RED - The RED OUT Edition

table of

contents

02 EDITOR’S NOTE MEET THE EDITOR 04 DON’T MISS OUT UPCOMING EVENTS 06 “BEST J-BRO SONGS”OPINION PIECE 10 COFFEE WITH COMM ALUMNI CORNER 12 ATHLETE’S CORNER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT 16 CULTURE CALENDAR CAMPUS NEWS 18 ONCE A CARDINAL CLOSING REMARKS

Dr. Trey Guinn, Faculty Contributor

THE STAFF

Susanna Alford, MA, Faculty Advisor

Editor & Social Media LiaisonMackenzie Conant

Section Contributer/WriterNatalia Valenzuela

Assistant EditorPaige Heller

Section Contributer/WriterAudrey Patton

Layout DesignerKlarysa Saldana

Section Contributer/WriterBlair Villarreal

Section (Alumni) Contributor/WriterAaron Rios

PhotographerMatthew Jurenovich

Section Contributer/WriterDanna Ramos

PhotographerMarco Trujillo

Contributing Writers | Susanna Alford, Dr. Trey Guinn

EDITOR’S NOTE

by Paige Heller

22Red Red

W

elcome back to RED for our special “Red Out” edition! With this being the fourth issue, I want to give all of you readers a shoutout and to pause and say thank you. Thank you for supporting our publication and letting us do something we are passionate about. Mackenzie, the head editor, and I worked over the summer to kick start this magazine with the dream of not only adding to our communication arts department but also to have something else for student’s can be a part of. The idea for this magazine came from a conference that we attended last semester called TIPA, the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association, when we competed in design contests. During this conference we were able to see what other colleges and universities around Texas were doing which not only gave us ideas for our department but motivated us to grow the department in every way we can. I wanted to not only share this story of how RED was formed but to hopefully inspire other students to get out there and to follow their ideas. If there is one thing that I am taking away from my college experience is to take every opportunity and to follow through with the things I am passionate about. Some of my favorite memories have been with the people that I have met when joining organizations and the organization events. Also, I have never felt more motivated and happier when I follow ideas that I am passionate about like this magazine. Even if they don’t work out, it gives me fuel to do other things within my life. To all the readers out there, take any opportunity that is presented to you and follow your ideas. Even if it doesn’t work it, you can always learn and gain new experiences from it.

We have some great content for you today and I hope you enjoy reading this issue of RED !

pagie RED OUT Edition 3

UPCOMING EVENTS

DON’T

MISS OUT

UIW V. NICHOLLS FOOTBALL GAME

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OCT. 12 | 6:00 pm | Benson Stadium Cheers to another UIW Football home game at Benson Stadium! Our Cardinals will take on the Nicholls State University Colonels. In tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness month, the game’s theme is Pink Out. In contribution to Pink Out, it is also Family Night. Don’t forget to bring your family members and wear pink to show your support!

#UIWCOMM RUN CLUB MEET UP

OCT. 21 | 6:30 pm | Olmos Basin Park Your favorite time of the week is back for another meet up! The last Run Club of the month is Tuesday, October 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Olmos Basin Park by the soccer fields. In honor of Halloween approaching, it is encouraged to come dressed up and show your spooky season spirit! Come join your friends and faculty for an active evening.

LPH CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER

OCT. 21 | 5:00- 9:00pm | Chipotle on Broadway Our Communication Arts Honor Society, Lambda Pi Eta will be hosting their annual Chipotle Fundraiser at the Broadway and Carnahan St. location. Come join us for a delicious meal and good company. When ordering, mention Lamba Pi Eta to give back to the COMMunity! Hope to see you there.

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OP I N IO *These* Are the Best Jonas Brothers Songs

by Danna Ramos If there is someone who has followed the journey

of almost-monotone singing shows the contrast

of the Jonas Brothers and has stayed loyal to

between what life feels like with and without the

their discography, it’s me. I’ve been obsessed

person who is their safe place.

with Joe, Kevin, and Nick since I was 4 years old, and I think I could say which of their songs are the best when putting lyrics, musicality, and

2. Strangers Happiness Begins, 2019

story into perspective. Here is my list of the best

This song just recently moved up to my top 5

songs by the Jonas Brothers, as well as some

JB songs. I had to see it performed live for me

honorable mentions because five isn’t enough!

to appreciate it the way it’s supposed to be appreciated. This song talks about fate and how

3. Montana Sky The Album, 2023

we even realize it. It gives a girl HOPE. The

I can’t really describe the amount of peace that

rhythm changes from verse to the chorus makes

this song brings me. Its lyrics about having a

the impact of the chorus even more noticeable.

person be their safe place being as beautiful as

Joe’s high notes highlight the power of not being

a Montana Sky or a Georgia sunset? I’m on the

strangers within their destiny and the instrumental

floor, that is the cutest thing ever. The verses of

towards the end of the song gives you this fuzzy

this song have a nice dynamic where it is sung

feeling in your chest. I’m not sure if it’s only me,

on the upbeat and only switches between two

but it makes me feel super emotional.

notes. It’s rare in Jonas Brothers songs, as their melodies are usually quite colorful, so this sort 6 Red

we are destined to be with our person before

N

PIECES later. That’s Just the Way We Roll (Jonas Brothers, 1. Just Friends

2007): Such a feel-good song! Can’t Have You (A

Jonas Brothers, 2007

Little Bit Longer, 2008): One of the most powerful

When I say this is the best Jonas Brothers song

bridges and it highlights a lot of Nick’s vocal abilities.

ever, I mean it. Let’s start with the story. It describes

Kids of the Future (Meet the Robinsons, 2007):

the gradual love story of someone who is too shy

Part of the Meet the Robinsons soundtrack; top tier.

to talk to their crush, to then only texting small talk

World War III (Lines, Vines, and Trying Times, 2009):

on IM (remember that relic?), while dreaming about

Perfect song to dedicate to a delusional ex. Only

a life together but saying they’re “just friends.” The

Human (Happiness Begins, 2019): Such a good vibe

bridge then talks about walking down the aisle and

and their little dance is the cutest thing ever!

finally being more than friends, and how what were once his own dreams are now their shared dreams.

You cannot convince me that there is something better than that.

It was hard coming up with a list of only a few Jonas Brothers songs to recommend, but ultimately the best advice I can give is to listen to each album in its

This song, being a fast-paced pop-rock song,

entirety. Their music is very universal in the sense

displays the intensity of how someone can come to

that it can apply to so many scenarios for so many

love. The “la la la’s” sung by Joe adds to the emotion people. Maybe I’m just biased, but there is not one one feels when listening to the song, knowing that someone who was once just a friend can become a life partner. I don’t know what else to say except I need this played at my wedding if I ever do get married. Of course, the Jonas Brothers’ discography is stacked so here are some honorable mentions that I recommend to anyone who wants to expand their music taste: Vacation Eyes (The Album, 2023): Joecation eyes. Look it up on TikTok and thank me

song off their discography I wouldn’t recommend!

“I don’t know what else to say except I need this played at my wedding if I ever do get married.”

Danna

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“You’re done”, he said. “Thi have seen since the 70s”, he

My response? From what I r something like this…

There is more, and it is better Reflecting over my time at UIW as an undergraduate student, I acknowledge how instrumental those years were in shaping who I was then, who I became, and the hero I strive to become tomorrow. Whether it was the challenges I was presented with, the friendships I made, or the mentors I met, each of my experiences have been vital. It was the hurdles and challenges I was presented with that I want to share with you. Those are the experiences that perhaps, at the time may have left me questioning others around me, and even myself.

As a freshman in college, all I knew was that I wanted to be an anchor on the Today Show. I wanted to be the one sitting next to Jenna or Hoda. I arrived at UIW with the mindset that I had what it took to be an tv personality. I remember waking up each day before my roommates, to look in the mirror and say, “Hey You! You’re going to do great things one day! Take risks, fall in love, challenge yourself, and always be grateful.” I guess one could say that I was a very confident and goal driven freshman student. However, by my second year, the exuding (and sometimes overwhelming) confidence I arrived to UIW with, had slowly withered away from me.

There is more. It is better.

I was a 19-year old student, classified as a junior, only in my third semester, when I experienced what I consider to be as a time of crisis and uncertainty because nobody saw what I am about to tell you coming, because it was an accident. I was required to withdraw from UIW for a semester, following the crushing words I had endured from an orthopedic surgeon.

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“There’s no way I am done d am? Do you know how hard you know how difficult it is to be someone, who for their whole life, was their younge brother’s understudy. Now, I not complaining. I adore him always have, and will contin to, until the day I die. This w break me more than the cub bone in my left foot, you’re saying needs to be replaced have a purpose. Don’t be th person who is going to take away from me.”

There is more. It is better.

Through this extensive recovery time, I was allotted a growth opportunity, in whic I discovered my love and ap communication, and educati abundance of emails I sent t Mrs. Dora Garner, my forme eventually a mentor of mine tested her patience. Bless h had for me, is admirable. Sh grateful for that. And, Mrs. G reading this, I will keep my p in December 2025, with my There is more. It is better.

Why am I sharing this story as the saying, “When life giv lemonade.” In other words, d uncertainty or unknown, em you have probably lived thro feeling uncertain of the futur the unknown. Embrace it. Ac There is more. It is better.

is is the worst injury that I e continued.

remember, I think it went

doc. Do you know who I d I fought to be here? Do o

er I am m. I nue will boid

As a person of faith, with a Catholic upbringing, I believe that God does all things for good, and that all things we experience, have a reason. We may not understand immediately, or ever, but let’s acknowledge that there is a reason for all things. Now, if you are someone who is not a person of faith, who believes in God, or a higher power, than at minimum be bold to believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself, others around you will continue to do so too.

There is more. It is better.

Let’s fast forward to 2016 now. By the grace of God, and the gifts of professionals, who pieced me back together, I returned to UIW. Although I returned to UIW in a fracture boot, pain, and the most unflattering tennis shoes I had ever seen, I was grateful to be back.

d. I he that

d ch ppreciation for learning, ion. Considering the to administrators such as er academic advisor, and e, I was one of the many who her heart! The patience she he never gave up, and I am Garner, if and when you’re promise, and I will graduate doctoral degree.

with you? It’s as simple ves you lemons, make during seasons of mbrace it. Throughout life, ough seasons leaving you re and uncomfortable with ccept change.

Considering my credits were wonky, with me having missed some of those “Spring Only” courses, (we all know how that goes), I was encouraged to enroll in a summer course called, Nonverbal Communication.

From enjoying class readings, to devouring the assigned textbook, there is never a day, I look back. As I had an appreciation of and for education, it was this experience that seeded my calling to be an educator.

There is more. It is better.

But see, it was because of my injury that I was allotted that gift. It was a season of uncertainty and unknown that I got to discover my calling and purpose. I was eventually presented with new opportunities such as teaching assistantships, voyages abroad, and journeys with groups and organizations where I have helped capture digital stories.

So, say it with me, now. There is more. It is better.

Susanna

RED OUT Edition 9

ARTS & CULTURE “I AM FROM”

by Paige Heller

Pho

otography by M Jurenovich

I am from two people who are now friends.

I am from separate holidays and split living.

I am from waves in the ocean, never consistent and always changing.

I am from four different yet connected family trees.

I am from the feeling of uncertainty.

I am from the city where lights always shine.

I am from a small town where the ocean is the alarm clock.

I am from the quiet bubble where the lights are dimmed.

I am from where education and self-discovery go hand in hand.

I am from the feeling of knowing where to plant my feet.

I am from the book that has been open and read.

I am from conversations that paints movies.

I am from investigating words and actions.

I am from weekly sessions where there are two chairs.

I am from the feeling of growth.

I am from music filling the air with singing in the background.

I am from a tear being shed at 3am.

I am from the voice reaching out and being heard.

I am from an invisible string connected to others that radiates warmth.

I am from the feeling of friendship.

I am from the words ‘you got this’.

I am from a cup that is waiting to spill over.

I am from the view of eyes watching over me.

I am from the feeling of support.

I am from long hours.

I am from memories captured.

I am from putting ideas into images.

I am from a product of design.

I am from the feeling of creativity.

I am from behind the desk.

I am from creating the next leaders.

I am from the cup that nurtured me.

I am from a guiding voice.

I am from the feeling of aspiration.

I am from a page in a story that is not yet complete.

I am from a moment of time.

I am from the depths of the sea and the high clouds in the sky.

I am from lessons learned and lessons unknown.

I am from the feeling happy.

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J

n a l l i J rez r e i t u llar r Vi

lai

12 Red

G

by B

Photography by M. Trujillo

l

rea

#UIWCOMM is well-represented when it comes to athletic teams on campus. When it comes to the UIW Softball team, the first name that comes to mind is Jillian Gutierrez. Jillian is a junior, outfielder from Pearland, Texas and she is on the Communication Arts Strategic and Corporate track.

Before college, Jillian played at Shadow Creek High School where she was named Alvin ISD offensive MVP, an all-state selection, three-time all-district performer, and played select softball for the Texas Blaze.

Prior to coming to UIW, Jillian spent her freshman year at SLC foe, Southeastern Louisiana where she began her collegiate career. Fast forward a year later, she then transferred to UIW where she is coming off a stellar sophomore season last spring.

She started in 35 out of the 36 games she played, had a .339 batting average, with 41 hits, 31 RBIs, and 23 runs. On the defensive side, you can find her in the outfield where she is one of the stellar standouts recording 39 putouts, four assists, and a .977 fielding percentage.

UIW Softball made it to the SLC

Tournament championship series this past season, although they didn’t bring home the win, they made history to make it to the conference finals for the first time in program history. In doing so, they beat top seeded McNeese not once, but twice on their path to the finals, which they have not done before. And that magical run was something Jillian cherished forever.

“My favorite moment from last season was our run through the conference tournament. We were the only people that believed in ourselves and the preparation that we put in and seeing our result in the end was worthwhile and we truly made history on team 37.”

The UIW Communication Arts department has always been supportive of student-athletes in all aspects. And Jillian has gotten lots of support from family, friends, students, faculty, and staff at home games. Jillian enjoys

connecting with other comm arts students in and outside of the classroom.

“The communication arts department at UIW is so unique because of the deep connections you build with people every day.

For a majority of our classes, we are encouraged to interact with one another and know each other on a personal level, which allows us to hang out outside of school and even support each other across social media.”

Like all students, everyone has their own story to how they got to UIW. Jillian’s story is unique because it is special to her, and being an athlete, it shows that she was guided here for a good reason. “I chose UIW because it’s close to home and my coaches were willing to take a chance on me. I loved the campus and the people instantly so I knew it was an immediate connection from the start.”

If you have never been to a UIW softball game, you can catch them at HEB field for the 2025 season where they look to build upon their magical season last year.

And it will give you the chance to cheer on our very own Jillian Gutierrez!

RED OUT Edition 13

Photography by M Jurenovich

L

ifestyle. What is your lifestyle? How might someone describe your lifestyle when meeting you, interacting with you, growing closer to you? How is your lifestyle similar or different from others you know? A bit further, what do you believe ought to be the markers and indicators of your and my lifestyle?

For all my life, I have been surrounded by messages that lifestyle is associated with what we possess and what we consume.

Maybe you have noticed this too. When I was young, there was even a popular show called, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Each episode of the show was premised on the notion that the ultrarich have glamorous lifestyles that the public can hardly imagine, provided rare glimpses of unimaginable excesses like gold-plated bathroom fixtures, and concluded with the host Robin Leach saying, “champagne wishes and caviar dreams.”

Society it seems has always taken great interest in the “lifestyles” of the rich and famous. Whether it was newspapers covering the fantastic parties thrown during the days of the Vanderbilts and the Astors, the Lifestyles show in the 1980’s, or the modern social media on your phone. The biggest shift now is that everyone with a device can post lifestyle content. Notably, celebrities can go direct to the public with their food selfies, travel videos, and other forms of conspicuous consumption. While such media can be entertaining and even silly to watch, it is also riddled with many problems.

Quite literally, lifestyle means the way a person lives. And of course, part of how

a person lives includes things that will be purchased and consumed. But lifestyle is much more than what people can afford to consume.

Problem two: turns out that many people are addicted to social media and invest precious hours of their lives each day consuming content about other people consuming stuff.

Given that the real meaning of lifestyle is the way a person lives, consider the ironic and sad loop: many people’s way of living is to spend their time consuming media about other people consuming stuff.

With one life to live, we certainly don’t want to make our lifestyle (way of living) centered around consuming content focused on other people consuming stuff. Who would want to dedicate their lifestyle to watching other people miss the meaning of lifestyle?

So, then, how does one enrich their lifestyle?

Rather than a lifestyle focused on consuming, let us consider a lifestyle centered around creating.

Problem one: popular media frequently and falsely reduces the concept of lifestyle to mean little more than the things people possess and consume. The mansions, cars, yachts, and jets. The fancy clothes, jewelry, food, vacations, and so on. Being inundated with media that constantly feeds us messages about lifestyle purely focused on consumption, viewers (especially young viewers) may be subject to learning and believing a faulty definition and understanding of the term lifestyle.

-Trey

RED OUT Edition 15

what’s our community up to?

Take a look at our Culture Calendar for all of our October Events

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ONCE A

Cardinal

I hope you have all enjoyed this special “RED OUT” edition of RED. Our team has been working very hard to create a magazine worthy of its readers, so thank you all for supporting us in that. In my last words to you all for this issue, I cannot help but ruminate on the words “school spirit.” Since we could

walk, we have been surrounded by this notion of “rep your school colors.” Whether it be your older sibling setting the example, your parents wearing their game day jerseys on a Saturday afternoon or rushing the field at the kickoff game as a freshman in college, we have all experienced the emotional highs of school spirit. It’s an idea that a group of people who spend 8 or more hours a day in the same building should come together, amidst any differences, and agree on the fact that they are proud to be a member of their school. That is the environment that we have created as proud Cardinals at the University of the Incarnate Word. We recognize the privilege of what it means to attend a school that values familial closeness and striving to receive the best education you can as an emerging young adult. We recognize that wearing the color red is a pledge to represent this university with pride, Cardinal pride. So in reading this, I hope you all will be encouraged and will continue in your school spirit even after your college journey is over. Because once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal.

- Mack