ALUMNI

Welcome to the May edition of the Alumni Newsletter!

As the academic year comes to a close at the University of the Incarnate Word, we celebrate a year filled with Cardinal pride, growth and connection. We are thrilled to welcome our newest graduates into the UIW alumni community and celebrate as they leave the nest, take flight and begin making an impact in their professions, their communities and beyond. We can’t wait to see all they will accomplish!

This year was defined by meaningful engagement and unforgettable moments across our alumni community. From reconnecting with fellow Cardinals to the excitement and generosity of Swing-In 2026, your support and involvement made this academic year truly special. Be sure to read below for a full recap of this standout event.

As summer approaches, we wish you and your families a season of rest and renewal. Stay connected, explore upcoming opportunities to engage, and we look forward to seeing you in the new academic year ahead.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Pre-registration is encouraged for every event.

SA Missions Alumni Night

Thursday
June 11

Join us at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium for UIW Alumni Association Night at the Ballpark! Enjoy $2 specials on beer, hot dogs, soda and popcorn all night. Alumni tickets include an $8 concession voucher, with discounted parking also available

Purchase Tickets

Space Cowboys Alumni Night

Thursday
June 25

Houston area alumni are invited to join us at Constellation Field for UIW Houston Alumni Chapter Night at the Ballpark! Enjoy discounted tickets, parking and food vouchers for a hot dog, chips and a drink. Grab your tickets today!

Purchase Tickets

ALUMNI

SPOTLIGHT

Mikayla Brownlow, BA of Science '19

For every student, choosing UIW is a personal journey. Still, many share the same experience the moment they arrive: a genuine sense of community. UIW is a place where students feel welcomed, supported and safe from day one. Mikayla Brownlow shares those same feelings. She saw UIW not only as a place of opportunity, but as an environment that surrounded her with the community she needed to succeed.

Brownlow first set her sights on nursing, but a period of reflection helped her realize her true interests lay at the intersection of healthcare and sports. After spending time observing UIW’s Athletic Training Program, she knew she had found the right path. This formative experience solidified her passion for healthcare and sports and helped shape the career she leads today.

Looking back, Brownlow recalls the long, grueling hours, but she never forgets the people she shared them with. Her classmates gave her the strength to keep going. No matter how difficult the days or nights became, they stood by one another and always found time to share their three daily meals. What started as a simple routine quickly turned friends into family, growing,
learning and getting through it all side by side.

When it came to Brownlow’s academic and professional growth, UIW’s faculty and preceptors in the Athletic Training Program had some of the greatest influence on her. They not only provided valuable lessons in the classroom and clinic, but also helped her build the professional connections she needed in the field. Through long clinical days and late nights of studying, Brownlow found strength in UIW and its community. The support of faculty and preceptors shaped her confidence, sharpened her skills and laid the groundwork for the career she leads today.

Brownlow graduated from UIW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and now serves as an Assistant Athletic Trainer at Paetow High School in Katy ISD.

Brownlow’s message to past, present and future Cardinals is simple: put yourself out there. Build relationships, lean on your network and ask the questions others might be afraid to. One conversation can change everything.

Thank You!

Swing-In Auction Party & Golf Tournament

The 49th Annual Swing-In Auction Party and Golf Tournament was a wonderful celebration of community, tradition and Cardinal spirit. Alumni, friends and supporters came together for an unforgettable two-day event benefiting the UIW Scholarship Fund.

The festivities began with the lively Auction Party featuring entertainment from UIW alumna Patsy Torres. Guests enjoyed a wine-and-spirits pull, a designer raffle, and exciting live and silent auctions featuring incredible packages and experiences. One of the evening’s highlights was the announcement of the Swing-In raffle ticket winner, UIW alumna Tracy Avery!

The celebration continued the following day at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa for a wonderful day on the golf course.

What began 49 years ago as a small tennis tournament founded by Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery has grown into one of UIW’s most beloved traditions and a cherished San Antonio event.

During the Auction Party, we were honored to recognize Gary Joeris for his many years of generosity, friendship and unwavering support of UIW and Swing-In. As this year’s Auction Party Sponsor, Gary’s commitment and leadership helped make this year’s event another tremendous success.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, alumni and friends who made this year’s Swing-In such a memorable event.

ALUMNI CLASSNOTES

UIW alumni are making an impact all around the world, and we love celebrating your milestones. Share your updates with fellow alumni by submitting your news through Classnotes!

Whether you’ve gotten married, welcomed a new family member, started a new job, received an award, been published, or launched a business or nonprofit, we want to hear your story and celebrate with you.

Alumni Classnotes