OLLUNewsletter

A Message From President Chávez

Dear OLLU Community,

It is with a heavy heart that I share that one of our beloved OLLUmni has been called home to God. Colonel Gil Coronado (BA ’75) passed peacefully on Saturday morning at the age of 89.

A proud son of San Antonio’s West Side, Gil was raised just down the street from our campus on Veracruz Street. His life story is one of resilience, grace, and providence. Though he dropped out of Sidney Lanier High School at the age of 15, God had other plans. Through the care and vision of one of our Sisters, a pathway was created for Gil to come to OLLU and complete his sociology degree, an education his superiors encouraged him to pursue for professional advancement. What emerged was not only a graduate of OLLU, but a leader whose legacy will be felt for generations.

Gil is affectionately and respectfully known as the father of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Through his vision, leadership, and tireless commitment, Public Law 100-402 was enacted on August 17, 1988, expanding National Hispanic Heritage Week into a full month and authorizing President Ronald Reagan to designate September 15 through October 15 annually as National Hispanic Heritage Month. I cannot overstate the national and cultural significance of his contribution.

As I remember Gil, I am deeply grateful to him for many reasons, but especially for his friendship. From the very first days of my arrival at OLLU, he welcomed me into his home and into his life. In every interaction, Gil embodied values that endure: respect for one another, meeting people eye to eye, holding one’s head and chin up, honoring one’s word through action, and being proud of one’s roots. He was always teaching, always mentoring—often reminding me to “retire early, and retire often,” his way of encouraging a full and faithful life.

Gil was also a steadfast champion for education. He believed deeply that success begins with education and he often spoke of the three Es: education, effort, and excellence. Last year, he published his memoir, Barrio Boy, a powerful reflection on his journey and the values that guided his life. In Barrio Boy, Gil recounts his story—from a troubled childhood and early encounters with the justice system to a life of public service, military leadership, and advocacy for veterans. His life is a testament to perseverance, dignity, and the transformative power of education. It is, in many ways, a lived and model expression of the boundless potential within each person when opportunity meets determination.

Colonel Gil Coronado was a model American citizen, a faithful servant, and a man of profound dignity.

“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.” (Wisdom 3:1)

Gil, dear friend—you will be deeply missed. May you rest in eternal peace.

With prayer and gratitude,

Abel

A Message from President Chávez

Speak Up Speak Out at Our Lady of the Lake

A couple of weeks ago we had over 500 students from throughout San Antonio on our campus. The students, from 3^rd graders to high schoolers, were part of an annual civic education program competition called Speak Up Speak Out organized by CAST Schools. This was their 8^th year holding the event.

The competition consists of having the students propose solutions to problems or issues in their community. The best ideas win and go on to compete nationally.

It was refreshing to have so many young students on our campus; it was also befitting. Our very Charism reminds us to speak up and speak out as well as instilling in our students the spirit to care and service to their communities.

For example, in 1968, OLLU served as the host site for the historic U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Hearing on Mexican Americans in the Southwest.

In 1974, our Sisters of Divine Providence joined other Catholic leaders and families in advocating for working class Mexican Americans on the city’s west and south sides and created Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS). Through the years, COPS has taken on political issues and causes in support of fair and equitable distribution of city resources and services. COPS’ success has amounted to over one-billion dollars in group-sponsored projects and initiatives.

In 1985, OLLU brought together academicians and others to discuss the need for a Center for Hispanic Higher Education. The result was the creation of Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)… and later Congress designated Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).

We are entrusted with a voice. OLLU provides the environment to articulate it and amplify it. And that is what our students do. Here are some examples:

Gil Coronado (Class of 1975) went on to create Hispanic Heritage Month, a federal month-long designation that celebrates our heritage.

Gloria Rodriguez (Class of 1970 & 1973) went on to start the national early childhood education organization AVANCE, which supports Latino mothers in the raising of their young children in poor communities. She also is the author of “Raising Nuestros Niños: Bringing Up Latino Children in a Bicultural World.” Her work has been featured in the books of three First Ladies: Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Rosalynn Carter.

Ernesto Gomez (Class of 1975) is the founder and CEO of CentroMed, a federally qualified health center serving low-income families for over 40 years. What started out as a family counseling program for low-income San Antonio residents grew to 24 service sites in Bexar and Comal counties providing health care to more than 78,000 patients a year. On average, 47% of their patients lack insurance and 38% are children and youth.

Catholic teaching reminds us that courage, rooted in the virtue of fortitude, is the grace-filled strength to pursue the good with constancy, especially in the times when perseverance and trust in God’s Providence is necessary.

Congratulations to the Speak Up Speak Out winners – stay strong as you advance to the statewide competition in Austin next month. Your voice inspires.

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The Best Valentine’s Present? Campanas de America’s St. Valentine’s Day Serenata

When Belle Ortiz (Class of 1971), known as the Godmother of Mariachi, returned to Our Lady of the Lake University over two decades ago, she contributed a gift that has since become a tradition.

Belle had a passion for educating young people on their culture and traditions. In 1970, she started the first high school mariachi program at Jefferson High School and after graduating from OLLU with a B.A. in Performance and Music Education, she extended her talents to other west side high schools, including her alma mater Lanier. Now, over 2,500 school districts, colleges and universities throughout the world offer their students mariachi education.

Belle San Miguel Ortiz of Mariachi Campanas de America accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business Awards. Credit: Kathryn Boyd-Batstone / San Antonio Report

In 1978, she and co-founder Juan Ortiz renamed their mariachi group to Campanas de America. It was an act of love. Their name “Campanas” being a translation of Belle’s name. They married four years later.

Over twenty years ago, Belle brought the Campanas de America Valentine’s Day serenata to OLLU to help raise funds for scholarships. That tradition continues.

This year, Campanas de America will perform their Valentine’s Day Serenata on Saturday, February 7 at Thiry Auditorium. Tickets range from $25 to $35. Keeping it affordable so that people of all ages can share in Belle’s passion and commitment to education.

You can purchase your ticket online through this link while they still last. Bring all your loved ones to this beautiful performance.

Super Bowl Sunday Mass Update

In observance of Super Bowl Sunday, Mass at Our Lady of the Lake University will be celebrated at 3:00pm in order to allow members of our community to attend both Mass and Super Bowl gatherings.

Updated Mass Details:

Date: Sunday, February 8
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Sacred Heart Chapel

All students, faculty, staff, and community members are warmly invited to join us for this special afternoon Mass. We look forward to celebrating together before the evening’s festivities begin.

For questions or additional information, please contact University Ministry at ministry@ollusa.edu.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Credit Human 2026 Scholarship Now Open

Credit Human is now accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship Program. This scholarship opportunity supports undergraduate and returning students who are continuing their educational journey and investing in their future.

Eligible applicants must be Credit Human members—or the child, grandchild, or spouse of a member in good standing for at least one year—hold a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the upcoming academic year. Students graduating in December 2026 may qualify for half of the scholarship award. High school seniors and students enrolled in trade, technical, or vocational programs are not eligible.

Applicants must submit a complete official transcript as part of the application process. All applicants will be notified of their status by the end of April, and selected recipients must complete additional steps to accept the award and verify enrollment.

In addition to the scholarship program, Credit Human partners with Our Lady of the Lake University to offer free, on-campus financial wellness workshops. These sessions help students build practical skills around budgeting, credit, and long-term financial planning, supporting students as they work toward a stronger financial future.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply at credithuman.com/scholarship.

CH_2026_Digital_Flyer_8.5x11in Download

Campus Important Numbers and Staff Faculty Directory Rebuild Completed

IT and HR have completed the rebuild of the university’s Campus Important Numbers and staff faculty directory. The helpful numbers are publicly accessible on the university webpage and ensure the best communication path when contacting the university.

The staff and faculty directory is located on the Saints Connect portal and on HR’s internal SharePoint site. This information is accessible only when logged into the OLLU network, as a measure to protect it from misuse. A Departmental Directory is also available on a separate tab next to the University Directory, allowing you to easily find direct departmental front desk numbers when needed.

Directory updates are made automatically as individuals are onboarded or offboarded. If you need to request changes to your personal information or departmental listing, please submit a Help Desk ticket to HR so updates can be made in Colleague or Dialpad, as appropriate.

New Next Level Prime Healthcare Benefits for OLLU Group Medical Plan

OLLU employees who are currently enrolled in the OLLU Group Medical Plan now have access to Next Level Prime, an added set of benefits designed to make healthcare more convenient, accessible, and personalized.

Through Next Level Prime, members now have access to:

45+ Next Level clinic locations with care available 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Primary, preventive, chronic, and urgent care, including annual physicals, sick visits, labs, X-rays for acute injuries, and more
24/7 telemedicine and care navigation, even outside clinic hours
Health and wellness coaching focused on nutrition, exercise, and long-term healthy habits
Emotional wellness counseling, with support for stress, anxiety, depression, work-life challenges, and more
Weight loss solutions, including access to GLP-1 medications for qualifying members

The easiest way to get started is by downloading the Next Level mobile app, where employees can schedule appointments, connect with care navigators, and access virtual services.

For a full overview of services and how to take advantage of this benefit, employees are encouraged to review the attached Next Level Prime Overview.

Welcome_to_Next_Level_Prime_2025 Download

Westerdijk Martin Named RRAC Defensive Player of the Week

Alexandra Westerdijk Martin of Our Lady of the Lake University was named the Red River Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week for games played Jan. 19–25, recognizing a performance that was both statistically dominant and nationally significant. The senior guard anchored the Saints’ defense in a 53–51 victory over the University of North Texas at Dallas, producing a game-high 11 rebounds and a game-high seven steals in one of the lowest-scoring, most defensive-oriented contests of the week across the conference.

Westerdijk Martin’s rebounding effort included four offensive rebounds and seven defensive boards, providing OLLU with critical extra possessions and limiting UNTD’s second-chance opportunities in a two-point game. Her seven steals disrupted offensive rhythm throughout the night and were a central factor in OLLU’s ability to control tempo and close out the win.

On the season, Westerdijk Martin continues to distinguish herself as one of the most productive defensive players in the conference. She leads OLLU with 201 total rebounds and ranks second on the team with 214 points. In conference games, she leads the RRAC with 101 defensive rebounds, and across all games she is first in the conference in offensive rebounds. Nationally, she ranks first in the NAIA with 201 total rebounds, averaging 10.6 rebounds per game.

Westerdijk Martin’s consistency and defensive impact have been constant. Her ability to influence games through rebounding, steals, and positional defense continues to set her apart within the RRAC.

Saints Push UNT Dallas Wire to Wire in Hard-Fought Matchup

Our Lady of the Lake men’s basketball battled with resilience and effort but came up short in a 72–67 loss to UNT Dallas in a competitive contest that remained within reach throughout. Despite the final score, OLLU showed balance, toughness, and strong individual performances that reflected the team’s growth and composure.

The Saints were led offensively by Santiago Ochoa, who delivered an efficient and assertive performance. Ochoa finished with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, knocked down both of his three-point attempts, and pulled down nine rebounds, anchoring OLLU on both ends of the floor. His consistency kept the Saints in striking distance and set the tone for much of the game.

Barack Holland provided a strong spark off the bench, contributing 12 points in 17 minutes while shooting 5-of-8 from the field. Kenyon Elliott added 10 points and five rebounds, while Jermey Irwin chipped in eight points, seven rebounds, and two steals, showcasing OLLU’s effort on the glass and in transition. As a team, the Saints shot 43.3 percent from the field and were perfect at the free-throw line, converting all nine attempts.

Defensively, OLLU stayed active, recording seven steals and four blocks, with multiple players contributing to pressure and rim protection. While turnovers proved costly at key moments, the Saints continued to compete, matching UNT Dallas physicality and responding to scoring runs with poise.

Though the result did not fall in their favor, Our Lady of the Lake displayed discipline, depth, and strong execution against a tough opponent. The performance highlighted the Saints’ ability to compete at a high level and sets a solid foundation moving forward as they continue to build momentum throughout the season. The Saints will be back in action Thursday against Texas College at 7:30 PM CDT.