A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing finds that the introduction of Uber in Texas markets increased on-premise alcohol sales across the state by 10.1% while reducing daily drunk-driving arrests in Bexar County by about 5%.
The research, conducted by Samantha Galvan, Yongseok Kim, and Richard T. Gretz, suggests that ridesharing services can simultaneously support economic activity in the hospitality sector and improve public safety outcomes. Using statewide alcohol sales data and arrest records from San Antonio, the study highlights how expanded transportation options may reduce impaired driving while enabling safer participation in nightlife and dining economies.
Wendi Williams, President of the American Psychological Association, will visit Our Lady of the Lake University for a special campus conversation with students, psychologists, and community members.
Join us for an engaging discussion on the intersection of psychology, leadership, and equity. A nationally recognized psychologist, scholar, and educator, Dr. Williams brings more than two decades of experience exploring leadership, culturally responsive psychological practice, and the inner lives of Black women and girls. Her work integrates liberation psychology and intersectional feminist frameworks to advance transformative leadership and organizational change.
Dr. Williams currently serves as President of the American Psychological Association and has held academic leadership roles at institutions including Fielding Graduate University, Bank Street College of Education, and Mills College School of Education. She is also the editor of several influential books, including Black Women at Work: On Refusal and Recovery.
This event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading voices in psychology today and engage in dialogue about leadership, scholarship, and equity-centered practice.
Event Details
Speaker: Wendi Williams, President, American Psychological Association Host: Our Lady of the Lake University Date: Tuesday, April 7 Time: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Location: Main Building, Room 311 Refreshments: Light refreshments will be provided.
Students, faculty, psychologists, and community members across the region are warmly invited to attend this special conversation. Come be part of an inspiring dialogue on the future of psychology, leadership, and equity-centered change.
This week is Catholic Sisters Week, a national celebration recognizing the mission, spirituality, and Gospel witness of women religious orders. For our university, this week is our opportunity to pause with gratitude for the women whose faith, courage, and trust in God’s providence have made Our Lady of the Lake University possible.
More than a century ago, the Sisters of Divine Providence arrived with a clear conviction: that God’s providence is active all around us in the world, and that education equalizes and transforms lives. Guided by that conviction, the Sisters of Divine Providence committed themselves to serving those often overlooked. They have built schools, cared for the sick, stood with the poor, and believed deeply in the dignity and potential of every person. No question.
Our university stands today because of their witness.
Across the country, week after week, Catholic sisters love, teach, accompany, advocate, model human dignity, and strengthen communities. Their ministries have shaped the landscape of our country, and they continue to respond with courage and compassion to the needs of our time.
This year’s theme, “Stories of Hope and Heart,” reminds us that the impact of women religious orders is far-reaching. Their lives and their legacies are testimonies of daily service oriented action. At OLLU, our Sisters’ charism of trust in Divine Providence continues to shape our identity, present and future, as we respond to the needs of our time. We carry forward their work by educating students who will serve the world with competence, compassion, and integrity. We honor their legacy by ensuring education remains a pathway to opportunity, dignity, and hope for our communities.
Catholic Sisters Week invites us to follow in their steps and live the values they model. As such, this week, especially, I invite our campus community to take three simple actions:
First, learn a story.
Take time to learn about the life and ministry of a Sister of Divine Providence or another woman religious order whose witness has shaped the Church and the world.
Second, share gratitude.
Reach out and thank a sister whose ministry has touched your life, your family, or your becoming. A simple note of gratitude carries great meaning.
Third, live the charism.
In our classrooms, offices, and campus, recommit to the values that shape our university: trust in God’s providence, service to those in need, and belief in the transformative power of education.
Beyond founding our university, the Sisters of Divine Providence called into being a community dedicated to faith, service, and justice.
Their story continues and endures through each of us.
Get ready to run, walk, and celebrate at the 2026 Confetti 5K Run/Walk, happening Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 a.m. on the beautiful campus of Our Lady of the Lake University. For more information on this historic race, check out our website below for full race details. Your participation helps shape the future of OLLU students. Every contribution makes a difference, with all proceeds going directly toward student scholarships and expanding opportunities for Saints to succeed.
Before you take off, or if you’re sticking around, here is some important information about the University bookstore. The OLLU Bookstore will operate on adjusted hours during Spring Break.
Monday 3/9 – Thursday 3/12: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday 3/13 – Sunday 3/15: Closed
Normal business hours will resume Monday, March 16.
The Dean of Academics invites the OLLU community to attend the 3rd Annual Celebration of Scholarship, Research, and Creativity on Wednesday, March 25, from 4–6:30 p.m. in the Sueltenfuss Library, second floor.
This annual event highlights the outstanding scholarly, research, and creative contributions of OLLU faculty, staff, and students across disciplines. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the innovative work being produced throughout the university and celebrate the academic achievements of the OLLU community.
The program will begin promptly at 4 p.m., and guests will be able to enjoy wine and heavy appetizers while engaging with presenters and learning more about their work.
All members of the OLLU community are encouraged to attend and celebrate the impactful scholarship and creativity taking place across campus.
Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to recognize several faculty members who have earned promotions and tenure for the upcoming academic year. These achievements reflect their dedication to teaching excellence, scholarship, and service to the OLLU community.
The following faculty members have received promotions:
Adam Bynum, MS Biology – Promotion to Assistant Professor
Brittany Chozinski, PhD Applied Social & Cultural Sciences – Promotion to Professor
Kimberly Gallegos, PhD Social Work – Promotion to Professor
Jessica Hajek, PhD Humanities & Social Sciences – Promotion to Associate Professor
Codruta Haselmayer, PhD Psychology – Promotion to Associate Professor and Tenure
Naomi Hernandez, MA Communication Sciences and Disorders – Promotion to Clinical Professor
Christopher Rose, PhD History – Promotion to Associate Professor
The university congratulates each of them on this important milestone and thanks them for their continued contributions to the OLLU community.
The Worden School of Social Service at Our Lady of the Lake University hosted a special Social Work Month celebration honoring the Social Work Heroes in our community—dedicated professionals who serve and advocate for oppressed and vulnerable populations.
The event recognized outstanding OLLU–Worden alumni who have earned their master’s and doctoral degrees and continue to make a meaningful impact across a wide spectrum of services, including hospices, hospitals, schools, the military community, child welfare, ministry, and clinical practice. Their work reflects the heart of the OLLU mission: service, compassion, and a commitment to social justice.
In a moving moment during the celebration, OLLU social work students presented each community partner with a hero pin as a symbol of gratitude and respect for their service. This gesture beautifully represented the spirit of OLLU—honoring those who dedicate their lives to uplifting others and inspiring the next generation of social workers to continue this vital work.
The Social Work program at OLLU remains a cornerstone of the university’s mission, preparing compassionate leaders who advocate for dignity, equity, and hope in communities that need it most.
Our Lady of the Lake’s (Texas) Kendall Ward‘s outstanding performance has earned her the RRAC Women’s Golfer of the Week for the dates of Feb. 23-March 1. This is the second set of the weekly awards.
RRAC Women’s Golfer of the Week – Kendall Ward – Our Lady of the Lake
At Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving, Texas, the women of OLLU, led by junior Kendall Ward, captured the team title at the Crusaders Cup. Over 36 holes, OLLU finished at +111, posting rounds of +40 and +71 to secure first place ahead of eight other institutions. Ward earned a runner-up finish at +23, tying for second among a slate of 47 golfers. After an impressive +3 opening round, she battled through a tougher second day (+20) and still held her position among the tournament’s elite.
The Our Lady of the Lake Saints softball team has earned national recognition in the latest NAIA Softball Coaches Top 25 Poll, continuing a strong start to the 2026 season. The Saints checked in at No. 9 in the first regular-season poll, receiving one first-place vote after compiling an impressive 14-1 record.
The poll, released by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, is led by Southern Oregon, which maintained the top position with 11 first-place votes and a 16-6 record. Eastern Oregon moved up to No. 2 with one first-place vote, while Oklahoma City sits at No. 3 after collecting three first-place selections. Oregon Tech climbed to No. 4 with two first-place votes, and Science and Arts of Oklahoma rounds out the top five.
Our Lady of the Lake’s rise to ninth place marks a notable jump from its previous ranking of No. 12, reflecting the program’s early-season success and consistency on the field. The Saints lone first-place vote highlights the respect the program has gained nationally as it continues to build momentum against a competitive schedule.
The Saints are one of two programs from Texas ranked in the poll, joining Texas A&M–Texarkana, which sits at No. 23 with a 12-4 record. Their presence in the Top 10 underscores the continued growth and competitiveness of the program within the NAIA landscape.
As the season progresses, Our Lady of the Lake will look to maintain its strong form and continue climbing in the national rankings. With a 14-1 record and early national recognition, the Saints have positioned themselves as one of the top contenders in NAIA softball this season. The Saints will look to add to their resume as they compete in Gulf Shores this weekend against elite NAIA Softball competition.
