Month: August 2021

The Roots of Spirit Day

The roots of Spirit Day extend to the mid-16th Century when Jesuit educational communities first gathered in Mass to anchor the year ahead in the recognition that the work of faith and intellect are inherently intertwined. 

Catholic universities across the centuries and in different cultural contexts have placed their own stamp on this tradition. 

Spirit Day is not only a time to ask for the Holy Spirit’s blessing of the university. It is a reminder of the community’s call to bless the Holy Spirit with their lives. 

This year’s Spirit Day offers a moment to reflect on what it means to “live the legacy” of OLLU. It moves OLLU to prayerful reflection and invites the community to rededicate themselves to a life of trust in the abundance of Providence as they seek to meet the moment and the needs of the world.

As such, Spirit Day’s Mass of the Holy Spirit is also a time in which the community pauses as an institution to honor and to give thanks to those who have served the OLLU community for 10 years or more. This year’s 28 faculty and staff honorees have tenures at OLLU ranging from 10 to 35 years, with a total of 525 years.

To purchase a 2021 Spirit Day T-shirt, visit https://bit.ly/get2021spiritdayshirts or look for University Ministry in the Renaissance Parlor during lunch and in the Mall Area on Spirit Day. 

Spirit Day/Convocation set for Wednesday

The OLLU community is invited to take part in the combined Spirit Day/Convocation event set for Wednesday, Sept. 1, which will be the kick-off to a series of campus events designed to increase connection and communication. The second event, a University Update, will take place on Sept. 8. It will be followed by a series of Campus Conversations throughout September and October.

Spirit Day/Convocation will be held at 11 a.m. in the Mall area. A live stream for Houston and RGV campuses and online students will be available on the University Ministry Facebook page.

Spirit Day/Convocation will include some traditional elements of both events, including the Spirit Day Mass, the recognition of service award recipients and addresses from the presidents of Faculty Assembly, Staff Senate (formerly Staff Advisory) and Student Government Association. It will be followed by a free hamburger lunch.

President Melby to deliver University Update on Sept. 8

President Diane Melby, EdD, will provide an update on OLLU and share plans for the academic year on Sept. 8 at 12:30 p.m. via WebEx:  https://ollusa.webex.com/ollusa/onstage/g.php?MTID=eeef0edec7e7f59aa6803c57f8ca3e12e

+1-408-418-9388 United States Toll 1-844-992-4726 United States Toll Free

Vice President for Administration Rosalinda Garcia will provide information and a timeline to be related to the search for the 10th president of OLLU. In addition, COVID-19 protocol updates will also be shared.

Campus Conversations continue on Sept. 22 and in October

President Diane Melby will host a series of informal conversations that will provide time for community members to ask questions and share information. These in-person events will be open to the first 30 people at each session to allow for social distancing.

Sept. 22 – 4 p.m. – Main Building, Room 311

Oct. 6 – 11 a.m. – Library Community Room

Oct. 14 – 1 p.m. – Main Building, Room 311

CMASR looking for graduate assistant and undergraduate work study

The Center for Mexican American Studies and Research (CMASR) is looking to hire a graduate assistant and undergraduate work study. Interested students may email CMASR Director Aimee Villarreal at amvillarreal@ollusa.edu.

CMASR supports OLLU’s mission and values as a Hispanic Serving Institution. The Center promotes awareness of the broad diversity of Mexican Americans and the Latinx communities through cultural events, scholarship and activism. CMASR sponsors cultural events and activities, advances research and knowledge and inspires campus engagement. 

Center for Students in Recovery to hold zoom meetings every Thursday

The Center for Students in Recovery (CFSIR) will hold a weekly and virtual peer-support group meeting on Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. 

To join a meeting, click here: 

https://bit.ly/2WAatcS

To connect with CFSIR on Facebook, click here:

https://www.facebook.com/OLLUCenterforStudentsInRecovery

CFSIR provides a supportive community where students in recovery, and in hopes of recovery, can achieve academic success while using a holistic approach to strengthen the person and community on their path to recovery.

To learn more about CFSIR, click here:

https://www.ollusa.edu/health-safety/center-for-students-in-recovery.html?fbclid=IwAR2K1krkYQPztSxyjg0fIcaKb8jQ47fw-LwmPTSYBzxwUqdQy9LUQAcXJyk

For questions, write to CFSIR@ollusa.edu.

See flyer:

In The News

Recent media coverage that brought attention to OLLU:

On Aug. 27, a story in the San Antonio Express-News about alumni Rod Radle and Patti Radle and their community service on the West Side: 

https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-West-Side-impact-Rod-Patti-Radle-16416313.php

On Aug. 27, a story in the Butler County Times-Gazette about former OLLU kinesiology chair Julio Guerrero:

https://www.butlercountytimesgazette.com/story/news/2021/08/27/dr-julio-guerrero-joins-butler-community-college-family-new-dean/5622554001/

On Aug. 26, a story on crescentcitysports.com about the hiring of former OLLU basketball player Darion Brown as an assistant coach at Nicholls State University:

Claunch announces Bowman promotion, solidifies Nicholls basketball coaching staff

On Aug. 26, a story in Victory Sports Network about new women’s basketball coach Jillian Flores:

http://wrestling.victorysportsnetwork.com/Clip/news/ollu-selects-jillian-flores-as-new-womens-basketball-head-coach.htm

On Aug. 20, a story in the San Antonio Business Journal about alumna Asia Ciaravino who will be the keynote speaker at a SABJ Leadership Awards event:

https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2021/08/20/asia-ciaravino-keynote-womens-leadership-awards.html

On Aug. 18, a story on mysanantonio.com about alumni Toni Reyna and Francine Pons celebrating the 40-year anniversary of their business, Las Colchas quilt shop, in Tobin Hill: 

https://www.mysanantonio.com/sa-inc/article/Las-Colchas-quilt-shop-in-Tobin-Hill-celebrates-16396364.php

On Aug. 17, a story on mysanantonio.com that features comments from Christine Charmichael, PhD, Professor of Communication Disorders, and Stefanie Becerril, PhD, Assistant Professor of Communication Disorders, about the struggle of non-natives pronouncing certain Texas names: 

https://www.mysanantonio.com/lifestyle/article/pronunciation-Texas-San-Antonio-culture-language-16390947.php

Volleyball wins pair of matches in San Antonio ShinDIG Tournament to open season

Hear from Head Coach Scott Mattera and watch highlights: https://www.youtube.com/embed/vLB7wQOPcAQ?enablejsapi=1&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ollusaintsathletics.com

The volleyball team hosted the San Antonio ShinDIG Tournament to open the 2021 season. Participants included fellow Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) member University of the Southwest (USW) and Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) school Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU). The Saints defeated both teams on Friday and lost to SAGU on Saturday to finish the tournament with a 2-1 mark.

First match vs. SAGU
 

History

The Saints were 9-7 against the Lions prior to the tournament.

Basics

The Lions won the first two sets 25-21. Both teams battled back and forth in the third set. The Saints negated a match point with a kill from Camila Ramirez (FR/El Paso, Texas), and OLLU went on to win the third set 26-24. OLLU closed the fourth set with a two-point margin as well and forced the deciding fifth set.

SAGU jumped out to a 6-2 lead in the final frame. After multiple kills from Sadie Ballesteros (JR/Atascosa, Texas) and Daisy Cantwell (SO/San Antonio, Texas), the Saints evened the scored at nine. The teams traded points until the score was tied 12-12. OLLU completed the heroic comeback with two kills by Ramirez and a kill by Madalyn Gonzalez (SO/San Antonio, Texas) to win 15-12 and start the season 1-0.

Scoring overview against SAGU

Set One – SAGU 25 – OLLU 21
Set Two – SAGU 25 – OLLU 21
Set Three – OLLU 26 – SAGU 24
Set Four – OLLU 25 – SAGU 23
Set Five – OLLU 15 – SAGU 12

Set review

In the first set, OLLU recorded 14 kills and eight errors on 50 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .120.

The Saints had 12 kills in the second set and four errors on 33 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .242.

In the third set, OLLU recorded 12 kills and nine errors on 45 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .111.

The Saints had nine kills in the fourth set and four errors on 40 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .125.

In the fifth set, OLLU recorded 11 kills and three errors on 27 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .296.

On the offense

Overall, the Saints had 58 kills for a hitting percentage of .164. SAGU totaled 57 kills for a hitting percentage of .124.

Cantwell led the Saints with 17 kills. Alexis Mealer totaled a team-high 20 kills for the Lions.

Defensive standouts

OLLU had a total of 83 digs, led by Tina Trevino (FR/Laredo, Texas) with 18. Ava Myers tallied 23 digs for the Lions.

Serving it up

The Saints had seven service aces, led by Trevino with three. SAGU totaled nine service aces, with Riley Burcham tallying a team-high four.

vs. USW

History

The Saints are 19-4 against the Mustangs and won all four matches last season.

Basics

The Saints swept the Mustangs in a non-conference match on Friday. OLLU forced 17 errors from Southwest and led in team kills, total attacks and hitting percentage. Ramirez tallied 11 kills and 35 total attacks.

Scoring overview against USW

Set One – OLLU 25 – USW 19
Set Two – OLLU 25 – USW 19
Set Three – OLLU 25 – USW 18

Set review

In the first set, OLLU recorded 15 kills and four errors on 34 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .268.

The Saints had 11 kills in the second set and four errors on 31 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .226.

In the third set, OLLU recorded 12 kills and five errors on 26 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .269.

On the offense

Overall, the Saints had 38 kills for a hitting percentage of .255. Southwest totaled 29 kills for a hitting percentage of .126.

Ramirez led the Saints with 11 kills. Alexia Esparza totaled nine kills for the Mustangs.

Defensive standouts

The Saints had a total of 43 digs, led by Trevino with 12. Autumn Lopez tallied 12 digs for the Mustangs.

Serving it up

The Saints had seven service aces, led by Trevino and Madelynn Strzelczyk (SO/Marion, Texas) with two apiece. USW totaled four service aces, with four players recording one each.

Second match vs. SAGU

History

Following the win on Friday, the Saints entered Saturday 10-7 all-time against SAGU.

Basics

The Lions got the best of the Saints in the final match of the San Antonio ShinDIG Tournament. The Saints didn’t go down without a fight despite being swept. They lost by three points in the first set, seven in the second and two in the third. All three sets were competitive, and the Saints sit at 2-1 to start the season.

Scoring overview against SAGU

Set One – SAGU 25 – OLLU 22
Set Two – SAGU 25 – OLLU 18
Set Three – SAGU 25 – OLLU 23

Set review

In the first set, OLLU recorded 12 kills and eight errors on 54 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .074.

The Saints had 11 kills in the second set and four errors on 31 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .226.

In the third set, OLLU recorded 12 kills and five errors on 26 total attacks for a hitting percentage of .269.

On the offense

Overall, the Saints had 39 kills for a hitting percentage of .097. SAGU totaled 39 kills as well for a hitting percentage of .195.

Ramirez led the Saints with 15 kills. Myers totaled 11 kills for the Lions.

Defensive standouts

The Saints had a total of 67 digs, led by Trevino with 24. Tessa Glick tallied 23 digs for the Lions.

Serving it up

The Saints had five service aces, led by Ballesteros with two. SAGU totaled three service aces, with three players recording one each.

Up next

The Saints travel a short distance to play NCAA D3 Trinity University on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.

Competitive cheer earns program’s first NCA national

The competitive cheer team earned a national bid for the National Cheerleading Association (NCA) competition in Daytona, Fla., on April 6-10, 2022.

The cheer team, which began at OLLU in 2020-2021, had to postpone its season due to COVID-19 concerns. This being the team’s s first official season and receiving a bid to the NCA competition is quite an accomplishment. The university is proud of the members’ efforts and congratulates them on their achievements.

Head Coach Crystal Brock said, “As a collegiate coach who understands the level of competition in our nation, I recognize the many teams fighting for nationals bids. Earning one makes me feel honored and humbled to work with my students and Assistant Coach Gabriel Guel. There is pride and prestige within our program, and I feel blessed for the opportunity. This year will be a test of our will and strength as we embrace the challenges that face any team starting from the bottom up, but when you add a pandemic, we must be fierce and press forward toward our goals without fear or limits.”

NCA staff from across the nation arrived in San Antonio to teach techniques and safety protocols to the OLLU cheer squad during a three-day camp this past summer. Brock and Guel were also guided on how to prepare for the competition in Daytona. Each athlete contributed to the team’s success and earned superior blue ribbons, which are awarded to those athletes who exemplify the NCA Standards of Excellence.

The cheer team this season will attend OLLU’s athletic events, community service projects, be in the Mall for campus activities and travel across the state of Texas sharing OLLU pride. “We are gracious for the support we have received from faculty, staff, students and the community,” Brock commented. “We truly believe our success is possible due to the support we receive from the community. Our team loves to cheer, and they love to serve others.”

Baseball’s Alec Martinez earns Co-Pitcher of the Year in Texas Collegiate League

Alec Martinez (SR/Corpus Christi, Texas) of the OLLU baseball team was named Co-Pitcher of the Year in the Texas Collegiate League (TCL) this summer.

Martinez had a perfect 6-0 record this season in nine starts with the Flying Chanclas de San Antonio. In 47.1 innings pitched, Martinez had a 1.71 ERA while striking out 51 batters. His coach, John McLaren, earned Manager of the Year.

The Chanclas were crowned TCL champions after defeating the Victoria Generals 8-0 on Aug. 7. Martinez pitched four innings and allowed no runs with two strikeouts. The program finished with a 32-7 regular-season record and a 3-0 postseason mark.

Martinez said, “Being named Co-Pitcher of the Year was a great accomplishment. Coach McLaren and pitching coach Danny Graves helped me by working with my mechanics and my mental side of the game. I had a great time meeting new people and playing summer baseball for the Chanclas.”

Last season Martinez posted a 4.24 ERA with five wins for the Saints. He combined with Jose Diaz for a no-hitter against LSU-Shreveport on Mar. 26, marking the second time in OLLU history the feat had been achieved. The Saints totaled a season-high 34 wins and were NAIA World Series participants.

The baseball program begins its eighth season in 2022.