Dear OLLU Community,
As a community rooted in faith and inspired by the enduring mission of Our Lady of the Lake University, we give thanks for the individuals whose ministry and leadership have nurtured the spiritual life of our campus. Their faithful service reminds us that God’s work is carried forward through those who generously answer the call to serve others.
Today, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to Father Kevin Fausz, CM for his many years of devoted service as University Chaplain. Through his compassionate pastoral presence, celebration of the sacraments, guidance, and unwavering commitment to our Catholic identity, Fr. Kevin has accompanied our students, faculty, staff, and alumni on their journeys of faith. His ministry has been a source of comfort, encouragement, and hope, helping to cultivate a campus community embedded in the Gospel and dedicated to the dignity of every person. We thank Fr. Kevin for the many ways he has shared his gifts with the OLLU family and pray that God continues to bless him in the next chapter of his ministry.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to Jacqueline Walter for her faithful and dedicated service as Interim Director of University Ministry during the past year. With generosity, grace, and steadfast leadership, Jacqueline guided our ministry through a season of transition while continuing to foster opportunities for prayer, service, faith formation, and community. Her dedication to our students and to the mission of OLLU has been a true blessing, and we are deeply grateful for her willingness to serve wherever she was needed.
It is now with great joy and hope that we welcome Friar Mario L. Serrano, OFM Conv., as our new Director of University Ministry and University Chaplain. As an OLLU alumnus and former Director of University Ministry from 2012 to 2016, Friar Mario returns with a deep understanding of our university’s mission and a heartfelt commitment to accompanying students in their faith, discernment, and personal growth. Anchored in the Franciscan tradition of humility, simplicity, joy, and service, he brings a renewed spirit of accompaniment and a passion for helping our community encounter Christ in one another.
We are truly blessed to welcome Friar Mario back home to OLLU and look forward to the many ways his leadership and ministry will enrich the spiritual life of our university. Please join us in offering him a warm Saints welcome as he begins this new chapter with our community on Monday, August 3, 2026.
As we celebrate these transitions, let us give thanks for Fr. Kevin’s enduring ministry, Jackie’s faithful leadership, and Friar Mario’s return to OLLU. May we continue, together, to be a community that leads in service with faith and wisdom, and faithfully carries forward the mission entrusted to us by our founders and sponsors, the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence.
May God bless each of them abundantly, and may the Holy Spirit continue to guide Our Lady of the Lake University in all that we do.
With gratitude and blessings,
Gloria Urrabazo, MA, LMSW
Vice President for Mission and Ministry
Our Lady of the Lake University
Biography for friar Mario L. Serrano, OFM
Friar Mario L. Serrano, OFM Conv., has experienced fraternity locally and globally. During his formation as a Franciscan friar, he was privileged to have mission experiences in Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. Most recently, Friar Mario has also participated in fraternal events in Zambia and Kenya. His ability to speak Spanish gave him the unique opportunity to gather with friars from around the world in Assisi for the 2019 and 2025 General Chapters as an English-Spanish translator.
Before becoming the Province Secretary and Vocation Director for the Franciscan Friars Conventual, Province of Our Lady of Consolation, Friar Mario engaged in university ministry for 12 years in three different settings: at a Catholic University, a University Parish, and a Diocesan University Student Center.
As Vocation Director, Friar Mario’s mission is to guide and support young people in their journey of discernment, helping them recognize how God is working within them to bring about transformation to the world, perhaps as a Franciscan friar. His role is not just a title but a commitment to the spiritual growth of others.
