National Night Out is an "annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie (natw.org)." Every year across the nation, communities, organizations, educational institutions and more host their own National Night Out celebrations as they foster community while also informing residents about available resources that are available to keep them safe.

Since 2014, the University of the Incarnate Word's (UIW) has hosted its annual National Night Out event with the efforts of its Office of Campus Life and other University departments. Except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UIW has consistently participated and has received local and national praise for its exceptional event engagement from the San Antonio Police Department, the City of San Antonio and the National Night Out organization.

UIW is celebrating yet another year of success, as it recently received recognition for its outstanding participation in the 2025 National Night Out celebration by the National Night Out organization. The Office of Campus Life is overjoyed that the event has once again been acknowledged, as it demonstrates UIW commitment to building a stronger and safer community both at the Nest and beyond.

"The Office of Campus Life paid the membership fee to the national organization and has continued to participate on the national level with National Night Out. UIW submits a pre-event schedule and post-event outcome for a chance at being recognized as winners in the college and university division of the National Night Out category," noted Janine Chavez, director of Student Advocacy and Accountability. "UIW is home to residents and commuter students,so bringing National Night Out at UIW to students, faculty and staff brings our community together. This event brings fun, resources and connection with Campus Life, UIW PD and many other departments including community resources for further connection in building healthy relationships on our campus and in our city."

This year's UIW event includes attractions like local food trucks, safety demonstrations, a flu vaccine clinic, community resources, meet and greets with San Antonio and UIW Police Department officers and even a visit from seven other community mascots.

"Receiving this recognition from the National Night Out organization is a testament to UIW's commitment to building community partnerships within San Antonio that support connecting our students with local resources," expressed Dean of Campus Life Eric Booth. "Janine Chavez, director of Student Advocacy and Accountability, and Soraida Portales, coordinator of Student Advocacy and Accountability, did a tremendous job of coordinating this event and we look forward to building off their momentum to provide more opportunities to connect our UIW students with the community."

Click here to see UIW listed as a 2025 Award recipient on the National Night Out website.