Issuu

WORD the

Summer 2016

A Path to Hope

Dear Friends:

the

WORD

Two of UIW’s founding values are service and innovation. Both were in full display during a late spring press conference at which we announced an academic initiative with the potential of not only changing the health care landscape in Texas, but of also providing new opportunities to populations historically underserved by higher education. Before a packed house at the Bowden Eye Care and Health Center that included San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor, we introduced the Texas Five Percent Program. It is targeted at outstanding high school seniors with strong academic ability seeking advanced degrees in one of the university’s health care programs - medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy or physical therapy. The program will provide direct provisional admission for Texas high school seniors ranking in the top five percent of their class after their junior year. (Please go to www.uiw.edu/healthprofessions for

Summer 2016

Credits Managing Editor Debra Del Toro Coordinator Brance Arnold ’10 MA Art Director Michael Hood ’16 MA Graphic Designer Marisol Martinez Contributing Writers Olivia Almirudis ’16 BA Rudy Arispe ’97 BA Brance Arnold ’10 MA Cory Chandler Rebecca Esparza ’99 BBA ’03 MBA Ashley Festa Margaret Garcia Crystale Lopez Mercedes Moreno ’13 BBA ’16 MA Tricia Schwennesen Photography Brance Arnold ’10 MA Summer Chandler Steve Holloway Carl Myers Dr. Louis J. Agnese Jr. President Sr. Kathleen Coughlin ’67 BSN Vice President for Institutional Advancement Vincent Rodriguez Chief of Staff to the President Dr. Lisa McNary ’91 BA ’95 MA Dean of Alumni & Parent Relations Debra Del Toro Director of Communications and Marketing The Word is published by the Communications and Marketing Office of the University of the Incarnate Word for the alumni, parents, benefactors and friends of the Incarnate Word community.

more information.) With a population of nearly 30 million, Texas has a critical need for health care providers in various fields, particularly medicine, in rural areas, urban cores and along the border with Mexico. And while Texas is already a minority-majority state - approximately 51 percent of the population is Hispanic and African American – both groups are severely underrepresented in most health care professions in Texas and the rest of the country. UIW already has a significant impact on health care. For instance, the first two graduating classes of the Feik School of Pharmacy alone changed the percentage of Hispanic pharmacists in the United States. And UIW currently provides a majority of the pharmacists hired in Bexar County. Meanwhile, the Bowden Center, which is located in the city’s East Side, offers $1 million annually in free care to the residents. The amount illustrates the need for eye care in that part of San Antonio; prior to the clinic’s opening three years ago, there was just one optometrist serving an economically disadvantaged population of about 150,000. Additionally, our School of Physical Therapy offers low-cost services - $5 - for individuals age 13 and older who are not eligible for Medicare benefits. It serves the uninsured, as well as those who do not have physical therapy benefits as part of their health insurance coverage, have exhausted their yearly benefit, or are underinsured. The School of Osteopathic Medicine will be just as impactful. A key reason our medical school is osteopathic rather than allopathic is because a greater number of osteopathic doctors become primary care physicians, a group that is in short supply in our state. By the time you read this, the medical school will have admitted its first students as we prepare to begin classes in August of 2017. The inaugural class will be comprised of 150 students (its total capacity will eventually reach 600 in 2021). With the quickly changing demographics of Texas, it’s our sincere hope that the medical students reflect the economic and racial/ethnic diversity of our state. UIW, for example, confers the most bachelor’s degrees to Hispanics among any private university in the U.S. Let me provide context to the above: even though Hispanics are the largest minority group in Texas and the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center just 15 percent of Hispanics between the ages of 25 and 29 have bachelor’s degrees, a figure that’s significantly lower than that of other racial or ethnic groups. During the press conference, Mayor Taylor pointed out that UIW’s economic impact is $100 million annually. That amount will easily double when the medical school reaches full capacity in 2021. Consider the following: in 1985, our annual economic impact was $4 million. In a few years, it will be greater than $200 million. I encourage you to read the rest of The Word for more information on the many exciting things happening at UIW, especially the cover story on Dr. Maria Falcon-Cantrill, a 2002 UIW graduate who is now a pediatric oncologist. As you do, please remember that the momentum generated by your generous support is what allows us to continue fulfilling our goal of offering students top-notch educational opportunities within a context of faith. Your steadfast support is also what allows UIW to continue having a positive impact on San Antonio and South Texas. Special blessings on you and your loved ones for the remainder of 2016. Best Wishes,

Louis J. Agnese, Jr., Ph.D. President

20 3

18 8

contents Campus News

A Path to Hope

The New Generation of Media Professionals

Honor of a Lifetime

UIW shines as one community helping to save lives

A Legacy of Spirit

Businessâ€™ First

The Color of Spring

University Collective

Do You Remember?

Upcoming Events

Class Notes

Moment for Reflection

12 Board of Trustees Summer 2016

Dr. Louis J. Agnese Jr. Charlie Amato Ernesto Ancira J. Scott Beckendorf Michael Belz Gayle Benson Mike Beucler Suzanne Cheever Goudge Sr. Brigid Marie Clarke Sr. Martha Estela Perez Curiel Catherine Dulle Veronica Edwards John Feik Paula Gold-Williams Gary Henry Sr. Mary C. Henry Winell Herron

Ricardo Hinojosa Gary Joeris Nancy Kudla Edward Leos Jack Lewis Charles Lutz Sr. Maricela Martinez Aguilar Sr. Teresa Yolanda Maya Sr. Rose Ann McDonald John Miller Carmen Nava Dr. Ramona Parker John Peveto Bobby Rosenthal Richard Schlosberg Sr. Teresa Stanley Sr. Yolanda Tarango

campus news

UIW announces Direct Admit Health Professions Program and scholarships to start this fall UIW announced a new initiative available to outstanding high school seniors with strong academic ability seeking advanced degrees in medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy or physical therapy. UIW’s new Texas Top Five Percent Direct Admit Health Professions Program provides provisional admission into one of the university’s professional programs for Texas high school seniors ranking in the top five percent of their class after their junior year. Students can choose from the following professional programs: • Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions • Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) – Rosenberg School of Optometry • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) – School of Osteopathic Medicine • Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) – Feik School of Pharmacy • Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) – School of Physical Therapy The initiative features an added bonus to help students attain their goals - a $2,500 scholarship per year for full-time study, renewable for up to eight years. This scholarship is in addition to any UIW academic award for which the student is eligible and continues into the professional program. Students will be required to maintain an acceptable GPA to continue in the program and complete a program interview by the respective professional school. H-E-B announced in May that it will partner with UIW to award the first 25 public high school students to enroll in the new program

Agnese announces the direct admit program at a press conference held at Bowden Eye Care and Health Center on May 10. with $2,500 scholarships renewable up to four years ($10,000 per student) - a total of $250,000 for the program. In addition, UIW announced the donation of 10 scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each for students of either public or private high schools enrolling in the program from the Richard Spencer Lewis Memorial Foundation. Students whose high schools do not record student rankings or those who are homeschooled may still qualify for the program if they meet certain criteria. For more information, visit www.uiw.edu/healthprofessions.

UIW hosts Nursing Cardinal Wellness Center open house UIW’s Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions hosted an open house of the Nursing Cardinal Wellness Center on Feb. 3 at Bowden Eye Care and Health Center. The open house was an opportunity for the community to become familiar with the services offered at the center. Through the children’s Texas Medicaid and CHIP provider, nurse practitioners who staff the center provide Texas Healthy Steps examinations and immunizations to low-income children on the East Side of San Antonio. The center personnel also travel to area Head Start Centers to provide physical examinations to children enrolled in that program. “We are very excited to be able to offer child wellness services to this area of San Antonio. There is such a need in the community for routine checkups and immunizations,” said UIW Clinic Coordinator Dr. Holly DiLeo. “We hope to become an integral part of the health and wellness of San Antonio’s children.” 2

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

Dean of Nursing and Health Professions Dr. Mary Hoke cuts the ribbon to the Nursing Cardinal Wellness Center with the help of Sr. Joan Holden, CCVI.

campus news

RSO hits milestone

An RSO student administers an eye exam to an NISD student.

For the past four years, the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO) at UIW and the Essilor Foundation have partnered with NISD to provide more than 2,000 free eye exams and eye glasses for NISD students. This year alone, the two organizations provided 10 days of eye examinations outfitting 640 students with eye glasses. Under the purview of Dr. James Chapman, assistant professor of optometry and interim clinic director, RSO students gain pediatric clinical experience through the partnership. “I would now estimate that we have provided around $125,000 in uncompensated eye and vision care for NISD students,” said Chapman. RSO hosts approximately seven of these events per year focusing on providing eye care to underserved NISD students.

UIW regional accreditation reaffirmed for next 10 years At the annual meeting of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the commission’s board announced that UIW’s regional accreditation was reaffirmed for the next 10 years. UIW has successfully maintained this quality recognition since 1925. SACSCOC membership includes approximately 800 member institutions in 11 states across the southern U.S. from Texas to Virginia. Every SACSCOC-accredited institution undergoes a rigorous reaffirmation review every 10 years; the institution must demonstrate compliance with about 100 separate quality standards. An important additional

element of the review is a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), where the institution chooses an area of student learning to improve over the next five years. UIW’s QEP, entitled “Think, Learn and Share” aims to improve undergraduate student writing (www. uiw.edu/qep). “This reaffirmation represents a powerful confirmation of the high quality of UIW’s programs — an especially positive result in light of UIW’s continued growth — now at 10,984 students in three countries, and the third largest private university in Texas based on global enrollment,” said Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Glenn James.

FSOP accreditation extended Following a successful site visit and self-study report, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education has continued the accreditation status of the Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP) through the 2023-2024 academic year, the longest period accreditation can be granted. On the basis of self-studies, on-site evaluations, communications received from the institutions, ongoing annual review of North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) passing rates, entry-class size, and attrition and on-time graduation rates, as well as the comments of the Public Interest Panel, the ACPE board of directors determines the accreditation status for the Doctor of Pharmacy program.

UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine reaches next milestone UIW has reached an important step in the development of the School of Osteopathic Medicine (SOM). SOM received pre-accreditation with permission to recruit immediately and provisional accreditation status effective July 1, 2016, from the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). This phase of accreditation is granted when a school demonstrates the ability to initiate instruction by a specified date. With regard to the SOM, that date is July 31, 2017. A school demonstrating consistency in meeting standards for each class of instruction being offered will continue to receive provisional accreditation. Provisional accreditation status is reviewed annually to assess the academic progress of the first, second and third year classes through graduation. The SOM Office of Admissions began accepting student applications June 1, 2016, with plans for students to begin classes in Fall 2017. SOM anticipates an inaugural class of 150 students. For information, contact DOdoc@uiwtx.edu or visit www.uiw.edu/som THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

campus news

UIW awarded $100,000 NEH grant UIW’s College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (CHASS) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This initiative for Hispanic Serving Institutions is a three-year project titled “Trauma: Conflict and Aftermath” and will be conducted by CHASS faculty in collaboration with the larger San Antonio community. This project seeks to develop new interdisciplinary humanities courses and implement service-learning components in both new and existing humanities courses. Project studies will focus on psychological trauma resulting from conflict—that is, trauma resulting from deliberate, violent human interaction—in three populations: war veterans, refugees and victims of sexual violence. Each project year will be devoted to studying one of these three groups, hosting visiting speakers, and holding a symposium at the end of the third year allowing faculty and students to present work resulting from

Affairs and recipient of the MacArthur this project. Year one will focus on war Genius Grant Fellowship. His pioneering trauma, year two sexual violence and year work on ancient Greek accounts of three refugee trauma. The resulting course combat trauma has contributed greatly to designs should serve as a model of interthe understanding and treatment of postdisciplinary and service-oriented humanitraumatic stress disorder among combat ties courses for all faculty, present and veterans. Shay gave a public lecture on future. This, in turn, will allow students the concept of Moral Injury, which he more meaningful engagement with their developed as a more effective way of studies and the larger community. In keeping with the interdisciplinary viewing psychological trauma. focus, the core personnel for the project will consist of one director, Dr. Zenon Culverhouse, assistant professor of philosophy, and eight faculty members, each of whom has a different specialty in the humanities and other fields. In April, UIW hosted the project’s first visiting scholar Dr. Jonathan Shay. Shay is a former clinical psychiatrist for Veteran Culverhouse (left) introduces guest speaker Dr. Jonathan Shay.

Construction continues successfully on UIW’s Student Engagement Center, slated for completion June 2017. 4

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

campus news

UIW kicks off Fiesta® with 36th annual Cutting Edge™ Nearly 600 guests kicked off Fiesta® with glitz and glamour at UIW’s 36th presentation of the Cutting Edge™ Fiesta® Fashion Show. This annual event not only spotlighted UIW’s fashion students, but honored Mickey Agnese, wife of UIW President Dr. Louis Agnese, on her 30th anniversary as First Lady of the university and presented the inaugural Pinkie People’s Choice Award. The award, an endowed scholarship, was the gift of special friends in honor of Mary Helen (Pinkie) Devine Pinner’s 90th birthday. Pinner and her late husband Bill Pinner gave generously of their time, treasure and talent throughout their lives to various organizations including Incarnate Word. This award will continue that legacy of giving by recognizing the student whose design is chosen as the audience favorite. The Cutting Edge show, produced entirely by students, featured garments illustrated, designed and constructed by seniors in UIW’s fashion design program. The 2016 student designers were seniors Rebekah Caldera, Jazmin Cerritos, Alejandro Lee Charles, Diana Garcia, Jasmine Hernandez, Stephanie Rani Maiti-Marquez, Ursula Silva, Andrea Stain, Maria Tinagero and Shanice White. Maiti-Marquez took home the top prize, the 2016 Best of Show, as well as first place in construction and third place in design. The best of show award is determined by the garment scored highest by a panel of judges and includes a

UIW hosts a discussion with Paula Gold-Williams

As part of Black History Month events, UIW proudly welcomed Interim CEO of CPS Energy Paula GoldWilliams, who serves as a member of the UIW board of trustees, to campus on Feb. 17. Gold-Williams led a discussion on what it takes to be a success in business today. (Pictured L-R) Dr. Carlos Garcia, MSE dean; Gold-Williams; Dr. Michael Frye, associate professor of engineering; and Dr. Alison Whittemore, associate professor of engineering.

Maiti-Marquez walks the runway with models wearing her designs. $1,500 scholarship. The Maiti-Marquez collection, a celebration of her Indian and Mexican heritage, was created using boxy silhouettes and traditional fibers of Mexico along with the colors and embroidery of India creating a fusion collection that embodied both cultures. She was also the audience favorite earning her the inaugural Pinkie People’s Choice Award. Caldera took first place in design and third place in construction. Second place in design went to Garcia and Stain took second place in construction. Proceeds benefit scholarships for students in UIW’s fashion management program. This year students Olivia Willms and Natalia Hendrichs each received a $1,500 scholarship.

UIW welcomes Omega Psi Phi After a six-month process, UIW’s Multicultural Greek Council approved the expansion of Omega Psi Phi, a historically black fraternity, to campus. Omega Psi Phi held an “interest meeting” in April to inform the community about the fraternity and the process of obtaining membership. Through community service, the fraternity will focus on aiding “downtrodden humanity” and partner with the Multicultural Greek Council to impact campus in a positive way. Omega Psi Phi, whose motto is “Friendship is Essential to the Soul,” was founded at Howard University in Washington, DC, in 1911.

A student signs up for information at the Omega Psi Phi table during the Greeks in the Circle event at UIW. THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

campus news

Dreeben School of Education hosts 2016 Literacy Summit

Mongolian ambassador visits UIW Hosted by the World Affairs Council at UIW President Dr. Louis Agnese’s home on April 18, 25 guests attended an exclusive event with guest speaker Dr. Tsedendamba Batbayar, Mongolia’s ambassador to Cuba. Batbayar was introduced by Pamela Slutz, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to Burundi and Mongolia. (Pictured L-R) Slutz, Batbayar, and Mongolian exchange student Zozi Altanbagana.

UIW celebrates the Class of 2016

Graduates attend spring commencement. 6

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

In February, UIW’s Dreeben School of Education (DSE) proudly hosted the 2016 Literacy Summit on campus. This national event drew over 300 teachers, Gambell speaks during the literacy professionals and Literacy Summit. literacy scholars from across the nation to engage in important conversations about the field of literacy. The theme of the 2016 summit, “Celebrating 20 Years of ‘What’s Hot,’” reflected on the changing field of literacy and looking toward the future. The summit was co-hosted by DSE, the Texas Association of Literacy Educators, and Specialized Literacy Professionals, part of the International Literacy Association. Guadalupe Garcia McCall, a local, awardwinning poet, delivered a keynote speech along with other keynotes including Dr. Donald Leu, an internationally-known literacy scholar; Linda B. Gambell, distinguished professor of education at Clemson University; and Marcie Craig Post, the executive director of the International Literacy Association; among others. Children’s authors McCall, Johnathan Rand, Sonia Gensler, and John Micklos Jr. signed their award-winning children’s books at the event.

UIW conferred degrees to over 1000 graduates at three commencement ceremonies this spring. UIW professional programs, including the Feik School of Pharmacy, Rosenberg School of Optometry, and School of Physical Therapy, graduated more than 200 students during two ceremonies held May 6-7 at the Alice P. McDermott Convocation Center. A commencement held May 8 honored students earning their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. This year’s commencement speaker was U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar. The 2016 Alumna of Distinction for Professional Achievement was Amy Huber Garza. In 2005, Garza earned a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in reading and history. She holds TEA Certifications in Elementary Generalist Education, Special Education, ESL and American Sign Language. This school year, Garza received the distinct honor of representing Bob Hope Elementary as Teacher of the Year and went on to receive the Southwest Independent School District Elementary Teacher of the Year award. In addition, she was celebrated as a Distinguished Educator receiving the Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching.

campus news 1

Agnese celebrates 30th year UIW President Dr. Louis Agnese celebrated the 30th anniversary of his inauguration as president of the university with several events this spring. At a Conferral Ceremony of Honorary Degrees held March 21 in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word, Agnese; Charles Amato, co-founder and chairman of SWBC and UIW board of trustees member; and Harley Seyedin, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Guangzhou, China, who played a pivotal role in UIW international initiatives as well as helped to establish China Incarnate Word in 2000; were each awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters. This is UIW’s highest honor. “Of all the degrees I’ve been awarded in my life, this is far and away the most special,” said Agnese. “This fulfills my dream of becoming an alum of UIW.” An International Symposium and Luncheon was also held March 21 in the McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room. Guests from UIW campuses in Mexico and Germany as well as representatives from UIW sister schools were in attendance. 3 Agnese celebrated with San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor at the annual Associates Dinner on March 22. Agnese and Taylor were joined by members of the Agnese family as well as the UIW and San Antonio community. During the event, Taylor presented Agnese with an Official Congratulatory Proclamation from the City of San Antonio. A dedication ceremony was held March 24 at St. Peter Prince of Apostles School to celebrate the Agnese family donation to the school’s new gymnasium. Agnese and wife Mickey were joined by their children Louis and Nancy as the gym was named the Louis Agnese III and Nancy Agnese Vrla Alumni Gymnasium. To culminate the festivities, UIW employees were invited to a Picnic with the President on March 29. Employees shared memories of Agnese while enjoying lunch in the courtyard in front of the Coates Theater on campus. 1. Agnese with (L-R) Charles Lutz, UIW board of trustees chairman; Sr. Teresa Maya, CCVI, congregational coordinator; Amato; and Seyedin.

2. Agnese is pictured with wife Mickey and their children Louis and Nancy at the St. Peter’s gym dedication ceremony. 3. Agnese and Taylor during the Associates Dinner. 4. Agnese shares a photo with UIW community members at the Picnic with the President. 5. Jose Antonio Lopez Verver, director of UIW’s Irapuato campus, presents Agnese with a congratulatory award for his 30 years during the International Symposium and Luncheon. To see more photos from Agnese’s 30th anniversary events, visit www.thewordonline.org

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

A Path to Hope By Tricia Schwennesen

ome people choose the path of least resistance. But for Dr. Maria Falcon-Cantrill ’02 BS the path she most feared chose her. “I was afraid to get close to the patients and their families and then lose them,” the 37-year-old pediatric oncologist said. “These kids are amazing. They are the bravest, strongest people. It’s just a blessing to be in their lives every day.” Falcon-Cantrill graduated from UIW with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. In 2007, she completed medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

Since the age of two, Falcon-Cantrill knew she wanted to be a doctor. As a resident, she was trying to decide between general medicine and specializing in pediatrics. Working with children could be challenging, she thought. “As a kid I used to watch the St. Jude’s commercials on Saturday mornings and think, how sad,” she said. “But I’m happy. I’m drawn to the complexity of the patients. Nothing is ever straight forward.” Bonding with the children and their families drew her in as well. And a medical school friend told her, “You can’t waste your gifts.” That message sticks with her even today. Now, Falcon-Cantrill works alongside two partners with HCA Physician’s Group, an affiliate of Methodist Children’s Hospital. She works one week as the on-call doctor, followed by two weeks in the clinic. One of the most challenging aspects of FalconCantrill’s job is telling a family their child is going to die. “I’ve had every reaction,” she said. “Sometimes they get angry and they yell at me and they don’t believe me. I’ve had other families who’ve believed me right away. And I’ve had others who are in denial and you have to repeat things over and over again.” But she recognizes her problems are nothing compared to what her patients and their families go through. “It changes your outlook and how you live your life,” she said. “No matter how hard it is for me as a mother, no matter how difficult it is, it’s nothing compared to what they are experiencing,” she said. “I hold it together, but I can cry in the car or cry in the elevator.” “It’s really hard not to take it home,” Falcon-Cantrill said. She said her husband Dr. Chris Cantrill, who is an adult urologist, is also extremely supportive. The couple have a 20-month-old son William and another baby on the way. What’s most important, she said, is helping children and giving hope. Marco Barrow,19, was no longer a child but not quite an adult when his dad took him to see Falcon-Cantrill for what turned out to be leukemia. “She gave me hope from the very beginning,” Marco said. “She explained everything and she calmed me down.” By the time Marco and his family found Falcon-Cantrill, he had been in excruciating pain for more than a month. His doctor had been unable to identify what was wrong and could not ease the pain. “I can tell you, Oct. 16 was the day I went to her first at the hospital,” Marco’s father, Achim Barrow, remembered. “We’d had a rough time – it was a month of

not knowing what was going on with my boy.” He went on to say, “We wouldn’t be here…He wouldn’t be here.” But on a recent spring afternoon, Marco walked in to the brightly painted clinic with his parents not far behind. They had come to Marco rings the bell to signify the end celebrate the end of chemotherapy and Marco’s triumph of treatment. over a leukemia that when detected had already infected 98 percent of his blood. His last treatment had past, but Falcon-Cantrill preferred to wait to celebrate. “I’m always a little superstitious so I wait until I get the scans and I can see it’s all clear before we have a party,” Falcon-Cantrill said. Doctors and nurses gathered around. There was a decadent chocolate cake, a shiny Mylar balloon and a small pile of wrapped presents. Marco stood at the center of attention smiling. He insisted that the celebration be put on hold until his brother could arrive. Then he reached up and rang the gold bell signaling the end of his treatment. His dad snapped photos before sliding in behind his son for a hug, gently kissing his neck. Falcon-Cantrill had tears welling up in her eyes. But before they could fall down her cheeks, she smiled and began to joke with Marco. “I remember being diagnosed,” Marco said to no one in particular. “… and all the pain I had.” Achim said Falcon-Cantrill made the difference – she was the longshot and she, in the end, was the key to Marco’s survival. “He’d sneeze and she would come in – ‘Let’s do this or let’s do a culture,’” Achim said. “Nothing was too much.” Achim said he knew his son’s care was more than personal for Falcon-Cantrill. “He was like her son, or grandson or a family member,” he said. “She’s just as emotional. She just hugged me and had tears in her eyes.” Marco said, “I think today is a very good day. Today marks the end of everything and I should be able to move on with my life.” Karen Wyatt, former director of the Center for Veterans Affairs at UIW, agrees with Achim. Falcon-Cantrill also developed a strong relationship with her daughter, Lyndsey, diagnosed with osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, at the age of 13. “She was kind and motherly and patient,” Wyatt said. “And more importantly, Lyndsey took part in every aspect of her treatment. And it was hard.”

“You wait for scans. You wait for results. Your life gets put on hold while you wait,” Wyatt said. All the while, Falcon-Cantrill advocated for Lyndsey, listened to her needs as a teenager and made sure she explained every aspect of treatment as it happened. The Wyatt’s have now participated each year in a cause close to Falcon-Cantrill’s heart – the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which pours the proceeds from its annual fundraiser into pediatric cancer research. Lyndsey’s dad, Andrew, shaved his head to raise money for St. Baldrick’s in 2016 as he has each year since his daughter was diagnosed. “My husband jumped at the chance to do this – it was a way to stay connected to her,” Wyatt said. Participating in the fundraiser gave the family something tangible to hold on to “because it’s the Falcon-Cantrill examines a patient, worst sense of helplessness,” she Michael. said. Lyndsey, now 15, has no signs of cancer. She’s back at Incarnate Word High School. “We still email,” Wyatt said. “We still share photos. We still share Lyndsey’s successes. She’s (Falcon-Cantrill) become a part of our road to recovery forever.” Falcon-Cantrill also serves on the board of Camp Discovery, a special camp just for pediatric cancer patients. She first worked at the camp in 2010. “And I’ve never been the same since,” she said. “I watched one of my patients, he’s blind – do the high ropes course. There’s nothing our patients can’t do at camp.” The camp is held each July in Kerrville and is free for the children who participate. Some 75 percent of the volunteers are survivors of childhood cancer. The camp can accommodate chemotherapy and keeps doctors and nurses on staff. “It has been the dying wish of multiple campers to go to camp one more time,” Falcon-Cantrill said. “So it may mean multiple doctors and nurses stay awake around the clock to care for a fragile child – but it’s worth it.” For Falcon-Cantrill taking the path she most feared has been more than worth it.

Falcon-Cantrill with a patient, Roland.

To view more photos from this feature, visit www.thewordonline.org THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

The New Generation of Media Professionals By Rudy Arispe ’97 BA

all it serendipity, but Samantha Najera ’07 BA and Nina Duran ’04 BA ’05 MA ’99 IWHS prefer to see their initial chance meeting as unseen forces of the universe working to put two people in the right place at the right time. Now, the two have joined forces of their own to forge a powerful partnership to benefit their respective companies, clients and even the community. Recently, Najera, founder of (Pictured L-R) Morales, Duran and Najera

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

Morales, Duran and Najera review La Prensa layouts at their office in downtown San Antonio. creative marketing firm HeartFire Media, and Duran, newly named publisher of the city’s well-read and well-respected, bilingual La Prensa de San Antonio, merged companies. The merger will breathe new life into the family-owned newspaper. It will also help further establish the HeartFire brand as it continues to do business with new and existing clientele. HeartFire, established in 2012, has numerous clients including the City of San Antonio, the San Antonio Scorpions, and Morgan’s Wonderland, among others. The firm won Best Start-up award by the San Antonio Current in 2014. The bright businesswomen also know a good thing when they see it; in this case, they found that in the guise of the resourceful Blanca Morales ’11 BA ’13 MA, who serves as HeartFire Media’s marketing coordinator. Together, the trio has ignited a firestorm of activity to set the HeartFire Media-La Prensa business ablaze. “La Prensa has always been 100 percent advertising driven,” Duran said from the La Prensa offices in the landmark Finesilver Building near downtown. “But our digital presence has never been like it should be. We plan to change that. When Sam and I were talking about the potential partnership, I said, ‘How great would it be if we could offer marketing, video services, Web design and public relations.’ What’s exciting is that we have become a true merger that can offer all of these services.” Najera and Duran have wasted no time in setting out to accomplish their goals. In their first four months, La Prensa underwent a redesign replete with a new logo and tagline: “San Antonio lives bilingual.” A new website has also been launched. Excitingly, they served as the official video and photography team for the 2016 Fiesta Flambeau Parade. Their participation included a float featuring HeartFire Media. Najera knows they have a challenge set forth before them, namely attracting tech-savvy, social media driven Millennials. “The older generation likes to have a print edition in their hands, but how do we attract Millennials? We want to keep the tradition of speaking both languages, and we want to set the tone for Millennials.” As to how the three women ended up working under one roof, Duran first met Najera when the HeartFire Media owner was working for a production company that produced a video for the La Prensa Foundation. Their paths crossed again several years later when Najera was on her own. The two kept in touch, and one day Duran told Najera that she was looking to make a leap into another career. Najera invited her to come aboard as vice president of marketing and sales. When Najera told Duran that she was looking for a marketing coordinator, Duran immediately mentioned Morales, whom she worked with before.

“Blanca was the first person who came to mind,” Duran said. “I knew she would fit the culture perfectly. I knew her work ethic. She can do everything.” The UIW chums took a moment to reflect on how the university has helped them along in their careers. “The communications faculty has been there for me from the beginning, and they still are,” Morales said. “I can email them, and they always respond promptly. Michael Mercer (senior instructor of communication arts) always sends me marketing news and resources. It’s great to have their support even though I graduated almost four years ago.” For Najera, she benefited from the one-on-one attention from her UIW professors. She also helped launch the university’s Internet radio station, KUIW, learning all about broadcast media with which she deals daily now. “And I liked the fact that there was a chapel underneath my dorm. I went there a lot,” she said. UIW’s requirement that students complete internships opened doors for Duran. “A lot of success is based on who you know, not what you know,” she explained. “I interned with the Spurs and at KENS5. The following year, I applied to be a producer for (the station’s morning show) Great Day SA. I got hired. They told me that there were people with more experience than me, but they saw me there every day, and I got to know a lot of people there.” Duran, who succeeded her father, Tino Duran, is aware that with the passing of the reins comes a huge responsibility and obligation to see that the paper maintains its community presence, as it has ever since Tino and wife, Millie, re-established La Prensa in 1989. It previously had been owned by Ignacio Lozano, who founded it in 1913 and then shut down operations in 1963, according to the Texas State Historical Association website. Tino, 81, stepped down as publisher after 27 years because of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. His daughter has been his biggest cheerleader and a local advocate for calling attention to the disease. “(Being publisher) is just as exciting as it is daunting,” she said. “It’s a pivotal time for La Prensa. There are lots of changes I want to make, and we have a great team to do it.” And with Najera and Morales at her side, Duran knows she has the support to fulfill her ultimate goal: “I want to keep the legacy alive that my parents created for this city.”

Duran and Najera aboard their float at the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

Pictured (clockwise from front) are Moore, Broughton, Said, Schubnell, Norgan, Tucker, Elrod and Ryan awarded the Emeritus Award on April 19 at the annual Faculty Appreciation Luncheon.

Honor of a Lifetime By Brance Arnold ’10 MA

s UIW closes another academic year, the university bids farewell to a number of faculty who have devoted much of their careers and lives to the home that is Incarnate Word. Some of these faculty members have received one of the greatest honors bestowed by the university: the status of professor emeritus or emerita. This spring, retiring faculty members Judy Broughton, professor emerita of interior design; Dr. Henry Elrod, professor emeritus of accounting; John Lodeck, professor emeritus of interior design; Dr. Mary Ruth Moore, professor emerita of education; Dr. Gary Norgan, professor emeritus of nursing; Sr. Eilish Ryan, CCVI, professor emerita of religious studies; Dr. Sally Said, professor emerita of Spanish; Dr. Matthias Schubnell, professor emeritus of English; and Dr. Keith Tucker, professor emeritus of psychology; were awarded the honor. These faculty members joined a prestigious rank of more than 100 who have been awarded the title in the university’s long history. “The honor is one that is common in higher education to recognize long service to the institution,” said UIW Provost Kathleen Light. Emeritus or emerita is granted to retiring faculty who receive the title in recognition of length and quality of service at UIW. Faculty with the distinction must have served 10 tenured years or at least 15 total years at the 12

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

university. Light explained that the Faculty Handbook states that upon retirement, the dean of the college or school of which the faculty member teaches may send a request to the provost to award the title. The university’s Rank and Tenure Committee submits their recommendation for rank and tenure to the provost as well. The provost then submits the recommendation to UIW’s board of trustees for approval. Being named emeritus or emerita comes with certain university privileges to encourage retired faculty to continue actively participating in the life of the Incarnate Word community. Some of these benefits include: use of the university email address; receipt of The Word Today, UIW’s daily employee newsletter, and The Word, the official alumni magazine; UIW id; parking privileges; permanent transfer of UIW computers at time of retirement for home use; participation in UIW seminars, colloquia, lectures, exhibitions and other scholarly pursuits; and preference in part-time teaching opportunities; among others. “I came to see emerita as a way to continue scholarly work, both in access to library resources and in maintaining a connection to the university as part of my academic identity,” shared Said, who has taught at UIW for 28 years. The title carries substantial meaning beyond the perks it allows. “Emeritus status is the icing on the cake of a wonderful career in higher education,” said Norgan, who has been with UIW for 27 years. “It shows that my colleagues in the university recognize my devotion to this institution and the values that underlie it.” Moore, who has been at Incarnate Word for 23 years, concurred, “I will always be a part of UIW now. It says that the work we do here is of lasting importance and will not be forgotten.” Dr. Dick McCracken, dean of alumni emeritus, has served Incarnate Word in many capacities since 1964. As emeritus, he represents a vital connection between the Incarnate Word of the past and the university today. “I have been here for a long time,” said McCracken. “It is helpful when you can remember things where others can’t and be connected to alumni and those who have been associated with Incarnate Word.” Some faculty members remain tied to the university through projects or organizations. For example, Moore will continue to work on initiatives related to UIW’s Frost Play Research Collection at the Mabee Library. Said, who was involved in the creation of the Headwaters at Incarnate Word organization, has been appointed to its board, and she expects to work with Dr. Amalia Mondriguez, UIW professor of modern languages, in updating the Spanish for Health Care Providers course and developing a Spanish for Physicians course at UIW. Norgan will continue to participate in a nursing faculty group at Incarnate Word. Though the distinction is a tremendous honor, the most important part of being emeritus or emerita may be in remaining a part of something more profound, a legacy of community. “The emerita designation means a lot to me because it allows me to maintain an active link with UIW and with colleagues,” said Ryan, who hopes to continue teaching part time at the university like a number of retired faculty before her. “After 36 years, the university is an important part of my life story.”

3 1. Light (left) says farewell to Norgan (center) as his wife looks on during Norgan’s retirement celebration in April. 2. Moore speaks during a retirement celebration in April. 3. Said speaks during fall commencement in 2012. THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

Photo courtesy of GenCure Marrow Donor Program

Ramirez does his final blood testing a few days before his life saving donation at GenCure Cellular Therapy Center.

UIW shines as one community helping to save lives By Crystale Lopez

lec Ramirez, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics student at UIW, was walking to class when he was called over by a member of UIW’s Pre-Pharmacy Association (PPA). The PPA was hosting their annual bone marrow drive for the GenCure Marrow Donor Program, “Be the Match.” “I did not know anything about this program until the student from PPA called me over to register,” Ramirez said. “They explained the process to me, took a couple of cheek swabs, and let me know that was the end of it unless I turned out to be a match for someone.” Little did Ramirez know, though he was registering as a student, he would emerge a hero. In February 2015, five months after registering at the bone marrow drive, he received a call

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

saying that he might be a match to a 10-year-old boy battling leukemia. “As soon as I got the call that I had the potential to save a life, I did not care what it was going to take, I was ready to do what I needed to do,” he said. Ramirez completed the process, and endured six sessions of blood work, to confirm he was truly a match to the young boy. Once it was an official match, the bone marrow transplant was scheduled for June in Fort Worth. Ramirez shared that just before the transplant he asked his doctor what the chances were that the operation would work for the young boy with leukemia. “My doctor told me he had a 40 percent chance of survival,” Ramirez said. “I told her I didn’t think that was a very high chance, and she responded ‘that is

Pre-pharmacy students during a bone marrow drive this spring. a whole lot more of a chance than zero’ – I was taken aback, she was right – it was a very emotional moment for me.” The transplant went well and the young boy was able to walk again by August. “I was called again a few months later because he needed T-cells and they wanted to keep it consistent with the marrow I had donated,” Ramirez said. “The doctors jokingly told us if either of us committed a crime and the police did forensics that we were both going to get calls since we share DNA now.” The young boy and his parents sent Ramirez Christmas cards to show their appreciation. “One year from the procedure, as long as they are willing, we are supposed to be able to meet,” Ramirez said. “I really hope it works out for us to meet.” Since the UIW Pre-Pharmacy Association began hosting the annual bone marrow drive in 2013, GenCure has registered more than 800 donors. “Every year we aim to build and grow a community on campus that will rally around donors like Alec,” said Adriana Estrada ’09 BA, marrow recruitment consultant for GenCure. “We want donors to have a strong support system around them that understands and encourages them to help save a life.”

Graham with students at UIW’s 2016 CAB/SGA awards banquet. PPA was voted Most Charitable Organization, Most Outstanding Organization of the Year, and Graham was awarded Most Outstanding Advisor of the Year.

“Over the last three years, and the bone marrow drives PPA has hosted, our students have taken ownership of this event and they take it to heart,” said Candace Graham, pre-pharmacy counselor and advisor for the UIW Feik School of Pharmacy. “It has become personal to them, especially since PPA’s annual drive is in memory of former San Antonio Police Department Officer Tony Barasa, who lost his fight to leukemia.” Graham said PPA is committed every year to fulfilling UIW’s Mission and to contributing to the community on many levels, both on and off campus. “PPA brings in representatives from ‘Be the Match’ to educate first-time freshmen, who are new to PPA, about the need, process and dynamics of bone marrow,” Graham explained. “Our PPA members assemble the registration packets for the event, promote and work the two-day bone marrow drive every year. They also actively recruit on and off campus for donors.”

Estrada speaks to students about the “Be the Match” program during a bone marrow drive at Parrie Haynes Ranch. Estrada said every donor added to the bone marrow registry gives hope to patients and their families. “Hosting bone marrow drives on college campuses, like UIW, brings awareness that there is a cure and it could be anyone simply passing by,” she said. “This is so important because college students are the perfect demographic – they are young, healthy and willing to learn and help if they can.” As a UIW alumna, Estrada also attributes the work she does today to Incarnate Word. “UIW took who I was and made me into the person I always wanted to be,” she shared. “Today, I am an advocate and a voice for patients without a bone marrow match and my mission is to change the way people view being a donor.” “UIW’s Mission encourages education through these drives by helping spread the word,” Estrada said. “When the missions of UIW and ‘Be the Match’ collide, we are changing and saving lives – we are inspiring a community to be the change they want to see in the world, and I could not be more proud of UIW and Alec.” For more info, visit: gencure.org

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

A Legacy of Spirit By Cory Chandler

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

trying to make ourselves known. We wanted to let students know we were there to support the school,” Quesada said. For cheerleaders, having strong skills and technique is important. But Aranda-Naranjo also emphasized that they should display leadership qualities at all times. She instilled in them the idea that cheerleaders serve as ambassadors for Incarnate Word. “They were good students,” Aranda-Naranjo said. “They knew that they represented the school not only in the classroom, but off campus as well.” That focus on leadership continues today.

“A Lot Has Changed” UIW’s spirit program has grown significantly since its humble beginnings. It now plays a very visible role on campus. Cheer and dance teams help with athletics promotions, participate in school fundraisers, and act as brand ambassadors for the university. The cheer team has grown to 20 members, and they sport Adidas gear, which became the official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand of the Cardinals in 2015. They also spend 12 hours a week in practice focusing on skills and weight training.

Photo courtesy of Cardinal Athletics

eople remember 1986 as a year of big hair and big fashion. At Incarnate Word, 1986 was also a year of big cheers and one giant milestone. While the nation was jamming out to Mr. Mister and fistpumping over “Top Gun,” a small group of what was then Incarnate Word College students were busy building a legacy of spirit and leadership that still thrives on campus today. These days, UIW boasts a spirit program that competes on a national level and includes cheerleaders, a dance team and a mascot. But that wasn’t the case in 1986, when five students put on the university’s first cheerleading uniforms and began making appearances at athletic events. Those first cheerleaders wore longer skirts, huge smiles and bangs as high as a basket toss. “Hey, it was the ’80s,” said Monique Quesada ’91 BBA. “That was the era of big hair, right?” Quesada served as co-captain of the first cheerleading team, which was developed under the sponsorship of Dr. Barbara Aranda-Naranjo, now associate provost for civic engagement. In 1986, ArandaNaranjo was director of student health services. Her Pictured: (top, L-R) Angela Schnurr, Arandaprior experience Naranjo, Kris Shields, (bottom, L-R) Stephanie as a cheerleader Casanova, Quesada, and Laura Perez. made her a natural fit for sponsoring the program. She jumped in enthusiastically, helping organize the program’s first tryouts. She also served an instrumental role in securing a sponsor (her husband, retired Chief Master Sgt. Sonny Naranjo), who provided funding so the cheerleaders could have uniforms and equipment for cheer camps to work on technique. “Barbara was a big help,” Quesada said. “She provided a lot of guidance for us in getting funding and the necessary approvals on campus.” The team appeared at basketball, baseball and volleyball games as well as other events on campus. “That first year, we were just

Photo courtesy of Cardinal Athletics The program hosts two tryouts each year. Director of Fan Experience Melissa Martinez, herself a former Spurs Silver Dancer, has led the program onto the national stage. The team now competes annually at National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate Cheer Championships. In 2014, UIW finished fifth in the Division I Co-Ed Intermediate Division. Preparation for this prestigious and highly competitive competition occurs throughout the year, where many cheerleaders participate in specialized practice to improve on technique or skills such as tumbling. “A lot has changed,” Martinez said in reference to the early days of the program. “But one thing remains consistent: cheerleaders are still expected to represent the university whether or not they’re in uniform.” “We still expect them to be leaders,” Martinez said. Martinez can list a number of exciting developments for the spirit program. “At the start of each semester, each cheerleader, dancer and mascot are awarded a scholarship,” said Martinez. The spirit team began receiving the award during the 2015-16 academic year. The program continues to grow in numbers as well. It could soon include as many as 30 co-ed members, and Martinez predicts that factors such as the jump to Division I competition and UIW’s football program will only continue to increase the talent pool available to coaches. Quesada, who now provides customer service for USAA, said she was excited to return to campus to tailgate at a football game last season. “It was amazing to see how much the campus and the cheerleading program has grown,” she said, “but I was glad to see that our cheerleaders still focus on leadership.”

Smith named Women’s Basketball Head Coach In April, Christy Smith was named as the seventh head women’s basketball coach in UIW history. She takes over a program entering its fourth and final year of the transition process from NCAA Division II to Division I. Smith has been a women’s basketball Division I assistant coach since 2008 and was formerly a high school coach. She began her college coaching career at Valparaiso University where she coached for three years. In 2011, Smith coached at Purdue University and had a successful three years with a 77-27 record; they won a pair of Big Ten Tournament titles and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in all three seasons. Smith made the move to her alma mater, the University of Arkansas, in 2014 and helped the program as an assistant coach to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2015. The Oxford, Ind., native has an extensive basketball history. Smith led Team USA to gold at the World University Games, Arkansas to the NCAA Final Four and the Charlotte Sting into the WNBA playoffs. She was a four-time honorable mention All-American as a point guard for the Razorbacks, named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll three times, earned first team All-SEC as a senior after twice being named second team All-SEC. Smith earned SEC Freshman of the Year recognition in 1995.

Hittle named Student-Athlete of the Year Photo courtesy of Ca rdinal Athletics

UIW senior forward Kyle Hittle has been named the Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year; he is the first UIW men’s basketball player and UIW student-athlete in any sport to receive the distinction. The award is presented to the student-athlete who achieves excellence in both academics and athletics. The Southland Conference awards committee, consisting of one administrator from each of the 13 member schools, vote for the student-athlete of the year. THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

Business’ First By Ashley Festa

s someone who couldn’t dissect a frog in her high school biology class, Eileen Teves found another, less invasive way to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor. Teves recently became the first graduate of the H-E-B School of Business and Administration’s (HEBSBA) new Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) program, which launched its first cohort in Fall 2013. The 60-hour program was recently recognized as one of the top 50 D.B.A. programs for 2016 by

Top Management Degrees, an online guide to earning a degree in management or business. Teves said she researched doctoral degrees in the area and UIW’s program spoke to her. She was confident that earning a D.B.A. would help her gain theoretical knowledge, build valuable researching skills, and the ability to apply them to real-world business. “The program opened my eyes to the business world,” said Teves with Dr. Forrest Aven (left), HEBSBA dean, and Craven (right) during spring commencement.

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

Teves, an Emmy Award-winning journalist who has worked in television for 20 years, 12 as a KENS5 Great Day SA co-host. “It pushed me to be a more critical thinker. I can look at a story and see it on an economic level. Everything is run by business, and I can see things that way.” Teves, a native of San Francisco Bay, earned a B.A. Teves with Dr. Trey Guinn, assistant in rhetoric and professor of communications, who communications served on her dissertation committee. from the University of California at Davis and a M.B.A. from Our Lady of the Lake University. She particularly enjoyed the D.B.A. program because it’s practitioner-oriented, rather than solely focused on research. As an established journalist, Teves wanted to be able to put what she learned into practice. One of her favorite parts of the program was the study abroad trip, which she enjoyed so much that she went twice. Teves traveled to Paris and Strasbourg, France, and Heidelberg and Frankfurt, Germany, to learn first-hand about global communications and the similarities and differences of how news is handled around the world. To delve into the changing industry, Teves focused her dissertation on the ways in which the delivery of news is shifting, with a higher focus on digital and social media, rather than on

television and newspapers. For her research, she interviewed 10 photojournalists and television journalists to ask about the integration of social media into the news world and how it has affected their workload. “There has definitely been a shift in how consumers consume news,” Teves said. “People just have to reach for their phone, and there’s news. It isn’t just TV anymore. It’s multimedia. That’s disheartening because I work in TV. More people are cutting the cord. I didn’t realize there were a lot of people doing that.” Dr. Annette Craven, the director of the D.B.A. program and chair of Teves’ dissertation committee, said the research contributes cutting-edge knowledge to the journalism industry. “During her career, she saw the shifting tides away from teams (journalist, photo/video journalist, editor) investigating and reporting credible news from legitimate sources to the age of the citizen journalist, where a smart phone video submitted from someone on the street could be headline news,” Craven said. “Now, instead of a team, one person is expected to video, edit and report the news.” In her dissertation, Teves highlighted the potential problems with such changes, including the reliance on a single multimedia journalist to ensure credibility and quality, which she says is difficult if not impossible. The liability of such a drastically downsized staff, Teves found, could spell the demise of news stations. “It’s an evolving industry, and I would like to witness that,” she said. “There are still so many great stories to tell.” As for her future, Teves says she would like to someday become a consultant or university professor. For now however, she recently accepted a position with InGenesis, Inc. as director of corporate communications. The company’s owner and CEO is fellow Cardinal and UIW board of trustees member Veronica Edwards. “I would like to eventually become a university professor because I enjoy motivating students, sharing what I’ve learned, seeing positive results, and giving back to the community,” Teves said. “I had great professors and I hope to someday share my academic and real-world experience with students in either the business or communications field.”

Teves defends her dissertation. THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

The Color of Spring

By Rebecca Esparza ’99 BBA ’03 MBA

Students throw dye to celebrate the coming of spring.

hen Selcuk Mutlu had the chance to obtain his graduate degree in the United States, he jumped at the prospect of exploring new and different cultures. Mutlu moved to San Antonio in 2014 from his homeland in Turkey to pursue a graduate degree in organizational development from the University of the Incarnate Word. As a graduate assistant in UIW’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Mutlu had the unique opportunity to help plan the university’s 5th Annual Festival of Colors, which was held on campus in March. The event, a collaborative effort between over a dozen campus and community organizations, celebrated the Hindu spring festival Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors. “The Festival of Colors represents that life itself is colorful, not black and white. Our cultures are different and should be celebrated,” he said. “Life is as boring or exciting as you make it and I feel fortunate to have helped with this event. My hope is that

20 14

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

someday we would be able to open it up to the entire San Antonio community and not just for students and their friends. I would love to see more people have the chance to learn about all these different cultures firsthand.” The event has grown in popularity every year, expanding with vendors who offer fair trade items for sale, live music, dance performances and, of course, the Holi color throwing, noted Sheena Connell, assistant director with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. Holi color throwing festivities included UIW students covering each other with multi-colored powder. Afterwards, participants displayed a variety of colors from head to toe. “It started off with just the color throwing, but as the years progressed, we started adding more activities and now it’s almost a full-day event,” Connell said. “This year, we had so many cultures represented, including Latin and South America, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, East Asia and more.”

Students prepare dye for color throwing. Co-hosted by Campus Life, the Festival of Colors celebrates the rich diversity on campus, which is important for UIW because international students account for 27 percent globally of the current student population. “Celebrating diversity on campus is vital because not only do you have a chance to understand different cultures, it not only enriches you as a student, but as a person, as well,” Connell added. “Currently, 69 different countries are represented on the UIW campus, with our largest populations coming from Mexico and Saudi Arabia.” Priyangana Risal, international student advisor for the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, says Holi is celebrated all over Southeast Asia. “I’ve been fortunate to have celebrated Holi in Nepal. We put colors on people’s faces; rub color in each other’s hair and hands. Colors bring happiness to people,” Risal said. “Back in India, sweets are made, along with colorful drinks. We have bonfires. We also put colors in water and even shoot water guns filled with colors at each other. Back home, it’s usually a two-day event.” A student advisor at UIW for more than eight months, Risal is also working on her graduate degree in business, hoping to graduate by May 2017. “The Festival of Colors brings our students together,” she said. “It’s for every religion and every culture. Forgiveness is the most

important part of the ceremony. Laughter, joy and happiness are the main reasons we celebrate. We are destroying evil and thinking of ways to bring happiness to people. We’re also commemorating friendship, love and family.” Other participating university organizations included International Affairs, Study Abroad, the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership, the Saudi Student Club and Asian Culture Club. Food was provided by local food truck Zoe’s Kitchen and community organizations such as Catholic Charities Archdiocese of San Antonio participated, among many others. Risal said hosting events like these on campus are significant because it teaches everyone tolerance, understanding and acceptance of other people and cultures. “Sometimes we are so busy in our lives, we don’t make time to learn about different cultures and their rich traditions,” she explained. “Events like the Festival of Colors allows students, faculty and staff to research each and every culture for themselves, up close and personal. It lets them participate in unique ceremonies, music, dance and other things from different countries from around the world. It’s a time to embrace each other’s differences.”

Mutlu (right) with fellow UIW student Dasha Makeeva at Festival of Colors.

To view more photos of this year’s festival, visit www.thewordonline.org Connell (center) takes part in the festival.

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

21 15

university collective Dr. Veronica Acosta, associate professor of biology, was elected the incoming chair of the Neuroscience Section of the Texas Academy of Science at the Texas Academy of Science Meeting in March. She will serve two years as chair. Acosta was recently on sabbatical leave at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Mass. During her sabbatical, she continued her studies on the molecular mechanisms governing neural regeneration and morphallaxis and the role of stem cell populations in these regenerative processes. Her research is currently funded by the Department of the Army through the Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and MinorityServing Institutions (HBCU/ MI).

Dr. Pat Burr, professor and chair of international business, has received a newly-elected, three-year position on the National Fulbright Board of Directors as the only Texas member and UIW’s first-ever member. Burr has become a champion of the Fulbright Program, receiving her first Fulbright Award to Monterrey Tec (ITEMS) and additional awards to Mexico, China, Vietnam, Kuwait, and Ukraine (postponed). She has served on the national Fulbright Specialist Program peer-review selection committee for business and economics, has co-chaired the National Chapter Advisory Board, and in 2013 founded the San Antonio Chapter of the Fulbright Association where she serves as president. She continues to serve on the Fulbright National Conference Program Committee and

On April 4, Dr. Amalia Mondriguez, professor of modern languages, was awarded the 2016 CCVI Spirit Award. The award recognizes a member of the faculty, administration or staff who has demonstrated in service to the university and/or to the broader civic community the spirit of the founders, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The 2016 Student CCVI Spirit Award was presented to UIW student Olivia Almirudis. The student recipient is recognized by peers, faculty and staff as living the Mission of the Sisters. 22

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

chaired the 2014 and 2016 Southwest Fulbright Symposium. Jose Ruben De Leon, instructor of religious studies, Sr. Eilish Ryan, CCVI, professor of religious studies, and Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI, professor of religious studies, were among 185 Sisters and staff from Mexico, Peru, the U.S. and Zambia participating in the Incarnate Word Congregational Bi-Annual International Assembly in Mexico City April 16-18. Dr. Shafik Dharamsi, professor and associate dean for social accountability, School of Osteopathic Medicine, published “Shining a Light on the Dark Side,” in the “Annals of Internal Medicine,” 2016 Jan 5; 164(1):68, Dharamsi S., and “Osteopathic Medical Education and Social Accountability,” in the “Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (JAOA),” 2016; 116 (4):202-6, Madson R., Dharamsi S. On March 31, Cynthia Escamilla, vice president and general counsel, was a presenter on the topic “Managing Privilege, Privacy, and Other Complexities in an Investigation and Afterwards,” at the National Association of College and University Attorneys’ 2016 Higher Education Employment Law Workshop, held in Denver, Colo. She was also invited by United Educators, UIW’s insurance company, to serve as a member of United Educators’ Legal Advisory Committee and to serve on their general counsel panel discussion on “Claims Trends and Outliers”

at the United Educators’ Joint Advisory Committee meeting on April 14-15 in Bethesda, Md.

Dr. David Fike, professor of education; Dr. Renea Fike, associate professor of education and coordinator of the master’s program; and Dr. Mary Ruth Moore, professor emerita of education; retired from UIW this spring. The Dreeben School of Education honored their service to the university at a celebration on April 25 in the Mabee Library Special Collections Room. On March 30, a panel presentation, “Barbie to Babesia: Women in the Sciences, Working in Historically Male-Dominated Careers,” featured four professional women with extensive professional experience in the health sciences, who shared some of what they’ve learned in navigating their successful careers at UIW. Panel presenters included Dr. Emily Kidd, physician in emergency medicine and specialist in disaster preparedness; Dr. Sandra Fortenberry, UIW assistant dean for professional advancement at the Rosenberg School of Optometry; Dr. Barbara Aranda-Naranjo, UIW associate provost for civic engagement; and Dr. Sarah Ortiz, veterinary medical officer with the United States Department of Agriculture and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services.

university collective At a Faculty Appreciation Luncheon on April 19, Dr. John Perry, professor of speech, received the 2016 Moody Professor Award and Dr. Laura Munoz, director of the DNP Program/MSN-DNP track coordinator, won the 2016 Presidential Teaching Award. Dr. Bethany Kalich, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, and Cynthia Morin, nursing instructor/clinical coordinator, were awarded the 2016 Provost Legacy Teaching Awards at the luncheon.

The National Academies of Practice (NAP) announced the election of Dr. Caroline Goulet, founding dean of the School of Physical Therapy, as a Distinguished Scholar & Fellow of NAP. Goulet was inducted at a gala membership banquet on April 9 in Baltimore, Md. Membership in the NAP is an honor extended to those who have excelled in their profession and are dedicated to furthering practice, scholarship and policy in support of interprofessional care. The central purpose of NAP is to advise public policy makers on health care issues using NAP’s unique perspective - that of expert practitioners and scholars joined in interdisciplinary dialogue. Dr. Bethany Kalich, assistant professor of pharmacy, published “From Pilot to Practice: A Trainee-Integrated Pharmacy Practice Model in Cardiology” in the “North Carolina Medical Journal,” 2016 Jan.-Feb.; 77(1):45-51, coauthors: Kalich B.A., Cicci J.D., Shah S., Reed B.N.

Dr. Ryan Lunsford, associate professor of business, presented “Differentiation in the United States Rental Car Industry” on Jan. 5 at the International Academic Business Conference in Orlando, Fla. The project was the culmination of a three-year project that involved two UIW graduate students, Maria Noriega Fee and Michelle Senser, and studied the $26 billion industry in detail. Lunsford and Judith Raven, owner of Esperanza Vineyard, were published in the “Journal of Business Cases and Applications.” Their article “H-E-B’s sustainable competitive advantage” discusses the nation’s 25th largest retailer’s social responsibility achievements. He and Steven Ferrell, student in UIW’s Doctor of Business Administration program, were published in the “Journal of Business Case Studies.” Their article “CPS Energy: Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future” presents the nation’s largest cityowned and publicly-operated energy company as the model of what a sustainable, 21st century energy company can be. Vanessa Martinelli, clinic support manager for the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO), has been named the

Texas Optometric Association 2016 Optometric Staff Member of the Year. Martinelli was nominated because of her outstanding dedication to her position at RSO. In her role, Martinelli provides direct oversight and supervision of all administrative operations at five geographically-separated clinics with 27 staff employees. She oversees billing, coding, third-party reimbursements, scheduling, electronic medical records, HIPAA, budget and marketing. Martinelli is also involved in compliance, risk management, quality assurance, credentialing and privileging and infection control. Dr. Thomas Mohr, associate dean for graduate medical education, School of Osteopathic Medicine, was inducted into the Collegium of Fellows for the Association of Osteopathic Directors and Medical Educators (AODME) at a ceremony in Portland, Ore., April 29. Fellowship in the AODME recognizes service and achievement to osteopathic graduate medical education. Dr. Gerald Mulvey, assistant professor of meteorology, was accepted to the School of Ice, U.S. Ice Drilling Program Office for a close-up look at ice core science. This intensive one week workshop sponsored by National Science Foundation and Lockheed Martin Corp. was held in May in Denver’s National Ice Core Laboratory (NICL). The workshop trains Minority Serving Institution (MSI) faculty to understand paleoclimate evidence derived from ice cores and acquire the skills necessary to bring this exciting inquiry into new and existing earth and

environmental science classes on their campuses. This is the third and last in a series of MSI REaCH (Reconstructing Earth’s Climate History) advanced professional development programs for geoscience faculty at minority-serving institutions on the science behind climate change. Mulvey also attended two workshops, AMS Climate Studies - Course Implementation Workshop in Washington, DC (2014), and Ocean Sediment Cores at the Gulf Coast Repository, Texas A&M University (2015).

UIW received congressional recognition for participation in a 2016 San Antonio STEM Celebration. Congressman Henry Cuellar’s office organized the event for K-12 students in conjunction with Judson ISD. Dr. Sreerenjini Nair, assistant professor of physics, led three UIW STEM students all day in hands-on robotics and engineering demonstrations for schoolchildren. Dr. Ramona Parker, assistant dean for medical and interprofessional education and president of the Faculty Senate, served as a commencement speaker for St. Catherine University’s College for Adult and Applied Learning in St. Paul, Minn., on May 21.

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

university collective land at UIW. Each year, the Earth Month Committee selects one member of the UIW community to receive this award in recognition of their contribution to ecological preservation and/or awareness of environmental issues. Last fall, Vince Rodriguez, UIW chief of staff, visited the Toi Whakaari Drama School in Wellington, New Zealand, UIW’s sister school. Craig Atkins, registrar at the school gave Rodriguez a tour of the facilities and attended a faculty and staff party at the home of the school’s director, Christian Penny.

Dr. Matthias Schubnell, professor emeritus of English, was awarded this year’s William Mulcahy Stewardship Award on April 21 as part of Earth Day observance. The award was created in 2007 in recognition of former grounds superintendent Bill Mulcahy’s leadership in ecological conservation and care of the

Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP) faculty members Dr. Helen Smith, associate professor of pharmacy; Dr. Marcos Oliveira, associate professor of pharmacy; and Dr. Renee Bellanger, associate professor of pharmacy; presented “Sustainability Issues Associated with the Zika Virus” on April 9 in the Mabee Library Auditorium. The

Do you remember?

“O

h would that I were what I’m meant to be,” reads a poem opening Sr. Rita Prendergast’s “Gleanings,” a collection of poetry reflecting fragments of her life experiences. Aboard the Mauretania, a ship bound for Texas, along with 13 Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word candidates from Ireland in 1949, Prendergast knew who she was meant to be was rooted in the Incarnate Word. Her journey led to Incarnate Word College, now UIW. She became a student of Incarnate Word in preparation for her ministry with the congregation, eventually continuing her education at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Upon returning to Incarnate Word, she taught as an assistant professor of English for nine years, a time she remembers fondly. “I loved teaching and getting students to learn English. I had a passion for it,” said Prendergast. This passion for teaching, particularly language studies, translated to her missionary work with students in Peru, Mexico,

Prendergast signs a copy of her book at a reading and book signing on the UIW campus. 24

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

presentation was part of the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering’s Earth Week activities. Dr. Suleyman Tek, associate professor of mathematics, coauthored the following two publications: “Integrable Curves and Surfaces” and “Surfaces from Deformation of Parameters,” in Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Conference on Geometry, Integrability and Quantization XVII.

By Brance Arnold ’10 MA

Zambia and Ireland. And her love of language and the written word inspired her poetry. Interestingly, Prendergast wrote her first poem as an assignment while a student at Incarnate Word. Her time as a professor of Incarnate Word extended beyond the classroom. “I was in charge of the Logos (student newspaper) at the time, as well as the yearbook and judging of poetry contests,” she recalled. In 1963, she returned to Ireland to open and serve as principal of a school in Dunmore, also named Incarnate Word College. The school exists today as Dunmore Community School. In 1966, Ireland celebrated the 1916 rebellion achieving Irish freedom from British rule. As part of the 50th anniversary, the celebration included competitions in all the arts. Prendergast’s poem “Perspective: 1916-1966” won the prize for English poetry. The poem is featured in her book, which came to fruition with the assistance of alumnae Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery, CCVI ’52 BA, who wrote the forward, and Sr. Louise Delisi, CCVI ’67 BA ’85 MA, who typed the poetry for publication. In fact, Prendergast’s former student Ruth Fowler ’71 BA ’74 MA helped inspire and encourage her for nearly 10 years to finally publish “Gleanings,” the term referring to a common practice in ancient Israel where the poor followed behind harvesters to retrieve what was left to feed the hungry. The book is a window into to the life of Prendergast, now 85, and though her poetry touches on a myriad of subjects, it reflects on her devotion to her faith and to the ministry of the Sisters. The book itself benefits their benevolent work as all proceeds are donated to the Sisters’ ministries. To purchase a copy, please visit the gift shop at the Village of the Incarnate Word or contact Prendergast directly at (210) 8242336.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Homecoming Game, UIW vs. Southeastern Louisiana, Nov. 5, Benson Stadium, 2:30 p.m. • Light the Way, Nov. 19, Benson Stadium, 7:30 p.m.

For more details on the UIW events listed and other events open to the public, visit www.uiw.edu/calendar/

ALUMNI EVENTS

Thirsty Thursdays - Alumni Mixers: • Aug. 11, 6-8 pm • Sept. 8, 6-8 pm • Oct. 13, 6-8 pm • Nov. 10, 6-8 pm • Dec. 8, 6-8 pm

Alumni Mixers will be held every second Thursday of the month. *Locations will be announced in monthly e-newsletters or visit www.uiwalumni.org

Information & registration for all alumni events can be found at the Cardinal’s Nest at www.uiwalumni.org

Oct. 30 - Trunk or Treat, McCracken House

Important alumni dates for Fall 2016

Alumni & Parent 2016 Homecoming Events:

Fall 2016 Alumni & Parent Tailgates: • Sept. 3, Benson Stadium, 3-5 p.m. • Sept. 24, Benson Stadium, 3-5 p.m. • Oct. 8, Benson Stadium, 3-5 p.m. • Oct. 29, Benson Stadium, 3-5 p.m.

• Nov. 3 - Arts & Music Festival • Nov. 4 - Wine & Cheese • Nov. 4 - 50th Reunion Dinner • Nov. 4 - Parent Dinner • Nov. 5 - Tailgate • Nov. 6 - Annual Memorial Mass and Celebration Honoring the Class of 1966

Oct. 30 - Haunted House, McCracken House

Alumni & Parent Relations host inaugural Ring Ceremony The Department of Alumni & Parent Relations hosted a Ring Ceremony on April 16 in the McDermott Convocation Center. UIW upperclassmen were invited to attend the joyous occasion and more than 140 received their senior class ring during the ceremony. Dr. Louis Agnese Jr., UIW president, presided as Edward Leos, UIW alumni association president, and Margaux Gonzalez-Huckabay, UIW alumni association secretary, presented the class rings to recipients. Recipients read the Alumni Association Oath during the ring ceremony. THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

C lass

notes

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

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

1970s Antoinette Franklin ’78 BA ’98 MEd has written and self-published several books of poetry and three anthologies. Franklin received an honorable mention for selfpublication of her book “In the Mist of Struggle Stands a Woman.” She is presently attending UIW pursuing a Ph.D. in organizational leadership.

in Mexico, Spain and Guatemala, and she has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica. She has been a professor of journalism/ mass communication at Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas, since the fall of 1998. Peggy Bowie, her communications professor at UIW, is her teaching role model/mentor. Eva Matz ’90 BA was named the Northside Independent School District Educator of the Year.

1980s Louanne Hausmann ’81 BSN was promoted to nurse manager of Special Procedures Clinic at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, Spokane, Wash. Sue Cunningham ’83 MS, PhD, RD, LD, CDE, FAND, clinical associate professor of nutrition at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, was named the 2015 Texas Distinguished Dietitian and was recognized as a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Paul Spana ’84 BA is the exhibits director for the NASA Space Center in Houston, Texas. Nancy Reyes ’87 BSN celebrated the UIW December graduation of daughter Amanda K. Reyes ’15 BS with dear friend and alumna Raquel Zapata-Garcia ’87 BSN.

1990s

Denise Barkis Richter ’90 MA is the author of “100 Things To Do in San Antonio Before You Die” (Reedy Press, 2016). Richter started her blog, sanantoniotourist.net, in June 2010 to share her love of the Alamo City with fellow adventurers. Richter has lived and studied 26

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

Ricardo Chavira ’96 BA formerly of ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” played a recurring character on the hit series “Scandal.” He played Francisco Vargas, Pennsylvania’s first Hispanic governor and a potential presidential candidate.

Michelle Martin ’10 BS is the president of MicheTechnology Cyber Consultants, LLC and has 18 years of Information Security expertise in Security Awareness Training, Cross-Sector Collaboration Information Sharing Bridge. She has served in executive leadership roles with the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in Washington, DC and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Peter John Holt ’11 BA earned a promotion to oversee all enterprise operating divisions, including HOLT CAT, HOLT AgriBusiness, Texas First Rentals, HOLT Crane & Equipment and Sitech Tejas. Holt earned his B.A. degree in general business and was a member of the Delta Mu Delta International Business Administration Honor Society. Lawrence Scott ’11 PhD started a consulting firm called S.E.N.D. which focuses on educators reaching at-risk youth. Visit the S.E.N.D. website at www.drlawrencescott. com/index.php Monica Acuna ’12 BS was hired to lead the Burbank Owls after spending one year as an assistant at Burbank High School. As a student, Acuna played college softball for Incarnate Word. Her accomplishment was featured in April on MySA.com, visit www. mysanantonio.com/news/local/communities/ southside/article/First-year-coach-energizesHighlands-softball-7243462.php

2000s Juanita Liserio ’01 BAA retired almost four years ago from Nueces County MHMR. She spent a year-and-a-half resting, traveling and volunteering and was recently hired full time at John Paul Steven’s High School (NISD) as a registrar’s assistant.

Jenness Gough ’13 BA ’16 MBA is the new marketing coordinator for Cushman & Wakefield/San Antonio Commercial Alliance.

Monica Ramirez ’03 PhD RN BSN has been promoted to associate professor and granted tenure. She has been a member of the faculty of UIW’s Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions since 2003.

Ellyse Sanchez ’14 BA MA was promoted to financial aid officer II and training coordinator at the University of Texas at Austin.

2010s Jennifer Herrera ’10 BA is now the owner of a boutique shop called The Southern Bunny. The store is located at 4707 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/shopsouthernbunny

Justin Puente ’15 BA has started a new position as graphic designer and marketing coordinator for the company Neon South in Dallas, Texas.

Austin Schafer ’02 CP (certification program for pastoral studies) married Jennifer M. Oddi of Columbus, Ohio, in June 2013. Schafer has been working as the Catholic Campus Minister at St. Thomas More Newman Center at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, for the past seven years. After UIW, he completed a B.A. in philosophy from Saint Xavier University, a M.A. in theology from the University of Dayton, a Graduate Certificate in Youth Ministry from Seton Hall University, and an Executive Certificate in Business Administration from University of Notre Dame. He lives in Columbus with his wife and son, Benjamin. Jennifer Ara Masters ’11 BA married Jeremy Howard Stavinoha of Bryan, the son of Delbert and Veronica Stavinoha of La Vernia on May 7, 2016, in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Bryan, Texas. The Rev. Ryan Higdon officiated. Catherine Rosales ’10 BA met her husband, Emilio Javier Rodriguez, through a mutual friend during their college freshman year in 2007. They were engaged March 29, 2014, and married on Feb. 14, 2016. Angel Garcia ’13 BS and Joshua Luna ’14 BA announced their engagement on May 7, 2016. The couple met through mutual friends while part of the Greek Life community at UIW. Garcia and Luna are planning a summer wedding in 2017. Alexander Torres ’13 BS and Jennifer Willborn ’12 BA announced their engagement and will be wed on Sept. 3, 2016, with a reception to follow in the Rosenberg Sky Room. Nataly Gutierrez ’14 BA will marry Ricardo Lopez on July 23, 2016, in Waco, Texas.

Christopher Sullaway ’14 BA announced his engagement to Mercedes Esquivel on May 8, 2016. The couple met through mutual friends in 2013, it was love at first sight. Esquivel will complete her B.A. at UIW in December 2016. Ambar Villarreal ’16 BS has announced her engagement to Robert Fowler.

Future Cardinals Michael Agnese ’00 MBA and Amy Agnese welcomed their second child, Allie Katherine, on March 26. Benjamin Smyth ’03 BA welcomed his new daughter Lily Elizabeth to the world on April 2. Samantha Marie Ramos ’15 BA welcomed her son Joshua Paul Jr. born Jan. 18.

Darlene Jasso ’15 BA studied abroad in Rome at UIW sister school John Cabot University in Fall 2014. In 2013, she met Edwin Mendoza Hipp, during his exchange semester at UIW from Guatemala. He returned to Guatemala with a promise as she traveled to Europe as part of UIW’s Study Abroad program. While in Rome, Hipp flew from Guatemala to surprise Jasso at her apartment doorstep. On a Valentine’s Day picnic a few days later on a hilltop overlooking Rome, the two had a small prayer service where they exchanged Bible verses and notes to each other which they shared aloud. Hipp read the note from Jasso first and, after a short prayer, she read his; it read, “Would you marry me?” in Spanish and Italian. The two married on April 30 in New Braunfels, Texas. Their wedding was attended by many UIW alumni and former exchange students who traveled from as far as the Netherlands and Colombia. Two former UIW exchange students served as groomsmen. The couple spent their honeymoon in Thailand. Jasso and Hipp have settled in Guatemala and Jasso hopes to teach English there. “When I started UIW five years ago, I never thought I would have met a guy from a different country and get married to him just one year after my graduation,” said Jasso. “Edwin and I lived many great memories at UIW and in different parts of the world. It has been a true adventure and we can’t wait to see what God has in store for us in this new chapter of our lives.”

Photo taken by UIW photography student John Villarreal.

Weddings and Anniversaries

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

In Memoriam Evelyn M. Adcock ’38 RN Darlene Annette Bass ’91 MS Martha Tarrillon Tips Bentley, ’44 non degree Maudine Murphy Brown ’47 RN Alyce Odom Burkholder ’49 BS Delia DeLeon Canamar ’60 BA James Jimmy Cavender, benefactor Norma Valdez Cumpian ’87 BA Leona Marie Heinze Dennis ’51 BSN Sterly G. Dossmann ’76 BA Frances Mercedes Thomas Drury, ’42 non degree Ricardo “Richard” A. Esparza ’54 MBA Dr. Buckner Fanning ’92 Hon. Dolly Lawrence Frazier ’77 MA Wilda Vickery Gafford ’60 BA ’66 MA Alice Junelle Gambs, ’50 non degree Walt Glass ’72 BA, Alumnus of Distinction 2003

David Russel Hodge ’07 BAAS Mendel S. “Mickey” Kaliff, former trustee Helen Jeffries Klitch ’84 BA Byron Louis LeFlore, former trustee Lori Ann Martinez Libby ’10 BBA Andrée Eleanor Houssiere Macaluso ’47 BS Mary Cay Kennedy Murray ’68 BS Rosemary Clopton Quirk, ’38 non degree Dr. Lucille Lopez Sanchez, former faculty and director of teacher education Evelyn Bland Schneider ’47 BS Sr. Mary Brian Sherry, CCVI ’50 BSN Sarah Katherine Strieber, Lt. Col. (Ret.), ’83 non degree Marian G. Page Swellander ’79 BA Susan San Wang Wade, ’72 non degree Frances White Mullen Ward ’79 BS Mary Sue Volz Weaver ’51 IWHS ’55 BA Elizabeth Dunstan Woodruff ’43 BS

* Correction to In Memoriam listing: In the Spring 2016 edition of Class Notes, Tina Kahlig, former Development Board member, was mistakenly included in the In Memoriam section. Kahlig was listed with Elvira Kahlig (Flores), donor, who was correctly listed.

Moment for Ref lection “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

By Olivia Almirudis ’16 BA, CCVI Spirit Award recipient

THE WORD | SUMMER 2016

In the world of fast food and smartphones, we’re accustomed to getting what we want when we want it. When we need direction, guidance, and perspective in life, we often approach God with the expectation that He’ll instantly gratify our heart’s desires. During my undergraduate studies at UIW, I frequently sought direction from professors on what classes to take, guidance from peers on what organization to join, and perspective from family on what to do post-graduation. Their willingness to give me advice and help me grow enabled me to succeed at UIW, but it was God, who made all these things possible. He loves us unconditionally and wants to give us even greater direction, guidance, and perspective so we can live beautiful, victorious lives. We only need to draw near to Him to hear His voice. In Psalm 119:105, the Hebrew word for lamp indicates that there is sufficient light to illuminate only the next step on the sojourner’s path, but God doesn’t promise that alone for us. He promises to enlighten the totality of our lives like a light that “shines in dark places until the day dawns.” (2 Peter 1:19) God has a glorious plan for each of our lives and vows to make all matters clear to us if only we draw near to Him by reading His Word and spending time with Him in prayer. No matter what unknowns we face in life, remember that God has already provided the direction, guidance, and perspective we need and that He is present, working all things together for our good and His glory. He has great things waiting for us!

Full Swing Ahead

By Brance Arnold ’10 MA

olf is a booming industry. There are more than 170 golf facilities within a 100 mile radius of the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). UIW’s Professional Golf Management (PGM) program serves a vital need in the area for qualified golf management personnel. In order to provide students the best training, the university has a stateof-the-art facility housing the H-E-B School of Business and Administration’s program as well as the UIW men’s and women’s NCAA Division I golf teams. Nestled adjacent to the Republic Golf Course on San Antonio’s Southside, the 13,000 square-foot, $3.5 million facility features four collaborative classrooms equipped with responsive designs; offices; state-of-the-art training facilities for UIW’s golf teams; and a specially designed putting green. Brian Graybeal, PGM director, said the classrooms offer contemporary learning environments providing versatility for the students and teachers. “Our technology capabilities offer a tremendous amount of flexibility by allowing professors to utilize each classroom individually or by delivering instructional material simultaneously to other rooms, including exterior video displays,” said Graybeal. In addition to classrooms, the facility offers a conference room, study areas and space to host small conferences and social functions. In terms of training for UIW’s golf teams, the facility provides an abundance of environments for coaching staff to provide unequalled opportunities for game, skills, and physical training development for student athletes. The facility offers a gym featuring equipment specifically designed to enhance golfers’ abilities through strength and flexibility training with free weights, universal equipment and specialized training stations. Coaches have arranged for Titleist Performance Institute certified instructors and yoga instructors to provide training routines to help develop teams both physically and mentally.

Innovation is a key aspect of the facility. Two indoor hitting bays provide state-of-the-art software and video capability to analyze golfers’ swings. This area features a unique room that allows golfers to simulate their game on 40-plus courses including Pebble Beach and St. Andrews. “This allows our coaching staff to work with golfers on specific swing changes and enhancements and can help them detect and correct swing flaws,” explained Graybeal. Besides the unique facility, Graybeal stressed that the expertise of the adjunct professors, Chief Operating Officer Dan Pedrotti and Vice President Michael Weiland of Foresight Golf Management Company, make this a program that truly assists students in the classroom and in hands-on opportunities through three progressive internships. “Our adjuncts are remarkably in tune with the golf industry needs” said Graybeal. “They have 70-plus years of experience operating golf facilities nationwide including eight of the top 100 golf courses in America.” In fact, the adjuncts helped develop the curriculum and classwork based upon historical and current industry requirements. Due to San Antonio’s climate, golf can be played virtually year round giving students an opportunity throughout the year to continue with employment with Foresight Golf Courses, which owns and/or operates eight in Texas, as well as those that are approved as internship hosts. “Our goal is to have students who have a passion to enhance the game of golf and are savvy to the requirements to effectively operate a business regardless of their golf-skill level,” said Graybeal. For its first year, the program has more than a dozen students enrolled and is actively recruiting. For more info, please visit www.uiw.edu/ hebsba/bachelor-of-business/professionalgolf-management.html

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

Guests grabbed their hats and boots to enjoy this year’s “Wild West” themed 39th Annual Swing-In Auction Party and Golf Tournament. On April 28, nearly 500 guests two-stepped the night away at an auction party held at the McCombs Center Rosenberg Sky Room. More than 300 golfers registered for 18 holes at the golf tournament on April 29 held at Republic Golf Course. The event raised $400,000 for scholarships. Thanks to all who made this year’s Swing-In a success!

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