Furthering the Story and Legacy of UIW

Christopher Alvarado, PharmD '10 and Stephanie Alvarado, BA '16

By Devin Castillo

In 1869, three courageous young women, Sisters Madeleine Chollet, Pierre Cinquin and Agnes Buisson, traveled from France to San Antonio, Texas at the request of Bishop Claude M. Dubuis to administer aid for the victims of a cholera epidemic. Led by their steadfast faith, determination and compassion, these three Sisters formed the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) and established San Antonio's first hospital, the Santa Rosa Infirmary. This significant achievement was later followed by other programs for those in need, including the opening of orphanages, additional hospitals and a school, first elementary and then, as the children grew, later a college that would evolve into our beloved University of the Incarnate Word (UIW).

Without the collective efforts of multiple individuals, UIW wouldn't have been nurtured into the proud institution it is today. The University continues to be supported by its community members, allowing it to further expand its reach both nationally and globally. Two incredible individuals that support UIW are Christopher "Chris" Alvarado, PharmD '10 and Stephanie Alvarado, BA '16.

Chris and Stephanie first met in high school on a blind date. Since marrying in 1992, the Alvarados have had 33 years of marriage and have led remarkable lives that have fulfilled their individual passions and shared values.

From a young age, Chris had his sights set on becoming a pharmacist. Although his father was keen on the idea of him playing sports, seeing the passion Chris had for pharmacy, he was just as supportive of his son's pursuit of a career in healthcare. Chris attended Heath Careers High School and was able to gain hands-on experience while working as a pharmacy technician during his junior year. As a member of the inaugural Heath Careers graduating class, he was then ready for the next crucial steps, college followed by pharmacy school. Chris caught word of UIW's plans to officially open its Feik School of Pharmacy (FSOP) in 2004 and knew that was where he wanted to go.

"I remember coming to the school for a tour and getting all the information about the school," recalled Chris. "I was in the first graduating class at Health Careers, and I thought I want to be part of this first class at Feik (School of Pharmacy) too."

After fulfilling the class credit requirements and an interview with FSOP's Founding Dean Dr. Arcelia Johnson-Fannin, Chris was admitted into FSOP, eager and determined to officially become a pharmacist.

In 2010, Chris proudly crossed the graduation stage with his Doctor of Pharmacy degree, joining the Feik School of Pharmacy's inaugural graduating class. His academic excellence and leadership were recognized with the Dean's Pinnacle Award for Excellence in Pharmacy Studies and Leadership. From there, his ambitions have never subsided in his over 30 years as a pharmacy professional.

Chris presently serves as Staff Pharmacist for H-E-B where he is able to serve his patients every day, a gift and privilege he feels that has been given to him by God. Even after all this time, Chris is extremely passionate about serving his community and hopes to nurture that same passion in the next generations of pharmacists.

"I am a strong believer in God and Jesus Christ," shared Chris. "God is who got me through pharmacy school. There were some rough patches that He got me through and put the right people in front of me to see that I finished. I feel strongly that God puts people in others' way for the better good. I know he puts me in others' lives to mentor and help them get through the tough times as well (school issues, family, job, etc.)."

Stephanie also has experience in the pharmacy industry, having previously served as a pharmacy technician supervisor at CVS/Caremark for 25 years. However, after being exposed to the Human Resources department of the company, she discovered that her passions were elsewhere. She soon enrolled in classes through UIW's School of Professional Studies (SPS) to pursue a bachelor's degree in Human Resources (HR). Although returning to school in her 40's was an intimidating decision, Stephanie knew she was more than capable of earning her degree. She felt that the SPS online curriculum offered her flexibility to balance multiple parts of her professional and personal life.

"While I was in school, I was working full time and was enrolled in an Emerging Leaders for Human Resources program at work," noted Stephanie. "So, they (her roles) were all coming together. I was studying HR, working at it and was doing it at work as well."

Stephanie was able to both apply her previous experiences during her program as well as gain new knowledge that expanded her capabilities and confidence within her new field. Although there were challenges during her journey, the reward of earning her degree in 2016 was a surreal and immeasurable experience for her. Soon after, Stephanie officially began her career in HR. Today she serves as a Compensation Analyst at Whataburger.

UIW has been a proud part of the Alvarado family's stories, helping them achieve their respective goals and aspirations. Just as, the Alvarados have remained an integral part of the University's story for more than 20 years in a multitude of roles, helping to further advance the University and honor its Mission.

At his alma mater, Chris has served in positions including president of the UIW FSOP Alumni Association, president of the UIW Alumni Association, UIW Board of Trustee member, chair of the Institutional Advancement Committee, FSOP preceptor, member of the UIW Athletics Tartan Society and more. In 2017, Chris received the Alumni of Distinction Award for Professional Achievement. He also remains involved in a number of state and national organizations including serving as a Board of Director member for the Texas Pharmacy Association, Board of Director member for the West Texas Pharmacy Association, Southwest Regional director for the National Hispanic Pharmacist Association and Board of Director member of the Bexar County Pharmacy Association. Stephanie is also a member of UIW's Tartan Society and is present at numerous University events in support of institutional initiatives.

Recognizing the countless opportunities and blessings UIW has given them, Stephanie and Chris knew that they wanted to pay that same generosity forward to future generations of graduates striving to make their own dreams a reality.

In 2021, the Alvarados launched their first endowed scholarship, the Chris and Stephanie Alvarado Pharmacy Scholarship for $25,000. They noted that the scholarship was developed with advocacy at its core, and they hoped their scholarship would invite students to get involved not only in the classroom, but with local organizations and community members. By engaging in their broader world, students would be able to recognize needs and hear the perspectives of others, encouraging them to consider how to be better servant leaders.

This endowed scholarship at FSOP is the first of its kind, supporting aspiring pharmacy professionals. Chris smiled as he recalled their scholarship, expressing how proud he is that he and Stephanie were able to give others the opportunity to pursue his same cherished profession.

"I like giving back to students," shared Chris. "My mission is to give back to students and to try to do so as much as possible."

"I enjoy giving back to UIW because of what it's given to me," noted Stephanie. "The University has afforded me the opportunity to do what I do today, and I enjoy doing what I do. What UIW gave me, I want to give back."

The Alvarados' mission still persists, as they've just committed a generous $1.15 million gift that will support first generation students, Mission and Ministry at FSOP, Military and Veterans services and more.

Both the Blas L. Alvarado Military and Veterans Center Endowment and Paul R. Howerton Sr. Military and Veterans Center Endowment are named after Chris and Stephanie's fathers, who served in the military and were proud veterans.

These endowments will support UIW's military-connected students and help them navigate college life, address challenges and connect them with essential resources both on and off campus. The Alvarados will also continue to contribute funds to the Alvarado First Generation Student Endowed Scholarship, recognizing the need for scholarship support for first-generation students.

Additionally, over the next three years, the Alvarados will give $150,000 to address several immediate priorities to meet current institutional needs. Their gift will aid in enhancing the video board and sound system at the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, creating the Mission and Ministry Endowed Fund at FSOP, launching the new Alvarado Endowed Business Studies Scholarship in support of Business students studying at SPS and adding to the Chris and Stephanie Alvarado Pharmacy Scholarship.

Chris and Stephanie's stories are ones that reflect what it means to be servant leaders. In addition to having the courage to lead their own authentic lives, the Alvarado's are also dedicated to uplifting others.

It is through their steadfast faith, innovation and generosity that UIW's ongoing legacy continues to be enriched, affording it the opportunity to further serve its community and beyond.