UIW Announces $500,000 Gift for Renovation of Founders Hall

Esteemed Businessman Gary Joeris to be Honored for Gift with Naming at UIW Broadway Campus Ballroom

San Antonio - January 23, 2025 - The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is proud to announce that it has received a gift of $500,000 from businessman and philanthropist, Gary Joeris, CEO of Joeris General Contractors. The gift is to be used in the restoration of Founders Hall, the nine-story building currently under renovation which is located across Hildebrand from the UIW Broadway campus. In recognition of his generosity, UIW will name the ballroom in the Student Engagement Center the Joeris Ballroom.

This is the second major gift Joeris, who is also a member of the UIW Board of Trustees, has made to the University. In 2009, Joeris pledged $1 million toward the UIW Capital Campaign, and the Joeris Residence Hall was named in his honor. In addition, since 2002, he has supported UIW's annual Swing-In Golf Tournament and Auction Party which has raised millions of dollars for student scholarships.

"Over the decades, Joeris General Contractors has been a trusted partner in our efforts to advance our infrastructure from our residence halls such as Dubuis Hall to the Student Engagement Center and now to Founders Hall," says Dr. Thomas M. Evans, president of the University of the Incarnate Word. "I am deeply grateful to Gary for his belief in our Mission and in our Cardinals and for his continued leadership as we work to serve both well."

Envisioned as a hub of academic excellence and gateway to global understanding for the community, Founders Hall is the future home of the Liza and Jack Lewis Center of the Americas. Founders Hall will also house a community events center, the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering, the School of Media and Design, International Affairs, a new Student Health Center and the UIW Police Department along with other areas to be determined as the project expands.

This marks the fourth significant gift toward construction and programming at Founders Hall. The nine-story, 380,000-square-foot, 10-acre property represents the largest renovation project in UIW history. Since its acquisition, Founders Hall has made a positive impact on our community, opening more parking for our community and guests. Once opened, Founders Hall will fundamentally transform the Broadway campus and impact all of UIW.

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