UIW Hosts 39th Annual Light the Way Holiday Festival

On Saturday, Nov. 22, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) hosted its 39th annual Light the Way Holiday Festival, presented by H-E-B, and sponsored by KSAT 12, Spectrum Reach and Perry Homes. The event welcomed thousands of guests to the Broadway campus for a day filled with festive fun as UIW ushered in the Christmas season.

Attendees enjoyed a variety of events and attractions including shopping local vendors at the Holiday Market, enjoying tasty food and treats in Food Truck Alley, watching live musical and dance performances from local school choirs, meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus at Kid's Corner and more. Both children and adults alike embraced some early holiday cheer as they wandered the campus property and immersed themselves in all the fun.

The UIW community and guests smiled in anticipation when the moment finally came to begin the Light the Way ceremony. KSAT 12's Ernie Zuniga greeted guests on the main stage, smiling upon the many community members that joined UIW for the celebration.

"There's something truly special about tonight as we come together to enjoy the radiant glow of these spectacular lights, and to reflect on the hope, joy and togetherness that the holidays bring to all of us," remarked Zuniga.

Guests gathered in prayer as Sr. Leticia Rodriguez, CCVI led the festival's invocation, acknowledging that whether from UIW or beyond, all are welcomed as members of God's family. She reminded guests that in the spirit of the Christmas season, it is important to express gratitude for the blessing we share and to appreciate the gift of community.

UIW President Dr. Thomas M. Evans and UIW Provost Dr. Eva Fernandez then took the stage as they prepared to flip the Light the Way switch. Evans and Fernandez were joined by Jose Antonio Lopez Verver, Centro Universitario Incarnate Word rector, and Maria Fabiola Iturbide Ruiz, Universidad Incarnate Word Campus Bajío rector and other representatives from UIW's Mexico-based campuses. This unique opportunity allowed UIW to celebrate Light the Way alongside members of its global family and community, showcasing how far UIW's reach truly stretches.

"The visit of our faculty, directors and rectors from our campuses in Mexico to UIW San Antonio reaffirms our shared commitment to collaboration and academic excellence," expressed Vice President for International Affairs Marcos Fragoso. "Their participation in the Light the Way ceremony allowed them to experience the UIW spirit, Mission and sense of family that illuminate everything we do. Their presence here reminded us of the importance of building together a vibrant, interconnected UIW that serves our students in both sides of the border."

Dr. Evans thanked UIW's numerous sponsors, supporters and donors, including special appreciation to Mrs. Jane Cheever Powell who gave a very generous leadership gift in support of the renovation of UIW's newest building, Founders Hall.

"Since its beginning, Light the Way has been our gift to the community," remarked Evans. "What a night of incredible blessings for UIW and for our community. We have so much more in store in the new year."

With the flip of the switch, the corner of Broadway and Hilderbrand was illuminated by over a million twinkling lights, cascading vibrant colors across the smiling faces of thousands of guests. Cheers and claps filled the air as UIW concluded the 2025 Light the Way Holiday Festival with a bright fireworks show.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!