The University of the Incarnate Word welcomed new and returning students last Friday with the Build-A-Cardinal event in the Student Engagement Center.
Students had the opportunity to name and personalize their very own Cardinal plush in the Joeris Ballroom, to have a keepsake as they settled into their UIW journey.
The event, free and open to all students, invited attendees to create a personalized Cardinal companion to take with them throughout their time on campus. According to organizers, the goal extends far beyond the plush itself.
Kassandra Zelaya, a work-study student with campus engagement, said the value of Build-A-Cardinal lies within what brings students together.
“Honestly, I hope they build more of a community,” Zelaya said. “I think UIW needs more community and events like this where people get to socialize, eat and get plushies.”
Students who attended echoed that statement.
Teejan Diallo, a sophomore communications film major, said he had been waiting a full year for the chance to make his own Cardinal.
“I really wanted to go to Build-A-Cardinal last year, but I wasn’t able to. So I wanted to make sure this year I was able to,” Diallo said as he pointed to his new plushie. “I’m really excited, really happy that student engagement gave us this opportunity.”
As students left the event with their newly stuffed and named companions, organizers said the takeaway was clear — even a simple plush can be a stepping stone to something better: connection.
