Founders Hall Grand Opening

On Monday, August 24, as new and returning students began an exciting new semester, UIW opened the doors of Founders Hall. Named in honor of our founders, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, this new facility promises to provide engaging collaborative spaces that encourage Mission-driven innovation and learning. The first day students filled its halls for classes was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the Col. Charles E. Cheever Legacy Event Center. Emceed by Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Eva M. Fernández, PhD, the festivities began with a beautiful invocation shared by Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, vice president of University Mission and Ministry. Sr, Walter blessed the building as well as crosses presented by the School of Math, Science and Engineering. These blessed crosses will be placed in offices throughout the building. Later that morning, Sr. Walter and others moved throughout Founders Hall, blessing offices, classrooms and collaborative spaces.

Next, Sr. Leticia de Jesús Rodríguez Hernández, CCVI, newly appointed congregational leader for the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, shared a few words. "Our first sisters were innovators, founders of ministries that responded to the needs that they already found in their time, and with faith, always looking to the future for all. They identified the need for education over 157 years old. That issue continues to flourish today in one of our greatest ministries, the University of the Incarnate Word. It is a community of collaborators in Mission, where the living expression of our founders' vision, courage and faith has been carried over the years and is present today."

Sr. Leti continued, "We believe that the legacy of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word will continue through every single student who walks these grounds and goes on to other places in the world, bringing the University's core values of truth, service, faith, innovation and of course, education. Today, Founders Hall stands as a beautiful, gorgeous, amazing tribute to the Mission of the Incarnate Word, the legacy of our Sisters and the commitment of the entire community that has contributed to this milestone in the University's history, like the Sisters themselves, Founders Hall is firmly rooted in the history of the San Antonio community while reaching confidently toward the future, here stood USAA, Southwestern Bell, (AT&T) and now UIW."

Monse Elizondo, Student Government Association vice-president, shared the excitement that the student body is experiencing to finally occupy Founders Hall. "As a student, it's exciting to see something at the end of the conversation and student feedback that became a reality that we can all experience and enjoy. One of the things students have consistently expressed is the need for more community spaces on campus, places where we can study, learn, collaborate, relax, and simply come together. I believe Founders Hall will add so much to that experience. Today is more than just an opening of a new building. It represents what can happen when students, university leadership, the board of trustees and our community come together with a shared vision. I'm excited to see how students will make the building their own."

UIW President Thomas M. Evans, PhD, reflected on the design goals for the building. "When we were designing this building, we called students, faculty, board members, leaders and more to help us build our bold vision. It needed to reflect our Mission and honor our spiritual heritage gifted to us by our founders, the Sisters. It needed to be student-centered and encourage student-faculty engagement. It also had to reflect our commitment to sustainability and the building's historic past in San Antonio. And, it had to bring us together even more."

He also took a moment to thank all of those who supported this great endeavor, including Joeris General Contractors, Lake Flato, AGCM, muralists, our incredible Facilities and Campus Planning Teams, Audio Visual Teams, IT, Electricians, Grounds keepers, our fantastic UIW Police Department, Mission and Ministry, faculty and deans, Trustees, Communications, Admissions, Risk and Safety, our friends and benefactors and … our Cardinals.

Evans concluded by inviting the Ribbon Cutters forward.

• Gary Joeris, CEO, Joeris General Contractors
• Charlie Lutz, former UIW Board Chair
• Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, Vice President of Mission and Ministry, UIW
• Ryan Yaden, Partner, Lake | Flato
• Jack Lewis, former UIW Board Chair
• Liza Lewis
• Thomas M. Evans, PhD, President, UIW
• Suzanne Goudge, former UIW Board Chair
• Monse Elizondo, Vice President, UIW Student Government Association
• Sr. Leticia de Jesus Rodriguez, CCVI, Congregational Leaders, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word
• Eva M. Fernández, PhD, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, UIW

As Red the Cardinal, Cheer and the large audience counted down, the Grand Opening Ribbon was cut officially welcoming all to Founders Hall.

After hearing from these inspiring speakers, guests, including students, faculty, administrators, board members, media representatives, alumni and friends of the University, enjoyed refreshments, took photos with Red the Cardinal and explored the public spaces throughout the building. What a fabulous beginning to the 2026-2027 academic year! Blessings to all who work, learn and pray within the walls of Founders Hall.