The Word Fall 2021

Fall 2021

RISING

FROM THE PANDEMIC

NEW PARTNERSHIPS

GREATER GOOD

A FOND FAREWELL

New Opportunities for Community Students

Mission-Driven Athletics

Dr. Robyn Phillips-Madson

Page 4

Page 28

Inside Back Cover

First WORDS

Running back Marcus Cooper and offensive lineman Nash Jones celebrate a touchdown that contributed to the biggest win in program history on Sept. 18. The University of the Incarnate Word traveled to FBS opponent Texas State University and walked away with a 42-34 victory in front of more than 16,000 fans, many of whom were cheering for the Cardinals!

THE WORD

CONTENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 Up Front

University news, here and abroad

16 Living the Word

Celebrations and reflections on the UIW Mission

20 Class Notes

Happy announcements and

milestones from our alumni

26 University Collective

Awards, achievements and publications from our faculty and staff

28 Cardinal Athletics

Cheer on your teams, coaches and stellar athletes

32 Calendar

Save the date

Inside Parting Words back A closing thought from the UIW cover community

FEATURES 10 Rising From the Pandemic

We are Cardinal strong! A resilient community and groundbreaking efforts throughout 2020 and 2021 allow us to fly higher than ever.

14 The Cardinal Evolution

New technologies have broken down barriers to education and made even more possible.

UIW leaps forward with important upgrades and program expansions.

28 Living the Mission and

Operating as One Word

Athletic Director Richard Duran leads the department in living the Mission and core values of the University.

On the Cover: UIW's Broadway campus is buzzing with activity as more students returned this fall.

Do you know someone interested in attending UIW? For more information on what UIW has to offer or to schedule a campus visit, go to uiw.edu/admissions

welcome message

From the President

Dear Friends, I am so pleased to welcome you, once again, to a new edition of The Word. Its return to your mailboxes, like the restart of some of our other favorite University traditions and hallmarks, feels familiar and much-missed, if a bit different.

Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic changed much for our UIW community, as it did for the world. From the start, we worked diligently toward the safety of our community, relying on our Mission and core values to guide us toward establishing innovative ways of learning and connecting. Whether we recognized it at the time or not, our unique heritage prepared us in many ways for times like these. We took inspiration from our founders, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and their “heart for others” as we endeavored to be the Word in the world.

Now, two years from the start of the pandemic, I see the outcomes of this approach every day. Across our campuses, we are moving forward with more kindness, a greater understanding of our responsibility to one another, and an even stronger determination to respond when we are called and help when we are needed.

In the coming pages, you will find stories highlighting the spirit and resolve of our tireless faculty, devoted staff, stalwart friends and resilient Cardinals. These tales illustrate that at UIW, we met crisis with compassion and obstacles with innovation. We are all the stronger for it.

Praised be the Incarnate Word!

Thomas M. Evans, PhD President

From the Editor Dear Friends, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring you the long-awaited Fall 2021 edition of The Word. We have all missed those things that are consistent over the last two years, and with this edition we celebrate rising from the pandemic: better, stronger, and with an enhanced love of our community.

UIW, like many institutions, has grown and evolved as a result of the pandemic, and while it is not over, we have learned so much personally, professionally, as a local community and as global citizens. In this issue we remember those we have lost (p. 24), we recognize the great commitment of our community (p. 10), we celebrate a more vibrant campus life and our evolving University (p. 14). We recognize that service to others is at the core of our Mission as we follow a similar path as our founding Sisters, who also responded to a pandemic (p.16).

Despite the pandemic, alumni (p.20) and faculty (p. 26) continue to accomplish great things. We welcome new future Cardinals to our world (p. 23) and we wish newlywed 2

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Cardinals’ blessings for a prosperous and healthy future (p. 24).

I hope this edition reminds you that you are a significant member of a caring Cardinal community. We pray for you daily and we want only the very best for you always! If you have a story you would like to share with us, we would love to hear it. Email us at pr@uiwtx.edu and share a treasured memory, an example of how you live the Mission, or a personal milestone so we can celebrate you.

May you and yours be blessed today and always,

Stephanie Denning Editor

Fall 2021

A publication of the Office of Communications & Brand Marketing

THE WORD ONLINE THEWORDONLINE.ORG

Director Margaret Garcia Editor Stephanie Denning Art Director Michael Hood, MA '16 Photography Robin Jerstad Ed Ornelas Michael Hood Contributing Writers Michael Valdes Cari Gold Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez

Advisory Committee Vice President of External Affairs Rick Kimbrough Vice President of Mission and Ministry Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI Director of Communications & Brand Marketing Margaret Garcia Director of Presidential Communications Marissa Rodriguez Dean of Alumni & Parent Relations Dr. Lisa McNary, BA '91, MA '95 Director of Printing Services and Graphic Design Michael Hood, MA '16 Communications and Content Manager Stephanie Denning For correspondence or to change your address: pr@uiwtx.edu

Copyright 2021 This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without expressed written permission from the University of the Incarnate Word.

The UIW community is committed to service.

@UIWCardinals Find campus news, stories and watch live coverage of special events.

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@UIWCardinals Get the latest event updates and join the conversation with the hashtag #UIWPride.

Missed an Issue?

Look back at treasured memories, alumni milestones and favorite stories online at thewordonline.org/previous-issues.

Find EVERY edition published since 2001.

Happy reading.

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UP FRONT

UIW Builds Partnerships In the last year, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) has formed some wonderful partnerships with surrounding schools to advance opportunities for future students.

In September 2020, UIW and St. Edward’s University in Austin entered into a series of memorandums of understanding that will eventually benefit the health and safety of residents throughout Central and South Texas. Under the agreements, UIW will offer guaranteed interview spots and seats in each cohort for qualified students from St. Edward’s University in UIW’s schools of Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, Optometry and Physical Therapy.

“Healthcare is a founding cornerstone of the University of the Incarnate Word,” said Dr. Barbara Aranda-Naranjo, Chief Academic Officer and provost, “The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word were called to action during an epidemic and serving the healthcare needs of our communities has been our calling ever since. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers are needed to serve in vulnerable population communities and this agreement between St. Edward’s and UIW will ensure there will be health care providers to work with these populations.”

Later that month, UIW and Rust College entered into a similar series of memorandums of understanding that will help pave the way for Rust College students to realize their dreams of careers in healthcare. Under the agreements, UIW will offer guaranteed interview spots and seats in each cohort for qualified students from Rust College in UIW’s schools of Osteopathic Medicine, Pharmacy, Optometry and Physical Therapy. The programs collectively will be known as UIW Health Professions Pathway.

“This partnership, which is our first of its kind with a HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), is truly a blessing for the University of the Incarnate Word,” said Dr. Thomas M. Evans, UIW president. “We are excited to extend opportunities for Rust College graduates to pursue professional degrees in healthcare via these unique pathways.

These agreements will bring future leaders in health professions to UIW for study and, in turn, help to make our communities a better place as graduates.”

Lastly, in March 2021, UIW and Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) entered into a series of memorandums of understanding that will allow for students at each institution to have the

Pharmacy Students Tie for No. 1 in State of Texas on National Exam UIW is proud to announce that graduating students at the Feik School of Pharmacy tied for the No. 1 passing rate in the state of Texas in the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). The 96.2% pass rate this year is the second highest in the history of the school and ranked the school No. 12 in the nation for 2020. This is out of 140 schools ranked by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

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opportunity to further their education by attending the other in the areas of health professions and graduate studies.

“This series of agreements reflects a shared commitment to developing creative partnerships which emphasize the academic strengths and programs of each of our institutions to mutually advance higher education opportunities for traditionally underserved populations,” said Evans. “In the past year, we have learned first-hand that our frontline healthcare workers have been critical in the battle against this pandemic. More people are answering the call to serve their communities as healthcare providers in this ongoing struggle now and in the years to come. We welcome OLLU students to the University of the Incarnate Word’s health professional schools and are excited to help guide them on their journeys to serve our communities as knowledgeable and compassionate doctors, optometrists, physical therapists and pharmacists. In addition, UIW students will benefit from gaining access to these nationally recognized psychology and social work master’s degree programs available at OLLU and, as a result, become better caretakers of the mental health and well-being of their patients.”

UP FRONT

High MarkS

UIW earns new accolades and places on top colleges lists

TOP ADULT PROGRAM

School of Osteopathic Medicine Graduated Inaugural Class In May, the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class of Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) The 137 graduates crossed the stage at Benson Stadium.

“This was a historic moment, not only for our University community, but for the future of healthcare,” said Dr. Thomas M. Evans, UIW president. “This class has the unique distinction of being the first class of D.O.s to be formed in the Mission of UIW, graduate from UIWSOM and prepare for their role as caring osteopathic physicians during a global pandemic. The resilience and dedication to service shown by each graduate is only further proof that this generation of osteopathic physicians will make real, tangible impacts on the lives of their patients and the communities in which they serve.”

The UIWSOM inaugural class will now move on to their residencies where they will spend the next three to seven years in training, depending on their specialties.

Fifty-five percent of the Class of 2021 will spend their time in primary care specialties, including internal medicine, pediatrics and family medicine. Many will work to provide care in Texas, with eighty-four graduates landing residencies in the state.

Eight graduates are military service members in the Army and Navy who will serve our country.

UIW was recognized as a Top Adult Degree Program by the online site Abound.college in March of 2021. The site recognized UIW's achievement in helping non-traditional students in four areas: accessibility, affordability, acceleration, and advancement.

Rather than focusing on rankings, Abound.college states they focused on the things that matter most to students: flexible classes and services, affordable courses, a range of quality programs and degrees that help students advance in their field.

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The website Animationcareerreview.com has ranked UIW No. 4 in the category of Top Animation School Programs in Texas and ranked it No. 24 in the nation in the category of Top 25 Schools and Colleges with Game Design BFA Programs.

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The national website Military Times has ranked UIW among the tops in the nation in its service to the military. UIW ranked No. 4 in the Southwest, No. 6 in private not-for-profit institutions, and No. 43 in the overall rankings nationwide in the website’s annual “Best for Vets” listing.

13 NUMBER

The national website Intelligent.com has ranked the UIW Master of Administration with a concentration of Industrial and Organizational Psychology program as one of the Best Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs for 2021. UIW was ranked No. 13 in the nation and ranked as the Best Catholic Institution.

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The Feik School of Pharmacy has ranked No. 2 in the nation by the online publication GradReports.com. The rankings are based on the median salary graduates have reported one year after leaving their respective programs.

UIW has ranked in several categories in the 2022 Best Colleges list published by U.S. News and World Report. UIW ranked No. 263 on the Best Colleges National list, up nine spots from last year. UIW is the highest ranked local university on the national list. This is just the third year that UIW has been ranked on the national list.

UIW also ranked No. 41 in Social Mobility, up three spots from last year, and, for the first time, the publication ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs where UIW came in at No. 183 among national universities.

BEST COLLEGES

7

NUMBER For the second year in a row, the Nursing Program

has been ranked in the top 10 in the state of Texas by a national website. RegisteredNursing.org recently published it’s 2020 state-by-state tops list and ranked UIW No. 7 in Texas, up from No. 9 in 2019.

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UP FRONT

UIW Students in US and Mexico Partner to Launch Free-Trade Startup

UIWtv Wins First-Ever Emmys UIWtv students were thrilled to be recognized with Emmys for their outstanding achievements recently. The first Emmy was awarded in the category of Public Service Announcement (PSA) and the second in the category of Magazine Program.

“I’m extremely proud of our students for excelling in their craft,” said Theresa Coronado, Communication Arts instructor. “It’s a privilege to guide them in their filmmaking endeavors and witness their achievements.”

“I am incredibly astonished,” said Antonio Bocanegra, who received the Emmy for his PSA titled “Self-Isolation.” Bocanegra produced the 60-second PSA about dealing with COVID-19 self-isolation while he himself was battling through a COVID-19 diagnosis. “My whole household tested positive and I felt how self-isolation affects oneself,” added Bocanegra. “I wanted to inform others what to do during self-isolation. The goal of the PSA was to educate the public on why self-isolation is necessary during any health crisis, what activities you can do, and how to get support from national and local resources to manage your emotions and stability.”

The second Emmy award went to students at UIWtv who produced a 30-minute magazine program called “Cardstock” which highlighted programs and services offered at UIW. The show aired on the City of San Antonio’s TVSA-Education channel.

“It’s absolutely amazing. I’m ecstatic!” said "Cardstock" co-host Jacob Martinez. “This is the result of passionate individuals who were placed in the studio to make magic happen. Winning this Emmy to me is just absolutely phenomenal.”

The PSA was part of Bocanegra’s final assignment in Video Production I and the magazine program was part of the Spring 2020 Video Production II class.

Additionally, UIWtv followed up by winning five awards in October 2021 from the Lone Star Emmy Educational Foundation. Those included: • Best College Director - Antonio Bocanegra II, Alyssa Munoz • Best College News General Assignment/Light Story - Joy Burgin • Best College Talent - Joy Burgin • Best College PSA - Serin Gupta • Best College Animation/Graphics/Special Effects - Antonio Bocanegra II

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Students from UIW in San Antonio and UIW Campus Bajío in Irapuato, Mexico, engaged in class together virtually during the Spring 2021 semester – a first for the University. With help from local organizations and mentors on both sides of the border, students established working relationships with the indigenous Chicimeca people, who reside in the present-day Bajío region of Mexico, to acquire, transport and sell their handmade artisan goods in the United States while maintaining fair-trade standards.

The Startup Models Beyond Borders class teaches students the steps and processes involved in creating, funding and operating a startup business in emerging markets. Additionally, the class gave students the experiential learning opportunity of launching their own startup with the help of mentors and community partners in the U.S. and Mexico.

Each team of students received $1,500 in funding through the Office of the Provost.

Capitalizing on the business connections made to the Chicimeca community, students purchased handmade artisan products such as musical instruments and figurines. Teams then arranged for the packing and shipping of the products across the border, where they were sold to consumers in the United States.

UP FRONT

UIW Honors CCVI with Founders Hall The University of the Incarnate Word named 4119 Broadway, formerly the AT&T building, Founders Hall in honor of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. On November 23, 2020 this newly named building was adorned with the UIW Logo and it's new mission was born.

The building is the home of the Liza and Jack Lewis III Institute of the Americas.

The Institute was established to promote

better relations among the people and nations of the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Central and South America through cooperative study, research, service and dialogue. Additionally, Founders Hall is the new home of multiple UIW departments. As renovations continue, we look forward to all the future activity in this 350,000 square feet building.

UIW Strides Towards a Major South Side Medical Service Area UIW has taken the next step toward the establishment of a major medical campus in the traditionally medically underserved community on the south side of San Antonio. In October 2020, the University announced the purchase of four buildings on the Brooks Campus, currently home to the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine. The University also purchased three additional adjacent buildings to facilitate the expansion of UIW’s other health professions programs, which are currently located throughout San Antonio.

“Just as UIW's Broadway campus is steeped in sacred history, Brooks is as well,” said Dr. Robyn Phillips-Madson, founding dean, UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine.

“To be located at the former U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, which was dedicated by JFK the day before his assassination, and where so many flight surgeons were trained, and space and medical related discoveries took place, is an honor. To partner with the Brooks Development team and all of the people and businesses who work, live, play and learn in this dynamic part of San Antonio is a privilege. And to serve this vibrant and deserving community is a blessing.”

With this expansion, UIW will now occupy seven buildings covering 23.5 acres at Brooks totaling 265,000 square feet of building space. This acquisition of land and buildings solidifies the importance of the

UIW Brooks Campus as a fundamental piece of the University’s long-term Campus Master Plan. Furthermore, it continues to strengthen the UIW commitment to the underserved south side of San Antonio, again elevating UIW ministries of education and healthcare to the next level.

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faculty

A lifetime of Teaching, A legacy of Learning The Dr. Mike McGuire Scholarship Endowment for Mission-Inspired Business Leadership seeks to leave a Legacy of Mission

“

By Michael Valdes

The spirit, the very beautiful, caring spirit of the Incarnate Word, is the first step towards good living.

“

So says Dr. Michael McGuire, and it is in that spirit that McGuire spent 31 years as a professor of economics at the University of the Incarnate Word. It is in the legacy of that spirit that McGuire and his wife, Patience, also a retired educator, have established the Dr. Mike McGuire Scholarship Endowment for Mission-Inspired Business Leadership. The $300,000 endowment will allow for a $10,000 scholarship to be awarded to one business student every year. Recipients of this scholarship must not only show accomplishment in

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the classroom, but a true understanding of the Mission of UIW. “I came to Incarnate Word because it is a Christian university, and the Mission is a very exciting Mission – to contribute to building the Kingdom of God on Earth, which for me means family,” says McGuire. “We start the Lord’s Prayer with ‘Our Father.’ We all have one Father. We’re all brothers and sisters. We should have a system, a world, in which we are living together as brothers and sisters. The mission of a Christian university is to contribute to building that world, and I think it’s wonderful to be able to participate in a university that does that.”

McGuire’s understanding of mission came early in his career. It was a trip to Central America as a student at Saint Louis University that fostered what would become the focus of his research and life’s work: the public finance of satisfying the basic needs of society’s neediest people.

McGuire believes business plays a vital role in society. It’s that idea that he brought to the classroom, placing an emphasis on the Christian call to support the poor.

He has always encouraged his students to fulfill this call through ethical business practices.

In 2000, McGuire was selected as the Moody Professor, the highest faculty honor bestowed by UIW. He was also recognized in 2005 with the CCVI Spirit Award. And it is that type of dedication to the Mission that McGuire hopes scholarship recipients will come to exemplify.

“It is such a blessing to have the support of people like Dr. Mike McGuire and his wife, Patience, who embrace and live the Mission of UIW,” says Dr. Thomas M.

Evans, UIW president. “Beyond the noble purpose of supporting students along their journeys, the McGuires also hope to contribute to social good. Dr. McGuire once shared with me his philosophies that the work of business is entrepreneurial, but also very much about social justice and that a good business person is a wonderful gift to society. It is this kind of Missionmindedness that sets this endowment apart and will foster the development of ethical leadership in future business professionals.”

The endowment not only asks students to excel in the classroom, it asks them to experience the Mission of UIW in a whole new way. Each scholarship recipient must study several documents including the UIW Mission Statement and the Encyclical Letter on Care for Our Common Home written by Pope Francis. The student must also commit to 25 hours of service in the community. Then, based on those documents and their service, the student will write, present and offer for publication a paper or case study, that incorporates their experiences. The paper will be presented at an awards ceremony at the end of the year.

“We wanted to make an investment that would promote thinking about an inviting spirit of the Incarnate Word because that will then lead to good business action, which is a powerhouse,” says McGuire.

“Businessmen have a tremendous power to do good in the world. They just need to start with the right spirit and put it into action.”

T

his is a time

to cherish family and friends, to serve those in need, to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a wonderful opportunity to focus on our call to love. In loving each other, we become the Word.

Sister Ma rtha Ann Kirk , CCVI Profess

or Emerit a, College of Humanitie s, Arts, and Social Scie nces and Ettlin gC Civic Lead enter for ership and Susta inability

UIW GIVING HIGHLIGHTS 2020 $10.875 million grant was awarded by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to UIWSOM for residencies. $2.879 million grant was awarded by the Department of Education - Title V Hispanic Serving Institution for an enrollment management and student services mentoring program focused on financial literacy, integrated guidance, and health care professions career pathways. $1.399 million grant was awarded by the Department of Education for Enrollment management and student services including TRIO Student Support Services. $1 million was gifted to the Richard Spencer Lewis Memorial Scholarship for nursing scholarships. $6.465 million dispensed over five years was awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Nursing and Physical Therapy Scholarships to support disadvantaged and under-represented minority students. $5 million was gifted for the Liza & Jack Lewis III Institute of the Americas at Founders Hall. The program will promote better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Mexico, Canada, Central and South America through cooperative study, research, service, and dialogue.

To make your gift today, or to learn about even more opportunities to support UIW, visit uiw.edu/give or call (210) 829-6013.

It is in this spirit that I ask you to consider a gift to the University.

Join me this holiday season in making a gift to the University of the Incarnate Word Annual Scholarship Fund!

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COVER STORY

RISING

FROM THE PANDEMIC Recognition, Response & Revelation

By Stephanie Denning

S

upporting a community while protecting your own is a challenge that is tough to accomplish, and yet this is exactly what UIW has done throughout the pandemic. From the Incident Command team, who started to discuss this surfacing virus as a threat back in January 2020, to on-campus mobile testing, to vaccine clinics, to creating the MOM (Mobile Osteopathic Medicine) Unit, UIW has proven not only its commitment to its own, but also its dedication to the wellbeing of the greater San Antonio community.

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COVER STORY

RECOGNITION:

A PANDEMIC ENSUES Dr. Ronda Gottlieb, UIW director of Clinical Health, has been part of UIW’s team of first responders since the onset of the pandemic. As she recounts, “On Jan. 9, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a mysterious coronavirus-related pneumonia in Wuhan, China. At that point, cases were very low in China, but on January 20, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began screening for Coronavirus at three U.S. international airports. When the first confirmed U.S. case of COVID-19 was identified in Washington state, the UIW Incident Command team began officially meeting. Soon after our initial meeting, the WHO issued a global health emergency.

We knew this was serious because it was only the sixth time this had ever happened. Prior events include the H1N1 influenza pandemic, Ebola outbreak, and most recently Zika.”

Gottlieb continued, "The preliminary response for UIW’s Incident Response team was to review and update UIW’s Pandemic Response Plan to include COVID-19. We also had a core group of individuals from UIW’s Safety, Emergency Management, Facilities and the Medical Team attending the city of San Antonio’s Emergency Management meetings. From there we had subcommittees that reviewed air quality, personal protective equipment supplies, and medical treatment, and a quarantine and isolation plan was created. In addition, the Office of Communications and Brand Marketing created and issued messaging to the community.. Transitioning to virtual education and services was seamless in the early days of the pandemic. UIW’s faculty and support services were pros and many already had experience in virtual education and services.”

RESPONSE: TESTING AND TREATMENT TAKE A TURN With that transition to virtual learning and the movement of employees both on and off campuses, UIW found an essential component to community safety included providing easy access to COVID-19 testing.

The University of the Incarnate Word has hosted two free COVID-19 testing sites since November 2020. The main campus, located at Broadway and Hildebrand and the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) both provided walk-up testing with results that were available within 36-48 hours. The Curative testing sites are still available to the UIW community as well as the general public.

Following in the footsteps of our founding Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the UIW community was then able to support both internal and external patients. Gottlieb said, “In UIW Health Services, we had to learn how to become telemedicine providers in two days. We were fortunate to have resources within UIW that helped us smoothly

Dr. Ronda Gottlieb performs an examination.

transition, but we have learned that telemedicine is a valuable resource for students who are part of the Health Profession programs or students who do not come to the Broadway campus often. We also found it to be a huge benefit for patients who are diagnosed with COVID-19. Telemedicine allows us to visibly assess the progress of someone diagnosed with COVID-19 without risking exposure to other patients and staff.”

But those in UIW leadership were not the only ones stepping up. Students also took on a new role. As a UIWSOM student, TJ Counce got a crash course in what it is like to treat a patient in the “hands-off ” world of telehealth. “As a medical student, I understand how useful it is for the provider to be able to gather a history and perform a physical exam in person,” said Counce.

“You can’t listen to the abdomen or percuss someone’s chest over Zoom. But we all have to adapt and do the best we can.

And right now, the ‘best we can’ may be turning out to be much better than expected.”

“Medical providers are trained to use all of their senses to treat patients, so the limited ability to touch, see, and hear has been a unique learning curve,” said Gottlieb. “We have had to become creative and teach our patients some assessment skills T H E W O R D | FA L L 2 0 2 1

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COVER STORY like how to palpate an abdomen, how to assess an ear for specific pain, and how to assess for edema. Telemedicine has been available for over 30 years, so thankfully there are a lot of well written resources for it.”

Also, over the course of the last 30 years, there has been a huge leap in teleconference technology. Today, many patients and doctors have easy access to technology that allows high-quality video conferencing.

Add to that the fact that doctors can more regularly check on a patient’s progress using telehealth and do so in a way that, often, requires less time and money.

As for a medical student like Counce, telehealth is evolving into just one more lesson to be learned as a doctor in training. A sign of the times that is likely to be the new normal in the years to come and a chance to turn bedside manner, into webside manner.

RESPONSE: VACCINATION BECOMES VITAL As months progressed and the coronavirus continued to impact communities all over the world, many people anxiously waited for a vaccine. Beginning in late Fall 2020, Dr. Linda Hook, assistant professor of Nursing, began working with her team to create a vaccination plan. The first response was to provide vaccinations to UIW faculty and community members in close contact with the faculty. Those individuals were vaccinated at Founders Hall and, in total, approximately 2,000 first and second doses were administered in Spring 2021.

Next, Hook and her team met with city health officials. UIW was asked to focus its vaccination efforts on San Antonio's south and east side.

Since then, those teams have taken part in numerous vaccination events. In April 2021, at least three dozen UIW students from the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing, Feik School of Pharmacy and UIWSOM along with over 100 volunteers, participated in a COVID-19 12 T H E W O R D | F A L L 2 0 2 1

Vaccination clinic held at Founder's Hall in Spring 2021

mass vaccination clinic at Southside High School. The 1,000 administered doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine were received through the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District.

“The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, who founded UIW, came here after being called to help the sick during a cholera epidemic. This is the type of service UIW was created to do,” said Hook. “Today we are grateful for the opportunity to continue that Mission to serve in one of the areas of San Antonio in most need of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

After successful events at both Southside and Harlandale High Schools, Hook started contacting community churches.

Vaccination clinics were offered throughout the summer at Greater Court Baptist, Second Baptist, and Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist. By mid-summer, the clinicians realized that many students were behind on their traditional immunizations as well. School nurses were not enforcing State Immunization requirements during the virtual school, so many students needed not only the COVID-19 vaccine, but also many other immunizations. Thus, during the months of July and August, approximately 785 patients were adminis-

tered a total of 2,400 vaccinations by UIW volunteers.

Today UIW continues to move forward in this effort. The University recently received $16,326 in funding to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to residents in primarily rural parts of Bexar County.

UIW received the funds through a grant from the Houston-based Episcopal Health Foundation awarded to members of The Health Collaborative in San Antonio, of which the University is a part. The funds will allow UIW faculty and students to coordinate and take-part in six COVID-19 vaccine events between September 2021 and February 2022.

“Throughout the pandemic, UIW faculty and students have been on the front-line in helping others,” says Dr. Holly Cassells, dean of the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions. “We have been blessed to be a part of literally dozens of pop-up and day-long clinics throughout Bexar County delivering the COVID vaccine to anyone who wants it.

We are thankful to the Episcopal Health Foundation and The Health Collaborative for allowing us the opportunity to continue this mission in the spirit of our founding congregation, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.”

COVER STORY

Vaccine clinics and healthcare drives provide life-changing services to communities, but for those who cannot travel to access care, they remain out of reach. To help remedy that problem, UIWSOM set out to deliver care where it is most needed.

With the support of the Moody Foundation, UIWSOM launched a mobile medical clinic called the Mobile Osteopathic Medicine unit (MOM). The 29-foot vehicle allows medical students and faculty to provide services including osteopathic primary care, immunizations, health screenings and more.

The mobile unit was dedicated during a ceremony on July 24, 2021, and named after the late Sam Wages, who worked for UIW for nearly 19 years. Wages was the director of Procurement and Business Support Services and oversaw the shipping and receiving, postal operations, purchasing and vehicle services divisions.

The MOM unit also acts as a training ground for the healthcare workers of tomorrow. “Osteopathic medical students, and other health professional students, can now take the classroom to the community,” said Dr. Hans Bruntmyer, UIWSOM associate professor. “This unique opportunity will help cultivate not only empathetic and compassionate providers, but also cohesive interprofessional health teams. We feel this vehicle is helping to fulfill the call of Bishop Dubuis, ‘Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands.’"

Gottlieb. “The plan for return to campus was well orchestrated and a true team effort that began as soon as the University transitioned to virtual learning in March of 2020. The Incident Response team created a reopening plan that involved every department within the University, but also included different scenarios based on community spread of COVID-19 within San Antonio.

The pandemic caused many challenges for the students and employees of UIW, but it also helped us become more resilient and empathetic. Over the past two years, mental health, diversity and inclusion, and wellness have become important topics that we openly discuss and reflect upon on campus. I see the resilience in UIW’s students and employees.

“

The Sisters of Charity of the

Incarnate Word, who founded UIW, came here after being called to help the sick during a pandemic. This is the type of

“

RESPONSE: UIW USES MOM TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY

service UIW was created to do.

Many have overcome adversity and grief caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and have continued to focus on the Mission of UIW to educate men and women who will become concerned and enlightened citizens within the global community. UIW students and employees have graciously offered the service

of their time and skills to help UIW and the surrounding community by participating in COVID-19 vaccine outreach, mental health awareness events and social justice events. Despite many obstacles, UIW has thrived as a community that supports one another and thoughtfully communicates to promote mutual understanding.”

One of the biggest takeaways Dr. Hook has seen is “this Can-Do Attitude that we have now. By us being seen as UIW professionals and nurses in the community, the community is realizing medical support isn’t just at the hospital,” we will come to you! Hook also shared how wonderful it is for the students to see their own power. “They may be in school, but their power to help their community while they are at the University is very powerful; always has been and always will be!”

As a result of this work, Dr. Ronda Gottlieb was named this year's San Antonio Express-News Salute to Nurses "Best in Class" Nurse Practitioner, and was named a "Health Care Hero" by the San Antonio Business Journal.

Additionally, Dr. Linda Hook has been named the winner of the 2021 Ruth B. Freeman Award for teaching and service in public health.

The University is grateful to everyone for their roles in recognizing the pandemic, responding to the vital needs of the community, and realizing a future that makes us stronger community members and global leaders.

REVELATION: REALIZING THE FUTURE Today, the Cardinal community is rising out of the pandemic with a new vitality. Cardinals have brought new vibrancy to UIW campuses and engagement has grown.

“I am most proud of how thoughtfully and safely UIW brought students and employees back to campus in August of 2020,” said T H E W O R D | FA L L 2 0 2 1

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UIW President Dr. Thomas M. Evans tours one of 43 classrooms outfitted with cutting-edge technology.

THE CARDINAL

EVOLUTION D

By Stephanie Denning

igital technology is playing a role in education it never has before. Greater reliance on internet tools, a more significant need for access and wider opportunities for international connection have all emerged since the start of the pandemic. With the changing landscape of education experienced nation-wide in 2020, UIW has positioned itself as a dynamic and engaging academic institution.

HIGH-TECH CLASSROOMS When students began filing into classrooms on the Broadway campus at the start of the Fall 2021 semester, many were greeted with major changes to their learning environment. Over the summer, UIW transformed 43 classrooms, auditoriums and other learning spaces into state-of-the-art facilities, with new technology to further enhance the learning experience. These educational evolutions allow teachers and students to interact in profound new ways.

Upgrades included items such as high-definition wireless projec-

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tors with high sensitivity microphones, interactive digital displays, cameras and upgraded yet simplified control components. The $1.6 million upgrade is considered the first phase of an investment that will cover all campuses at UIW. Students can participate in a fully interactive manner, whether they are attending in person or in a virtual setting. This allows the University to utilize both a hybrid instruction (in-person and online) model and UIW Global Online, expanding class sizes virtually and providing opportunities for learning around the globe.

“All tiers were designed to support full multi-modal instruction from completely in-person dynamic instruction to a full range of hybrid/hi-flex instruction options,” said Neil Schroeder, UIW chief information officer. “While the room types provided a basic standard, there was very careful deliberation with deans and faculty to not only identify the ideal rooms but specifically dial in each room’s exact setup with faculty feedback.”

“

By leveraging the University’s IT infrastructure and the expertise of its staff both in the U.S. and Mexico, Global Online is advancing UIW’s educational mission throughout Latin America.

“

BRINGING UIW TO THE WORLD Even though travel was halted during the worst of the pandemic, technology enabled students to access education from institutions all over the world. Programs emerged opening the digital doors of universities to learners who could not otherwise travel to distant campuses. UIW Global Online is just that kind of program. Using upgraded technology, it provides U.S. degree programs to the students in Latin America who wish to expand their knowledge, skills, education and professional experience with a global perspective. By leveraging the University’s IT infrastructure and the expertise of its staff both in the U.S. and Mexico, Global Online is advancing UIW’s educational Mission throughout Latin America.

Inspired by the UIW Vision Statement, members of many departments throughout UIW and the University’s two locations in Mexico, Centro Universitario Incarnate Word in Mexico City and Incarnate Word Campus Bajio in Irapuato, Mexico, came together to create

what is now UIW Global Online. In roughly four-months’ time and amid pandemic restrictions, these groups developed, promoted and launched a new educational model designed to shape international leaders.

The first cohort of 18 Global Online students enrolled in two master’s programs this fall semester. Ten students began the Master in Business Administration (MBA) program, while eight began the Master in Education (MEd) program. Students currently enrolled in the program are from Mexico, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic.

Marcos Fragoso, vice-president of International Affairs and Brian Pirtima, Global Online program coordinator, contributed to the Global Online report.

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living the word

Moment for Reflection

Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez

Director Ettling Center for Civic Leadership & Sustainability

A

s I reflect upon the past 20 months and the impact the Ettling Center and the University community made to support the needs of so many that have been affected by COVID-19, I feel as if we, as a UIW community, have been able to continue to walk in the footsteps of the three Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word that were asked to “go” and help those in need during a pandemic so very long ago.

The Ettling Center for Civic Leadership & Sustainability has assisted in leading and supporting various service and community efforts such as the South Texas Mask Initiative, which was able to produce and provide over 4,100 face masks that were given to new immigrants, those in shelters, and various health/medical clinics throughout San Antonio. Additionally, the Center received a call to action and

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reached out to our campus community to support and assist those in need, especially children, veterans, elderly, homeless and vulnerable populations by filling up a shoebox with basic hygiene and personal care-items such as soap, shampoo and toothpaste. Over 260 shoeboxes were garnered and donated by inspired UIW students. Shoeboxes were distributed to three local non-profits including the United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County, St. Vincent De Paul Society of San Antonio and Child Advocates of San Antonio (CASA).

The Center’s and University’s commitment to help our brothers and sisters beyond our campuses has long been evident as part of our collaboration with the four colonia communities serviced by the non-profit grass roots empowerment organization, ARISE of South Texas. Since 2015, the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership & Sustainability has conducted an annual summer education enrichment program and an annual health/wellness fair in December, which impacted over 4,000 families that are part of the ARISE service area. The Ettling Center has paused all global mission trips through December 2021; thus, impacting much needed educational activities and health services to these residents in South Texas. Therefore, understanding the immediate health, wellness, nutritional and educational needs of the community, the two entities developed and implemented informational sessions via Zoom and Facebook Live beginning in Fall of 2020 and are planned through the Fall of 2021. To date, over 15 informational sessions have been conducted with over 4,875 members of the community attend-

ing and/or participating in the Facebook Live/ Zoom events.

In closing, the various different programs and activities I noted above do not include the 18,535 support/community service hours provided by our campus community at food banks throughout Texas and the nation, nor the donated diapers, canned goods, socks, clothes, and books that combined provided an estimated value of over $528,989 to our global community from February of 2020 through October of 2021. These profound contributions by members of our campus community echo the Sisters original call to minister to a profound need, and we are blessed to follow their path.

living the word

Student Spotlight

Kaylah Rahman Q&A

Kaylah Rahman, current sophomore and recipient of the UIW Provost Academic Scholarship, loved the idea of continuing the family legacy at UIW.

Q: A:

Q: A:

Q: A:

Tell us a little about your background and what brought you to UIW. My junior year of high school was when I started going on campus tours to find the perfect fit for me. I had toured many different schools before UIW, including other campuses in San Antonio, but when I finally visited UIW it checked off so many boxes I was looking for in a university. My family had also previously mentioned how my great grandma went to UIW back when it was an allgirls college, so I loved the idea of being able to continue a family legacy. I knew UIW would be the best university for me because of the tight-knit community and home-awayfrom-home feeling I get while on campus.

You are an accounting major and a UIW band clarinet section leader. Can you share how you balance your busy schedule?

Q: A: Q: A:

Pursuing my accounting degree and wanting to participate in band does get very busy, but I feel I have executed balancing my schedule well. My first year on campus was very quiet and less busy since I came during the pandemic, but this year the pace has picked up. The easiest way for me to balance everything is keeping a planner and writing down everything I know I must do for the week. It does get challenging and stressful with the schoolwork and the responsibilities of being a leader for an organization, but I always manage to complete both my classwork and go to practice with some extra free time to do things I enjoy and spend time with friends.

You’re a very busy woman! Are there any other activities or groups on campus that you are involved in?

Aside from being in the band, I also am a member of the Honors Program at UIW. The Honors Program is something I enjoy being a part of because I love the Honors-specific courses as they are always a great challenge, and I also love getting to meet people with the same goals and interests as me. I am also a member of the Business Club and the Accounting Society. Both organizations are a great way for me to make connections for my career path and meet others in my major.

Q: A:

I understand you have a family connection to UIW. Can you share who attended, her major and graduation year?

My great grandmother, Frances Elizabeth Wagner, attended UIW in the 1930s. She majored in English and used her degree to become a teacher. She taught at La Encantada-Ranchito in El Calaboz, Texas. She taught for 50 years, and once retired, she continued to substitute teach into her 90s. Her love for education and literature was important to her.

I heard you might still have a dissertation from your great grandmother. Would you be willing to share an excerpt?

My grandmother’s thesis was submitted to the faculty of the Department of English for partial fulfillment of the requirement for her Bachelor of Arts degree. Her thesis was entitled “The Technique of Physical Setting in the Modern Short Story.” Here is an excerpt from her thesis: “The modern short story is distinctive in its’ use of setting, that is of the physical appearances of the scenes in which the story action is set. A special technique in the use of this element of story has been developed in the work as a group, or type of modern writers of story. It is the purpose of this essay to show the part which physical setting plays in the organic effect of story, as well as in the succession of effects which contribute to the organic whole.”

Do you have anything else you would like to share with the UIW Community?

Lastly, I would like to mention again how much UIW feels like home and how much I love that community involvement is such a big part of campus life here at UIW. Furthering my education at UIW is truly one of the best choices I have made for myself, and I am excited for many more years here!

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STUDENTS 100 years

Courtesy of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Archives

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100 years

Our Cornerstone Our Foundation 18 T H E W O R D | F A L L 2 0 2 1

The Columkille Administration Building has grown and changed, but through that metamorphosis IT remains an icon of the University of the Incarnate Word.

100 years

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class notes

Class notes Celebrate UIW success stories. Keep up with your class, and be a part of The Word in print and online! Send your achievements, happy announcements and milestones to alumni@uiwtx.edu.

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

2000 John Hill, BBA ’20 Letter to his Cardinal Family Dear Cardinal Family, Four years ago, I began my journey at the University of the Incarnate Word, not knowing what to expect other than a small campus covered in red brick.

Before arriving, I had played golf for the majority of my life, but UIW was giving me the opportunity to continue my dream of playing collegiate golf. Golf is a wonderful game, a sport meant to be played for fun and personal challenge. As soon as you feel like you have mastered it, the game always brings you back to reality. I loved competing for UIW, and it is to all the people who allowed me to do so that I would like to say, thank you.

Long before we would show up to play a golf tournament, there was an effort made by an army of people to make it possible. The strength and conditioning coaches that prepared my teammates and me, the professors who accommodated our travel schedule, and the athletics staff that work so hard to make our golf season happen. Our support group reaches across our campus from advisors, to the dining hall and Hortencia’s employees we talked to every day, and those who made sure we were prepared for life after college athletics.

To each of you I say thank you; your hard work and dedication has not gone unnoticed.

There is one man I would like to offer a great deal of thanks, head men’s golf coach Remy Huston. From the time he accepted the position, he has relentlessly worked to improve the program in every way possible. Over the last two years, I have seen the program transition into one that could rival any school in the Southland Conference. He has pushed me to maximize my skill on the golf course, as well as develop myself as an individual. He coached me to some of my greatest successes on the course, mentored me as I became a leader of the team, and encouraged me in a difficult time in my personal life. Thank you, Coach Huston. You have helped me in more ways than you will know.

University of the Incarnate Word is not just a university, but rather a community that shares a common mission. Serving the community and leaving a positive impact on the world around us is our unified vision. I entered the school wondering how it could help me, but as I leave, my focus is on how I can serve others. Reflecting on my time as a student-athlete, I understand it was not golf that mattered, but the relationships that I am walking away with.

Thank you to the entire Cardinal family, John Hill

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1980s Louanne Lamb-Torres Hausmann, BSN ’81 Retired from the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center after 20 years of service for my fellow veterans, having retired from the USAF in 1999.

1990s

MaryAnne Schweers, BBA ’91, MBA ’93 Recently relocated back to San Antonio and is in a new position at Nearshore Technology, senior account executive.

Amalia L. Ortiz, BA ‘96 From the San Antonio Current: “Tejana author, activist and spoken-word artist Amalia Ortiz has been named one of 2020’s American Book Award winners.

On Monday, the Before Columbus Foundation announced the winners of the 41st annual awards, which were created

to “provide recognition for outstanding literary achievement from the entire spectrum of America’s diverse literary community.”

Ortiz received the Oral Literature Award for The Canción Cannibal Cabaret & Other Songs, a book of poetry that doubles as the script for a punk musical, which she debuted in a premiere performance at the Guadalupe Theater last summer.

2000s

Arnulfo D Hernandez, BA ’01 Managing partner of the Colorado criminal defense and immigration defense law firm, Hernández & Associates, PC, has been selected by his colleagues to receive the Law Week Colorado “Barrister’s Best Immigration Lawyer” Award for 2019. The award is particularly notable as it is one of the few awards that is locally driven by Colorado attorney peer-review surveys.

Hernandez was also named the 2019 Top Latino Lawyers by Latino Leaders Magazine.

class notes

2010

Dr. Christopher Alvarado, PharmD ’10, wanted to be a pharmacist from the time he was a small child, knowing this would be a great way to give back to his community. Growing up in a tight-knit family, with parents who served as mentors, helped fuel his desire to help people.

Today, Alvarado’s desire is as strong as ever. He serves on UIW’s Board of Trustees, is the Alumni Association president and is the president of the Feik School of Pharmacy Alumni. Additionally, he feels a strong calling to do all he can in the fight against COVID-19.

“My parents always provided in the way of giving back,” said Alvarado.

“Now, with all the vaccinations and everything going on, I’m glad to give back to the community and to help people understand about the importance of vaccinations.”

Alvarado’s journey to graduating with a PharmD degree from UIW was not a straight path. After graduating from college, he became a pharmacy technician and was happy learning from pharmacists and helping his community.

With his desire to stay in San Antonio, he said, it was easy to create excuses for not attending pharmacy school. But when UIW started a program in town, his wife, his family and even his customers encouraged him to attend.

As Alvarado explored UIW’s new program, it felt right. He loved that UIW is a Hispanic-Serving Institution with a strong component of faith.

“UIW has a lot of pluses in the way of being faith-based and helping with the Hispanic culture. That’s one of the perks there,” said Alvarado. “I just can’t be more proud to be part of that class, especially in that first class because we had quite a few Hispanics graduating.”

Attending a faith-based university with such an emphasis on the Hispanic community was a blessing. Coming from the same culture, Alvarado recognizes that having a cultural awareness and understanding is a key part of being able to help a community.

“From our first year, they talked about cultural awareness,” said Alvarado.

“If you don’t understand it, you can’t help the patient. That’s what they teach us in school, to understand the culture so that we can get our point through to the customer.”

Alvarado, now a pharmacist at H-E-B, has done more than just mentor. A member of the West Texas Pharmacy Association, which places an emphasis on giving scholarships to students, he decided to start his own scholarship so he could give back to the University who has given him so much. The Alvarado Advocacy Scholarship is given to a student who demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the political process outside of pharmacy school.

Alumni Association Board of Directors EXECUTIVE BOARD President: 2021 - 2023 Dr. Christopher Alvarado, PharmD ’10 President-Elect: 2021 - 2023 Allison Ramsey, BS ’05 Vice President: 2021 - 2022 Belinda Bustos Ybarra, BS ’17 Secretary: 2021 - 2022 Jeff Neal, BA ’16, MS ’17 Members Jonathan Chaires, BA ’15 Kevin L. Copes, BS ’18 Kelly Gallegos, BA ’07 Michael Gonzales, BA ’10 Gina Gonzalez, BA ’02 Michelle Martin, BS ’09 Adam Lazaro Martinez, BA ’07, MAA ’09 Mercedes Moreno, BA ’13, MAA ’16 Jennifer Negrete, BS ’19 Jeffrey Scott O’Neill, MA ’18 Matthew Occhipinti, BBA ’15, MBA ’15 MaryAnne Schweers, BBA ’91, MBA ’93 Annie Sustaita, BA ’19 Michael Wagner, MA ’20 Professional Schools & International Dr. David Clay, IV, DPT ’21 Dr. Johnathan Cuevas, PharmD ’11 Dr. Ian Enriquez, DO ’21 Atzel Jonatan Peña, BBA ’08, MBA ’20 (Mexico) Ex-Officio Members Michael Mercer Senior Instructor/Logos Advisor School of Media & Design Faculty Representative Evalinda Davila Student Government President Dr. Lisa McNary, BA ’91, MA ’95 Dean of Alumni & Parent Relations

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STUDENTS class notes Michelle C. Vasquez, BA ’03, MAA ’20 Recently began her PhD program pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy with a concentration in Adult Education, Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Michelle’s recent accomplishments: 2020-2021 & 2021-2022 Social Security Administration’s Analyzing Relationships between Disability, Rehabilitation and Work Small Grant Program Class of 2022 - Acceptance to Cohort Texas Partners in Policymaking 2021-2022 - New Board Member Texas Parent to Parent 2021-2022 National Society of Leadership and Success - UIW Board Leader 2021 Dreeben School of Education Honors Convocation Graduate Studies Department Awards

2010s Maricela A Garza, MA ’10 Case Study published in the Journal of STEM Outreach. Engaging the Community through Science Nights: An Elementary School Case Study Amanda Lenell Roberts, BS ’10 published in the January 2020 edition of Experimental Eye Research Journal - Title: Nuclear factor-kappa beta signaling is required for transforming growth factor Beta-2 induced ocular hypertension.

Roberts is a PhD candidate at the North Texas Eye Research Institute at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. She is also a National Institute of Health’s Initiative for Maximizing Student Development Trainee and a National Research Mentoring Network Ambassador.

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Sonia Ramirez Anderson, BA ’10 has been named a 2020 Pro Bono Star by the Denver Bar Association. At Husch Blackwell law firm, Anderson focuses her practice on helping companies navigate various employment related issues.

Anderson is vice president of Committees for the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association. In 2019, she was recognized as a “Promising Start” by the University of Colorado School of Law. Anderson, an associate in the firm’s Denver office, has donated hundreds of pro bono hours to the Denver community since 2016, representing local nonprofits and indigent clients.

Yvette Reyna, BA ’03, MA ’12 has been named executive director of the Boerne Education Foundation and Boerne ISD Community Partnerships.

Tiffany Marie Leavelle, BFA ’12 became a member of the 2019 Fiesta’s Royal Court Fiesta Especial, a royal court for those with special needs. Leavelle earned the rank of Countess by raising $1,705 for disAbilitySA and the Autism Treatment Center of San Antonio. She wanted to bring more awareness to adults with autism so more programs could be established.

Ana Sylvia Legarreta, BA ’13 has been designing the Rock and Roll Cowgirl line for 13 seasons now! She started as an assistant designer and is now the lead designer.

Cynthia Lopez Montoya, BA ’13 has embarked on her seventh year in teaching and is enjoying every minute of it. Montoya says, “UIW prepared me for this fulfilling career, and I often reflect and use many of the things I learned from my professors. I am happy to now be teaching at UIW’s Brainpower School, St. Anthony Catholic School.”

Analissa Nicole Gutierrez, BBA ’15 was promoted to senior social media analyst at DWA Media, advertising agency in Austin.

Carlos de León, BA ’12, MBA ’16 leads RP Agency’s San Antonio office. De León brings more than 10 years of experience in South Texas, where he has worked in public affairs, communications and economic development. RP Agency is a full-service marketing agency with clients in over 20 states throughout the United States.

San Antonio clients include Texas Vista Medical Center, Embrey Partners, Whataburger, Freedom Spine and Pain Center, Texas A&M University-San Antonio and Steward Medical Group. RP’s national clients include The ICEE Company, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Mon Health, Calumet and nationally recognized casinos throughout the country.

Dr. Wanita Mercer, BA ’06, MAA ’12, PhD ‘16 started her third year as an English instructor at the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (Beijing) teaching a reading and writing course with a focus on quantitative research and a listening and speaking course to PhD students. She also just published her debut book The

class notes

2016

Dr. Edwin Blanton, PhD ’16, the inaugural executive director of the Mays Center for Experiential Learning & Community Engagement at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, has been recognized by the National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) with its 2020 Outstanding Leader in Experiential Education-Higher Education award. The award recognizes an individual in higher education who has demonstrated innovative uses of experiential learning in their institution.

Man You Need to Marry, an inspiring and reflective devotional journal, to help Christian women discover the characteristics of the man who is spiritually equipped to lead and love them as God intends. The book is available on Amazon at Amazon.com/author/ drwanitamercer.

Nicholas Alexander Garcia, BBA ’16 accepted the position of lead college recruiting manager at AT&T Headquarters and started in October of 2021. In this role, Nicholas joins the on-campus recruiting team and is responsible for promoting AT&T College Recruiting opportunities to college students and recent graduates.

He develops relationships with campus partners, professors, and student organizations to identify and interview qualified candidates. Garcia joins AT&T from Dell Technologies in Austin. He spent the last several years in University Recruiting where he was responsible for building relationships with schools, partnering with key stakeholders, posting jobs, sourcing and interviewing candidates, and building campus strategies.

Arturo Zapata, BA ’12, MEd ’17 After five years of service in Enrollment Management at UIW, Zapata moved into the role of law success coordinator at St. Mary’s University School of Law. In this role, he assists in academic initiatives for law students and manages event and program coordination for the Office of Law Success. Zapata works to ensure each student has the resources

and support they need to be successful in law school and beyond.

Valerie Marie Bustamante, BA ’17 Recently accepted a position as a multimedia editor for Sombrilla Magazine, a publication produced by the UTSA Communication and Marketing Office.

Benjamin McDaniel, BS ’17 was recently accepted into the prestigious MBA program at Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business. McDaniel is a member of the Class of 2023.

Emmanuel James Watkins, MA, MEd ’17 accepted the call to serve as a staff minister and smalls groups manager at Faith Chapel in Alabama in June of 2021. Faith Chapel is a thriving church with thousands of members, who teaches that “The Word of God is the Answer!”

Claudette Smith, BS ’18 shares “I took the LONG route to completing my degree. I started college after high school, got married, started my family and followed my husband with the military. I would take a few classes then stop. My decision to complete the degree with UIW was one

of my best decisions. I enjoyed every class and had great caring instructors. Today I am serving as Chief Operations Officer at Stillman College where I have found the same things I loved about UIW: a long history of serving, great caring instructors, religious studies, strong morals and a loving community of people.”

Jacqueline L. Velez, BA ’19 is currently working as a writing tutor for San Antonio College. Just this fall semester, she completed a CRLA tutor training program. Velez is now a certified level one tutor. She will be training for her level two certification in the spring semester.

Plans for Velez to lead a workshop for SAC’s Journalism Department are in the works, and she is super excited about the possibilities. Velez says, “I’m so glad my majors in English and Communication Arts with the concentration of journalism are being utilized. I look forward to sharing more news in the future regarding writing.”

Ricardo Guzman, BA ’19 says “Joining SAPD and wanting to make a difference in the community has been a dream of mine since high school. Being able to finally fulfill that dream is an incredible experience. I am grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to protect and serve the citizens of San Antonio.”

Future Cardinals Kinya Cano, BA ’02 Fernando and Kinya Cano have welcomed their third child, a beautiful baby girl named Sevi Kai Cano on June 11, 2019. She weighed 5 lbs 13 oz and was 19 inches long. Older siblings Xoe and Aris are so excited to be big sisters and to have another future Cardinal join the family!

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class notes

Zacil L. Andrade de Padilla BA ’13 and Bryan G. Padilla BSN ’17 will be welcoming a new future Cardinal early next year while located in Europe.

continued to travel to Croatia, Bosnia, and Amsterdam for 20 more days. A trip of a lifetime!

Clarrissa, BA ’18 and Gregory Regino, BS ’17 welcomed their first child Emma Sofia into the world on July 11, 2021.

Engagements and Marriages

Victoria Cruz, MS ’17 and Aaron Moe, BA ’18 tied the knot on October 17, 2020.

After having cancelled their destination wedding in March 2020, the couple opted for an intimate ceremony in Dallas. They celebrated with close friends and family with plenty of masks and hand sanitizers to go around. The couple represents UIW in North Texas in the fields of local government and museum studies.

Adriana Elyse Garcia, BA ’12, MAT ’14 and Joshua Martinez, BBA ’19, MS ’20, were married on Friday, January 3, 2020 at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church in San Antonio.

Alyssa Pena, BA ’12 got engaged at the UIW Carillon on August 10, 2019, to Cynthia Balderrama surrounded by family and friends. They married February 20, 2021 in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Sophia Hedfelt, BA ’13, MAT ’15 Last summer her now fiancé flew her to Paris and at the stroke of midnight in the rain, got down on one knee and promised. They then 24 T H E W O R D | F A L L 2 0 2 1

In Memoriam Annie Marie Maranto, BS ’60 Arnold Treviño, MA ’80 Christine Colee Schott, BA ’06, MAT ’08 Cisse Drame, BA ’10 Dolores Mary Escamilla, BSN ’88 Emilie M. Schaefer, BA ’36 Emilio Nicolas Sr., Benefactor Erin Cumbest, DPT ’19 (posthumous) Gregory Paul Garza, BA ’96 Jason James Wilson, BA ’16, MBA ’18 Joan Patricia Bohl, BSN ’56 Joe Anne Hallgren, BSN ’47 John Ziacik, BSN ’75 Katharine Louise Gruen Nichols, BA ’64 Maria del Socorro Martinez, BA ’60 Maria Elizabeth Liebscher, BS ’43 Maria Galanos Hetos, BA ’39 Maria Oralia Alvarez, BS ’56 Marilyn Reinhard Zolkoski, BS ’64, MA ’68 Martha V. Sherrill, ’49 (Non-degree) Noe Perez, Jr., BAAS ’05 Rosaura G. Garcia, ’45 (Non-degree) Armandina Ortiz Blanco, BSN ’51 Armandina Gonzalez-Parrilla, BSN ’85 Linda Brown Raya, BA ’68 Linda Darnell Puryear, BSN ’78 Theresa Buck, BS ’58 Sr. Elizabeth Mary Nugent, BA ’71 Gode Roth, BSN ’46 Mary Jeanne Haggard Carinhas BS ’67 Liston W. Bailey Jr., MAA ’06 Norma Granata Biering, BSN ’54 Maria Teresa “Nena” Cavazos, BA ’63 Joe Lindell Frost, ’04 Honorary Degree Jack Clay Richmond, Benefactor Laura G. Richmond, Benefactor Shawn Robert Wishart, BA ’18 Mary M. Price, BA ’62 Mary Louise Goodwin, BSN ’51 Bettye Grace Nagy, BSN ’55 Charline Hamblin McCombs, Benefactor Dr. Margaret Sue Curtis Moore, BA ’46 Christine “Chris” Colee Schott, BA ’07, MA ’08 Hayden Freeman, Benefactor Sr. Mary Rose Goertz, BA ’54 James Ward “Jim” Gorman, ’06 Honorary Degree Isabel Harrington, BSN ’53 Sr. Rosemary Homrich, MA ’89 Marion Elizabeth Lanier, MA ’73

class notes

Alice Luna Martinez, BS ’66, MA ’73 Dora R. Meraz, BS ’64 Rev. Cora Neil Poteet, BA ’75 Coroline Josephine Spana, BSN ’59 Kenneth Leroy Thompson, MAA ’97 Lillian Mae Tilles, BSN ’86, MSN ’88 Sammy David Wages, Sr., Former Faculty Theresa Ann Zaldivar, BA ’52 Jaralyn Zoeller-Jackson, BM ’56 Omer Isidore Allard, BA ’74 Rose Alvarez-Diosdado, MA ’82 Judith Barnett, BA ’55 Norma V Busse, JD, BSN ’76 Billie Ruth Chappell, BSN ’58 Genevieve “Ginny” C. Cruz, MA ’04 Colleen Petty Dement, MEd ’64 Gladys Ronita Dillard, MA ’71 Mary Carmen Garana, BA ’57, MEd ’63 Toni Michelle Gibbons, BS ’84 Dr. Edward E. Gonzalez, Former Faculty Cosmo Frank Guido, Benefactor Florence Elle Hach, BSN ’75 Fredrick Raymond Lahser, BBA ’80 Louis Paul Lubbering, Former Faculty

Nancy Clare Ludolph Montelepre, ’49 Ruth Aimee Martin Ottenweller, BA ’47 Maria Aurora Montalvo, BSN ’58 Col. Allan Joseph Perry, USAF (Ret.), MA ’86 Rowena Cain “Tena” Gorman, ’06 Honorary Degree Sharon Hudgins WIlliams Jacobs, BA ’71 Olivia Jean Quintero Juarez, BA ’80 William J. “Bill” Nelson, BBA ’89 Sr. Mary Elizabeth Nugent, BA ’71 Nancy Emma Ray Pawel, MA ’89 Stanley David Rosenberg, Benefactor Colette Suzanne Schultz, BA ’71 J.J. Amaro, Benefactor Sr. Marinela Flores, Former Trustee Linda Raya, BA ’68 Sr. Brigida Smiley, BA ’63 JoAnn Barbara Kelps Woodruff, MA ’88 Helen Auge Keene, BA ’46, MA ’78 Judith Bondurant Spencer, MA ’78 Imelda Alvarez, BBA ’04 Ruth Crane Friedberg, Former Faculty Irene Dorothy Slaughter Garcia, BS ’66

Barbara Ann Hoffmann, BSN ’53 Dr. Chad McHugh, Former Faculty Dr. Camille Duane Rosengren, BA ’48 Christine Barber Rothe, BS ’64 Doris Jan Rosenow, BSN ’80 Kathleen Marie Schmidt, BA ’71 Kathy Grobe Tackett, BA ’77 Constance Isabel Valdez, BA ’71 Ione Marie Vincent, BA ’47 Sara Jane Westbrook White, BA ’70 Mary Frances Wiley, MA ’71 Henrietta Rexroad Wilson Hopper, BBA ’85 Tamara Elaine Zars, BBA ’97 Ana Amelia Zuniga, BA ’55 John Keith Mitchell, Benefactor Rose Mae Munoz, BSN ’88, MSN ’00 Mary Helen Neri, BA ’55 Esperanza Linda Perez, BA ’97 Sr. Joan Martinette Rivers, BA ’70 Ernest William Sadau, Benefactor

JO I N TH E FL Y I NG CA R DI NA L S O N O U R NE XT TR I P T O

F E A T U R I N G T A O R M I N A , M A T E R A , P O M P E I I , A M A L F I C OA S T

Trip Itinerary

For more i n forma t i on con t a ct D r. Li s a M cNa ry Un i v ers i t y of t h e I n ca rn a t e Word (2 1 0 ) 80 5 -3 5 9 6 | l i s a s @ ui w t x . ed u

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University Collective News, accomplishments and accolades from our illustrious faculty and staff The University of the Incarnate Word was awarded $643,759 from the Department of Defense and the Army Research Office to fund a research project led by Dr. Michael Frye, professor of Electrical Engineering. Frye is the principal investigator of the UIW Autonomous Vehicle Systems (AVS) Research and Education Laboratory. The award was the result of a merit competition administered by the Army Research Office under policy and guidance of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering to increase the capabilities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and minority institutions to perform defense research. This funding covers the project through 2023.

Dr. Timothy A. Wingert, dean of the Rosenberg School of Optometry, was named a Fulbright Scholar to Poland by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board which is overseen by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program offers teaching, research and combination teaching/research awards in more than 125 countries. As part of this award, Wingert will teach students in the program and work with faculty and administration at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences regarding curriculum and academic programming. This is Wingert’s second Fulbright U.S. Scholar award to Poland in addition to his previous Fulbright Specialist award to Ghana.

Dr. Donald Sikazwe, professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, was awarded $389,024 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), part of the National Institutes of Health, for his grant proposal, “Single Molecules with Multi-Mechanistic Modes of Action as Probative Anti-Alzheimer’s Agents.” Sikazwe’s research is funded by competitive research grants from the NIGMS intended to fund researchers at varying stages of their research.

Dr. Veronica Acosta, professor of Biology, was recognized by Cell Mentor as one of the “100 Inspiring Hispanic/Latinx Scientists in America.” Recipients were selected based upon their scholarly achievements, mentoring excellence and their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Cell Mentor is a publication of Cell Signaling Technology, a company founded by scientists to promote scientific discovery and research through innovative tools and resources.

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The University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP) received the 2020 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. As a recipient of the annual Health Professions HEED Award, a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, FSOP was featured along with 45 other recipients in the December 2020 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The FSOP was just one of three pharmacy schools in the nation to receive this prestigious award.

Dr. Rosa Cardenas, associate professor of Physics, was awarded $617,102 from the Department of Defense in August 2020. Cardenas, who chairs the Department of Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science and Physics in the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering, is the principal investigator on a team that will conduct research on the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the superconducting state of one of the simplest high temperature superconductors, FeTeSe. This funding covers the project through 2023.

university collective

Dr. Paulo Carvalho, associate professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, received a fouryear Support of Competitive Research (SCORE) Program (SC3) grant in the amount of $389,028 for “Novel Artemisinin Derivatives for Chemogenomic Profiling of Plasmodium Falciparum.” Carvalho will use those resources to give UIW students research opportunities and to help them see practical applications for some of what they learn in Biology and Chemistry classes.

Associate professors, Dr. Reid Fisher and Dr. Shandra Esparza, published in the Journal of Athletic Training.

Their published research called, “Outcomes of Embedded Athletic Training Services within United States Air Force Basic Military Training,” aimed to assess the effect of an embedded athletic training musculoskeletal care model within a basic military training unit.

Dr. Linda Hook, assistant professor in the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing & Health Professions, has been named the winner of the 2021 Ruth B. Freeman Award for teaching and service in public health. The Freeman Award is a national honor that recognizes an individual who has had a distinguished career in public health administration, education, policy, practice or research.

Jingtian Li, Matt Tovar and Adam Watkins, all 3D Animation and Game Design faculty, published two co-authored books with CRC Press.

The books, both tutorial-based texts, teach readers how to create animated games using industry-standard software—Unity, Substance Painter, Maya, and Unreal Engine—that are free to students. The books are titled Creating Games with Unity, Substance Painter, & Maya: Models, Textures, Animation, & Code and Creating Games with Unreal Engine, Substance Painter, & Maya: Models, Textures, Animation, & Blueprint.

Margaret Mitchell, professor of Theatre Arts, received the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library’s 2021 Arts Education Award, which recognizes “an individual who is a dedicated arts educator, shows transformational leadership in arts education, and is active within the community.”

“The list [of previous honorees] is filled with impressive artists and writers and beloved friends,” said Mitchell. “I am honored to be in their company.”

Dr. Norman St. Clair, professor and director of the Dreeben School of Education (DSE) Graduate Studies Program, and Dr. Deborah Poole, alumna of the DSE Graduate Studies Program, co-published “Exploring and Developing a Comprehensive Teaching Model for Graduate Ethics,” in Teaching Ethics, a publication of the Society for Ethics Across the Curriculum. The journal is dedicated to ethical issues across the curriculum with particular attention to pedagogical methodology and practice in both academic inquiry and professional practice.

Hook has practiced as a public health nurse in San Antonio since 1994. She worked for and then directed the Public Health Nursing Department at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. She has been in academia teaching Community Health Nursing since 2008. Hook was nominated for the award by four of her colleagues including Dr. Holly Cassells, dean of the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing & Health Professions.

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cardinal ATHLETICS

Living the Mission and operating as One Word UIW Athletic Director Richard Duran works hard to help the department live out the Mission and core values of the University

By Cari Gold

W

hen Athletic Director Richard Duran – who came to UIW as the deputy athletic director in October 2017 – took the reins of the department in August 2019, he says the department was operating as a silo rather than working with its campus partners. Duran understood that this needed to change.

Strong campus partnerships are one way Athletics tries to live out the UIW Mission and core values of faith, education, innovation, service and truth. Duran believes that working together as One Word will help the staff, student-athletes and coaches be better human beings and better Cardinals.

Through building relationships across campus and ensuring that Athletics follows through on its commitments, Duran believes the department is earning trust.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began

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in March 2020, Athletics reinforced that trust, volunteering the resources it had to help the University continue moving forward.

That is the type of service that Duran wants the department to be known for in the community. In 2015, Amanda Puldio arrived at UIW as the life skills coordinator responsible for professional/personal development and community service for the department. Since Pulido joined UIW, the department has volunteered for more than 5,000 hours each academic year, with the exception of 2020-21 during the COVID-19 pandemic. That year, with in-person activities limited, the Cardinals still managed to rack up 4,896 volunteer hours.

“We have done an excellent job over the past few years, even during the pandemic, of being creative and finding ways to give

back,” said Duran. “Our student-athletes really enjoy it. We are always looking for ways where we can continue to serve not only UIW, but the greater San Antonio community. I’m thankful that our student-athletes embrace it, along with our coaches and staff.”

Living the UIW Mission and core values helped Duran develop two important rules for the Athletics Department. The first rule, he said, is simple: do the right thing for the right reason.

“No person on our team is going to be perfect, and we understand that, and we want the best that they can give,” he said.

“We ask that when we are making decisions – whether that’s our student-athletes, our staff or coaches – the decision-making process should be for the greater good of UIW.” The second rule is called the Roger Rule. Duran said this rule has been developed over the last two years.

“We have a custodian by the name of Roger Bentecourt, and he is one of the hardest working, most amazing human beings I have ever met in my life. I hope our department can not only bring that same life to work every day, but I would also expect everybody on our staff to treat Roger the same way they would treat Dr. Evans, our University president, and that’s with dignity and respect. We are all human beings, and we can all be that light in someone else’s life each and every day.”

Additionally, Duran has developed three overarching goals for UIW Athletics. Called the three Cs, he wants UIW student-athletes to be champions in the classroom, in the community and in competition.

cardinal ATHLETICS

“When we look at who we are as an institution, these three items help us understand how our Division I sports fit into the big picture,” he said. “We are going to do everything we can to graduate our student-athletes and make sure they are doing their part and walking away with a degree. We also have to give back to the community that serves us. With UIW being a service-driven institution, that’s vital for the success of our Athletics Department and our leadership development of our student-athletes. Last, we want to win every time we step between the lines, whether that’s on the football field, the tennis court or on the golf course. We want to compete and we want to win.”

Although champions in competition is third on the list, it is important to him that UIW Athletics competes at the highest level of the NCAA. However, when faced with tough decisions during the Summer of 2020, Duran prioritized the health and safety of UIW Athletics, working with the UIW medical team and campus leadership

to postpone all Fall 2020 competitions.

Following the postponement, UIW Athletics prepared for a busy semester.

Ultimately, the department had 23 varsity teams participating in 246 competitions (with 96 home events), while also co-hosting the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, which included 63 games over 15 days.

“I cannot thank the staff, the University and the community enough for supporting that effort during trying times,” said Duran. “It was tough and it was tiring, but our staff, our coaches and our student-athletes answered the bell each and every day, and they got to participate and compete in the sports they love.”

While Duran is proud of his department for how they handled the spring, he acknowledged that it would not have been possible without the help of partners across campus.

“We couldn’t have gotten our student-athletes back in competition without the support of our campus partners. That only reinforces my belief that if we form strong partnerships and support one another, not only will we make our Athletics Department the best it can be, but we will support our institution so it can be the best it can be.”

A new Journey Begins: UIW to join Western Athletic Conference The University of the Incarnate Word is proud to announce that it has accepted an invitation to become a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). UIW will join the WAC beginning July 1, 2022.

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cardinal ATHLETICS

Family First and Paying it Forward Warren Fulgenzi has a busy schedule, but his main goal is still to give back and to leave a legacy.

W

arren Fulgenzi, a graduate student on the men’s tennis team, did not start his college journey at the University of the Incarnate Word. But when he decided to move on from Our Lady of Lake University, Fulgenzi did not have to look far to find some familiar faces across the tennis court.

Brandelyn, Fulgenzi’s younger sister who is now a senior, joined UIW’s women’s tennis team the year prior to his arrival, a factor that influenced his decision to attend UIW. Their younger sister, Lauren, is now a sophomore at UIW. Brandelyn and Lauren are doubles partners for the Cardinals.

“A lot of people think it’s weird or crazy, but my sisters and I, we have a really good relationship,” said Fulgenzi. “Having them here pushes me to become a better person, because I know they are looking up to me.

When I’m making decisions, I have to make sure I think about them first, to make sure it doesn’t impact me in a bad way or my family in a bad way. I’m enjoying being here with them a lot.”

But family relationships on the court are just a start for the types of bonds Fulgenzi wants to build at UIW. He is vice president of the Student-Athlete Advisor Committee (SAAC), a group that helps bridge the gap between student-athletes and administrators in NCAA athletics departments. At UIW,

this committee places a big emphasis on giving back to the community.

UIW SAAC helps coordinate volunteer opportunities for the student-athletes, such as creating care kits for the homeless community and using a social media initiative called Word Wednesday to bring awareness to domestic violence.

“The main thing is trying to give back to the community, but we also want to build other student-athletes as leaders,” he said.

When Fulgenzi arrived on campus, he knew he wanted to give back. Joining SAAC provided him with an opportunity to do just that, while being team captain of the men’s tennis team for the past three years, has provided him with additional experience as he continues to grow.

“Being on the tennis team has helped me grow as a person and as a leader as well,” said Fulgenzi. “It’s taught me patience. It’s taught me that everyone is different, so it has taught me how to relate to people in different aspects of the sport or in life. It really has made me grow as a person physically, mentally and emotionally.”

“Building relationships is really key for me,” he added. “I’m a very social person, so having a good relationship with my professor and having only 20 kids in the class really was good for me to relate to and get to

“

The family atmosphere hit home for me. I come from a big family, so family is everything to me.

When I visited UIW, I felt that same vibe.

“

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know people. Having the values of UIW and it being faith-based really meant a lot to me as well.”

At UIW, Fulgenzi is involved in multiple activities, both on and off campus. In addition to SAAC and men’s tennis, he attends Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) meetings, and he helps serve meals for homeless people at a downtown church on Saturday nights when he has a free weekend.

With such a busy schedule, Fulgenzi quickly had to learn how to manage his time. Amanda Pulido, UIW’s life skills coordinator, helped teach Fulgenzi tips to keep up with his busy schedule.

“It took a lot of practice and some experience, but it’s just time management,” he said.

“Not just in school, but in life, you’re going to have to manage your time. Wherever my career takes me, time management is going to be useful, so I really try to be particular in what I have to get done at certain times.”

For Fulgenzi, having people who look up to him only helps him want to give back even more. But he wants to do more than just give back to the community. He wants to leave a legacy that will change people’s lives.

“I want to leave a legacy of always giving back,” said Fulgenzi. “I am blessed to be in the position I am in right now, playing DI tennis and getting my master’s, and I want to impact other people’s lives in a positive way.

“I also want to be known for treating everyone with respect. No matter where you come from, everyone has different backgrounds and comes from different cultures. I want to be that person who, when they think of me, they think ‘he was a guy who treated me with respect. He brought a smile to my face. No matter what he was going through, he was there for me.’”

cardinal ATHLETICS

Southland Conference champs

Quarterback Cameron Ward, who was named the Jerry Rice Award winner in Spring 2021, led the Cardinals to their best season ever in Fall 2021. The team defeated Texas State for its first win over an FBS opponent in program-history, sparking a historic 9-2 regular season record. Named the Southland Conference Champions on Nov. 20, UIW hosted its first FCS Playoff game in program history on Nov. 27.

Top 100

On Oct. 12, 2021, the women’s golf team was ranked No. 88 in the NCAA by Golfstat, marking its first top-100 ranking in program history.

This is an improvement of more than 130 spots since the beginning of the 2018-19 season. Since joining the Division I ranks, the Cardinals have had 26 top-five tournament finishes.

Conference Affiliation

UIW teams – men’s and women’s fencing and artistic swimming – joined the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) in August and September, respectively. Fencing is newly sponsored by the MPSF, with UIW scheduled to host the NCAA Regionals and the inaugural MPSF Fencing Individual and Team championships on March 13, 2022. Artistic swimming, formerly called synchronized swimming, will compete at its inaugural championship at Stanford on Feb. 12-13, 2022.

UIW student-athletes recorded a combined 3.27 GPA over the course of the 2020-21 school year, with a 3.27 GPA in the fall semester and a 3.26 GPA in the spring semester, all while participating in a virtual learning environment.

Student-athletes achieved an overall Athletics Department cumulative GPA of 3.35.

During the 2020-21 academic year, UIW student-athletes completed 4,895 hours of community service. As of Nov. 10, 2021, the Cardinals had volunteered for 2,980 hours in the UIW and San Antonio communities.

Basketball season tickets on sale now!

Season tickets for UIW men’s and women’s basketball teams are on sale now.

Season ticket holders will receive exclusive gifts and experiences, and they will have priority access for future ticket upgrades and renewals.

Pricing for Men’s Basketball

Pricing for Women’s Basketball

Pricing for Combo

Reserved Seating: $120 General Admission: $80

Reserved Seating: $100 General Admission: $60

Reserved Seating: $150 General Admission: $100

For more information or to purchase season tickets, go to

uiwcardinals.com/seasontickets, 210-805-3000 T H E W O R D | F A L L 2 0 2 1 31 or email jazapata@uiwtx.edu.

2022 calendar

Special Events

Youth Advocacy: Speaking Up and Speaking Out Saturday, April 23 Healing Minds Through Amplified Voices: Youth Mindfulness Advocacy Saturday, Feb. 5 Presented By: Our TomorAmplified Voices: Youth row with Incarcerated Parents The UIW Teacher Network and Mental Health announces the 2021-2022 Presented By: CR Bloom Project/Black Outside Inc. Professional Development The UIW Teacher Network Series titled Social Justice announces the 2021-2022 in Action: Amplified Professional Development Voices Visit: https://www. uiwteachernetwork.org/ Series titled Social Justice for more information. in Action: Amplified Voices Visit: https://www.

Graduation uiwteachernetwork.org/ Saturday, May 7 for more information.

Spring Commencement at Freeman Coliseum.

Swing-in AUCTION PARTY AND GOLF TOURNAMENT Auction Party Thursday, May 12 at the McCombs Center Rosenberg Skyroom Golf Tournament Light the Way Friday, May 13 at The Quarry Golf Course Until Thursday, Jan. 6 Don’t miss the lights! Light the Way ends January 6.

Spring Break UIW Broadway Campus March 7-11

Arts & Music Festival

Creating Equitable Communities for Homeless Youth Saturday, March 26 Amplified Voices: LGBTQIA+ and Youth Homelessness Presented By: Thrive Youth Center and SARAH Alliance to House Everyone The UIW Teacher Network announces the 2021-2022 Professional Development Series titled Social Justice in Action: Amplified Voices Visit: https://www. uiwteachernetwork.org/ for more information.

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Art Department Senior Capstone Exhibition April 22 – May 31 Opening Reception: Fri., April 22, 6-8 p.m.

Exhibit on display: Fri., April 22 – Tues., May 31 “A Sense of Place: Texas Landscape Art Quilts” June 10 – Aug. 19 Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) Joshua Willis, Exhibit Juror

YOSA City Series 2: Winter Lights Sunday, Jan. 30 Diane Bennack Concert Hall, 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Opening Reception: Fri., June 10, 6-8 p.m.

Exhibit on display: Fri., June 10 – Fri., Aug. 19

Special Services Ash Wednesday Wednesday, March 2 Our Lady’s Chapel, UIW Administration Building, Broadway Campus, 8 a.m. & 12 p.m.

Pray-a-thon 2022 Sunday, March 27 Various activities during the week, including Incarnate Word Day Mass Incarnate Word Day Mass Friday, March 25 Baccalaureate Mass Sunday, May 6 Celebration of Mass for the Spring 2022 Graduates.

Please check the UMM Events Calendar and Events Registration page for updates. https://my.uiw.edu/ministry

Music & Theatre Performance Camerata San Antonio Sunday, Jan. 9 Diane Bennack Concert Hall, 3 p.m.

Mozart Festival Concert Saturday, Jan. 22 Diane Bennack Concert Hall, 8 p.m.

Tartuffe by Moliere Feb. 18–20 & 24–26 Adapted by Richard Wilbur - One of the great comedies of French Theatre that mercilessly examines the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor while imperiling those who believe only what they choose to believe, despite evidence to the contrary. All UIW Theatre performances are in the Coates Theatre, Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. We will adhere to UIW’s COVID safety protocols to help keep everyone as safe as possible. We ask that everyone wear a mask during the entirety of the performance and practice social distancing when seated.

Camerata San Antonio Sunday, Feb. 20 Diane Bennack Concert Hall, 3 p.m.

Camerata San Antonio Sunday, March 6 Diane Bennack Concert Hall, 3 p.m.

Ordinary Days Music and Lyrics by Adam Gwon April 2–3 & 6–9 From one of musical theatre’s most exciting new composers comes a refreshingly honest and funny musical that tells the story of four young New Yorkers whose lives intersect as they search for fulfillment, happiness, love, and cabs. All UIW Theatre performances in the Coates Theatre, Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays

and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.

We will adhere to UIW’s COVID safety protocols to help keep everyone safe as possible. We ask that everyone wear a mask during the entirety of the performance and practice social distancing when seated.

Camerata San Antonio Sunday, April 10 Diane Bennack Concert Hall, 3 p.m.

Alumni Events Cardinal Couples Mass Sunday, Feb. 13 Calling all Cardinal Couples – we invite you to a special Mass where you will receive a blessing and a special gift from the UIW Alumni Association.

10th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 9 UIW Alumni, bring your family to this annual event featuring games, an easter egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny!

6th Annual Ring Ceremony Sunday, April 24 UIW juniors and seniors who purchase a Herff Jones class ring are invited to participate in the 6th Annual Ring Ceremony.

PARTING WORDS

Building from Scratch A

s the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) founding dean, Dr. Robyn Phillips-Madson prepares to retire, she reflects on her time helping start UIW’s osteopathic medical school.

“To be a founding dean has been an incredible experience,” said Phillips-Madson.

“The more I learned about UIW and the position, the more I was convinced that this was a mission and university I could commit to wholeheartedly.”

Phillips-Madson arrived at the University in November of 2013 when UIWSOM was in its beginning stages. Getting a medical school off the ground was nothing new to her. She had already served as dean of another medical school during its first year of classes. She knew what the expectations would be, and she thrived on them.

“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to cast the Vision and Mission not only in the context of a university focused on loving God and serving people, but also dedicated to a learner-centered, integrated medical education curriculum built on principles of adult learning and social accountability,” she said.

From the earliest days, Phillips-Madson has overseen spectacular growth and ma-

By Cari Gold jor milestones for UIW’s medical school.

In Spring 2021, UIWSOM celebrated many firsts. March saw its first round of upcoming graduates experience Match Day, where they found out where they would complete their residencies. Two months later, those same learners became the first graduates of UIWSOM. In May, UIWSOM also announced it had been granted full accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation. Through it all, Phillips-Madson says her greatest joy has been working with and watching the learning community of UIWSOM grow.

“From the learners in our inaugural class and all those who followed them, to the faculty and staff whose dedication to the mission inspires me every day,” she said. “Witnessing the growth of the UIWSOM from an idea to a thriving, fully accredited D.O. program with M.B.S. and M.P.H. programs has been very fulfilling, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

Phillips-Madson was thrilled to watch the first class of graduates cross the stage in May. Some learners were UIW’s first graduates with a master’s in Biomedical

Sciences, while some earned their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degrees.

Phillips-Madson says it was a blessing watching all graduates blossom over the years.

“Our inaugural class will always be my first favorite class,” said Phillips-Madson.

“Learners who choose to attend a brand new school are pioneers. I appreciated their feedback while they were here, and look forward to their continued feedback as residents and physicians in practice.”

Phillips-Madson is set to retire on May 31, 2022. As she reflects on her time here, she is happy she chose to become part of the UIW community eight years ago.

“Words are insufficient to express my gratitude to the many people who welcomed me and my husband to San Antonio and UIW, and supported UIWSOM throughout our start-up years. I will carry fond memories in my heart of the precious people I encountered here, and will be forever grateful for their prayers and commitment to the charism of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Praise be the Incarnate Word forever and ever!”

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