An Impact that Spans Generations: UIW Students Present on UIW’s Impact on Family

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) plays a vital part in supporting each and every Cardinal at the Nest. From enriching faith, nurturing passions, expanding academic knowledge and more, UIW helps to prepare students for their various chosen walks of life - throughout the generations. Sometimes, the University has the opportunity to serve UIW alumni families, demonstrating its continued commitment to its students even after they cross the commencement stage. As one chapter closes, the University is welcomed to play a role in what comes next.

Currently, siblings, Paulina and Mario Escobar Jr., are both currently attending UIW. Paulina is a sophomore majoring in Nuclear Medicine, and Mario is a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Both noted how they were inspired by their father and proud UIW alum, Mario Escobar Sr., to pursue their academic journeys at the Nest. For them, it felt reassuring to hear their father advocate for their future University.

Last month, the duo presented at the 2026 Excellence Summit, in which they collaborated to deliver a podium presentation exploring how UIW's Mission and culture have redefined and shaped their academic paths. Although this was the siblings' first time presenting at the event, Paulina and Mario took comfort in knowing they'd not only have the support of their Incarnate Word community but also of each other.

"I was initially a little uncertain about the whole process, but after seeing how much faith my Physics professor Shree Nair, PhD had in me and Mario, I began to feel assured," shared Paulina. "I took inspiration from many different elements when working on this presentation with my brother. One was how excellent a speaker my brother is. Being a part of this project together made me want to better myself at speaking."

"As an Educational Partnership Program National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (EPP NOAA) scholar, I've presented my research at the NOAA symposia in Washington, D.C. for the past two summers, where I received recognition and awards for my work," noted Mario. "I was inspired to participate in the Excellence Summit because I had the opportunity to present alongside my sister and support Dr. Nair."

During their presentation, Paulina and Mario highlighted several aspects of UIW that positively shaped their experience, including the University's commitment to service, community engagement and the development of the whole person.Both Paulina and Mario have the shared experience of serving as tutors, helping their peers to feel more confident in their subject comprehension. Through these interactions, both recognized how helping students to grow educationally supported their self-discovery and with UIW's overarching Mission to serve others.

Acknowledging the significance of this presentation, Nair invited the siblings' father to the event, so he could see their presentation first-hand.

"It was an absolute delight to witness the family's unity and care for one another," said Nair. "Paulina and Mario's mother is also an educator. The values instilled in their children by their parents have transformed them into college-ready individuals, demonstrating perseverance and a commitment to the UIW Mission."

Both siblings were grateful to have their father in attendance as they shared how his beloved alma mater continues to serve their family and the greater San Antonio community. His presence was especially meaningful, as he has been a strong role model and unwavering source of support for both Paulina and Mario Jr."I admire his character and his selflessness, and I feel grateful attending a campus that provided my father with an education that helped him become the man he is today," expressed Paulina.

"His support throughout our journey at UIW has been incredibly meaningful," said Mario Jr. "As a first-generation college student, he made many sacrifices so that we could have the opportunities we have today. Having him present while we stood on that podium was a powerful reminder of where our journey started and how far we have come."