for anything that happened. Once you’re there, it’s a release, as you don’t have to train anymore. You’re there for the training you had. At first you feel like you have to watch out for everything, but then you start to relax. After a few weeks, you don’t think twice about it, because you’re trained to do the right thing.” He has brought that inimitable perspective to UIW whether he is in the classroom or on the field. “It doesn’t make me immune to any other difficulties in life, but I don’t stress because there are a lot worse things you can be doing,” he said. Still, Everding does not want to be treated differently, but his teammates can’t help it. Along with teasing him about his age, they also admire and respect him for his service as well as his determination. “If you’re around him at all, you realize what a really good human being he is,” Kennan said. “He is quiet, low key, has a

great work ethic (and) great personal habits. The young guys can look up to him and see what they should be like when they get older.” A kinesiology major, Everding plans on graduating in 2015 and hopes to become a graduate assistant for UIW while serving as a strength and conditioning coach. But Everding isn’t getting ahead of himself. He can’t wait to get back on the field, better prepared to earn a starting position after a full season as an offensive lineman. He also hopes to help the Cardinals improve on last season’s 6-5 record, but he knows it won’t be easy in their next season in the Southland Conference. The only thing one can do is prepare and trust in that training. It’s what Everding has learned and it’s what he shares.

Everding served as a forward observer for an artillery unit in Iraq in 2007.

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CIW graduates share a photo before commencement held June 1, 2012.

UIW’s Mexico City campus growing by leaps and bounds By Brance Arnold ’10 BA

he University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) continues to expand its reach globally by providing students from all over the world access to a quality education. A shining example of this international initiative is Centro Universitario Incarnate Word (CIW), UIW’s campus located in Mexico City. Founded in 2003, CIW is a joint effort between UIW’s founding congregation, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and UIW. Though CIW is a branch campus of UIW, it possesses its own faculty, administration, board, budget and hiring authority. The university provides students the opportunity to earn dual college degrees from an American university fully recognized by each country’s respective institutions. “We wanted to give the Mexican students the opportunity to have access to a quality international education with very affordable tuition,” said Marcos Fragoso, vice president for international affairs. CIW conferred degrees to its first nine graduates in 2008. To date, CIW has graduated 257 students. The university conferred degrees to 27 graduates at its most recent commencement in December. As

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well as an increase in its alumni, CIW has experienced tremendous growth in enrollment, faculty and programs. Fragoso recalled, “When we first started, there were four students and now we have almost 1,000. Faculty members were less than 15 and today there are 100. We opened with three bachelor’s programs and now we have 10 bachelor’s and two master’s programs as well as more than 30 continuing education programs.” The total student population reached 925 in 2013 and is projected to increase in the coming years. “We plan to have about 1,300 students by Fall 2014 and 1,500 by Fall 2015,” said Matthew Whitehouse, CIW rector. According to Whitehouse, in 2014, CIW plans to add undergraduate degrees in accounting and finance, actuary and mathematics as well as two executive undergraduate degrees in business. The programs will be blended with online courses coupled with classroom courses. Graduate programs being added include master’s degrees in psychology, nutrition and law. Whitehouse said CIW absorbed a small university in 2013 adding culinary arts and 3-D animation

for film programs and in 2014 will be offering 3-D animation for gaming. CIW is home to men’s and women’s soccer teams as well as a newly established cheerleading team. The school has a Language Center offering courses in six languages and a Continued Education Office servicing CIW students as well as external students. Eighty percent of CIW students have some type of scholarship and student employment opportunities are available. CIW’s campus is as diversified as the language courses it offers with students originating from Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Haiti, Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. CIW students can study exclusively in Mexico or they can study up to two semesters at UIW in San Antonio, Texas, or study abroad at other universities where UIW and CIW have exchange programs. Currently, CIW has five students at UIW and approximately eight new students will be studying at the university in August. Ofelia Ojeda, a CIW senior studying nutrition, said the opportunity to study at UIW was a pinnacle moment. “It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life,” shared Ojeda. “I met lots of people who became my friends and I learned about many other cultures.” Ojeda said she chose CIW because it was close in proximity to her home, offered a good study plan for her career options, and provided the opportunity for CIW senior Ofelia Ojeda the double degree. “At CIW, I have met people that have supported me to the end,” Ojeda said. “CIW always offers me options to be successful with summer courses and workshops to compliment my studies. And it is truly an international school with amazing study abroad programs.” Because of a travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State, UIW students were previously unable to study at CIW. The advisory was lifted in October 2013 and CIW is expected to attract UIW students to study full semesters in Mexico in 2014. In May, a group of students with UIW’s Center for Civic Leadership (CCL) program, Cardinal Community Leaders, plan to visit Mexico to interact with CIW students and visit communities needing volunteer support. CIW students are required to complete 45 hours of community service, 30 field hours and 15 hours at CIW. Fragoso explained that CIW is unique because it is one of the few universities in Mexico to offer degrees recognized academically by both countries and, therefore, provides a distinct advantage in the job market. “For Mexican students it is a big deal because employers recognize that an American university has a high education quality, students are bilingual and have a different perspective than students with only a Mexican education,” Fragoso said. “Our students in Mexico received both diplomas and are landing very good jobs in the government and the corporate world.” “Other universities offer this, but none have a campus in both countries where the programs are similar and students are regis-

The entrance to CIW tered in both universities,” said Whitehouse. As far as the future, Fragoso said CIW seeks to grow in the graduate and online undergraduate degrees it offers; renovate facilities; add more full-time faculty; increase research; and continue to improve in quality. Reflecting on her experience at the university, Ojeda said, “CIW has had all I need as a student. It has provided the opportunity to be more prepared in my career and many other fields as well. Definitely, I could not have chosen a better alma mater than CIW.”

A wing of CIW where the library is located on the bottom floor and academic offices on the second floor

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A lifetime of influence

years 1

By Crystale Lopez

fter 50 years of serving as a faculty member, administrator, colleague, mentor and friend, Dr. Caroline Spana ’59 BSN, director of student affairs in the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions, retired from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in December. “I always jokingly said ‘I am going to stay with the university until they get it right’ – but UIW has always had it right and that is why I stayed as long as I did,” Spana said. Spana’s journey at Incarnate Word began in 1964 with a prayer and an unexpected phone call. “Sr. Margaret Mary Curry called and told me they had been making a novena because they did not have a teacher for pediatric nursing and heard I might be available,” Spana recalled. “So I agreed to teach for the program.” Spana had graduated from then Incarnate Word College five years earlier and felt her time as a student greatly influenced her returning as a professor. “Like many students I loved Incarnate Word, and I had a great mentor in Sr. Olivia Prendergast,” she said. “I learned everything from her and everything else I learned from my students.” Among Spana’s many nursing students over the years were UIW administrators Sr. Kathleen Coughlin, CCVI, vice president of institutional advancement, and Dr. Kathi Light, provost. “What a privilege to encounter, later in one’s life, an individual who helped one become who they are today and who has been part of their journey in life,” Coughlin said. “She instilled in one to be the best they could be in their role of service to others as a nurse.” Light agreed Spana was a teacher who expected the best out of every student and the teacher she wanted to impress the most. Eventually, Spana and Light became coworkers.

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“I came to Incarnate Word twelve years after I graduated and was assigned to teach pediatrics with Dr. Spana,” Light said. “Being her teaching partner was daunting at first, but Dr. Spana proved to be a wonderful mentor and became a close friend.” Spana said she takes no credit for the success of her students. “I am happy to have been engaged with all my students,” she said. “It is like watching your children grow up – your relationship can become like that of colleagues when you share the same interests in careers and that is something very special.” Spana took her duties as a professor at UIW a step further by becoming involved in faculty governance and committees. She served as the first female president of the faculty association; was chair, vice-chair, treasurer, and member of most faculty committees; served on the University Planning Commission (UPC) for more than 12 years; and was the coordinator of student advising and director of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. “For the faculty to be involved in decisions of the future of the university and its programs is a tremendous opportunity offered at UIW,” Spana said. “I am an outspoken person and wanted to have a very direct role.” Light said Spana was always an advocate for the nursing program but first and foremost thought about whole systems. “Dr. Spana thought about the common good of the university and how the many parts of the university interact,” Light said. “She showed me to think about the impact of individual decisions on the greater good. That is how she approached work with faculty committees and why she loved working with the UPC.” With the increase in student body and faculty, and the expansion of programs and addition of buildings over the years, Spana said the

university has evolved over time but has always kept a balance and constancy with all of the change and that is the Mission of UIW. “From my first day as a professor in 1964 to now, the physical changes stand out tremendously because, of course, half the buildings at the university were not there when I first started!” Spana recalled. “I have been to the opening of two libraries, and graduation used to be small enough to be held in the Fine Arts Auditorium.” “The Mission is the heart and strength of Incarnate Word,” she said. “It allows for all these changes to be for the better and if things are not going in the right direction then it is the Mission that redirects.” Spana said she accomplished more than she ever planned at UIW. “When I first started at Incarnate Word 50 years ago, I never intended for my career to be in teaching,” she said. “I just enjoyed the university so much, and my contributions were valuable to people, so I found it such a wonderful place to stay.”

1. Dr. Caroline (Schoch) Spana, IWC nursing student 1956-57 2. Spana (top, right) as a nursing student in 1957. 3. Spana pictured in the IWC yearbook as a freshman in 1955. 4. Ronald Spana and Caroline Schoch married in San Antonio in 1960. 5. UIW President Dr. Louis Agnese and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees Charles D. Lutz, III present a certificate and UIW commemorative diamond pin of recognition to Spana at the 20th annual Heritage Day Employee Recognition Ceremony held Oct. 9 in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word. 6. Dr. Kathi Light, provost, shares memories and toasts Spana in the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions at her retirement celebration on Nov. 19. 7. (Pictured L-R) Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery, CCVI, UIW president emerita; Sr. Elia Rosas, CCVI; Sr. Germaine Corbin, CCVI, instructor of theatre arts; Sr. Kathleen Coughlin, CCVI, vice president for institutional advancement; Sr. Teresa Stanley, CCVI; Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI, professor of religious studies; and Sr. Dorothy Ettling, CCVI, director of the Center for Civic Leadership; share a photo with Spana (seated) during her retirement celebration.

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Michael Saenz on the set of Accion Oklahoma

An atmosphere of success By Rebecca Esparza ’99 BA & ’03 MBA

t only 22, Michael Saenz ’13 BS is already living his dream: broadcasting the weather as a television meteorologist. Before graduating last December, he accepted a job with Tyler Media Group’s Accion Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, Okla. The company broadcasts Spanish language programming throughout Oklahoma via Univision and Telemundo. But fulfilling his lifelong dream did not come without major obstacles. Saenz was born legally blind and doctors gave him a 10 percent chance of surviving. His medical condition, retinopathy of prematurity, left him completely blind in his left eye and legally blind in his right eye. According to Srihari Narayanan OD, Ph.D., FAAO, associate professor and director of dry eye and cornea service for UIW’s Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO), retinopathy of prematurity is a condition of abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of the eye that can occur in premature infants with very low birth weight. “Premature babies are often exposed to high levels of oxygen while they are being cared for in the hospital,” he explained. “This oxygen exposure is thought to initiate the development of retinopathy of prematurity. It affects almost 60 percent of premature babies in the United States and almost 80 percent of premature babies worldwide.” 16

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Although most have been supportive in helping him achieve his dream, there were some along the way who impeded his chances of success. “I was bullied in middle school,” he recalled. “I had devices that would help me see, but I was embarrassed to use them. When I did start using them, I was surprised to learn kids thought they were cool. They wanted to learn more. It helped break the ice and became a conversation piece. I learned early: you are your own biggest advocate.” Born and raised in San Antonio, Saenz said his parents gave him the foundation he needed to create his independence. “Although I had a disability, my parents treated me just like my brother and sister,” he said. “In elementary school, I started orientation and mobility classes, which were invaluable.” Saenz knew he wanted to be a meteorologist at the age of seven. But it was during his sophomore year in high school when he became part of a significant weather event that solidified his career choice. “My family and I ran into a treacherous storm on the highway in San Antonio and it started pouring down rain. Then huge hail started pounding our car. Thankfully, we were able to take shelter under an overpass. But it was a rush and my heart was racing with excitement. I immediately started looking for

schools.” In 2009, he attended his first South Texas Severe Weather Conference, where he toured the meteorology department at UIW and met with some students. “The conference was a great networking opportunity, where I met students and weathercasters from across the country,” he said. “That was also the first year I became a Certified Storm Spotter through the National Weather Service.” While enrolled at UIW, he explored different ways to break into the business. When one door closed, Saenz had the fortitude and tenacity to open another door. “I began an internship at WOAI in San Antonio, where I eventually recorded the weathercast at their studio and brought it back for airing on UIWTV,” he noted. “It was a professional looking weathercast and even after my class, UIWTV asked me to continue taping the segments.” His work at WOAI, San Antonio’s NBC affiliate, was going so well the station extended his internship, eventually offering him a job as associate weather producer. Saenz was responsible for posting severe weather updates to the station’s social media networks. He also developed a new way of tracking weather that saved the staff valuable time. “I’ve had people in my life who said I couldn’t do this, that it would be impossible to do what I truly loved, so to actually become employed doing what I love was amazing. I learned so much from the entire weather team at WOAI. It’s an amazing feeling to get paid doing what I love,” Saenz said. A few weeks before graduating late last year, Saenz accepted the broadcast job offer in Oklahoma, which has him forecasting the weather for both evening newscasts to Oklahoma’s Spanish speaking community. Accion Oklahoma is the only statewide Spanish-language newscast broadcast in the state. Saenz has some sage words of advice for others with obstacles that keep them from living their own dreams. It’s advice he learned the hard way. “Don’t let other people bring you down. At the end of the day, we create our own happiness. Others don’t have the final say over what you are capable of doing.”

Students prepare for a broadcast in UIW’s meteorology broadcast studio.

UIW’s meteorology department expands capabilities The departments of meteorology and communication arts are jointly working to enhance capabilities to provide a richer experience for students. Two Cat 6 cables were installed from the meteorology broadcast studio to the monitor outside of the dean’s office. Linkage of the studio and UIWTV cable headend will allow display of both audio and video from the control room to the lobby. The monitor will display weather readings from the roof top weather station in real-time and student weathercasts in both real-time and delayed-time modes. This new capability will provide students a quality “on-air” experience crucial to the job market. It will also make possible rapid access to student information such as registration deadlines, final exam dates, and department program descriptions. Further, in an effort to make the advising process easier, professors can opt to have their profiles and office hours displayed and even record short videos introducing themselves. The department is also in the early stages of exploring the potential of interfacing with local cable TV providers to carry UIW events, sports, news and weather. “The goal of each of these initiatives is to enhance the student experience and better prepare them for their role in the community as effective providers of critical authoritative information for the protection of human life and property,” said Dr. Gerald J. Mulvey, meteorology instructor. “This opens a new phase of opportunities for our students and UIW.”

Armando Rubio, general manager for Telemundo and Univision; Saenz; and Ralph Tyler, founder of Tyler Media Group THE WORD | SPRING 2014

Saudi-sponsored students find a home at UIW By Ashley Festa

he government has set aside more than $13 billion for a foreign exchange education program. No, not the United States government – the Saudi Arabian government. The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) signed an agreement in June 2012 with Saudi Arabia to accept governmentsponsored Saudi students. The arrangement is a win-win: UIW broadens its already diverse student population, and Saudi students gain a valuable U.S. education and experience, said Melissa Villanueva, the sponsored student coordinator in International Affairs. To be sponsored by the Saudi government – which includes funding for tuition, fees, boarding and other expenses – students must attend a school approved by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM). While UIW met many of the organization’s required accreditation standards, SACM had some concerns. The Saudi organization wanted to ensure that the university would offer sufficient international support services to the incoming students. Because UIW values its international community, it already offers the needed assistance and later created the sponsored student coordinator position to support the additional students. Religion courses also caused hesitation. SACM didn’t want another belief system forced upon the Muslim Saudi students. But UIW assured the organization that though it is a Catholic institution, the university welcomes and accepts all religions on its campus and in its classrooms, said Amy DeStefano, international admissions counselor.

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With all concerns resolved, SACM approved UIW, and the university soon enrolled Saudi students into the approved programs. Computer information systems and education programs are some of the most popular with the Saudi students, Villanueva said. The first government-sponsored Saudi students arrived for the Spring 2013 semester. More than 80 sponsored Saudi students are enrolled, compared with only six government-sponsored students from all other nations combined. “Before too long, they may exceed the total student population from Mexico, which is about 140 students,” DeStefano said.

Amy DeStefano, international admissions counselor, shares a photo with members of the Saudi Student Club at the Saudi Arabia National Day event at Marian Hall Student Center on Sept. 23.

Abdullah Madkhaly (second from right), a government-sponsored student and president of the Saudi Student Club; Phil Youngblood (center), computer information systems instructor; and members of the Saudi Student Club pose for a photo at Saudi Arabia National Day.

Much of Villanueva’s job is to assist the students with admissions and immigration. But she also spends time with them once they arrive on campus. Many of the Saudi students have already been studying English as a second language on the UIW campus, and with the new government sponsorship, those students can now enroll in degreed programs. These students transition to UIW smoothly because they are familiar with the community and campus facilities, DeStefano said. But Saudi students who enter the U.S. for the first time often experience a culture shock, and Villanueva guides them to UIW’s counseling services to learn how to have a happy, healthy life at the university. She also follows up with students if they fail to maintain academic progress. “Saudi students are very family oriented,” Villanueva said. “If a family member is sick back home, that will affect their grades. We find out what we can do to help them.” The university offers other types of support as well, including a new Saudi Student Club formed in May to help these students connect with the university. Student members participate in a variety of ways, including sports, social events, cultural activities and academics. “The goal of the club is to introduce and share our culture and activities with all students in addition to providing Saudi students with all the necessary information to ensure their success at the university,” said Abdullah Madkhaly, a government-sponsored student and president of the club, which has about 60 UIW members and 100 members from the ESL Language Center on the university campus. “The club also represents the Saudi student community to communicate with their fellow American students and students of different nationalities who are studying at UIW.” Villanueva, the advisor for the Saudi Student Club, enjoys having the new students share their culture at UIW. She and DeStefano especially appreciated their participation at the annual International Food Festival, a highly popular campus-wide event

where the UIW community comes together to share dishes representative of their native cultures. “Nineteen- and 20-year-old boys actually cooked food, and they didn’t go to the store and buy it,” DeStefano said. “They offered some really good dishes.” The Saudi culture puts life in a new perspective for her. While she describes Americans as being more individualistic, Saudis are more community-oriented. She hopes to encourage American students to join the Saudi Student Club. “It’s a very warm culture,” DeStefano said. “They want to break bread with us and share with us.”

Government-sponsored students Sulaiman Almonsour, Faisal Alshareef, Yousef Alabdullah, Sami Alfayez and Baraa Aljahdali participate in the International Food Festival in the fall.

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UIW,

DIVER

DOWN By Brance Arnold ’10 BA

“W

hen did they get a scuba club?” read a recent comment referring to a photo posted to the University of the Incarnate Word’s (UIW) Study Abroad Facebook page. The post shows several students and faculty members displaying a UIW flag while scuba diving in exotic Cozumel, Mexico. While it may be unexpected, it’s true. Though located more than 150 miles from the coast, UIW is officially home to a new scuba club. Spearheaded by faculty representative J.T. Norris, assistant professor of business administration, the UIW Scuba Club was established in the fall of 2013. Norris, who has been diving since age 15 and has taught scuba diving for over 30 years, initially

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created the organization as a Club Sport. “I thought the student organization route was going to possibly be more complicated, so last summer I spoke with Director of Athletic Training Facilities Scott LeBlanc and he suggested making a Club Sport out of it,” said Norris. According to Norris, the UIW Scuba Club is the first in the city of San Antonio at the collegiate level. Norris garnered interest by promoting the organization through UIW’s internal communications, but primarily utilized word-of-mouth to spread the news. In no time, he had interest from several students and faculty. During the fall semester, three students and five faculty

The UIW Scuba Club during pre-dive preparations before the second shore dive at Casa del Mar Reef members trained for five weeks to earn diving certification. The. group trained in partnership with one of San Antonio’s Dive World locations and completed an eLearning course via the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). “Initially, we were going to rent equipment from Dive World and bring it to the Natatorium,” explained Norris. “But it made more sense to train over there as they have a 23 ft. deep pool with all the equipment.” “It took four nights in the pool approximately two hours each to prepare,” said Anna-Marie Moore, senior accounting major and the club’s inaugural president. “The online education portion that went along with the pool sessions also helped build confidence and comfort in the water.” To complete certification, the group members had to perform four checkout dives over the course of two days. In December, under the instruction and guidance of Norris, they traveled to Cozumel to perform their first open-water dives. Lodging at the Casa del Mar on the picturesque shores of the Caribbean Sea, the group worked with a diving operation located at the hotel, Dive House. In addition to Norris, two dive masters and a videographer accompanied the group members on their open-water dives. On the first day, they performed two beach dives at the Casa del Mar Reef with a maximum depth of 23 ft. and the next day performed two boat dives, one at Cardona Reef and one at Paradise Reef, with maximum depths of 54 and 38 ft., respectively. After completing the dives on the second day, the divers were officially certified as open-water scuba divers. Norris said, “At lunch, we had a graduation ceremony where they all got their certification cards and I gave them patches indicating they were now certified divers. Then I told them, ‘Now tomorrow you will finish your first specialty course because now you’re international divers,’ and I gave them a separate patch for international divers.” The following day, they made their first dives as certified divers at the Santa Rosa Wall, one of Cozumel’s premiere dive sites, and the Chacanaal Reef. “The Santa Rosa Wall dive was the most impressive,” Moore recalled of the 86 ft. deep excursion. “Our dive master led us through tunnels that weaved through the wall.” The group experienced a breathtaking look at various marine life while in Cozumel. “The water in Cozumel is beautiful and full of all kinds of sea life,” shared Dr. Russell Attridge, assistant professor of pharma-

cy. “We saw many types of coral, anemones, fish, lobsters, crabs and even sharks.” On her 21st birthday, Moore said she was exhilarated at personally seeing a massive stingray and four nurse sharks while diving. Now that the club’s inaugural group is certified, the task of transitioning the club to a university approved student organization falls on the shoulders of Norris and Moore. Norris already has a list of over 35 students that have expressed interest in the new club. Moore presented the club at the Student Government Association’s (SGA) meeting in February which voted it as a recognized student organization. As a student organization, the club can facilitate the participation of more than just faculty and students. “We can have three levels of membership,” Norris explained, “with students; faculty, staff, and administrators; and an associate’s membership to include alumni and members of the UIW community.” Simultaneous to creating the organization, Norris has in process a course syllabus working its way through the kinesiology department in order to offer scuba diving as a full credit PE course for undergraduates next fall; this will open opportunities for financial aid and scholarships to help offset some of the costs. Norris said several faculty members will also be directing their Employee Campaign contribution funds to the club to benefit students. “My vision is to eventually establish a core of students that will actually be certified instructors by the time they graduate,” said Norris, “and to have the scuba club serve as a vehicle for students to travel abroad, in-line with one of the university’s goals of creating global leaders.” To learn more about the UIW Scuba Club, upcoming scuba training and certification dives, contact J.T. Norris at jnorris@uiwtx.edu.

The Scuba Club diving at Chacanaal Reef on the third day To view video and additional photos of the UIW Scuba Club’s dives in Cozumel, visit http://www.uiw.edu/thewordonline/ THE WORD | SPRING 2014

university collective Miguel Cortinas, associate professor of art, spoke in October to the adult faith formation class of St. John’s Episcopal Church in New Braunfels, Texas, about what it is to have mercy and how this act can often be found in the work of artists who address the theme of social justice. Additionally, one of his intaglio prints was selected for inclusion in the 2014 Delta National Small Prints Exhibition, which opened in January 2014 at the Bradbury Gallery of Arkansas State University. Dr. Maria Felix-Ortiz, associate professor of psychology, had an article published by “The Community Psychologist”: “Critical Competencies in Community Psychology: Listening Closely and Paraphrasing with Concision, Clarity, and Cultural Competence.” Dreeben School of Education faculty members Dr. Stephanie Grote-Garcia, assistant professor of teacher education; Dr. Norman St. Clair, assistant professor of teacher education; and Dr. Elda Martinez, associate professor of teacher education; contributed significant work to “Academic Knowledge Construction and Multimodal Curriculum Development,” a recent IGI Global publication, released in November. The work features essays depicting various complexities for how one might experience education in the digital age. For more info, including a complete table of contents, chapter abstracts, and brochure, visit: 22

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http://www.igi-global.com/ book/academic-knowledgeconstruction-multimodalcurriculum/78266. Dr. Georgen Guerrero, associate professor of criminal justice, had “Surviving in Prison: Developing Intervening Strategies to Minimize Institutional Victimization” accepted for presentation at the 2014 Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences annual meeting in February in Philadelphia, Pa. Additionally, he was also asked to chair the institutional corrections panel at the meeting. Dr. Timothy Henrich, professor of human performance, and Dr. Gregory Soukup, associate professor of human performance, are life members and officers in the International Council of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance (ICHPERSD). Henrich and Soukup presented at the ICHPERSD international conference in December in Istanbul, Turkey. They presented research they have been conducting regarding how the dimensions of wellness classes at UIW impact the cardiovascular health of students. Henrich, Soukup, and Dr. Shishu Zhang, assistant professor of economics, presented research regarding international rates of obesity. They met and interacted with colleagues from North America, Europe,

The UIW Autonomous Vehicle Systems (AVS) Research and Education Laboratory has been funded for $486,000 by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research through the Department of Defense (DoD) HBCU/ MI Research and Education Program. Dr. Michael Frye, assistant professor of engineering, serves as the principal investigator. The AVS lab will study the control of both autonomous ground robots and autonomous rotorcraft vehicles; research the application of complexity theory to the problem of formation control of multi-agent autonomous ground and air vehicles in uncertain dynamic environments; and allow the opportunity for students in the School of Mathematics, Science, and Engineering to engage in autonomous vehicle research using the latest robotic vehicle technologies. Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Henrich, serving his last conference as vice president for North America for the ICHPERSD, received the Biennial Distinguished Scholar Award. The requirements for this award include producing citable publications, conference proceedings publications, being an organizer of conference symposiums, membership on the organization’s scientific committee, and senior editorial responsibilities in at least one journal. Associate Professor of International Business Dr. Sara Jackson is currently teaching at the UIW European Study Center in Heidelberg, Germany. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce recently reappointed her to the Camino Real District Export Council for a four-year term. She also serves on the board of directors of the International Trade Organization and the board of governors of NASBITE International, the trade educator’s organization that also administers the credentials for interna-

tional business, the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP). In September, Jackson delivered a presentation at the International Association of Trade Training Organization (IATTO) conference on “How to do Business in the United States.” Dr. Suk Bin Kong, professor of chemistry, recently coauthored an article, “Enantioenriched Bifunctional Crotylsilanes for the Asymmetric Synthesis of Orthogonally Protected 2-Methyl-1,3-diols,” published in “Organic Letters,” 2013, 15(19), The American Chemistry Society. The research involved a synthetic method that can be applied to medicinal and pesticide chemicals. Three faculty members of the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO) were accepted as fellows at the American Academy of Optometry annual meeting in Seattle, Wash.: Dr. Chandra Mickles, assistant clinical instructor of optometry; Dr. Kyle Sandburg, clini-

university collective cal instructor of optometry; and Dr. Matt Valdes, clinical instructor of optometry. These individuals successfully completed the rigorous process of obtaining academy fellowship. The fellowship process requires the optometrist to prepare multiple Patient Case Reports of patients they have personally examined and treated. These reports are peer reviewed by the admissions committee for quality and standard of care. If the optometrist passes this portion of the examination process, they are invited to the annual meeting where they undergo a comprehensive oral examination. Dr. William Linn, professor of pharmacy, received a $2,000 grant from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy for the development of an internet journal club, “Forum RX,” for primary care clinical specialists, 2013-2014. Dr. Kathleen Lusk, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, published “A 62 Year Old Man with Red Man Syndrome,” in the UIW Pharmacy Review journal, Oct. 1. Co-author: Sanchez, R. She also presented “Overview of the New Drug 2012-2013” at the Central Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists Fall Seminar on Oct. 19 in San Antonio, Texas. Co-presenter: Lopez, TC. Dr. Timothy Wingert, professor of optometry, was inducted into the National Academy of Practice (NAP) in Optometry. The academy is dedicated to

affordable, accessible, coordinated quality health care for all. It was founded in the belief that health care practice has an interprofessional foundation and that addressing the whole person provides better preventive care and better health care overall. NAP recognizes and honors the contributions of the nation’s leading health care practitioners and supports its members in developing and disseminating practices, models, and curricula that enhance interprofessional collaborations in patient care. Dr. Mark Teachout, associate professor of business administration and Master of Arts in Administration director, is continuing his teaching and research abroad this semester in Krems, Austria. Teachout has been rewarded a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Grant at the IMC University of Applied Sciences, a UIW sister school. Previously, he spent the summer of 2013 teaching at John Cabot University in Rome and moved to the UIW European Study Center in Heidelberg, Germany in Fall 2013. Teachout is also the lead author on an upcoming publication in U.S. Air Force Technical Report on the consistency of pilot cognitive ability, personality and training performance. Administered by Theresa Tiggeman, professor of accounting; Dr. Tracey Edmond, professor of accounting; Dr. Michael Forrest, professor of business law; and Dr. Robin Guerrero, instructor of business administration; the UIW Volunteers in Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is the longest continuously operating VITA site in San Antonio, Texas, and second only to New

York City, N.Y., in serving the tax needs of the low income in the community. Currently in its 28th year, the VITA program allows H-E-B School of Business and Administration accounting students to prepare tax returns and learn skills such as client interviews and tax preparation software. Here at UIW, the VITA program serves students and employees. Generally, UIW serves over 350 tax clients annually. The program utilizes approximately 50 volunteers including students, faculty and community volunteers encompassing approximately 1,900 hours of community service. Tax services began in February and extend through the second week of April.

In late 2013, Dr. Shishu Zhang, assistant professor of economics, had her article, “The Impact of Inflation of Expenditures and Happiness in China,” accepted for publication by the “Southern Business and Economics Journal.” Zhang, co-authored with UIW Senior Research Statistician Dr. David Fike, the article, “Qualities University Students Seek in a Teacher,” which was accepted for publication by the “Journal of Economics and Economic Education Research.”

Dr. Richard Peigler, professor of biology, has co-authored a book, “Eri Silk: Cocoon to Cloth,” published in 2013 by Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, a publishing house in India. Peigler co-authored the work with Kiran Badola, a textile designer in North Canton, Ohio. For the past 20 years he has studied and collected wild silk textiles of the world and has deposited more than 300 pieces of wild silks into institutional collections. Several students and faculty, including Dr. Lopita Nath, associate professor and chair of the history department, modeled some of the textiles on campus and are featured in the book. Peigler is avid in his commitment that these entomological and anthropological treasures be preserved for future generations.

THE WORD | SPRING 2014

C lass

notes

The window of UIW’s success stories! Submissions: alumni@uiwtx.edu

Photos submitted for Class Notes may be included on the online alumni community site.

1950s Connie Conway Dankesreiter ’54 BS volunteers at THR Huguley Hospital as well as the American Cancer Society, the Ostomy Support Association in Fort Worth, Texas, and the Daughters of the American Revolution (Fort Worth Chapter).

1960s Rita Shaw Reindl ’60 BSN volunteers at St. Matthew Catholic Church as office help and as a choir member. She also volunteers as Altar Society president and serves on liturgical and pastoral councils as well as the American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery program. Teddy Jones ’66 BSN has completed her second novel, “Jackson’s Pond, Texas,” released by MidTown Publishing and now available for purchase. You can find more information at http://www.tjoneswrites.com/

abstracts, manuscripts, book chapters, one book and three patents. Alice Irving ’75 BSN spends her extra time doing volunteer work for the Assistance League of San Antonio where she provides clothing and shoes to children of low income families. She also sews baby gowns and decorates ball caps for women and children that lose their hair in chemotherapy. Joan E. Moody ’76 BA ’90 BBA visited Incarnate Word Academy (IWA) in St. Louis, Mo., last month with IWA alumnae Doreen Beintker Swenson Class of 1972 and Janet Braun Class of 1979 with Sr. Helena Monahan ’68 BA, CCVI, Incarnate Word Academy president. Tommy Cude ’77 BBA is now serving as the commercial sales manager at Northside Ford in charge of outside sales. Dr. Linda L. Robertson-Schule ’79 BA recently completed the final defense for her doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology at Capella University.

1980s Brenda Loman Martinez ’80 BA is serving as a teacher at Guillermo Flores Elementary in La Joya Independent School District in Mission, Texas.

Georgie Coleman McAteer ’70 BA retired from government service on Oct. 1, 2013.

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Vanessa Morton ’88 BA has a debut novel, “Moonfall: Tales from the Levant,” an epic young adult fantasy, recently published by Webook/Albury Books Ltd (Oxforshire). More information is at www.vanessamorton.com

1990s Rebecca Ford ’90 MA moved from Arizona to San Antonio and now owns and operates Integrative Medicine Consultants of Texas.

Elrose Wick Caruso ’71 BA is teaching and coordinating her parish confirmation classes while also serving as vice president and treasurer of the Altar Society, Lector/ Commentator and Eucharistic Minister.

Sr. Marilyn Kruse, OP, ’86 MA has ministered in Montana and Washington. Her ministry has been dedicated to nursing and pastoral care and is celebrating 50 years of religious life.

Reginald F. Davis ’88 BA, Ph.D. has authored his fourth book entitled “From Wall Street to Main Street: Why America is Being Destroyed From Within,” published by Wipf and Stock Publishers.

1970s

Dave McGlasson ’74 BA won the 2013 Scientific Research Award from the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science. He has over 200 publications counting

Moses West ’81 BA recently started a project to produce water from large industrial atmospheric water generators to help small Texas towns generate water from vapor. West has a process patent that helps enhance the ability to produce the water in these generators and has partnered with the Texas Center for Applied Technology headed by Dr. Calvin Finch on getting this approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

Marianne Rodriguez ’91 BA is in her fifth year as a Pampered Chef consultant. Rev. Jesus Rodriguez, SJ, ’83 BA met Pope Francis in Rome, Italy. Rodriguez is stationed in Rome with the Jesuit order.

Dr. David J. Lozano ’93 BS is an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Ala. He also serves as the medical director for the Sleep

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Disorders Center at the Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Chris Sauter ’93 BA is doing a series of four interrelated exhibitions that explore the sometimes contentious relationship between science and religion. The exhibits include “Doubt,” “Faith and Reason,” “Shape of the Universe,” and “Communion.” Visit his webpage at http://www.chrissauter.com/ Monica Valle-James ’94 BBA has opened a new Farmers Insurance Agency at the Hill Country Square Shopping Center in San Antonio, Texas. Jennifer Mae Whitney-Savedra ’97 BM has been directing the children’s choirs at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in McAllen, Texas for the past seven years.

2000s Brandey Wimberley Orsag ’03 MBA is senior vice president at Jefferson Bank and was named one of the San Antonio Business Journal’s 40 under 40 for 2013. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Business Journal/Lyndsey Johnson. Tina J. Siller ’04 BS ’07 MBA is now serving at UIW as an ADCaP academic advisor. She will be located at the Northwest Center on Datapoint Dr.

Sam Sanders ’07 BA, National Public Radio (NPR) producer, presented and spoke on the media and the Constitution at the Mabee Library Auditorium on Sept. 17 for Constitution Day.

Diana Inomata ’07 BBA was recently promoted to assistant general manager for Boscia.

ment’s efforts in coordinating, creating, developing and implementing new media projects.

Lauren Sides ’09 BA is the current interim vice president of public affairs at the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. She has served as former congressional aide to U.S. Congressman (R-TX 21) Lamar Smith and was previously constituent liaison for Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Amy Zepeda ’13 BA is currently serving as a production assistant at KABB Fox-29.

Carlos Garcia Aguilar ’09 BBA is a senior management analyst with the City of San Antonio.

2010s Jovana Nadaski ’10 MAA is now business/marketing coordinator at Cushman & Wakefield.

Jessica Davilla Burnet ’05 BA ’07 MAA is the new public relations director for Stripes® Convenience Stores. She started in May 2013 as public relations manager and was promoted to director in November 2013. Heather Rodriguez ’06 BA ’12 MAA is now serving as higher ed educational manager with the College Board in Austin, Texas.

Candice Avilla ’12 BA was recently promoted to associate producer for KABB Fox-29. Robert Anthony Cappello ’12 MBA is serving as the Western regional corporate account manager for Cook Incorporated. Marc E. Trevino ’12 BA is the interactive marketing manager for the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). He leads the communications and marketing depart-

Angel Barrera ’13 MA is serving as the director of youth ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, Texas. Walter Childs ’13 BA is serving as CEO of Alamo City Blue Chips which helps to showcase San Antonio basketball talent to nationwide scouts. Larisa Guerra ’13 MBA started working as the human resource manager for the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. Caroline Garcia ’13 BA helped raise $50,000 for Invisible Children. Invisible Children is a charitable organization that brings awareness to the abuse of human rights by the activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Central Africa. Sophia Hedfelt ’14 BA is working as an assistant teacher at Monarch Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland.

In Memoriam Sheila Kelley ’68 BSN Nanette Cleveland Johnston ’78 MA Nicki Sue Giglio ’99 BSN Sr. Lawrence Marie Tobin, CCVI, ’51 BSN Mary Melissa Sarmiento ’96 BSN THE WORD | SPRING 2014

Sr. Mary Rose Forck, CCVI George A. Craig ’77 BA Patricia Pugh Sullivan ’55 IWHS ’58 BA Wilma J. Stanfield Jones ’38 BA Margaret Rose Sadler ’54 BA Leonard J. Kotzur ’55 MA Sr. Magdalen Hession, CCVI, ’59 BSN Rose Marie Raab Badough ’60 BA Sr. Jean Fryoux, CSJ, ’61 BS Ramah Koenig O’Gorman ’61 BA Sr. Norma Rosa Garcia, CCVI, ’66 BA ’69 MA Maxine Sophia Russell Mizell ’66 BSN ’73 MED Sr. Esther Chavez, CCVI, ’71 BA Master Sgt. Joseph John Weich ’94 BA, retired administrator, CCVI Award honoree Nina Victoria Garcia Olsen ’67 BA Larry Benson Sr., benefactor

Weddings and Engagements Alma Salinas ’13 BA married Cpl. Marcos Gonzales, Jr. (USMC) on Oct. 25, 2011. They currently reside in Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Ellen Alexandra Wise ’13 BA and Jeremy Michael McMahon were married on Nov. 23, 2013. Laurie Aguillon ’11 BBA was engaged on Dec. 24, 2013, to David Hardage. Gloria Contreras ’13 BSN married Tom Contreras, Jr., on Nov. 12, 2013.

Future Cardinals Jason Rivas ’01 BBA and wife Loretta welcomed baby girl Oceana into the world this September. Vanessa Ann Onofre-Chavarria ’07 BA and Peter Alexander Chavarria welcomed their second child, Alexander Zachary, on Dec. 22, 2013. Angela (Rodriguez) Ferrer ’06 BA and Jerry Ferrer are excited to announce they are expecting their third baby in June 2014. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Ava and Julia.

Our dear friend, Dr. Patricia Lieveld, professor of pharmacy practice, Feik School of Pharmacy, passed away on Dec. 17, 2013, after a courageous fight against breast cancer. Lieveld initiated the Women’s Global Connection’s (WGC) water project in Tanzania, Africa and was a huge supporter of the WGC partnering women’s group located there, known as BUWEA. The women, who build, operate and maintain their own rain harvesters under the program Lieveld helped create, had affectionately given her the honored title of “Mama Maji” – meaning “Mother of Water.” She and her family asked that condolences and expressions of praise for her life be made through donations to WGC’s ongoing water program. Appropriately, WGC is pleased to announce they are renaming the program the “Lieveld Rain Harvester Project” in her honor. Lieveld often cited her work in connecting the women of BUWEA to sustainable water infrastructure and sanitation resources as the lasting legacy she would confidently leave from her life of service. Donations may be sent to WGC at P.O. Box 34833, San Antonio, TX 78265.

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Paige Huston Agnese was born Wednesday, July 24, 2013 to Melissa and Louis Agnese, III ’00 BBA. She weighed in at 7 lbs., 8 oz.

Our alumni live and travel all over the world! As a global community, we want to highlight the beautiful and unique places our alumni experience. Traveling this summer? Living or working abroad? Share your photos with us by sending them to alumni@uiwtx.edu.

UIW bids farewell to Amato and welcomes Lutz as new chairman of the board of trustees The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) would like to extend a very warm thank you to Charlie Amato for his 14 years of devoted service to UIW. Amato was appointed to the board in 1999 and served as chairman from 2008 until the end of his term in December 2013. He will remain a member of the board of trustees through 2014. He is also the chairman and co-founder of Southwest Business Corporation (SWBC) and an active member of the community. He has served on the boards of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa, the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, the San Antonio Spurs Foundation, the Carver Academy, the United Way, the Children’s Miracle Network, among others. Amato brought a tremendous level of experience and wisdom to the board with his innovative, relationship building approach. The UIW community wishes him the best as he moves forward in the next phase of his life.

The university welcomes Charles D. Lutz, III as the new chairman of the board of trustees. He was first appointed to the board in 2006. Lutz is currently president of Intercontinental Wealth Advisors, LLC. He previously served as president and CEO of Bank One’s Central and South Texas Region. Lutz has been active in the community of San Antonio and South Texas as president of the board of trustees of the Alamo Heights Independent School District, the YMCA of San Antonio and the Hill Country, and the San Antonio Symphony. He has also served on the boards of Special Olympics Texas, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, the World Affairs Council, and the Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health. UIW wishes him great success as chairman of our board of trustees.

Former UIW Board of Trustees Chairman Charlie Amato

UIW’s new Chairman of the Board of Trustees Charles Lutz, III

Moment for Reflection By John Peveto, UIW Board of Trustees

Every board of trustee meeting begins with a time of prayer and reflection. During this time we often give thanks for the three Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word who traveled from Lyon, France to San Antonio over 140 years ago. They came with a Mission to care for the sick and to help those in need. Certainly, they prepared themselves and had a strong calling, even before they traveled such a long distance to begin this great work. The question comes to mind. Can those of us who have not felt the call to full time service be used to do special things in His name as well? Yes, we can. We are told, when we read the Bible, to be diligent in using our talents in the workplace and to look for ways to serve as God’s witnesses in our daily lives. Wow, what a wonderful thought. The Creator of all things,

known and unknown has asked each of us to be His representative here on earth. Did the three Sisters ever dream of a Christian university with almost ten thousand students from all over the world being educated, trained and inspired to help others? My guess is that the Sisters remained focused on the task at hand and prayed for God to bless their efforts. We see the blessings of God everywhere we look; in the beautiful new buildings on our main campus, new campus locations throughout our city and upcoming plans for even more schools in the near future. God has blessed these efforts of everyone in a mighty way. Let us continue to look for ways to serve mankind and then do as the Sisters of the past and present have done. Ask God to bless our efforts. THE WORD | SPRING 2014

Update your email with the alumni office! Have you missed a few alumni events recently and wish you had known about them? If so, please update your contact info on the Cardinal’s Nest at www.uiwalumni.org. You can login for the first time by clicking on ‘first time login,’ finding your last name and then entering your old student ID number. If you don’t remember it, call us at (210) 829-6014, during business hours and we can help get you signed in.

International Day of Service

Alumni Events

Save the date for Sat., March 22, and take part in UIW’s annual International Day of Service. No matter where you are in the world, the Alumni Association is calling all UIW alumni to block off this date and serve your community in an Incarnate Word shirt. Afterwards, send in pictures to the alumni website with a brief description of your service. Feel free to get your kids and friends involved. Make sure to visit the alumni website at www.uiwalumni.org/internationaldayofservice for more information!

Save the date for the 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt! Save the date for Sat., April 12 and bring your kids and grandkids out to enjoy the UIW campus! Over 600 alumni and friends of UIW joined us for the 3rd Annual UIW Community Easter Egg Hunt that partnered with the Brainpower Connection schools. Kids ages one through 10 had the opportunity to hunt for Easter eggs as well as participate in numerous fun activities such as face painting, coloring, cascarón painting, making bunny ears and chalking! For those who missed out on the fun in 2013, make sure to join us. The Easter Egg Hunt is an alumni event and not open to the general public. If you are interested in helping make this event an even bigger success, email Steve Hemphill at hemphill@uiwtx.edu

Join UIW Alumni Relations at the Majestic Theatre for “Evita” Buy your tickets for “Evita” now at www.uiwalumni.org/evita and join other alumni and friends for a pre-mixer before the award winning show on April 29. Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award -winning musical returns at last! Eva Perón used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world — while her greed, outsized ambition and fragile health made her one of the most tragic. “Evita” tells Eva’s passionate and unforgettable true story, and features some of theater’s most beautiful songs, including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” and “High Flying, Adored.” Don’t miss the stunning new production of “Evita,” directed by Michael Grandage and choreographed by Rob Ashford. ®

Save the date to join us for “Sister Act” on Broadway! Call up your favorite Sister of Charity and join us for “Sister Act” on June 24. Buy your tickets for Sister Act now at www.uiwalumni.org/sisteract. “Sister Act” is Broadway’s feel amazing musical comedy smash! The New York Post calls it “Ridiculously Fun,” and audiences are jumping to their feet in total agreement! Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), “Sister Act” tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, “Sister Act” is reason to rejoice! ®

THE WORD | SPRING 2014

A Musical Memory:

Ingrid Seddon honored through UIW’s music program By Alex Castenada ’83 BA

obert and Ingrid Seddon’s first contact with the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) was in December 2011 when they came to campus for the graduation of their granddaughter, Amanda Seddon. Amanda graduated with a Master of Arts in Administration with a concentration in organizational development. Ingrid spoke with an administrator of the university that day and was very impressed with what she learned about the university. Ingrid remembered that conversation when she became seriously ill and was making plans for her estate. She impressed upon her husband the desire to make a contribution to scholarships, perhaps at UIW. Regretfully, Ingrid passed away in 2013. There were several institutions for Robert to consider, including the public universities his other three grandchildren attended. “UIW was the best fit because the culture of the university really resonated with my grandparents when they came to my graduation,” said Amanda. A few months later Robert reached out to UIW to carry out Ingrid’s wishes. He then let Ingrid’s love of music be his compass in choosing the right direction for her gift. Ingrid loved music and had a very beautiful voice. She grew up in Bremen, Germany and as a child she had several roles with the Bremen Opera Company. Later, as a teenager she formally studied voice and was about to begin an operetta career in Munich, Germany when she met Robert. Ultimately, she traded her music career for one closer to her heart; that of wife and mother. She married Robert and together they had a son and four grandchildren. Robert chose two ways in which to honor the memory of his beloved wife and pay tribute to her love of music. His guidance of Ingrid’s gift will make a vital contribution to the future of UIW’s music program. The establishment of The Ingrid Seddon Endowed Voice Scholarship in Music will increase the number and quality of

voice majors recruited to the university. An endowed scholarship for voice majors seeking a degree in music is a first for UIW. The Ingrid Seddon Recital Hall at UIW’s new Fine Arts Center will take its place among the finest performance venues serving the San Antonio community—a more tangible reminder of Ingrid’s passion for music. The dedication of the recital hall is expected to take place in late Summer 2014. Robert has since become acquainted with UIW’s music program. He enjoyed sitting in on a couple of rehearsals of the Cardinal Chorale, and attended the Chorale’s Fall 2013 performance, “Music of the Incarnation,” at the Chapel of the Incarnate Word. Robert said he is “confident that he made the right choice because Ingrid’s gift will make a greater impact at UIW.” In December 2013, Amanda returned to her alma mater to learn more about the plans for her grandmother’s gift. The Agneses hosted Amanda and Robert in their home for dinner to celebrate her grandmother’s legacy while overlooking the campus illuminated for the Christmas holiday.

Amanda (left) and Robert (center) Seddon joined Dr. Louis Agnese (right), UIW president, in his home for a dinner during the Christmas holiday.

University of the Incarnate Word 4301 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID San Antonio, Texas Permit # 1822

And they’re off!

ANNUAL SWING-IN

Kentucky Derby

AUCTION PARTY & GOLF TOURNAMENT

Don your best hat and Southern attire for this year’s Kentucky Derby themed Swing-In Auction Party and Golf Tournament

SILENT AUCTION PARTY 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 1 McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room

GOLF TOURNAMENT Friday, May 2 Tee times at 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Republic Golf Club 4226 SE Military Dr., San Antonio For more information:

MAY 1 and 2, 2014

Development Office 210-829-6013 development@uiwtx.edu www.uiw.edu/swingin

facebook.com/uiwswingin