Month: June 2025

Announcement: Interim Regional Executive Director of Graduate Admissions and Retention for San Antonio, Houston, and RGV

The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to announce Shirley Caldera as the Interim Regional Executive Director of Graduate Admissions and Retention for the San Antonio, Houston, and Rio Grande Valley (RGV) regions.

Shirley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role, backed by a proven track record in designing and implementing effective educational policies and programs that consistently exceed performance goals. Her strategic leadership in academic planning, budget oversight, and program development has led to measurable improvements in student enrollment, retention, and achievement.

Prior to joining OLLU, Shirley led the operations and strategic execution of eight off-site campuses in Texas, including six in San Antonio, one in Killeen, and one in Corpus Christi. She collaborated with cross-functional teams to organize community-focused fundraising events tailored to adult learners, including Casino Night, Family Picnic Day, Dining with Administration and Faculty, and Mardi Gras Evening. She also oversaw the development and delivery of online, hybrid, and in-person courses, supporting over 150 faculty members and more than 1,500 students to meet academic learning outcomes.

In her interim role, Shirley will lead the development and execution of region-specific plans aimed at achieving graduate admissions goals, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards and accreditation requirements. She will also focus on standardizing admissions procedures and enhancing student support services across all campuses, driving consistency, equity, and operational excellence.

NEXT Lake Day Orientation – Monday, July 14

Our Lady of the Lake University will host Lake Day Orientation #3 on Monday, July 14, 2025. This full-day, in-person orientation welcomes our newest group of incoming undergraduate students and their families to campus.

LDO is a vital part of the onboarding experience for new students, offering a first look at OLLU’s academic expectations, support services, and community values. We expect a strong turnout of future Saints—one of five orientation sessions scheduled this summer.

🎓 Faculty and staff participation is essential—thank you to everyone who is volunteering, presenting, advising, or welcoming families throughout the day. Your presence and engagement help our new students feel supported and excited to begin their college journey.

Other Upcoming LDO Dates:

  • Saturday, July 26th
  • Thursday, August 14th

Free Expo Hall Pass for ISTELive 25 + ASCD Annual Conference in San Antonio

Our Lady of the Lake University’s Center for Teaching Excellence invites you to experience one of the most influential education expos in the world — absolutely free!

The ISTELive 25 and ASCD Annual 25 Conference will be hosted in San Antonio from June 29 to July 2, and OLLU students, faculty, and staff are eligible for a free Expo Hall pass.

This is your chance to connect with global leaders in education technology, explore cutting-edge tools, and engage with representatives especially interested in meeting those studying or working in:

  • Bilingual Education
  • TESOL
  • ESL/EFL
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Teaching Multilingual Learners

Location: Henry B. González Convention Center
Expo Pass: Free with advance registration

Register for the Free Expo Hall Badge
ISTE25_guest_ticketDownload

Expo Hall Hours:

  • Monday, June 30 – 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, July 1 – 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 2 – 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Open to anyone age 16+ with a professional or academic connection to education or curriculum. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the latest in edtech innovation right here in San Antonio!

OLLU’s Kelsey Penn Selected for National NetVUE Seminar on Vocation in Higher Education

Our Lady of the Lake University proudly announces that Rev. Kelsey Penn, Director, Center for Service-Learning & Volunteerism, has been selected to participate in the 2025 Vocation Across Campus Seminar, hosted by the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE).

This prestigious seminar brings together a select group from across the country who are committed to advancing vocation-centered programming for undergraduate students. Through this yearlong initiative, Rev. Penn will explore innovative ways to help students reflect on questions of purpose, identity, and direction—both academically and personally.

The seminar is designed to support participants in developing or revising programs that promote vocational exploration across disciplines and campus contexts. Penn’s selection followed a highly competitive national application process, recognizing her commitment to enriching the student experience through holistic, values-driven education.

“This opportunity will allow me to deepen my work in helping students explore who they are called to become—inside and outside the classroom,” said Rev. Penn. “I’m honored to represent OLLU in this national community of educators.”

Penn’s involvement also strengthens OLLU’s connection to the broader NetVUE network, a nationwide community of more than 300 colleges and universities that share a mission of preparing students for lives of meaning, service, and leadership.

Please join us in congratulating Rev. Kelsey Penn on this well-deserved honor!

OLLU and Laredo College to Sign Landmark Transfer Agreement: “Bridge to Bachelor’s”

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is proud to announce a transformative new partnership with Laredo College aimed at expanding access to four-year degrees for students across South Texas. The two institutions will officially sign the agreement during a special ceremony titled “Laredo to San Antonio – Bridge to Bachelor’s” on Thursday, June 26 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sr. Elizabeth Ann Sueltenfuss Library on OLLU’s main campus.

This landmark transfer agreement is designed to streamline the academic journey for Laredo College students by aligning curricula, eliminating common transfer barriers, and enhancing affordability. The initiative strengthens OLLU’s mission to serve first-generation and underrepresented students, providing a clear and supported pathway from community college to bachelor’s degree completion.

“This agreement is more than a memorandum,” said OLLU President Dr. Abel A. Chávez. “It is a shared declaration of purpose. Together, Laredo College and OLLU are clearing pathways, removing barriers, and accelerating access to four-year degrees for students who will go on to lead, serve, and transform our communities of San Antonio, South Texas, and beyond.”

The signing ceremony will welcome leadership from both institutions, OLLU’s Board of Trustees, the Congregation of Divine Providence, faculty, and staff. Light refreshments will be served following the event.

Get Creative This Summer with Free IFCC Classes!

Looking for a way to stay active, creative, and connected this summer? The International Folk Culture Center (IFCC) at Our Lady of the Lake University has you covered!

From June through July, the IFCC is hosting a wide range of free classes for all OLLU students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Whether you’re into movement, art, or mindfulness, there’s something for everyone.

Summer Class Highlights Include:

  • Afro-Latin Movement
  • Rooted Rhythms: African Drumming and Dance
  • Modern Dance
  • K-Choreography
  • Adult & Children’s Ballet
  • Vinyasa Yoga & Qigong
  • Watercoloring, Pen & Ink Drawing, Art Journaling
  • …and so much more!

Classes are led by an amazing lineup of community artists and educators, including Robert Ojeda, Alfonso Alarcon, Angela Weddle, Violeta De Leon, and others from San Antonio and Austin.

Free for OLLU students, faculty, staff, and alumni!

View The Full Schedule & Instructors Here

Questions? Contact the IFCC at IFCC@ollusa.edu

Don’t miss this chance to stretch your mind and body in a welcoming, art-filled community space!

OLLU Welcomed Global Education Advisers for San Antonio Tour

From June 1 to 6, Our Lady of the Lake University had the privilege of hosting six international EducationUSA advisers as part of a weeklong exploration of San Antonio’s academic institutions. The visit, organized in partnership with the City of San Antonio’s Global Engagement Office, brought together representatives from countries including Slovakia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Republic of Mauritius.

During their stay, the advisers were housed in OLLU’s Slater Hall, giving them firsthand experience of on-campus student living. They also received an in-depth overview of the university from the Office of Undergraduate Admission, highlighting OLLU’s academic programs, vibrant student life, and commitment to global education.

Call for Proposals – University Professional Development Days

We invite OLLU faculty and staff to submit proposals for presentations and workshops that contribute to the conference theme and goals. Proposals should offer engaging and practical learning experiences that empower employees to evolve in their roles and contribute to the university’s success

Week of August 11, 2025
Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio Campus (with hybrid options for Houston & RGV)

Submit Your Proposal Here

Conference Goals:
The University Professional Development Days aims to:

  • Enhance professional skills and knowledge for all OLLU faculty and staff.
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
  • Promote employee well-being and engagement. Align employee development with OLLU’s strategic goals and mission.
  • Increase cross-campus collaboration.

Important Dates:

  • Proposal Submission Deadline: TODAY June 23, 2025 (no extensions)
  • Notification of Acceptance Emails Sent to Presenters: June 30, 2025
  • SAVE THE DATE and Accepted Presentations Announced University-Wide: July 15, 2025
  • Conference Dates: Week of August 11, 2025, all dates announced 7/15/2025

Farewell and Best Wishes to Cindy Mata-Vasquez

We wish Cindy Mata-Vasquez farewell and best wishes! 

Cindy has served OLLU for three years serving as the Director of Rio Grande Valley, and this past year as the Executive Director for the Houston and Rio Grande Valley sites. She has played a key role in helping enhance student engagement, community partnerships, and site operations. Cindy’s last day with OLLU was June 6.

Cindy’s next chapter will take her to Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Harlingen, where she will serve as the Senior Manager for Campus Enrollment. She is looking forward to continuing her passion for student success and educational access at TSTC, bringing her leadership expertise and dedication to her new role. 

Stay connected with Cindy via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindymata/. 

OLLU to Host 2025 National Hispanic Institute’s Texas Star Great Debate

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is proud to once again serve as host for the Texas Star Great Debate, a prestigious youth leadership and speech competition presented in partnership with the National Hispanic Institute (NHI). From June 10–15, 2025, the university will welcome nearly 100 rising high school sophomores to campus for an unforgettable week of growth, challenge, and connection.

The Texas Star Great Debate is part of NHI’s signature three-part leadership education series, created to empower Latino youth. Students—primarily rising 10th graders from Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and Mexico—will participate in an intensive six-day program focused on public speaking, critical thinking, and collaborative leadership.

During the competition, students are drafted onto teams coached by NHI alumni, many of whom are current college students. These mentors guide participants through a series of challenges in oratory, extemporaneous speaking, mock trial, and cross-examination—all designed to build communication skills, poise under pressure, and the confidence to lead.

“This program brings students together to build ideas for the future, while helping them develop the public speaking and communication skills that raise their value as leaders,” said Nicole Nieto, Executive Vice President of NHI.

“We are honored to welcome NHI’s Texas Star Great Debate back to Our Lady of the Lake University,” said Dr. Abel A. Chávez, OLLU President. “This is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of young leadership, voice, and purpose.”

Founded in 1979, the National Hispanic Institute has served over 100,000 students across the United States and Latin America, fostering educational equity and cultivating the next generation of community leaders.

Stay tuned for updates and highlights from this inspiring event on OLLU’s campus.