If it seems like your inbox has been filling up with more campus-wide emails lately, you’re not alone. That’s one of the reasons Our Lady of the Lake University is taking a fresh look at who can send broadcast emails to the entire campus community.
Right now, 56 individuals and offices are authorized to send messages to all faculty and staff. As part of this review, the university will be updating that list to reflect current roles and organizational changes. In some cases, authorized senders are no longer with the university or represent offices that no longer exist.
The goal isn’t simply to reduce the number of emails—it’s to make campus-wide communication more meaningful. By ensuring that broadcast emails are reserved for information that truly affects the entire university community, important announcements will be easier to recognize and less likely to get lost in a crowded inbox. At the same time, more targeted messages can continue to reach the people who need them most.
This review will also help establish thoughtful guidelines and consistent practices for campus-wide communications moving forward, making it easier for everyone to know when a message is intended for the entire OLLU community.
As this work continues, we’ll keep the campus informed about what’s being considered and invite feedback along the way. Your input will help shape a communication process that better serves everyone across the university.
Our Lady of the Lake University proudly celebrates Cassandra “Cassie” Valdez, a two-time OLLU graduate and former Saints softball standout, on earning a spot on the National Team for the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games.
Valdez, who recently joined the OLLU softball program as an assistant coach, continues to build on an impressive athletic career while inspiring the next generation of Saints. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from OLLU, most recently crossing the commencement stage as a Spring 2026 graduate.
Looking ahead, Valdez is working toward earning a place on the Mexican National Team as it pursues qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
Congratulations, Cassie, on this outstanding achievement. The OLLU community is cheering you on as you represent your team and continue your journey on the international stage.
“We are so excited to announce that the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Mural has been voted by the people as the Best of San Antonio in 2026 with The San Antonio Current!
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Mural is a historic public artwork gracing the Cassiano Homes, a public housing community in San Antonio. This mural and the hundreds around San Antonio painted by Anastacio “Tache” Torres and Juan Hernandez are a result of the important Chicano Movement efforts in San Antonio, of which OLLU has been an incubator on the Westside. This work commemorates the Treaty and the formation of Mexican-American identity, preserving an important piece of community history and cultural memory. This project was co-sponsored within OLLU by the Visual & New Media Arts Program, the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism and the International Folk Culture Center with the Segundo de Febrero Planning Committee.
The students worked alongside the original artists who generously donated their time and expertise to the project and to our students. The project also could not have been successful without the support of Opportunity Home SA and District 5 City Councilwoman Teri Castillo.
We are so thankful for everyone who voted to support this project, especially given that the competition is intense for best mural in a city with so many talented muralists. We think it shows a dedication and belief in the importance of our cultural history. We also hope that it shows the crucial role of public art in our communities and the strength of service-learning and community engagement as a way to bring students and the surround neighborhood together to do amazing things and provide world-class education on the ground and, in this case, in the streets!”
Thank you to everyone participating in OLLU’s Demand Response Initiative. Your efforts to conserve energy during demand response events are making a measurable impact on our campus and helping the university earn money back from CPS Energy.
To date, OLLU has achieved 67.64% of its committed goal, with an estimated incentive of $5,681.81. We’re making great progress and are well on our way to reaching our target.
Keep up the great work, and be sure to review the detailed statistics below to see how your collective efforts are helping OLLU save energy and maximize our incentive.
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) will introduce a new tradition during its 2026 Convocation with the inaugural State of the University, a mandatory quarterly gathering designed to strengthen communication, transparency, and collaboration among faculty and staff.
Held four times each year — August, November, February and May — the State of the University will provide employees with regular updates on the university’s strategic priorities, institutional direction, key initiatives, and administrative policies. Cabinet members will deliver brief reports on their quarterly goals and accomplishments, offering faculty and staff a clear understanding of the university’s progress and priorities.
In addition to administrative updates, each quarterly gathering will recognize university accomplishments and milestones. This year’s Convocation will also mark the debut of the Customer Service Excellence Award, a new recognition honoring staff members that create a welcoming, respectful, and caring environment for students, colleagues, visitors, and the university community.
Every member of the OLLU community will have the opportunity to nominate a deserving colleague. Nominations must include specific examples describing when and how the employee demonstrated exceptional customer service, the actions they took, and the positive impact those actions had on students, coworkers, visitors, or other members of the university community. The deadline for submitting nominations is Tuesday, August 4, 2026, by 5pm.
Nominees should consistently demonstrate one or more of the following qualities:
Exceptional service to students through compassion, responsiveness, patience, and professionalism.
Kindness, courtesy, and respect toward students, colleagues, visitors, and community members.
Pride in maintaining a clean, safe, attractive, and welcoming campus environment.
Collaboration across departments to ensure seamless service and successful outcomes.
Responsiveness, reliability, and clear, professional communication. Initiative and problem-solving by removing barriers and taking ownership of challenges.
Professionalism, integrity, accountability, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
A positive, solution-oriented attitude, even during difficult situations.
A commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence.
A daily embodiment of OLLU’s mission and values through hospitality, service, community, compassion, respect, integrity, trust, and the spirit of Providence.
Celebrating Community
While the State of the University will focus on institutional updates and employee recognition, it will also celebrate the university community through interactive games, prizes, and giveaways.Lunch will be provided.
Submit a nomination by August 4th by 5pm below. (If your nominee was not selected, please know that their contributions are valued and they may be considered during a future nomination period.)
Faculty from Our Lady of the Lake University, The University of Texas at San Antonio, and St. Mary’s University have published a new peer-reviewed article in the inaugural issue of Literate Activity: Perspectives on Textual Practices in the World that explores how interdisciplinary teaching can strengthen science education and prepare students for today’s workforce.
The article, “Composing Science: Everyday Genres and the Power of Literate Activity,” highlights an innovative assignment developed in BIOL1410: Environmental Science & Sustainability II, a lower-division general education course at OLLU. The project brought together expertise from Environmental Science and English faculty to help students translate complex scientific concepts into engaging, public-facing formats like short-form animations, infographics, videos, games, and social media content.
In an era when misinformation is widespread and scientific issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and public health affect communities every day, scientists must do more than conduct research; they must also communicate their work in ways that are accurate, accessible, and meaningful to the public. This project demonstrates that science communication is not a “soft skill,” but an essential component of scientific literacy and professional preparation.
The publication also reflects the interdisciplinary philosophy of OLLU’s Environmental Science & Sustainability program, where students combine scientific knowledge with communication, creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement to solve real-world environmental challenges. By designing authentic assignments with audiences beyond the classroom, students gain practical experience developing the skills increasingly sought by employers and graduate programs.
The article features numerous examples of student-created projects developed in the course. Additional examples of student work can be viewed on the Department of Mathematics and Science YouTube channel (@OLLUDeptMathSci), on Dr. Briana Hauff Salas’s Instagram page (@brianasalasphd), or are available upon request. The full article is available open access here:https://wacclearinghouse.org/docs/literate-activity/v1n1/hum-crosswhite-salas.pdf
OLLU’s Fall 2026 enrollment continues to gain momentum, reaching 1,519 students as we work toward our goal of 1,800. Every new Saint strengthens our university, advances our mission, and expands our ability to transform lives through education.
As we celebrate this milestone, remember that every student counts. Whether you’re participating in our internal enrollment challenge, referring a prospective student, sharing your OLLU experience, or welcoming visitors to campus, every interaction plays an important role in helping us reach our goal.
Enrollment success is a shared commitment across the OLLU community. From faculty and staff to student ambassadors and alumni, each conversation, connection, and act of service helps prospective students see the value of an OLLU education. Together, we are building momentum and creating opportunities for future Saints to thrive.
With 281 students to go, every effort makes a difference. Thank you for your continued dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment to helping OLLU reach our Fall 2026 enrollment goal of 1,800 students. Together, we can finish strong.
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
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.
OLLU’s Fall 2026 enrollment’s consistent growth has reached 1,453 students as we continue working toward our goal of 1,800. Every new student strengthens our university, advances our mission, and creates new opportunities to transform lives through education.
As we celebrate reaching this latest milestone, remember that every student counts. Whether you’re in our internal enrollment challenge or helping recruit the next generation of Saints, every action, conversation, referral, and connection makes a difference.
Reaching our enrollment goal is a shared effort across the OLLU community. From welcoming prospective students and their families to sharing your OLLU story, supporting recruitment events, or providing exceptional service to current and future Saints, your contributions help build momentum and inspire confidence in the OLLU experience.
Together, we can continue growing our community one student at a time. Every student matters. Every effort brings us closer to our goal.
Thank you for your continued commitment to OLLU and for helping us build a stronger future for our Saints.
