UIW Celebrates Homecoming 2024

From Oct. 27 through Nov. 3, UIW celebrated its 2024 Homecoming season with UIW generations both past and present. Many of UIW's Crusaders and Cardinals came together for a week of events that honored the University's history, celebrated its present achievements and embraced the possibilities of the future.

During Saturday's football game hundreds of fans sporting red and black gathered in The Gayle & Tom Benson Stadium stands to cheer on the Cardinals.

During the game, annual Homecoming traditions took place, such as Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) blessing of the student-athletes The crowning of the 2024 Homecoming court commenced on the field, leaving this year honorees smiling ear-to-ear as they received their celebratory crowns and sashes. The game was all the more special as UIW's earned their sixth victory of the season.

The UIW community also tested their athletic abilities as they participated in The Breakfast Taco 5K Fun Run. Nearly 120 runners of all ages ran across the University grounds, taking in the beauty of the campus that many have called home. Each runner that completed the run was rewarded with a delicious breakfast taco and a commemorative homecoming medal.

Some guests chose a slower pace, as they chose to engage in the University Mission Walks to learn the history of Homecoming week. Sr. Mary Henry, CCVI led people throughout campus, enlightening them on the history of how the CCVI Sisters established the campus and how their legacy continues today.

The graduating class of 1974 received a special "welcome back" to campus as 63 of its members were honored with a 50th reunion brunch hosted in the Student Engagement Center Ballroom. Additionally, some class members were welcomed into the University's Golden Spire society, a Giving Society that honors those that have donated $10,000 or more in an effort to support UIW.

As the week of activity concluded, community members gathered for Mass in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word to prayerfully celebrate the many gifts UIW has brought throughout the years. As many voices simultaneously harmonized throughout the Chapel, the reality of how expansive the UIW family continues to grow with each year was indisputable.

The Mass concluded with attendees paying homage to dearly departed CCVI Sisters as they laid carnations upon their graves. The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Cemetery was decorated in an array of red and white petals, a beautiful tribute to their continued legacy.

Thank you, Cardinal Nation, for celebrating Homecoming 2024 and praise be the Incarnate Word!