Month: October 2025

Remembering Albert Michael Casillas (1936–2025)

Our Lady of the Lake University remembers with gratitude and affection Albert Michael Casillas, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, Margaret.

A proud San Antonian, Albert’s lifelong commitment to learning and service was deeply shaped by his education at Our Lady of the Lake University. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Education, he continued at OLLU to complete a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in School Administration—a foundation that prepared him for a remarkable 35-year career in public education.

Albert often credited OLLU for inspiring his dedication to teaching and leadership. The university’s mission to “lead, learn, and serve” resonated throughout his career, particularly during his 27 years as Principal of Kindred Elementary, where he guided generations of students and teachers with compassion and excellence. His commitment to education continued through his service to the Archdiocese of San Antonio as Principal of St. Cecilia’s Catholic School and his involvement with San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation and After-School Challenge Programs.

Albert’s life was one of faith, family, and fulfillment. Together with his wife of 63 years, Margaret, he lived out his faith as a devoted parishioner of St. Pius X and Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Our Lady of the Lake University celebrates Albert’s legacy as a lifelong learner and servant leader whose work reflected the university’s values of wisdom, community, and faith. His impact will continue to be felt by the countless students, colleagues, and family members whose lives he enriched.

Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to welcome Evangelina “Vangie” Flores and Yvonne Gonzales as the newest members of its Board of Trustees.

Evangelina “Vangie” Flores, a native of San Antonio and alumna of Our Lady of the Lake High School, brings decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and community advocacy to the board. As President of Flores Riverwalk Properties, she and her late husband, Roger, operated several well-known San Antonio restaurants, including La Paloma del Rio and Paloma Riverwalk. Beyond her business success, Vangie has dedicated her life to serving her community, supporting the arts, historic preservation, and education. She currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Arboretum San Antonio and has held leadership roles with the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Texas A&M–San Antonio Foundation, and Fiesta San Antonio. Her contributions have earned her numerous honors, including induction into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.

Yvonne Gonzales, a longtime San Antonio resident and community advocate, brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and family health initiatives. A graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Yvonne’s professional and volunteer work has centered on improving the well-being of children and families. She has served on the University Health Foundation Board, including as Chair, leading a multi-million-dollar campaign for the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She also serves on the boards of Clarity Child Guidance Center and the Harvey Najim Foundation, among others. Her deep commitment to service and community collaboration reflects OLLU’s mission to lead, learn, and serve.

Please join us in welcoming Evangelina “Vangie” Flores and Yvonne Gonzales to the OLLU Board of Trustees. Their passion for education, service, and community will help guide the university toward a bright future.

Our Lady of the Lake University proudly celebrates three remarkable women — Dr. Valerie A. Martinez, Dr. Carolyn Castillo, and Dr. Norma Greenfield-Laborde — whose leadership, service, and dedication to others have earned them induction into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame. Each embodies the OLLU spirit of giving back to the community and living the university’s mission to lead, learn, and serve.

Dr. Valerie A. Martinez, Associate Professor of History at OLLU, has transformed the study of women’s history through her groundbreaking research on Latina servicewomen during World War II. A first-generation college graduate and descendant of Mexican American farmworkers, Dr. Martinez has also strengthened OLLU’s culture of student success through her leadership in first-year programs and mentorship of emerging scholars.

Dr. Carolyn Castillo (BA, MA, PhD), Deputy Director for Teaching and Learning Services at the Education Service Center, Region 20, is a three-time OLLU graduate whose impact reaches across South Texas. She leads initiatives that serve more than 500,000 students and champions women’s leadership through the San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce’s Transformational Leadership Development Program, mentoring hundreds of women toward confident, effective leadership.

Dr. Norma Greenfield-Laborde (PhD), Director of the Bexar County Office of Criminal Justice Policy, Planning, and Programs, has dedicated her career to justice reform and compassion-driven community work. Her programs have changed lives by reducing incarceration rates and supporting individuals on their path to restoration. Through her advocacy, mentorship, and civic engagement, she continues to open doors for women in leadership and public service.

Together, these extraordinary women reflect the heart of OLLU — a community where education, service, and leadership unite to create lasting change. Their achievements remind us that when we lead with purpose and faith, we help build a more just and compassionate world.

A Message from the President

As we continue to advance our university’s mission and strategic priorities, I kindly share an important leadership update within the Enrollment Division.

Effective immediately, Ms. Shirley Caldera has been appointed Interim Head of Enrollment, serving in this capacity through January 31, 2026. Shirley will provide continuity and leadership during this period of transition as we begin a search for the permanent leader of the Enrollment division.

I want to thank the team members of the Enrollment Division for their dedication, insights, and steadfast commitment to serving our students and families. Their work is vital to OLLU, and I am grateful for the professionalism and care they bring to their roles every day.

Please join me in offering your full support as Shirley steps into this important interim role. Together, we will continue strengthening OLLU’s foundation for growth, student success, and mission-driven excellence.

Warm Regards,

Abel A. Chávez, MBA, Ph.D.
President