UIW Celebrates Spring Class of 2026

Whether Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate, the completion of an academic degree is a remarkable achievement that can't be underestimated. Last week, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) celebrated its latest graduating Cardinals with a week's worth of celebratory events. From ceremonies, celebrations and more, each event invited the Class of 2026 to reflect on their time here at the Nest before embarking on their journeys ahead.

The week's festivities kicked off on Monday, May 4 with the UIW Ring ceremony hosted in the Chapel of the Incarnate Word by the Office of Alumni Relations. "The Ring Ceremony kicks off a full week of festivities for our graduating seniors," shared Clarissa Gauna, Alumni Relations manager. "The ring students receive at the ceremony symbolizes the hard work, dedication and sacrifice that they have put into their education and the many opportunities and experiences they have received while at UIW. It also serves as a memento, reminding students that they will always have a home here at the Nest."

On Tuesday, May 5, the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) hosted its Military Promotion and Commissioning Ceremony, recognizing military-affiliated UIW graduates who have committed to serving the nation through military medicine. Each graduate took their oath of office and formally accepted their commissions as officers in the United States Armed Forces, officially beginning their journeys as future physicians.

"You now carry forward a legacy built by those who came before you-men and women who served with courage under circumstances far more difficult than most will ever know," said Dean of UIWSOM James T. Pham, DO, FACOFP. "Their example is not history alone; it is your inheritance. And now, it is your responsibility. You will serve as clinicians, as leaders, and as stewards of a profession grounded in both science and service. The responsibility is immense-but so is the privilege."

UIWSOM kept the celebration going on Thursday, May 7 at the Spring 2026 UIWSOM Hooding and Awards Ceremony at the Boeing Center at Tech Port. Hooded by their family members, loved ones and/or mentors, each hooding represented UIWSOM graduates' transition from student-doctors to future physicians.

"Graduates, as you leave here today, know that your impact will extend far beyond individual patients," expressed Pham. "You will bring hope, alleviate suffering and strengthen communities. That is a legacy of profound importance."

That same day, the UIW School of Rehabilitation Sciences (SRS) hosted their Occupational Therapy White Coat and Pinning Ceremony at St. Brigid's Catholic Church. This ceremony was held in celebration of UIW's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program's inaugural graduates and continuing cohort as they continue to take their next steps in their journeys as healthcare professionals.

"Our inaugural class is pinned and ready to walk the stage this weekend, while the next cohort is ready to start their clinical rotations in their brand-new white coats!" wrote SRS on their Instagram in celebration.

"As occupational therapists, we have the privilege of walking alongside people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives," noted 2026 graduate Kinley Bubela, OTD. "That is not something to take lightly. The knowledge we gained in school is important, but our kindness, patience and willingness to truly see our patients will matter just as much. While tonight is a celebration of our achievements, it is also the beginning of something bigger."

Also that day, the UIW School of Nursing and Health Professions (SNHP) and the UIW Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP) also hosted their commencement events, the SNHP Pinning Ceremony and the FSOP Hooding and Pinning. Future nurses and pharmacy professionals were honored as they were presented with the hoods and pins that symbolize the start of their professional careers as the next generation of healing hands.

On Friday, March 8, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) welcomed graduates and their loved ones into the Chapel of the Incarnate Word for two Baccalaureate Liturgies. The UIW community as well as their family and friends prayed over the Class of 2026 asking for blessings to be granted upon them during this momentous moment.

"The Baccalaureate Mass is the last spiritual gift we give our graduates," said Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI, vice president of Mission and Ministry. "During this sacred moment we gather to pray for them, to bless them and to commission them, that is, to send them out to serve God's people and bring about the Reign of God to all especially to those most in need, just as Jesus commissioned his seventy-two disciples to do the same."

Finally, commencement day arrived on Saturday, May 9! Graduates from all studies gathered at the Freeman Coliseum, ready to accept their hard-earned degrees in two commencement ceremonies. Nearly 1,000 crossed the stage as they were cheered on by by their family, friends, mentors as well as UIW faculty and staff.

Congratulations Spring Class of 2026!