Author: OLLUNewsletter

Last Friday, the OLLU community gathered for a milestone moment — the 90th Annual Candlelight celebration. What began nearly a century ago as a simple Advent ritual has grown into one of the University’s most cherished traditions, uniting students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends in reflection, music, and light.

This year’s Candlelight honored the generations who have kept this tradition alive. Alumni from across the decades returned to campus, many bringing their families to experience the ceremony that shaped their own OLLU memories. Their presence served as a powerful reminder that Candlelight is more than an event — it’s a legacy carried forward by every person who calls this community home.

Throughout the evening, attendees reflected on the values that have guided OLLU since its founding by the Sisters of Divine Providence: faith, service, and a deep commitment to supporting those who need it most. That spirit of giving continues today, especially as many of our students rely on scholarships to pursue their education.

As we celebrate 90 years of tradition, we also look ahead to the next generation of Saints. Those who feel called to honor this legacy are invited to support the Sisters of Divine Providence Legacy Scholarship Fund, which provides critical financial assistance to students facing unforeseen challenges.

Help us continue this tradition of light and hope by giving today. Click the link below or scan the QR code to donate.

Insights from Toyota: How Continuous Improvement Inspires Our Mission

Last week, a group of us toured the Toyota Texas production facility in south San Antonio. This facility produces Tundras and Sequoias—over 200,000 annually—using a just-in-time approach, meaning that every part or component used, and every vehicle assembled, has already been sold. Every 60 seconds, a new vehicle rolls off the assembly line. I was struck by the level of precision, excellence, and collaboration happening both inside the facility and far beyond it. Considering the complexity of a global supply chain involving thousands of products and hundreds of suppliers, the level of ownership demonstrated by every team member is remarkable. And at the heart of Toyota’s success is the Japanese philosophy called Kaizen.

The Kaizen philosophy embraces the practice of daily small and constant changes rather than major overhauls. In Japanese, Kaimeans change and Zen means good. It is inspiring to consider that improving by just one percent each day can aggregate to a 38% improvement over the course of a year. One-percent daily improvement is certainly within reach for any team.

Toyota’s founder, Sakichi Toyoda, often shared a guiding principle: “Before you say you can’t do something, try it.” I saw his spirit alive and well during our visit last week. And I cannot help but think about how the spirit of Kaizen might take root here at our incredible Catholic, mission-aligned HSI.

This week, Our Lady of the Lake University hosted H-E-B leaders, elected officials, and members of the campus community for the presentation of a $150,000 Workforce Readiness Grant from H-E-B, directly supporting OLLU’s newly announced Workforce Readiness Initiative. This grant marks a significant investment in student success across meaningful careers in high-demand industries.

The H-E-B Workforce Readiness Initiative represents a significant step forward in empowering OLLU students to gain critical skills, build professional networks, and transition smoothly into the workforce careers through paid internships, micro-internships, faculty-mentored career tracks, and professional development boot camps. The program is expected to benefit more than 600 students each year, strengthening their preparation for in-demand careers across the region.

Dr. Peter Soltys, OLLU alum and H-E-B Program Leader, presented the check to President Dr. Abel A. Chávez, noting H-E-B’s long-standing focus on education and community impact.

“This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to creating equitable access to career opportunities,” said Dr. Abel A. Chávez, OLLU President. “H-E-B’s investment not only supports our students but also strengthens the workforce of our city and region.”

State Senator Jose Menendez and OLLU Trustee Romanita Mata-Barrera also attended, sharing encouragement and highlighting how partnerships like this strengthen both students and the region’s growing industries.

The gift adds to two recent contributions—a $250,000 donation and a $1 million commitment from anonymous supporters.

Our Lady of the Lake University is moving boldly into the future with new academic offerings, expanded workforce partnerships, and renewed efforts to support student success. As higher education continues to evolve, OLLU is taking intentional steps to meet the needs of today’s students while strengthening our mission for generations to come.

This year, OLLU announced the development of several new, in-demand degree programs designed to prepare students for emerging career opportunities. These include programs in business, logistics and supply chain management, and healthcare management—fields identified as growing areas within the San Antonio and South Texas region. These additions aim to provide more accessible, market-aligned pathways for current and future students.

Alongside academic expansion, OLLU is also launching a Workforce Readiness Initiative to better support students as they prepare for life after graduation. The initiative includes paid internships, professional development training, mentoring opportunities, and career preparation designed to help students gain real-world experience and build confidence as they enter the workforce. Through generous support from community partners, these programs will provide direct benefits to hundreds of OLLU students.

While higher education nationwide faces enrollment challenges, OLLU is using this moment to innovate, adapt, and strengthen the student experience. These efforts reflect our enduring commitment to access, opportunity, and the mission entrusted to us by the Sisters of Divine Providence.

The future is bright at OLLU—and together, we are shaping it with purpose.

Click here for the full article: OLLU eyes new degree programs in response to enrollment downslide