Month: September 2025

OLLU Athletics Announces Partnership with Influxer Merch to Expand NIL Opportunities

OLLU Athletics has officially partnered with Influxer Merch, a rapidly growing company in the name, image, and likeness (NIL) merchandising space. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the university’s athletic department, as it seeks to provide student-athletes with greater opportunities to benefit from their personal brands while still competing at the collegiate level.

The partnership will allow OLLU student-athletes to design and sell personalized merchandise that incorporates their name, number, and team affiliation, all while being backed by official university branding. Influxer Merch will handle all aspects of production, fulfillment, and customer service, creating a seamless experience for both the athletes and their fans. This means student-athletes will be able to focus on their performance and academics, while still having a way to generate income and engage with their supporters.

This move is part of a growing trend among college athletics programs that are embracing NIL opportunities in light of recent rule changes. By working with Influxer Merch, OLLU Athletics is positioning itself at the forefront of this evolving landscape. The platform also offers educational resources to help student-athletes build their personal brand, develop entrepreneurial skills, and understand the basics of marketing and e-commerce.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Influxer Merch and give our student-athletes a platform to showcase their personal brands,” said OLLU Athletic Director Tom Norris. “This is more than just selling merchandise, it is about empowering our athletes to take ownership of their identity, connect with fans in new ways, and gain valuable experience that will benefit them during their time at OLLU.”

With this agreement, OLLU student-athletes will soon begin launching their own merchandise lines, giving fans the chance to show support in new, personalized ways. The initiative is expected to roll out across all sports and will be promoted through both athletic department channels and Influxer’s digital platform. This partnership reflects a broader mission, which is to empower student-athletes, celebrate individuality, and embrace the new era of college sports.

Chagoy’s Late Equalizer Secures Draw for OLLU

In a fiercely contested and emotionally charged match, the OLLU men’s soccer team battled to a 2-2 draw against Paul Quinn College on Sunday evening, showing grit, resilience, and flashes of brilliance in a game that could have gone either way.

The Saints came out aggressive and energized, controlling possession early and pressing high. Their early intensity paid off when Oli White opened the scoring in the first half with a clinical finish that sent the home crowd into celebration. White was active throughout the match, testing the Paul Quinn defense and goalkeeper with four shots, one of which found the back of the net. His movement and control in attacking set the tone for OLLU’s first-half dominance.

Despite holding the lead going into halftime, OLLU found themselves under pressure in the second half as Paul Quinn mounted a strong counterattack. The Tigers managed to score twice, capitalizing on quick transitions and a couple of defensive lapses. Still, the Saints refused to let the match slip away.

With time winding down and the intensity reaching its peak, Caleb Chagoy stepped up in a big way. On what was his only shot on goal of the match, Chagoy delivered the equalizer—an expertly timed strike that beat the keeper and reignited the Saints’ hopes. The goal was not only critical for the outcome of the match but gave the Saints momentum to keep pushing.

Defensively, Zak Averns remained a steady force in goal, recording four crucial saves and standing strong under pressure in a match where every possession mattered. Although he conceded two goals, his ability to stay composed and come up with big stops kept OLLU in the fight and ultimately preserved the draw.

While the Saints would have preferred to walk away with the win, the effort and resolve they showed throughout the full 90 minutes reflect a team with both heart and talent. The 2-2 result leaves OLLU hungry for more as they continue to build chemistry and momentum early in the season.

The Saints return to action on September 11th with an away match against Southwestern Christian University at 3:00 PM, where they’ll look to turn their fierce competitive energy into a statement win on the road.

A Message from the President

As we kickoff Hispanic Heritage Month and have been celebrating National Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) week, there has been news coming from the federal Department of Education. Funding for HSIs as well as for programs such as the TRIO program that help First Gen students have been eliminated or redirected to other colleges and universities. It is indeed disheartening, yet, we have been a Hispanic Serving Institution before there were any executive orders to support them. Our values: integrity, trust, community, and service are values that are synonymous with being Catholic, living a life in service to others, to being and doing good. These values have been part of our mission since 1866 when the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence first arrived in Texas. We are committed to these values regardless of other beliefs. “E pluribus unum — out of many, one” is a reminder that unity in diversity is our nation’s strength and it is OLLU’s identity. Whether you are a Sister, a staff member, a faculty member, a student, an Armadillo, or a Saint, remember that we are resilient. We are OLLU. I feel extraordinarily humbled to represent you. We have been here 130 years and it is my intention to keep us going for another 130.

Tony Plana at the Lake

Tony’s acting career has spanned over three decades and he has been in over 70 feature films as well as popular TV shows such as Ugly Betty and this year in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. He most recently received the award for being the most evil and hated villain in the Miami Vice series.  But, as shown here with President Abel Chavez at Our Lady of the Lake University’s Sacred Heart Chapel, Tony is really a good guy.  He has been active in Los Angeles, Washington, DC., New York City and now in San Antonio bringing theater to minority communities.  Tony is currently working on Seniors at Play, a program that empowers seniors through creativity and connection at the Madonna Center – which was also started by the Sisters of Divine Providence.  While he may have been voted the most evil and hated villain, Tony is an honorary Saint in our eyes!

Show your support for HSIs

The National Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), which was created at Our Lady of the Lake University, is asking for you to share your story on how your HSI impacted your life, your community, and the broader economy.  “Our goal is to amplify the collective voice of HSIs and ensure the public understands what is at stake,” said Dr. Paul Machen, Senior Executive Director of Professional Leadership and Student Programs.  “The testimonials and stories will be sent to members of Congress.”

Click here to send a letter to your Member of Congress.

The Lake at the “Dieciseis” Parade

The Dieciseis de Septiembre parade, as it is affectionately called for taking place on the 16th of September to commemorate Mexico’s Independence day, has been organized by the Avenida Guadalupe Association and has taken place in San Antonio’s west side community for 44 years.  This year, Our Lady of the Lake University was among the more than 75 registered participants.  From floats, charros on horses, marching bands, motorcycle organizations, and antique cars this year’s celebration did not disappoint.  Local residents sat on their folding chairs outside of their homes and cheered the participants on.  Alum along the route yelled out, “that’s my school!”  

Dr. Williams Shares OLLU’s Key Objectives – Your Voice Matters

Dr. Williams, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at Our Lady of the Lake University, invites the OLLU community to participate in an important conversation about the university’s key institutional priorities. Watch the video below to hear directly from Dr. Williams.

These priorities reflect our shared commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and expanding opportunities for all Saints. We encourage all students to share their thoughts and ideas using the form below. Your perspective is vital in helping OLLU continue to thrive as a place of learning, leadership, and service.

Student Feedback Survey: OLLU Institutional Priorities

IFCC Welcomes Sonya Rosario as Inaugural Artist in Residence

The International Folk Culture Center at Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to welcome Sonya Rosario, filmmaker and storyteller, as its first Artist in Residence. Join us for a special Welcome Reception to celebrate her residency.

  • Date: September 22, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Location: MARC Ballroom, OLLU
  • Food will be provided
  • Free and open to the community

As part of her Fall residency, Rosario will showcase her ongoing project, The Sofa Diaries. Guests will have the opportunity to view screenings of her past work and the trailer for this upcoming project. Attendees are also invited to meet Sonya in person and take a photo on her iconic sofa — a piece that has traveled across Idaho and will now journey across San Antonio throughout the semester.

This reception marks an exciting moment for the IFCC, as it launches its new Artist in Residence program and brings innovative voices to our campus.

Student Affairs Open House

Student Affairs invites all students to an Open House! Come meet the team, explore the many services available to support your success at OLLU, and enjoy a sweet treat.

This is a great opportunity to connect with the Student Affairs staff, ask questions, and learn more about how we can help make your OLLU experience the best it can be.

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month — OLLU’s Legacy & Our Shared Future

Each year from September 15 to October 15, the nation celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

At Our Lady of the Lake University, this observance is especially meaningful. OLLU is proud to be recognized as one of the first Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the country and the founding home of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Last week, during HSI Week (Sept. 8–14), we joined institutions nationwide in celebrating the impact of HSIs and the students they serve.

As we enter Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue that celebration by recognizing the resilience, creativity, and leadership of Hispanic communities—values that are deeply woven into OLLU’s mission and lived out every day by our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

This month is both a time to honor history and to look ahead, as we recommit to supporting Hispanic heritage and empowering future generations of leaders.