The University of the Incarnate Word's (UIW) founding congregation, The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI), helped to established San Antonio's first hospital, the Santa Rosa Infirmary, amidst a cholera epidemic in the 1800's. In 1931, UIW's Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions (SNHP), named after Santa Rosa registered nurse and Incarnate Word supporter Ila Faye Miller, was founded. SNHP made history as the "first accredited school west of the Mississippi River to offer a baccalaureate degree in nursing" (uiw.edu). Today, SNHP continues its mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word, through the educational preparation of health professionals.

One of these remarkable health professionals is Fall 2025 graduate Elizabeth Yvonne Gonzalez.

Gonzalez comes from a family of registered nurses, including her own parents who inspired her to embark on her journey in nursing. During her childhood, she was able to witness firsthand the way compassion, dedication and faith shaped the way her parents approached providing care to others. She learned from them that caring is more than just an act - it's a calling.

"I felt God placing the desire to serve on my heart early on, and pursuing Nursing has allowed me to live out His purpose: to love, heal and care for others the same way He cares for us," expressed Gonzalez.

Gonzalez wanted to provide care beyond the hospital's bedside, though. She also wanted to serve her fellow Cardinals, and she did so by getting involved in a number of student-lead and University-affiliated organizations. Within the past few years, she has been a part of the Pre-Nursing Society as the vice president of External Affairs, the Student Nurses Association as a student outreach coordinator and the UIW Social Media Team. To her, each role has helped her grow as a leader and has deepened her connection to the UIW Mission and community.

Studying nursing has been a truly beautiful experience for Gonzalez. In addition to gaining immeasurable knowledge that will aid her in providing quality care, she has also built cherished friendships, made precious memories and has found a sense of purpose that she's found has grown stronger with time.

Gonzales shared that she feels that the UIW Nursing program has shaped her into the Nurse that she is today. The faculty have been some of her biggest supporters, believing in her even in moments when she doubted herself. Their guidance and support always reminded her of the significance the Nursing profession has, nurturing her calling. Without them or the experiences during her program, she wouldn't have gained the essential knowledge and skills needed to be the healthcare provider she seeks to be.

"My experiences-from community vaccination clinics and simulation labs to hands-on clinical rotations-have taught me the value of teamwork, critical thinking and holistic patient care," noted Gonzalez. "These moments helped me grow not only as a student, but as a future nurse who understands the responsibility and privilege of caring for others. I also loved studying at UIW, especially in spaces surrounded by nature or shared with friends, which made learning meaningful and memorable."

Now preparing to officially accept her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Gonzalez is looking forward to making a difference in the Nursing field. She will soon begin her career as a medical-surgical nurse as she strives to have a career that touches the lives of patients found around the world - caring for others as Jesus did.

Before she officially crosses the commencement stage and begins her journey beyond the Nest, Gonzalez leaves this final message:

"Even when life brings trials and tribulations, never forget your purpose or the reason you began. Every morning you wake up is proof that God still has a plan for you. Walk forward not with fear, but with faith. Trust that His plan is greater than any challenge you face."

Congratulations, Elizabeth Gonzalez.