WORD the
Summer 2015
State of the Arts
the
WORD Summer 2015
Dear Friends:
Credits Managing Editor Debra Del Toro Coordinator Brance Arnold ’10 MA Art Director Michael Hood Graphic Designer Marisol Martinez Contributing Writers Rudy Arispe ’97 BA Brance Arnold ’10 MA Raúl Flores Margaret Garcia Steve Hemphill ’13 MAA Brian Hudgins Crystale Lopez Mendell Morgan Sr. Joan Holden, CCVI Photography Brance Arnold ’10 MA Adela Gott ’99 MA Steve Holloway Michael Hood Lifetouch Antonio Morano Dr. Louis J. Agnese Jr. President Sr. Kathleen Coughlin ’67 BSN Vice President for Institutional Advancement Vincent Rodriguez Chief of Staff to the President Dr. Lisa McNary ’91 BA ’95 MA Dean of Alumni & Parent Relations Debra Del Toro Director of Communications and Marketing
One of our most important on-going institutional goals is to continue expanding UIW’s reach outside of the United States. In today’s interconnected world, it’s crucial that students – both domestic and international - have first-hand opportunities to explore cultures other than their own. We’ve had a great deal of success since the signing of the first sister school agreement for reciprocal education in Kumamoto, Japan nearly 30 years ago. We presently have sister school agreements with 138 schools in 44 countries. Plus, we have been very effective in attracting international students to UIW. Today, they comprise 19 percent of our total enrollment while representing almost 70 countries. We also operate the European Study Center in Heidelberg, Germany and Centro Universitario Incarnate Word, a stand-alone campus of 1,300 students in Mexico City. Students at the latter earn UIW degrees that are recognized by American and Mexican accrediting agencies. Now we’ve embarked on our most ambitious international initiative to date with the opening in June of a campus in Irapuato, Mexico. We recently found out that UIW has the unique distinction of being the only American university with two campuses in Mexico, according to the Border Education Research Team at the State University of New York at Albany. Irapuato is located in Guanajuato, a state of five million people that’s about 200 miles northwest of Mexico City. The city is one of the most vibrant commercial and agricultural regions in Mexico and features the country’s seventh largest economy. The area is home to a thriving automotive industry; Honda, Mazda and General Motors have large facilities there. It’s also home to a burgeoning aeronautics industry. Situated a mile above sea level, Irapuato is an important transportation hub strategically located at the intersection of several key highways that serve both the Pacific coast and the Gulf of Mexico. Equally important is that the local population is 98 percent Catholic, a percentage that’s higher than the whole of Mexico. With a workforce of two million and growing, the Guanajuato area offers exciting opportunities to extend the UIW Mission and brand into this dynamic part of Mexico that’s also one of the country’s safest. Let me encourage you to read the rest of this issue to catch-up on what else has been happening at Incarnate Word, including stories on our new Fine Arts Complex, fencing program and an innovative course that focuses on event planning. You can also read about the inaugural graduation of the School of Physical Therapy at which students were awarded Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees. Remember, it’s because of your commitment to the UIW community that we can continue fulfilling Incarnate Word’s goal of offering students a superior education within a context of faith. Please remember an investment in higher education is something that will yield returns for a lifetime for you, your family, and our communities in the U.S. and around the globe. Special blessings on you and your loved ones throughout 2015. Best Wishes,
The Word is published by the Communications and Marketing Office of the University of the Incarnate Word for the alumni, parents, benefactors and friends of the Incarnate Word community.
Louis J. Agnese, Jr., Ph.D. President
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Campus News
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Cover Story – State of the Arts
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Both Sides of the Lens
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Alumni hold passion for life abroad
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UIW fencing coach forges new program
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The Big Picture
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UIW School of Physical Therapy inaugural class culminates journey
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Class Notes
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“Where Rivers Meet”
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Moment for Reflection
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University Collective
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Upcoming Events
Board of Trustees Summer 2015
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Dr. Louis J. Agnese, Jr. Charlie Amato Ernesto Ancira J. Scott Beckendorf Michael Belz Gayle Benson Mike Beucler Suzanne Cheever Goudge Sr. Brigid Marie Clarke Sr. Martha Estela Perez Curiel Catherine Dulle Veronica Edwards John Feik Paula Gold-Williams Gary Henry Sr. Mary C. Henry Winell Herron Ricardo Hinojosa
Gary Joeris Nancy Kudla Edward Leos Jack Lewis Charles Lutz Sr. Maricela Martinez Aguilar Sr. Teresa Yolanda Maya Sr. Rose Ann McDonald John Miller Carmen Nava Dr. Ramona Parker John Peveto Bobby Rosenthal Richard Schlosberg Sr. Teresa Stanley Sr. Yolanda Tarango
campus news
UIW student crowned Miss Fiesta San Antonio
(Pictured L-R) Cornyn, Davila-Burnett, and Dr. Louis Agnese, UIW president, share a photo at spring commencement.
UIW celebrates the Class of 2015 The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) conferred degrees to over 1000 graduates at four spring commencement ceremonies. The commencement schedule included ceremonies for the Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP) on May 8, the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO) and School of Physical Therapy (SoPT) on May 9, held at the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center, as well as an undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. commencement held on May 9 at the Joe & Harry Freeman Coliseum. The SoPT graduated its first cohort of 50 students in the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, as well as nine students of the online post-professional DPT program. Physical therapists are primary health care experts in the movement and function of the human body. The SoPT follows the long tradition of health care excellence at UIW and is one of only two Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs offered in a Catholic institution in the southern tier of the United States. The weekend’s final commencement ceremony honored students earning their bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. This year’s commencement speaker was U.S. Senator John Cornyn. A native of San Antonio, Cornyn is serving his third term representing Texas in the U.S. Senate. Prior to his election to the Senate, Cornyn served as Bexar County district judge, a member of the Texas Supreme Court, and as Texas Attorney General. Cornyn has distinguished himself as a leader in the Senate on a variety of issues important to Texans and is a strong supporter of higher education. The 2015 Alumna of Distinction for Service in Mission is Jessica Davila-Burnett. She holds an associate degree from Del Mar College, a bachelor’s from UIW’s Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCaP) at Del Mar College as well as a master’s degree in organizational development from UIW Online. Burnett has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally for her achievements in community service. She was named among the Top 10 Most Amazing Women in the 2004 September Issue of Latina Magazine. She received the 2004 KRIS-TV 6 and Corpus Christi Caller-Times Jefferson Medallion Award, and the 2004 Campus Ministry Award from UIW for outstanding community service. She was named the 2007 Corpus Christi “Under Forty” Person of the Year.
To view Cornyn’s commencement address, visit www.uiw.edu/president/commenecementmay15.html
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On March 5, University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) senior Alixzandra Paloma Travieso Peña was crowned Miss Fiesta San Antonio 2015. Peña was selected among seven finalists by a panel of judges. Selection was based on poise, appearance, presentation skills, and a community service project proposal to be implemented during tenure as Miss Fiesta. Miss Fiesta San Antonio serves as one of nine official kings and queens who reign over the Alamo City’s annual Fiesta celebration. As Miss Fiesta, Peña attended official Fiesta events as an ambassador and intern for the Fiesta Commission Charitable Corporation, which conducts charitable, educational and cultural programs related to and in furtherance of Fiesta San Antonio. Beginning in 1949, Miss Fiesta was originally selected in a beauty and talent pageant where she was awarded a scholarship to continue her education. In 2013, the Fiesta Commission Charitable Corporation assumed responsibility of the program and transitioned it from a pageant to an internship. Peña joins a prestigious number of UIW students who have served as Miss Fiesta San Antonio, including, most recently, communications major Katie Rivera who was crowned in 2012. “UIW has been my home for the past three years. It has given me so much; from the people I have met, to campus life experiences, to its strong ethics culture, not to mention an awesome academic program,” said Peña. “Combine that with my role as Miss Fiesta, which just reaches so many people, and you have two great avenues to connect with people. I’m really excited to bring these two important roles together, and I do so with great pride.”
Miss Fiesta San Antonio Alixzandra Peña.
campus news
The 2015 Cutting Edge™ Fiesta® Fashion Show Nearly 700 guests joined the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) to celebrate 35 years of fashion at the 2015 Cutting Edge Fiesta Fashion Show. To mark the momentous occasion, this year’s show was held in the new Tobin Center for the Performing Arts which provided a unique backdrop for the breathtaking event. The show is dedicated to Kathleen Watson in recognition of her work and support of the UIW Mission. Watson was instrumental in transforming a small, annual student fashion show into today’s successful event showcasing student talent and creativity while raising funds for scholarships in the UIW fashion department. The Cutting Edge Fiesta Fashion Show featured garments illustrated, designed and constructed by seniors in UIW’s Fashion Design program. The 2015 student designers were UIW seniors Nicole Abrego, Nasya Barnette, Madeline Gonzalez, Kimberly Howard, Savannah Longoria and Kosher Veasna. Their collections were judged by industry professionals and put on public display in the annual show, a high-energy New York style runway show produced by students in UIW’s Fashion Show Production class. Veasna took home the top prize, the 2015 Kathleen Watson Award for Best of Show; this award is determined by the garment scored highest by a panel of judges and includes a $1,500 scholarship from the Watson Foundation. Veasna’s collection, created with accentuated shoulders and cinched waists, is a modern interpretation of 19th century Russian fashion. Barnette took second place in construction and second place in design with Howard winning third place in design. An Alumni Spotlight, unique to this year’s event, featured fashions by UIW alumna Carrie Harrell ’89 BA. Harrell is the designer and owner of LollieRocks, a line of couture competition swimwear. Harrell is a graduate of UIW’s Fashion Management program. Harrell was also presented the Golden Needle Award. Presented annually, this award is given to an individual who supports the Fashion Management program in the spirit of the university’s Mission. The Cutting Edge Fiesta Fashion Show is an official Fiesta® event. Proceeds from the show provide scholarships for UIW Fashion Management students. Since 2006, the fashion show’s sponsors and supporters have awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to students.
A design by Veasna, who took top prize, at Cutting Edge, presented in memory of Kathleen Watson. To view more photos from this year’s fashion show, visit www.thewordonline.org
Harrell (left) poses with friends at Cutting Edge. THE WORD | SUMMER 2015
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campus news
UIW hosts Las Hermanas Symposium Sponsored by the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, Office of Mission & Ministry, and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the University of Incarnate Word (UIW) proudly hosted “Las Hermanas: The Struggle is One,” March 19-21, in the new Seddon Recital Hall. The symposium was among several events UIW hosted in recognition of Women’s History Month in March. This interdisciplinary symposium honored the history, development and legacy of Las Hermanas, a grassroots Latina movement formed 40 years ago to challenge and change the church and its role in society. The conference included outstanding keynote speakers, academic papers, sharing of stories, celebration in the spirit of Las Hermanas and an opportunity for attendees to visit the new Heritage Center of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Featured speakers included Dr. Lara Medina, California State University, Northridge, author of “Las Hermanas: Chicana/Latina Religious-Political Activism in the U.S. Catholic Church”; Sr. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI, UIW Board of Trustees member, co-author of “Hispanic Women: Prophetic Voice in the Church”; Dr. Timothy Matovina, Notre Dame, author of “Latino Catholicism: Transformation in America’s Largest Church”; and Dr. Theresa Torres, University of Missouri-Kansas, author of “The Paradox of Latina Religious Leadership in the Catholic Church.”
The kickoff event, a Las Hermanas roundtable discussion, “Remembering the Past, Envisioning the Future,” included (pictured L-R) moderator Sr. Maria Eva Flores, CDP (OLLU); and speakers Sr. Sylvia Sedillo, SL; Teresita Basso; and Sr. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI. Each of the three speakers contributed to the founding of Las Hermanas in 1971, and spoke about their early and subsequent experiences with the movement.
UIW presents 2015 Pierre Lecture The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Religious Studies Department and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word were proud to present the 13th Annual Pierre Lecture on Feb. 19 in the CHRISTUS Heritage Hall located at the Village at Incarnate Word. The 2015 lecture featured a presentation by Dr. Stacey Floyd-Thomas, associate professor of ethics and society at Vanderbilt University Divinity School and College of Arts and Sciences. The lecture titled “Invisibility and Silencing Mechanisms: Generational Angst and the Quest for Social Justice,” examined the impact race, religion and education have on the current generation’s quest for social justice. The lecture coincided with UIW’s celebration of Black History Month. Floyd-Thomas is also the executive director of both the Society of Christian Ethics and the nationally-acclaimed Black Religious 4
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Scholars Group and serves as co-founder of the Society for the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Religion. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from Temple University, a M.T.S. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and a B.A. from Vassar College. A renowned author and professor, FloydThomas has received numerous honors and awards including the JPMorgan Chase/ Texas Business Press Great Women of Texas Award, the American Academy of Religion Excellence in Teaching Award, and, most recently, the 2012 Womanist Legend Award. In accordance with UIW’s Mission, The Pierre Fund Speaker Series, which began in 2001, is designed to bring distinguished women scholars to the UIW campus to address current issues in relationship to social justice, ecology and globalization. This lecture is made possible by a grant from The Pierre Fund of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.
Dr. Stacey Floyd-Thomas
campus news
Mexican consulate presents $60,000 check to UIW for student scholarships At a press conference held in February, the Mexican consulate presented a $60,000 check to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) to fund scholarships for students of Mexican origin as part of the IME Fellowship Program. The scholarship program IME-BECAS was created in 2005 as an initiative of the Mexican Government to contribute to the development and personal improvement of Mexican immigrants that live in the United States, in order to help students continue or finish their academic education. IME-BECAS offers support to several community and learning centers in the United States for individuals in literacy, elementary, middle school, GED, HiSET, computer courses and ESL. Since 2005, 44,000 students nationally have benefited from this program with an annual grant of over $670,000. In 2014, President of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto quadrupled the initial funding to the program, granting higher educational institutions of the U.S. $4 million to benefit approximately 12,000 undergraduate students. The Mexican Government has strategic allies in this effort such as educational institutions, local governments and business enterprises. In 2014-2015, 44 Mexican consulates participated in this program in the U.S. Each year, students of Mexican origin apply to UIW with aspirations to become business men and women, engineers, doctors, scientists, etc. Many of these students are graduating from U.S. high schools around Central and South Texas and do not possess the financial ability to access a private education. “We are very pleased to be working with the Mexican consulate on this program,” said Dr. Louis Agnese, UIW president. “The
(Pictured L-R) Consul Jose Antonio Larios; UIW President Dr. Louis J. Agnese, Jr.; and UIW Vice President of International Affairs Marcos Fragoso. scholarship opportunity will allow minority students to achieve their dreams and contribute back to society in the U.S. and in Mexico.” A limited number of scholarships will be provided to students of Mexican origin as part of the fellowship program. Awards will be given to current and incoming students for Fall 2015. UIW will match the $60,000 for the 2015 fiscal year that IME-BECAS is awarding. Students must have a minimum grade point average of a 3.0 to be eligible for the scholarship. For more information regarding the scholarship opportunity, contact UIW’s International Admissions Office at intladmis@ uiwtx.edu or (210) 805-5707, or Estela Gutierrez, Mexican consulate, (210) 227-1089, egutierrez@consulmexsat.org.
Marching Cardinals unveil new uniform On March 4, the community was invited to a special unveiling of the new Marching Cardinals uniform and tour of the new UIW Music Building. Dr. Brett Richardson (left), assistant professor and coordinator of music education, presented the new band uniform, modeled by music student Arnulfo Hernandez. The uniforms were custom designed by Fred J. Miller, Inc. and were debuted by the Marching Cardinals during the Fiesta Flambeau Parade on April 25. “The night of the reception, when I came out modeling the uniform I said to myself, ‘This is actually happening! We are currently making history,’” said Hernandez. “During the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, walking around in the uniforms, showing them off, getting comments from other schools, being noticed, having my friends from other schools and colleges throughout Texas who participated and visited seeing the uniforms and hearing their comments was just an amazing feeling.” THE WORD | SUMMER 2015
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campus news
New residence hall named in honor of Watson
UIW student Erik Coronado (pictured) won the best undergraduate poster award for the computer science category at the TAS meeting. Student Elizabeth Gutierrez won the best undergraduate poster presentation in neuroscience and Erica Renee Johnson was judged as the top prize in math and tied for second place in the overall best undergraduate presentation in all categories.
UIW welcomes Texas Academy of Science 118th Annual Meeting The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) School of Math, Science & Engineering welcomed the 118th Annual Meeting of the Texas Academy of Science (TAS), March 6-8. More than 600 scientists attended the meeting held on the university campus. In addition to the 250 oral and poster presentations of their scientific research, the Texas Distinguished Scientist and an Outstanding Texas Educator were named. Meeting highlights included a professional development session for scientists, a recruitment session for graduate and professional schools, as well as a panel discussion for students. “The annual meetings of the Texas Academy of Science take place on the campuses of universities all over Texas,” said Dr. Paul Foglesong, UIW professor of biology, who was instrumental in organizing the event. “The 118th Annual Meeting was the first time that the meeting was held at UIW, and we made a great first impression on the group. Texans love to visit San Antonio, and our facilities were excellent for the oral and poster sessions as well as the festive awards banquet in the Rosenberg Sky Room. The UIW Planning Commission identified hosting regional meetings such as this one as effective ways to let everyone know what a great place UIW is.”
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As of May 31, the Kathleen Watson Enrollment Center, located on Broadway directly across from main campus, was no longer UIW property. The building originally housed the Office of Admissions, Office of Human Resources, Center for Veterans Affairs, and Office of Research and Graduate Studies, among others; those departments have moved to various locations throughout campus (visit www.uiw.edu to view a campus map). UIW’s new residence hall, located on Burr Rd., has been named the Watson Lofts in memory of Kathleen Martin Watson. A member of the Incarnate Word community since childhood, Watson was a trustee of UIW where she served as board chair from 1996-1999. She was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 1999. Watson was a tremendous supporter of UIW and the university’s Mission. In particular, she was instrumental in transforming The Cutting Edge™ Fiesta® Fashion Show into today’s successful event. Watson’s commitment to education enriched the lives of the UIW community, and countless students benefited from her dedication to making quality Catholic education accessible to the residents of San Antonio.
Photo by Steve Holloway
State of the Arts By Brance Arnold ’10 MA
(L-R) Miguel Cortinas, Robert Seddon and William Gokelman.
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enowned architect and urban planner Arthur Erickson once said, “Vitality is radiated from exceptional art and architecture.” The University of the Incarnate Word’s (UIW) new Fine Arts Complex is not only exemplary of vitality in terms of brilliant architecture, but, more importantly, in providing a means of cultivating and expressing, through art, what perhaps is most vital: the soul. With the newly completed 55,000 square foot complex, students have access to the facilities and resources necessary to achieve a superlative fine arts education. The complex, designed by McChesney/Bianco Architecture, a firm that has designed many facilities for the university, is composed of three main phases: the music building, concert hall, and art building.
Housing UIW’s Department of Music, the three-story music building features a 100-seat recital hall; choir and band rehearsal halls; a state-of-the art recording studio; a music therapy suite with a services center offering clinical sessions to the community; piano lab; iMac lab; 18 Wenger modular practice rooms; percussion studio; seven teaching studios for private lessons; two general classrooms; instrument storage facility; and a listening library. “It enhances the student experience in every possible way,” said William Gokelman ’85 BM, professor and chair of music, who has worked with the architects and designers on the layout of the music building from the onset nearly three years ago. “We went through several iterations of floor plans until we finally got to the existing one that met all of our needs,” he THE WORD | SUMMER 2015
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explained. “The three biggest needs were rehearsal spaces, practice rooms, and storage. We are undergoing reaccreditation right now with the National Association of Schools of Music, and with the new building we can move forward with reaccreditation.” “For instance, the Cardinal Chorale, which is anywhere from 95 to 100 members, typically rehearsed in a classroom before,” Gokelman said. “And now they rehearse in a hall with 14 foot ceilings that lets the sound go up so they can actually hear and feel the music they make.” Acoustics for several of the music facilities were designed by Russ Berger Design Group, a firm based in Addison, Texas, specializing in architectural, interior, and acoustic design for recording studios and broadcast facilities. The studio is wired to the choir, band, recital, and concert hall on the first floor where audio and video are fed to the studio’s control booth. Camera angles can be adjusted and displayed on a monitor in the booth and audio recorded and mixed all from the studio, located on the third floor. The concert hall, which seats nearly 500, has variable acoustics ranging from zero to 10 seconds of reverb via an electronic system installed throughout the hall designed to replicate natural, room sound. The mezzanine of the former Fine Arts Auditorium, now the concert hall, has been converted to a lecture hall for fine arts classes to be named in honor of Sr. Maria Goretti Zehr, CCVI. For the newly renovated art building, Miguel Cortinas, associate professor and chair of art, who, along with Kathy Vargas, associate professor and former chair of art, worked with architects in the planning stages, said the major change was through the delegation of work spaces relative to media. “We now have separate and designated studios for drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and art history,” explained Cortinas. “There are three galleries that include the Kelso Gallery, Semmes Gallery and a student gallery.” The new art building offers students updated technologies and resources including a computer lab for digital photography; two darkroom labs for photo classes; and a designated lighting studio for photography students as well as an exposure unit for photographic screen printing processes. These renovations and updates also facilitate accreditation. “The art program has always looked forward to the revamping of our facilities in the pursuit of accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD),” explained Cortinas. “NASAD maintains strict space and equipment needs for accreditation.” UIW’s Fine Arts Campaign, through its benefactors, has played a key role in making the complex a reality. “When you walk through the building almost on every single door there’s a plaque honoring those who have given,” said Gokelman. For example, the electronic keyboards in the piano lab were donated by the Alfred Flores family, who own Alamo Music. The Catherine and Francis Burzik Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to benefiting higher education and the performing arts, awarded a grant toward the new music therapy observation room, as part
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Seddon in the recital hall. of the Music Therapy Services Center. And the recital hall, named The Ingrid Seddon Recital Hall, was made possible by the generosity of Robert Seddon in honor of his wife Ingrid, celebrating her passion for music. “It seemed to fit perfectly. And the recital hall was appropriate for what my wife had in mind. She loved music and was a singer,” said Seddon, who regularly attends rehearsals and performances at the recital hall. “It’s a beautiful facility and will be used for many great performances.” Alex Castaneda, director of major gifts and planned giving, said Seddon’s gift, in addition, established the Ingrid Seddon Endowed Scholarship in Music for voice majors seeking a degree in music. “It’s the first endowed scholarship of its kind and will increase the number of quality voice majors recruited to the university,” explained Castaneda. Although funding for the art building has been a challenge, Cortinas said the generosity of benefactors such as Betty and Robert Kelso, who received honorary doctorates from the university in 2012, has had a tremendous impact. The couple made the single, largest donation toward the Fine Arts Complex in renovation of the art building. “We feel very fortunate to have had the Kelso family’s commitment,” shared Cortinas. “It is a true indication of how much it means to them and how important sharing art is to the educational experience of our students.” San Antonio philanthropists, the Kelsos have a long and generational connection to UIW. Betty is a trustee emerita of the board of trustees and her mother, the late Elizabeth Huth Coates, was an alumna of Incarnate Word High School and what was then Incarnate Word College. Coates made possible the theatre on campus that bears her name. “The Kelsos’ gift established the (Bob & Betty) Kelso Art Center, as well as a permanent gallery where they will be donating their religious art,” said Sr. Kathleen Coughlin, CCVI, vice president for institutional advancement. Additional funding was provided by a challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation and gifts to the Fine Arts Campaign from members of the board of trustees, alumni, foundations, corporations and UIW employees. From a student perspective, the complex appears to have already had an effect. Arnulfo “Arnie” Hernandez, a sophomore pursing a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, said the new and expanded facility has enriched his experience as a student. “My overall impression of this new facility is how it has accommodations for us as students to have a continued better education,” said Hernandez. “Those accommodations in each classroom allow us to better understand the concepts being taught to us in various ways.” “True to its Mission of service, UIW’s goal for this program is to offer the best in arts education in San Antonio,” said Coughlin. “To that end, UIW has expanded its arts facilities so that its students and faculty have the essential resources with which to learn and master their art.” A dedication of the facilities is planned for September as well as the unveiling of a mural, donated by the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts, to be placed on the front of the Kelso Art Center.
(L-R) UIW President Dr. Louis Agnese with Drs. Betty and Robert Kelso.
Religious artwork donated by the Kelsos.
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Photo by Steve Holloway Photo by Steve Halloway
Alumni Ya’Ke Smith and Mikala Gibson.
Both Sides of the Lens Duo rising stars in film industry By Rudy Arispe ’97 BA
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ittle did Ya’Ke Smith ’03 BA and Mikala Gibson ’00 BA know that when he began writing for The Logos, the University of the Incarnate Word’s (UIW) student newspaper, and was assigned to interview the then-theatre major, who had been nominated for a local acting award, that she would one day become his leading lady – both in real life and on screen. “That’s how we met,” recalled Smith, a rising filmmaker, whose movies have received world-wide acclaim, showing and garnering accolades at more than 80 film festivals, including the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival. Since 2001, the husband-and-wife duo have collaborated on eight films: Smith in the director’s chair; Gibson in front of the lens. She was the lead actress in the 2014 short film, “Dawn,” loosely based on the filmmaker’s sister’s struggle to stay out of prison. In fact, scenes from the film were shot on the UIW campus at the McCracken House. It will continue to show throughout the year on HBO. “When you make a film, the goal is to have as many people
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watch it,” Smith said during a recent Monday morning over coffee alongside his wife before heading back home to Dallas. “Making short films you don’t know how things are going to turn out because there’s not a huge market for shorts. But to have HBO take your film with 20 to 40 million subscribers, so many people will lay eyes on your film.” Powerful films that tackle and confront controversial societal issues, such as “Dawn,” are those that Smith desires to make, just as he did with “Wolf,” a 2012 drama about sexual abuse. With the film, he said he hoped to create a work that would give a voice to those who may have suffered years of sexual and/or emotional abuse and get the conversation started about the issue. In March, he released “One Hitta Quitta” shot last summer in Fort Worth that deals with a teen’s addiction to Internet violence, specifically fights being recorded on phones, then uploaded on the Web. “Because of our constant consumption of violent media we’ve become more and more desensitized to violence itself,” the
director said. “Young minds, without proper parental supervision and a part of a failing school system, are not able to process the violence and have started to film violent imagery and upload it to social media sites with hopes of garnering Internet fame and validation.” Don’t expect to see much of Gibson in “One Hitta Quitta.” She only has a small role. And she’s OK with that. “He’s cut me out of films before,” the actress said, laughing. “But it’s because a part just didn’t work. He’s told me no before when I wanted a part in one of his films.” Adds Smith: “I don’t cast Mikala because she’s my wife. She has to be right for a certain part if I do cast her.” Working with her husband, Gibson said, is actually easier these days from when they first collaborated on film projects. In fact, she co-wrote “Dawn.” “When we’re on set, he’s the director; I’m the actor and I stay in my lane. Some directors have a lot of ego and treat actors like puppets,” she said. “Ya’Ke has been an actor, so he’s open to taking suggestions. But he’ll let you know if it’s not going to work.” Both credit UIW for helping them prepare for their careers in film and theatre. “Dr. (Dora) Fitzgerald was very supportive of the films I made at the time and ensured I had the resources I needed and sent me to my first film festival,” said Smith, the 2011 Alumni of Distinction for Professional Achievement. Says Gibson: “UIW prepared me for everything I do in theatre. People always ask me, ‘Where did you get your training?’ The Theatre Department definitely helped me develop my work ethic.” As for the Texas native, she’s interested in portraying characters that resonate within her soul. “My friends tease me that I play the ugly roles,” she said. “I don’t care if I’m the person no one is cheering for. If a role has a strong message, I’m all for it.” When they’re not working on films, both stay busy. He is a Morgan Woodward Distinguished Professor of Film at the University of Texas at Arlington. Gibson trains artists to teach art to inner-city kids in Dallas and throughout Texas.
Top: Gibson on location at UIW’s McCracken House. Middle: Smith on the set of “Dawn.” Bottom: Smith on location filming in UIW’s McCracken House. THE WORD | SUMMER 2015
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Alumni hold passion for life abroad By Brance Arnold ’10 MA
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tudy abroad experiences often leave an indelible impact on the lives of students who graduate and step out into the world to pursue their personal and career aspirations. As reported by the Institute of International Education, 289,408 U.S. students studied abroad for academic credit in 201213. The number of American students going to other countries has nearly doubled since 2000 according to U.S. News & World Report. Thus, students are traveling abroad more than ever, paving the way for rich, diverse international experiences to inspire them to remain global citizens beyond graduation. “Study abroad increases an average of about 10 percent each academic year. When we look at our numbers they are definitely increasing,” said Dr. Javier Lozano, UIW director of sister school
partnerships. “Students continue to travel and we expect to see an increase as professional programs continue to search for and secure new opportunities.” Alumni of UIW and the Study Abroad program are no exception, continuing to travel, work and study internationally. There exists a myriad of international opportunities including internships, employment, and graduate and professional programs, among others. One international opportunity is to teach English abroad. According to the International Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Academy, an estimated 250,000 native English speakers work as English teachers abroad in more than 40,000 schools and language institutes all over the world.
Zachary Danz
Danz (kneeling, fourth from left) on a group outing to a Chinese city called Qingdao, where they enjoyed authentic cuisine and hot springs.
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One of UIW’s own, Zachary Danz ’13 BA, is currently teaching English in Asia with inspiration derived from his study abroad experience at UIW. In the fall of his junior year, Danz spent a semester studying performance art at Central Saint Martins College in London, England, and said the experience was transformative. “My study abroad semester awakened me to the fact that the world actually exists,” said Danz. “But actually living somewhere, making friends, having a life completely outside your own is quite eye opening. It’s a truly nonreplaceable experience.” Since graduating, Danz moved to China where he has taught English in Yantai and now in Shanghai. He also travels extensively. He currently teaches at a private international school called HuiShi Elementary School. “I’m teaching English fulltime and studying Mandarin, working as an artist, and traveling,” said Danz. “I would easily call this the most personally enriching period of my life, and I do credit a major part of it to what was awakened within me during my semester abroad.” Danz said he is gaining mastery over the Chinese language. Also an
actor, he is currently performing with an otherwise all-Chinese Shakespearean company, where he is playing a role in “Macbeth” entirely in Chinese. He said low living expenses are an added perk while living in Asia: “I’m not making a ton of money, but I’m able to save and live very comfortably because the overall cost of living is considerably less expensive.” Danz estimates he will spend another two or three years in China, but has no plans to return to the U.S. anytime soon. “By that time, I’ll have mastery over the language,” he explained. “That will open many doors to me, personally and professionally. I may journey next to southern Europe or South America. I’d like to learn another language and perhaps work for a major company as a translator or work as an artist or social activist. I see lots of potential futures for myself.” Interestingly, in a 2012 IES Abroad survey of 1,008 study abroad alumni, 84 percent reported they felt studying abroad helped them develop valuable job skills such as foreign language knowledge, cultural training, tolerance for ambiguity, adaptability, communication, and more.
Danz teaches English to students in China.
Ingle poses in front of the Tuileries Garden in Paris.
Arianna Ingle Other opportunities for international experiences for alumni arise through graduate programs and internships, as is the case for Arianna Ingle ’12 BA who has now secured employment abroad. “I studied abroad in Paris, France in Fall 2010 at the American University of Paris,” said Ingle. “After graduation, I came back to Paris to get my master’s in global communication at the American University of Paris and graduated in December 2014.” While pursuing her master’s, she worked as an intern for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Ingle now works in Paris at the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) in the Anti-Corruption Division (ACD), within the Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs (DAF) that supports the global fight against bribery of foreign public officials in international business transactions. Via her opportunities abroad, she has traveled throughout
Europe, Asia and the Middle East. And, similar to Danz, taught English in South Korea for a month as part of a program provided by UIW Study Abroad. Ingle said her study abroad experience inspired her to further her education overseas and pursue a career in an international organization where she could learn about other cultures. “Studying abroad allowed me to pursue my passion of traveling and made me realize the importance of understanding how others live. Studying abroad at UIW also made me realize that I wanted to return to Paris to pursue my master’s,” she said. “Traveling has greatly shaped me as a person as I continue to become more openminded one country at a time.” Danz and Ingle are just two examples of UIW alumni, inspired by study abroad, who hold a lasting passion for experiencing life on a global scale. And as the university continues to grow internationally, so will students and alumni who continue to cultivate themselves personally and professionally through international opportunities and experiences. Ingle in Amsterdam. THE WORD | SUMMER 2015
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Photos by Steve Holloway
Winslow Swart at his kenseido dojo in San Antonio. Monet and John Moreau demonstrate a fencing maneuver with epée weapons.
UIW fencing coach forges new program By Raúl A. Flores
F
encing may not have the glory of gridiron. But that is not stopping the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) from shouting “En Garde!” atop the roof of a state-of-the-art facility to announce the launch of an NCAA Division I fencing program. Sparked by the vision of Dr. Timothy Henrich, longtime UIW professor of sports management and kinesiology and swimming coach who passed away last year, the Cardinals athletic program is banking on a sport that recently-hired Head Coach John Moreau calls “chess on your feet.” Moreau believes the fencing program is the first Division I startup in the country in more than three decades. UIW is poised to take the stage in the fall and Moreau has been tasked with recruiting fencers to fill his squad, although many have already committed to other schools for the 2015-16 school year. Moreau said he will need at least five men and five women fencers to field a team, but envisions a team that one day is up to 40 members
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strong. His first committed fencer is his daughter, Monet Moreau, who is a member of the UIW swim team and was a member of the 2014 USA Youth World Modern Pentathlon Team that competed in Budapest, Hungary. “I’m a little behind the eight-ball because most kids know where they want to go,” Coach Moreau said. “We will field a small team to get started and build from there.” UIW showed its commitment to the program when selecting Moreau to lead the charge. He brings a resumé filled with a career of accolades and awards that includes appearances at the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics as a member of the U.S. fencing team. Moreau won bronze medals at the 2002 and 2005 Veteran Fencing World Championships. And in 2003 at age 52, he became the oldest champion at the U.S. National Championships in epée, one of the three weapons used in competitive fencing.
“That’s all in the past: it doesn’t mean anything anymore,” Moreau said with a balance of modesty and pride in his accomplishments. “What excites me is the challenge of starting this from scratch. I could go to an established program. But the opportunity to make history here is just simply too exciting.” Moreau points to the leadership of the university and the drive of the late Henrich, who passed away just days after Moreau was hired. “I was amazed at what I saw here,” Moreau said. “(President Lou) Agnese wants to make UIW unique. He’s such an advanced thinker. Too much stuff is often reactionary. But he is a visionary who wants to make students’ lives more complete.” But Moreau said so much of the credit for the fencing program has to go to Henrich, who was instrumental in securing the grant for the $4 million fencing facility, the Henrich Center for Fencing and International Sports located on the campus of St. Anthony Catholic High School, not far from UIW’s main campus. His dream was that a fencing center in San Antonio would serve to cultivate athletes that some day could compete in fencing or pentathlon at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Alamo City is no stranger to the sport, serving as home to the U.S. Modern Pentathlon training center until it moved to Colorado in the 1990s. More recently, even without a local competing school, the NCAA National Fencing Championship Tournament was held at the Freeman Coliseum in 2013. “We’re trying to bring fencing back to Texas,” Moreau said. “We hope to encourage other schools in the area to start programs. Even if its club that eventually becomes a team.” Even with the local fencing history, Moreau must convince fencers that San Antonio is an ideal destination. The majority of NCAA fencing programs are located in the Northeast and Midwest. But Michael Aufrichtig, who coached Columbia University to the NCAA Division I national fencing title this year, said Moreau’s reputation should make the task a little lighter. “Sure, a lot of schools already have established fencing programs,” Aufrichtig said. “But when he goes out and recruits, he’s going to be able to offer them so much background and experience as an Olympian. Within a few years, he’ll establish a viable program.” Aufrichtig said when he arrived at Columbia in 2011, he mapped out a four-year plan that came to fruition with this year’s national title. He pointed out that Columbia was the fifth different school to win the title in the last five years. “The general consensus in the fencing world is one of excitement for the Incarnate Word program,” he said. “Sure it’s more competition, but it just points to a rise in the level of competition. It used to be that everyone’s goal was to qualify for the Olympics. Now the goal is to win. And John (Moreau) will be able to recruit from that growth of competitors.” UIW Athletics Director John Williams said because of the lack of fencing programs in close proximity, travel for the team will be a challenge, but does not detract from the excitement of adding to the university’s stable of sports, which now with fencing stands at 23 men’s and women’s sports.
Monet and John pose at the Henrich Center for Fencing and International Sports. “I wasn’t here when they started the program,” Williams said. “But this is going to spread our brand even more. Sure, it’s a challenge. You have to start somewhere, but we have a very good coach who is going to take this program forward.” Moreau is thinking big and beyond the Cardinals fencing team, with a planned program at St. Anthony Catholic High School and community fencing programs for underprivileged children. “I have too much to give back to the world,” Moreau said. “I have a love for the sport and I want to give them a love for fencing.”
FENCING WEAPONS 101 Foil: a light thrusting weapon that targets the torso (including the back), neck, and groin, but not the arms or legs.
Sabre: a light cutting and thrusting weapon that targets the entire body above the waist, except the weapon hand.
Epée: a thrusting weapon like the foil, but much heavier. In epée, the entire body is a valid target.
For more information on the fencing program, contact Moreau at jamoreau@uiwtx.edu
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Photo by Antonio Morano Yvette Reyna, UIW alumna and adjunct professor.
The Big Picture
UIW students learn specialty and craft of event planning By Brian Hudgins
Y
vette Reyna’s ’03 BA ’12 MA experience planning events started in the same way as many professionals in the industry, planning family events. She was trying to balance her roles as both an undergraduate student and a single mom while planning family gatherings. As it turned out some of her biggest lessons came from attending the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), which led her to her career path. “I had to figure out on a budget where I could have (family) birthday parties and it was about making things like party favors and finding ways to make decorations nicer,” Reyna said. “It was a big task. A lot of times, it was the School of Hard Knocks. There were not courses for event planning.” So Reyna, realizing the need for specialized training in this field, set a plan in motion for putting together a course in event
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planning. After she earned her B.A., she had a syllabus in hand and approached the university about offering a class in the School of Media and Design. “They said, ‘we would like you to have more experience and a master’s degree,’” Reyna said. “Once I had the backing of those two things, I received a call that my syllabus had been discussed and they wanted me to teach a course.” The course had to cover a variety of subjects that fall under the umbrella of event planning. Logistical issues include: picking a proper venue, negotiating prices of needed items, finding sponsors and figuring out how many volunteers or paid staff members will be needed. “I learned at a nonprofit how to plan events,” Reyna, now an adjunct professor, said. “A minimal budget with few resources – that’s what we walk into. I tell students to work from the inside out. Your family and friends – network that way.”
Photo by Antonio Morano
Reyna, who currently is the executive director of the Judson Education Foundation and Business Partnerships for the Judson Independent School District, formerly served as the director of sales promotions and weekend movie host for FOX 29 San Antonio and MY35TV, now CW35. She coordinated FOX 29’s signature Halloween event, Treat Street, in downtown San Antonio with approximately 20,000 attendees, the FOX 29 and MY35TV Give to Live blood drive as well as the FOX 29 and MY35TV fall premiere party. A former alumni board member, Reyna also helped to plan university events such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Trunk or Treat. Reyna’s first class last fall included 15 students who experienced a combination of both lectures and an out-of-class service learning component. Things that are learned in the fall are put to practical use in the spring when students create an event. For the first group, that event was the 8th Annual UIW Student Media Gala and Silent Auction held in February at the McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room. Sarah Stockman, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in communication arts and will also be pursuing her master’s degree at UIW, assisted in planning the 2014 gala before the event planning course was offered. That test run and the course itself gave Stockman good insight into the planning process. “I learned a lot through the course,” Stockman said. “Although there were some bumps along the way, as there are when planning any event, the final outcome made all the hard work worth it.” Reyna said the challenges that Stockman mentioned can be beneficial in helping students get a grasp of some of the difficult things that might be waiting down the road during a career assignment. “When people didn’t carry their weight and do their work, it was hard,” Reyna said. “But I felt it was a lesson in the real world because people are not always going to be excited about being part of a committee. Everyone else had to pick up the slack and they all had to work together.” The result was the gala that provided proceeds that benefitted UIW’s student-run newspaper and Internet TV and radio stations. Local media outlets produced segments on the event. Seeing those
UIW students (L-R) Sarah Stockman and Felicia Banegas share a photo with Reyna in the Rosenberg Sky Room. Stockman and Banegas helped plan the Student Media Gala as part of UIW’s new event planning course. student efforts come together for a single goal was a moment of pride for Reyna. “I love seeing the students grow and when they see what their own strengths are,” Reyna said. “It’s prideful for them to show what they can do to their peers, parents, the faculty and alumni at the event. To see their confidence grow when they ask businesses for (silent) auction items, that becomes part of our auction. It’s exciting to see them express themselves and do things like create costumes, invitations and decorations.” For students who might be planning public or private events during their careers, there is the need to be prepared for situations when the resources available in a smaller town or rural area will not be the same as what is on hand in San Antonio. That has been a group effort that has included Reyna getting input from other businesspeople. “Throughout the semester, Mrs. Reyna invited several speakers to help us think about the big picture of event planning,” Stockman said. “We were able to learn skills that were not only helpful to planning the gala, but also skills that will be helpful in the future if we intend on pursuing event planning professionally.” Reyna is interested to see what a new class brings to the learning process. “I had 15 girls this year…I’m excited to see guys and girls who know about things like film and graphic design,” Reyna said. “In a co-ed class, I’m interested to see if they will learn differently.”
To learn more about UIW’s new event planning course, contact Yvette Reyna at yreyes@uiwtx.edu
UIW students enjoy this year’s Student Media Gala.
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Photo by Lifetouch
UIW School of Physical Therapy inaugural class culminates journey By Crystale Lopez
O
n May 9, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) School of Physical Therapy (SoPT) graduated the first 50 students from the Entry-Level Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program along with nine students of the online post-professional DPT program. These trailblazers not only successfully completed the program, but also played a major role in helping develop it. “It is an all-consuming job to start a new school and program, but it was also very exciting because I was able to build a program that reflected my vision of physical therapy education for the future,” said Dr. Caroline Goulet, founding dean of the SoPT. “I had the opportunity to teach in Canada, Hong Kong, and the United States, so when I came to UIW my goal was not to replicate a ‘cookie cutter’ program, but to really put the best of what I had seen and learned into the SoPT.” “Graduation day was a dream come true for me,” she added. “I am extremely proud of the students and all they have accom-
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plished – they will always be my ‘first class.’” Dr. Susan Smith, an assistant professor in the SoPT who has also been with the program from the beginning, explained a lot of work went into every detail since they were forging their own path. “Each semester we learned something and integrated that new knowledge into the following semesters,” Smith said. “It has been such an amazing learning opportunity for all of the faculty involved.” Smith said it has been very fulfilling to see how much the SoPT Class of 2015 has grown. “When this class first started, everything was new and we were all going on this journey for the first time,” she shared. “I think this is a very unique group of students. They feel they have been able to positively affect the DPT program and have a greater sense of ownership – and rightly so, we were all learning together.” Dr. Bailey Stein, UIW alumna of the DPT program, said she
Photo by Lifetouch
feels very honored to have been part of the inaugural class. “The administrators, faculty, and staff worked so hard to prepare us, and the students worked just as hard to get to graduation day,” Stein said. “It feels amazing to say that we helped shape an incredible physical therapy school and pave the way for future classes.” Goulet said her hope is that students will now take what they have learned at UIW and feel a commitment and responsibility to serve their community. “It was really important for me that our school and program reflect the UIW Mission,” she explained. “It is an integral part of our curriculum and each semester the students are required to be in the community providing health related services. Not only are we at the forefront of physical therapy education, but we are truly following and instilling the Mission of the institution.” Smith said she feels the profession of physical therapy aligns well with the Mission of UIW. “We are consistently emphasizing the importance of treating patients and other health care professionals with dignity, respect, and focusing on people’s abilities rather than disabilities,” she explained. “I think all our graduates have the ability to be powerful forces in patient advocacy.” The SoPT utilizes a problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum where students learn a subject through the experience of creating a problem. Dr. Rebekah Garza, alumna of the DPT program, said she feels being the graduate of a PBL program not only fostered her growth personally in many ways, but that it also gives each student the opportunity to impact the community with an innovative foundation of practice. “As PBL is relatively uncommon, we have the ability to develop our profession with special emphasis on the values of the Incarnate Word: education, truth, faith, service, and innovation,” Garza said. “I feel that as a student-clinician I have been able to grow professionally through my independent studies, as well as, my patient interactions both in the United States and internationally.” The entry-level DPT program was also granted full initial accreditation in May by the Commission in Physical Therapy Education. “The commission met and made the final decision at their April 24-29 meeting,” Goulet shared. “We held a special celebration just before graduation to commemorate this momentous occasion.” Garza said it has been a privilege for her to watch the SoPT evolve. “The faculty and every member of the inaugural class have dedicated countless hours of hard-work,” she shared. “We have endured the unknown, and I believe we have a unique sense of pride and accomplishment which we will always carry with us.”
Goulet speaks during the commencement ceremony.
(Pictured L-R) Graduates Stein and Garza attend the SoPT Awards Ceremony held May 6 in the McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room.
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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.
1940s Nell Mueller Kothmann ’48 BSN was recently named Volunteer of the Year by the Uvalde Chamber of Commerce for her many diverse volunteer efforts there.
1960s Celeste Barron ’64 BS retired as assistant to her CPA husband Robert, to help care for six grandchildren. They are active mem-
bers of St. Pius X Parish. Barron serves as president of St. Margaret Mary Guild, past president of St. Monica’s Guild of San Antonio and also historian with Alamo Mission Chapter Daughters of the Republic of Texas. She and her husband renewed their marriage vows on their 50th anniversary in Lourdes, France this May. Elizabeth Espinoza ’66 BSN retired from CHRISTUS Santa Rosa in 2003. She has been performing with the Extended Run Players/Cadenza Singers since 1997. Espinoza also sings with the St. Peter Prince of Apostles choir.
1970s Melanie DeMore’s ’76 BM Oakland Children’s Community Choir recently sang at “In the Name of Love,” the 13th Annual Musical Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” in Oakland, Calif. For more than 30 years, she has taught, lectured, mentored,
conducted, directed and inspired children and adults about the power of music as a force for social and political change. A Music Educators National Conference awardee, she has performed with Sweet Honey and The Rock, Odetta, Laura Nuro, Pete Seeger and John Prine, and was a founding member of Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir. Rita Duggan ’76 BA retired from the Federal Civil Service career after nearly 31 years. She is currently involved with various United Way volunteer committees and several ministries at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. Whenever possible, she enjoys performing in local community theatre productions. Her most recent show will be at The Playhouse, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” Theresa Leal ’79 BS is currently a program coordinator for the After School Program at SAISD.
1980s Fernando G. Cortez ’81 BA is married to Gloria Gonzales Cortez ’81 BA and is currently working as the museum director/curator for the USAF Airman Heritage Museum at the Joint Base San AntonioLackland.
1990s Dr. Allison Baez ’90 BA ’00 MA ’14 PhD is now coordinator for the Office of Christian Initiation for the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
Carrying the Torch A mural, “Carrying the Torch,” by artist Dr. Arnold Gonzales, pays tribute to ten women who have helped to mold and develop the heritage of nursing education in South Texas. The mural features alumnae Sr. Kathleen Coughlin, CCVI ’67 BSN, UIW vice president for institutional advancement and former president of Spohn Health System in Corpus Christi, Texas; Sr. Christiana Bolle, CCVI ’45 BSN, former director of the James R. Dougherty School of Nursing at Spohn Hospital; and Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Sefcik ’68 BSN ’76 MS, nurse educator at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and gerontology nurse practitioner; along with other women who have made major contributions to nursing education in the Coastal Bend. The 7.5’ x 12’ acrylic on canvas work of art also depicts images from nursing history as well as A&M-Corpus Christi nursing students. Commissioned by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the mural is housed in the university’s Island Hall building.
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Laurie DeGarmo ’92 MA and Jim DeGarmo are moving from Derby, Kan. back to the Las Vegas valley to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Both are retired from the U.S. Air Force and the aerospace industry.
Veronica Edwards ’92 MBA, president and CEO of InGenesis, was recently recognized as one of eight women-business owners from Texas to be named to the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies — an annual report by the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), in partnership with American Express Global Corporate Payments. Medical staffing provider InGenesis held the No. 31 spot on the list — which was compiled according to its sales growth from 2010 to 2014. Over that period of time, InGenesis’ reported revenues grew from $51 million to nearly $118 million. InGenesis also reported that over the four-year period, it had added more than 1,500 jobs. Lucy Betz ’93 BBA is currently serving as the director of the Arts in Motion Foundation.
Brigid Kleber ’94 MA chaired the Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Foundation Gratitude Benefit in Dallas to raise funds to fight PKD. It honors those who have made a considerable impact on local PKD Foundation chapters, as well as significantly advanced the work of the PKD Foundation through fundraising and philanthropy. The support of those being honored has allowed the foundation to make significant strides in the fight to end PKD, a life-threatening disease with no treatment or cure. Connie Murphy ’95 BA is currently serving as a communication specialist at Parent/ Child Incorporated. Lea Lopez-Fagin ’96 MSN and Kathryn Norton ’10 MSN are both currently working at the Medical Center Weight Loss Clinic and Spa in San Antonio, Texas. Alumni are welcome to visit and ask for Lea or Kathryn. The magic phrase is “Cardinals’ Nest.”
2000s Elizabeth Blanco ’00 BA is in her first year of teaching science at Southwest Preparatory School-Northwest Elementary in San Antonio, Texas, and is one of a handful of people nominated for the E3 Effective Educator Award in her district. Gabe Ramirez ’01 BBA is working as the senior international workforce solutions manager for Healthways and serves as the subject matter expert for workforce management, capacity planning, risk mitigation, and increasing overall productivity performance for International Well-Being Improvement Centers in France, Brazil, and Australia. Sonia Martinez Freeman ’04 BA opened her own photography and video production business, Aria Productions, which produces video for small businesses, nonprofits and corporate events. She also offers full-service wedding photography and cinematography in addition to family, pregnancy and newborn photography. Erika Arredondo Haskins ’05 BBA ’10 MA was recently appointed executive director for the Hispanic Heritage Center of Texas and is surrounded by wonderful Incarnate Word alumni working and volunteering with her including: Andrea Ozuna ’09 IWHS, development director; Dr. Rose Zambrano ’04 PhD, board of directors; and Mary Vera Ramirez ’63 BS, vice chair-board of directors.
Paulina Aguilar Gutierrez ’06 BA recently released her new novel, “El Quinto Dragon (The Fifth Dragon),” which won the Premio Nacional de Literature para jovenes sponsored by Editorial Norma and La Feria Nacional Del Libro in 2009. Joanna Lynn Hernandez ’07 BA currently works for Goodwill Industries of San Antonio as their talent acquisition and development director and is working on obtaining her second master’s degree, a Master of Arts Administration in Organizational Development at UIW. Hernandez helps others achieve their goals and works with business leaders to plan for future human capital and talent needs. Norma Valdez ’07 MA is back in San Antonio serving as regional manager for Catholic Relief Services for six states, including Texas. Martha Danielle Gunter ’07 MSN completed her Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Texas at Tyler in December 2014. Her dissertation was titled, “Social Support to Reduce Uncertainty in Childhood Cancer in South Texas: A Case Study.” She currently serves as an assistant professor in the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions at UIW. Marshall Friday ’07 BS has just joined Experis IT as a business development manager. In his new role, he will be working with the IT leaders of San Antonio and the surrounding area with professional resources along with IT solutions strategies. Diana Istre ’08 BAAS ’13 MAA officially retired from the United States Army. She completed 21-plus years of service as a health care specialist (medic) and has recently accepted a position as a recruiting manager, talent acquisition for Zachry Group, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. She is extremely excited to begin her second career with an organization that values hard work, innovation, loyalty, character, safety, and commitment to the community, not to mention, that allows her to continue to serve as her faith requires. Becky Stinemetze ’08 BA recently started working for Beltone Audiology and Hearing Aids in San Antonio as the director of marketing and business development.
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Mo Shideed ’08 MS currently owns Paciugo Gelato and Caffé in Lincoln Heights. Karina Gil ’09 BS, former president of the Chemistry Club and a presenter for The American Chemical Society, now utilizes her knowledge and skills that she acquired at UIW as a chemist in the petrochemical business at Intertek which sets trends in the global petrochemical testing business. Her responsibilities in the petrochemical business have earned her the ability to become an active voting member for American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International which sets testing regulations that affect all petrochemical compounds, materials, petroleum, biodiesels and fuels in our everyday lives. It is because of her commitment and dedication to being a leader that she became the first analytical chemist at the San Antonio location and has since been promoted to the title of chemist II. Ernesto Lozano ’09 BA is going back to school and pursuing an M.B.A. at the University of Phoenix.
2010s Corey Cooper ’10 PharmD was recently promoted to corporate director of pharmacy at Warm Springs Rehabilitation. Mitra Kermani ’10 PhD is the founder of Exchangesuite. com, a breakthrough concept in student to student book exchange through social networking via the Internet. It creates an opportunity for members to donate or exchange items directly to other members in need of books and supplies they no longer need, services (tutoring, mechanic work, and legal assistance) or other products (bus tickets, ride sharing, concert tickets and gift cards, and cleaning services, etc.).
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Martha Jasso ’11 BA ’14 MAA recently was hired at Sawtelle Financial Management as a marketing associate. Jeff Reininger ’11 BAAS joined H-E-B as a design project manager and his job responsibilities include corporate merchant coordination, design standards alignment, and design input for all H-E-B locations, both new stores and remodels.
William Goodloe ’13 BA is currently teaching special education, English and coaching defensive ends at Creekview High School in Carrollton, Texas.
Miranda Gonzaba ’12 BA ’14 MAT was offered a theatre teaching and assistant director position at Warren High School.
Gregory Knight ’13 MHA was recently recognized in the San Antonio Express-News for knocking on neighbors’ doors to wake them from a late night fire that broke out at the Blanco Crossing Townhomes complex that caused over $100,000 in damage. He currently serves as a contract specialist for U.S. Army Medical Command at Fort Sam Houston.
Frank Hernandez ’12 MA recently was hired as a credit recovery teacher and tennis coach at Lytle High School.
Sandy Arroyo ’14 BA is serving as the corporate events coordinator for Granberry Hills Event Center.
Daniel Martinez ’12 BA will begin his new job with St. Gregory the Great Catholic School as the principal.
Stephani Flores ’14 BS is now working for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in San Antonio, Texas.
Jennifer Medrano ’12 BA is now operations manager at Arise Photography, which specializes in photography for youth sports, annual school pictures, events and portraits. Mauricio Sanchez ’12 BBA is now marketing director at Client Centric Wealth Management in San Antonio, Texas. He was formerly an equities and fixed income securities broker in Midtown New York City. Carla Sorbel ’12 BS ’15 PharmD completed her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the Feik School of Pharmacy in May. Martin Padron ’12 BBA recently started working on the trade floor at Tesoro Corporation as a risk control analyst. Angel Barrera ’13 MA has started as project coordinator for Youth Ministry Services at the national Center for Ministry Development. He will be working from home in Mission, Texas.
Angel Marie Garcia ’14 BS recently was hired at McCombs Enterprises IT Department as an IT support analyst.
Martha Gonzales ’14 BA is currently working at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA) as a research associate in rheumatology. Martha Ramos ’14 BA was chosen as 2015 First Teacher of the Year at Clark High School where she teaches Spanish. Anna-Alizette Ruiz ’14 BA MA is currently the communications coordinator at Catholic Relief Services in Baltimore, Md. Michelle Lorentzen ’15 BFA is now working as a graphic arts designer producing graphic arts signage and drawings for produce at H-E-B Central Market.
Weddings and Anniversaries Arturo Mejia ’04 BBA and Carol Mejia ’02 BS ’05 MS celebrated their 10 year wedding anniversary on March 19, 2015. Lauren Michelle DeLeon ’06 BA ’14 MAA and Joseph Belden Gamez were married on March 7, 2015.
Lynette De VaughnBaker ’12 BBA ’14 MAA and her husband welcomed their new Cardinal baby boy on Feb. 2, 2015. He was 7 lbs., 11 oz., and 19.75 inches long. His name is Terrance Wilbert.
Francisco Ramon Hernandez ’09 BS ’11 MS married Roxy Duenas. Rebecca S. Ohnemus ’10 BA ’12 MAA married C. Anthony Penaloza at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on May 2, 2015.
Future Cardinals
Cristen Alicea ’03 BM and Gil Alicea III ’12 BFA are excited to announce the birth of their future Cardinal, Anthony Nicholas, born Jan. 26, 2015.
Sam Dockery ’06 BA ’09 MA and Daisy Dockery ’07 MA welcomed daughter Elizabeth Grace on Feb. 19, 2015.
In Memoriam Alice M. Bomba Gottfried ’42 RN Doris Bissett Myers ’44 BS Mattie Brangan Cook ’47 BS Joyce Mainz Stewart ’47 BA Sr. Marietta Hardiman, CCVI ’49 BA Margaret Wagner McCloskey ’50 BSN Janet Alvord Ryan ’53 BSN Annette Stamper Pessin ’53 BS Mary Helen “Mitzie” Neri ’55 BA ’60 MA Mary Yarborough Walsh ’58 BSN Mary Theresa White ’59 BS Kathleen Shelton Gorkowski ’65 BS Stella Muckenthaler ’66 BSN Sr. Mary Madeline Cannon, SHG ’66 BS Bernice Stasny Purcell ’67 HON, former trustee Helen Edith Rayson Eiserloh ’67 BA MA Teresita K. Jacinto-Oliva ’68 BA Charles E. Dasher ’71 MA Donna Coleman ’75 BSN Hilda Salazar Castro ’77 BA Kathy Ladd ’73 BA ’79 MA Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh ’80 HON Ernesto R. Rodriguez ’83 BA Doris Grace Allen McDonald ’84 BA Julianne Wallace Kuk ’85 BM Susan Kay Thornton ’91 MSN Mary Esther Rodriguez ’97 BSN Thomas Molloy, benefactor
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Robinson leaves legacy at UIW Brad Robinson, clinical coordinator of the athletic training education program, passed away on March 15, 2015, at the age of 42. UIW community members gathered in Our Lady’s Chapel on March 16 to remember Robinson and celebrate his legacy at the university. A tribute was also held on April 19 by the river on the east side of the Barshop Natatorium that included a balloon release. Robinson joined the faculty in 2004 and was instrumental in developing the Athletic Training Program, helping the program to achieve accreditation in 2009. He chaired the Undergraduate Curriculum Council for a number of years, was a member of the University Planning Committee, worked with the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions in organizing the school’s honors convocation as well as developing and maintaining the school’s website, among many other contributions to the university.
A Life Remarkable Elizabeth Browne O’Connor ’37 BA, “Bama” as she was affectionately known by her family, was a brilliant student with a photographic memory who graduated from high school at the early age of 16. The daughter of a prominent businessman and lawyer in Brownsville, Texas, her grandfather migrated from Ireland to Texas in 1829. During the Depression, she worked her way through what was then Incarnate Word College as a work study employee with administration. She graduated magna cum laude at age 21 with a major in Spanish and French. While a bilingual school teacher in Brownsville, she was recruited by the State Department in Washington D.C. and worked as an intern in the Executive Office Building adjacent to the West Wing of the White House. During this time, she had the opportunity on two occasions to brief Franklin D. Roosevelt, including passing on a personal greeting from a Texas congressman. The interns would often compete for the night watch in order to deliver cables from O’Connor on her wedding day, December 1943. 24
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O’Connor surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Europe to Roosevelt. During WWII, she was sent to the U.S. Embassy in Rio de Janeiro, where she learned Portuguese and met her husband, John O’Connor, a lawyer and undercover FBI agent. Settling in Indianapolis, she raised eight children and worked committedly with charitable, education and religious causes including serving as one of the organizing couples of St. Mary’s Child Center, a non-profit agency offering early childhood programs, in 1961. O’Connor carried a deep love for the university and, in fact, maintained a lifelong friendship with her former Incarnate Word roommate Laurita Grider Barber ’37 BA. “She was so grateful to Incarnate Word. She said it saved her life to have a college degree during a time when it wasn’t common for women to have them. She got to live a rich, full life,” said Carolyn O’Connor Ferry, O’Connor’s daughter. O’Connor passed away November 30, 2014, surrounded by loved ones. Her legacy is carried on through her family, which includes 15 grandchildren.
Produced by: University of the Incarnate Word St. Luke’s Episcopal Church & School • Theatre Nohgaku
To Be Performed in: Austin – Nov. 3, 2015, 7:30 p.m. San Antonio – Nov. 5-6, 2015, 7:30 p.m. Houston – Nov. 8, 2015, 2 p.m.
“Where Rivers
Meet” A World Premiere Event
A unique international event, “Where Rivers Meet,” a triple bill featuring “Sumida River,” a classic Japanese noh play, and Benjamin Britten’s noh-inspired one-act opera “Curlew River,” never performed together as a single production. With a special interlude by Texas Poet Laureate Carmen Tafolla.
Featured international acclaimed artists include: Members of Theatre Nohgaku, an international troupe specializing in noh Richard Emmert, professor of Asian Theatre and Music at Musashino University (Tokyo) Russell Jackson, organist and director of music at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio, Texas Jubilith Moore, a graduate of Bard College and founding member of Theatre Nohgaku Eitaro Okura, a 16th generation noh musician Kinue Oshima, one of the few professional female noh actors (Kita school)
Your support is needed for this one-of-a-kind collaboration. For sponsorship information: http://commerce.cashnet.com/UIWEM26Pay
Moment for Reflection
By Sr. Joan I. Holden, CCVI, DMin
As we travel through life, we occasionally encounter difficult people who, it seems, seek to hurt us and do us harm. Sometimes those hurts stay with us for a long, long time. What do we do with such deep and lasting hurts? Perhaps our first thought is to get even, to inflict pain in return. Psychologists encourage us to shake it off, to refuse to carry that pain within our hearts; it has the power to destroy our happiness – our ability to live life to its fullness. However, if we carefully listen to the Gospel message, we would hear Christ’s call to do the impossible. In no uncertain terms, He tells us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hate us and to pray for those who mistreat us. (Luke 6:27) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. echoed Christ’s teaching by reminding us that we do not dispel darkness with darkness – only light can do that. Nor, can we dispel hatred with hatred, only love can do that. As we meet for prayer, let us remember this and pray aloud for our enemies as Jesus did, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Today, Christians are being persecuted because of their faith. Our neighbors are often ignored or rejected because of the uniqueness of their creation. Genesis reminds us that God created us good - not perfect, but good. Years ago, a group of American businessmen visiting in Calcutta asked Mother Teresa what they could do to make this world a better place. She simply responded: “What I can do, you cannot do. What you can do, I cannot do. What we all can do to make this world better, is to smile at one another.” Let us make our world a better place by praying for one another, especially for those who do us harm and by extending a sincere smile - incarnating God’s love to those in need. Let us do the impossible, just one day at a time. THE WORD | SUMMER 2015
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university collective Dr. Stephanie Boswell, associate professor of psychology, had her article, “Effects of aging and adult development education and service learning on attitude, anxiety, and occupational interest,” published in “The Journal of Effective Teaching.”
Paso (UTEP) Annual National Security Colloquium: Cyber Threats to the U.S. Government and Private Sectors. Gonzalez’ presentation, “A 360 Approach to Cyber Security,” provided an interdisciplinary approach to designing and developing cyber security curriculum involving various university-wide resources; federal, state, and local level resources; and, most of all, the voice of the student.
Under the direction of Dr. Janice Dvorkin, associate professor of music and director of the music therapy program, the Music Therapy Services Center is now open. The center is offering clinical sessions to the community and students have begun working with patients.
On Feb. 24, William Gokelman, professor and chair of music, was awarded the Catholic Television of San Antonio Leadership Award for use of the media (music) for evangelization. He was honored for his many contributions to Catholic liturgical music, with co-composer David Kauffman. Their works include the “Mass of Renewal,” “Musical Moses and Burning Within,” and several collections of music for worship.
Dr. Matthew Gonzalez, UIW Online assistant professor, was invited in March to speak at the University of Texas at El On April 21, UIW hosted its annual Faculty Appreciation Luncheon. Faculty awards and recognition included: President’s Teaching Award: • Dr. Scott Dittloff, associate professor of government and international affairs
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The 16-week Kayaking Class, PEHP 1199, concluded with a river kayaking trip on the San Marcos River. The class of nine students and instructor, Scott LeBlanc, director of recreation, sport and wellness, embarked on a three hour paddle on April 17. Despite rain and
cooler temperatures, all participants successfully navigated the river from San Marcos to Martindale, Texas. For over five years, the course has been offered through the Human Performance Department at UIW and taught in the Natatorium. The course follows the guidelines of the American Canoe Association Essentials to River Kayaking and Essentials to Kayak Touring. Dr. Patricia Lonchar, newly-recognized professor emerita of English, had her chapter “The Right Word:
• Dr. Theresa Martines, assistant professor of mathematics • Dr. Ana Vallor, assistant professor of biology
Emeritus Awardees: • Dr. Judith Beauford, professor emerita of education • Dr. Robert Connelly, Moody Professor of professor emeritus of Teacher Education: • Dr. Elda Martinez, Dreeben philosophy School of Education director • Dr. Jennifer Cook, professor emerita of nursing of teacher education • Dr. Denise Doyle, provost Provost’s Legacy Teaching emerita • Dr. Sara Kerr, professor Awards: emerita of biology • Dr. Reid Fisher, assistant professor of athletic training • Dr. Patricia Lonchar, professor emerita of English • Dr. Georgen Guerrero, • Dr. Eula Pines, professor assistant professor of emerita of nursing sociology and criminal • Dr. Michael Risku, professor justice emeritus of education 26
Dr. Vess Johnson, assistant professor of business administration, presented his papers “The Impact of Privacy Risk on M-Payment Service Adoption,” Johnson, V., Torres, R. and Negahban, A. (2015), at the 2015 Security Conference; and “Use of Snowball Sampling to Investigate How the Structure of Incentive Plans Impact Business and IT Alignment,” Johnson, V. (2015), at the 2015 Southwest Decision Science Institute Conference. He also presented “2014 IT Trend Study: Issues, Investments, Concerns, and Practices of Organizations and their IT Executives,” Kappelman, L., McLean, E., Johnson, V. and Gerhart, N. (2015), at the 2015 UIW Research Week.
Current 2015 emeritus awardees as well as previous awardees. • Dr. William Thomann, professor emeritus of geology Faculty Awarded Sabbaticals for 2014-15: • Dr. Veronica Acosta, associate professor of
biology, Spring 2016 • Dr. Maria Felix-Ortiz, associate professor of psychology, Fall 2015 Spring 2016 • Dr. Lopita Nath, associate professor of history, Spring 2016
university collective Why Do Words Have Power” published in “The Power of the Word: The Sacred and Profane,” edited by Dr. Patsy J. Daniels, and released in April 2015. Using a rhetorical lens, Lonchar explored how writers inject power into texts by word choice, strategic spacing and punctuation. Included in the chapter is an extensive analysis of the many translations of “Beowulf,” including the 2014 publication of Tolkien’s translation and his accompanying notes. Lonchar also referenced the special analysis of the word “yrfa” in the “Beowulf ” poem completed by colleague Dr. Chris Paris, professor emeritus of English. Dr. Emily Clark, associate professor of English, also had a chapter, “The Nontraditional Speakerly Text: Signifyin(g) in Derek Wolcott’s Omeros and V. S. Naipaul’s A House for Mr. Biswas,” published in “The Power of the Word: The Sacred and Profane.” The book is available on Amazon. In March, Dr. Robyn Madson, founding dean of UIW’s School of Osteopathic Medicine, was honored as a fellow of the American College
of Osteopathic Family Physicians (FACOFP). FACOFP recognizes experience, dedication and contributions of the highest order to the advancement of osteopathic family medicine. The fellow designation, presented annually since 1976, awards those who have contributed outstanding national, state and local service through teaching, authorship, research or professional leadership. Tim Metcalf, athletic eligibility certification official, competed in the United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Texas State Meet, held at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, on April 18. This served as a qualifying meet for both the USPA Nationals in the summer, as well as a qualifier for the World Championships in the fall. He won the Masters 50-54 year old age group (181 pound weight class) in both the Bench Press and the Deadlift, setting Texas State records in each. He lifted 112.5 kilos/248 pounds in the Bench Press and 148.5 kilos/328 pounds in the Deadlift. Metcalf lifted again in June in Austin and in July in San Antonio at the Jill Mills Classic. Between North Carolina and Texas, he now has 10 state titles as well as 10 American/National titles and 15 World titles.
Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI, professor of religious studies, recently celebrated her Golden Jubilee, 50 years of consecrated service to the Incarnate Word. Hosted by the General Leadership Team, March 13-16, the CCVI Jubilarians of 2015 spent the weekend reminiscing with their fellow Sisters marking 75, 60, 50 and 25 years of service. Most notably, the weekend included a celebration of the Eucharist in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word with the renewal of religious vows. A special lunch was served following the Mass in the Brackenridge Villa, the CCVI’s first Motherhouse in San Antonio, Texas. Alumnae who also celebrated 50 years included Sr. Ritamary Corso, CCVI ’74 BA; Sr. Feliciana Mejia, CCVI ’75 BA; Sr. Michele O’Brien, CCVI ’67 BSN; and Sr. Bernadine Prendergast, CCVI ’74 BSN ’98 MSN.
On March 25, Incarnate Word Day, Dr. Glenn James, associate provost, was awarded the 2015 CCVI Spirit Award. The award recognizes a member of the faculty, administration, or staff who has demonstrated in service to the university and/or to the broader civic community the spirit of the founders, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The 2015 Student CCVI Spirit Award was presented to UIW student Jon Johnston. The student recipient is recognized by peers, faculty and staff as living the Mission of the Sisters. Margaret Mitchell, professor of theatre arts, will serve as guest editor of the Fall 2015 issue of “Theatre Design and Technology,” a journal for design, production, and technology professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry. The journal is published four times per year by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). In February 2014, Associate Professor of History Dr. Lopita Nath’s exhibit “Is this my Shangrila? Life in a Bhutanese Refugee Camp” was displayed at the Institute of Texan Cultures. The exhibit is currently on display at Mabee Library and showcases photographs taken during her visit to the Refugee Camps in Nepal and depicts the hardships and resilience of life in the refugee camps. In February 2015, the Smithsonian exhibit “Sikhs: Legacy of The Punjab,” opened at the Institute of Texan Cultures; Nath conducted the research for the section “Sikhs in Texas.” On Oct. 30, Nath presented her Moody Lecture at UIW on her research topic entitled, “Seeking Shangri-la: Pathways to Assimi-
lation” and presented the same lecture at Our Lady of the Lake University in January. In March, she was invited to present on her research on “Challenges of Bhutanese Refugee Resettlement in the United States” at UTSA for Women’s History Month. She also presented her paper “In Search of Shangri-la: Challenges of Bhutanese Refugee Resettlement in the United States” in April at the Southwest Historical Association at the Annual Conference of the Southwest Social Science Association in Denver, Colo. In November, she presented on “Interfaith Initiatives in the Bible Belt” at the NAFSA Regional Conference, Fort Worth, Texas, on a panel organized by the International Scholar and Student Services. Dr. Sreerenjini Nair, assistant professor of physics, had his paper, “Swarm Intelligence for the Control of a Group of Robots,” accepted for the 10th Annual System of Systems Engineering IEEE National Conference, May 17-20, 2015, San Antonio, Texas. Co-authors: Dr. Michael T. Frye, UIW associate professor of engineering, Eric M. Coronado, and Yong Qin.
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UPCOMING
EVENTS First Home Game: UIW Football vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville, Saturday, Sept. 5, Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium UIW Men’s Soccer vs. UIW Mexico, Friday, Sept. 25, Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium UIW Men’s Soccer vs. UIW Soccer Alumni, Sunday, Sept. 27, Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium Light the Way, Saturday, Nov. 21, Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium
ALUMNI EVENTS Information & registration for all alumni events can be found at the Cardinals’ Nest at www.uiwalumni.org Alumni & Family Homecoming Save the date for Oct. 22-25! Mark your calendar and come visit UIW. Our Alumni & Family Homecoming has an event for everyone! Make sure to visit the alumni and parent website at www.uiwalumni.org for more information! Important alumni dates for Fall 2015 Saturday, Sept. 5 – UIW Red Zone Tailgate Saturday, Sept. 19 – UIW Red Zone Tailgate Saturday, Oct. 3 – UIW Red Zone Tailgate Friday, Oct. 23 – Alumni Wine & Cheese Saturday, Oct. 24 – UIW Homecoming Tailgate Sunday, Oct. 25 – Trunk or Treat, Alumni Memorial Mass Saturday, Nov. 14 – UIW Red Zone Tailgate 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 Cardinals’ 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 and we can help you sign in.
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A Lasting Tribute to a Legacy of Giving By Mendell Morgan, Library Dean Emeritus
Pinner celebrates her 90th birthday and a scholarship honoring her and her husband.
M
ary Helen Devine Pinner ’46 BA (Pinkie to her friends) often says she is “the richest kid on the block.” So…what do you give the richest kid on the block to celebrate a milestone birthday? For a lady who has everything and has given so generously to her family, friends, charities and the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), several agreed she needed a scholarship. Not for her, of course, but one that would honor her and her late husband Bill for lifetimes of giving to help other people in countless ways. Several years ago the idea was born and took shape with a letter campaign to her many friends inviting contributions to fund a scholarship in their names. After all, they had already given three scholarships honoring Sr. Mary Helen Probst, CCVI, Dr. Richard McCracken, dean of alumni emeritus, and Cameron Redus. They also gave an endowment to the J. E. and L. E. Mabee Library in honor of Mendell Morgan on his retirement as library dean. It seemed only fitting that the wonderful example of their giving should generate a scholarship to carry out their legacy and go on touching the lives of many future students in a positive way, just as the Pinners have always done. The goal was reached in early 2015 and the scholarship announced at a 90th birthday party celebration honoring Pinkie. Surrounded by dear friends, this lovely lady got the gift of something the richest kid did not already have: a lasting tribute to her and Bill that will perpetuate their spirit of generosity. Pinkie, who had an extensive career in design and event planning, holds a place in her heart for a particular area of study. “I majored in German hoping it would be useful, but given my career, I wish it had been in design,” said Pinner. Thus, the scholarship has been designated for the area of fashion design.
University of the Incarnate Word 4301 Broadway San Antonio, Texas 78209
Guests were inspired to pull out those old leg warmers and parachute pants and “Dance with Somebody” at this year’s “Throw Back to the 80s” themed Swing-In Auction Party and Golf Tournament. Nearly 500 guests attended the auction party on April 30 in the McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room and more than 250 golfers participated in the golf tournament held at Republic Golf Club on May 1. Approximately $395,000 was raised for scholarships. Thank you to all who made the 38th annual Swing-In such a totally awesome success!
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