Author: OLLUNewsletter

OLLU Spirit Team Brings National Excellence to Houston At TDEA Convention

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Spirit Team proudly represented collegiate dance excellence at the Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA) Convention in Houston. Their performance stood out among an impressive lineup, as 32 teams showcased across all divisions, highlighting the depth and diversity of dance talent from across the state. OLLU’s presence reflected not only performance quality, but also a program rooted in national championship pedigree, bringing a high standard of excellence to the convention stage.

The Texas Dance Educators Association continues to celebrate its dedicated service to the advancement of dance education throughout the state of Texas. Each year, TDEA provides opportunities for professional growth and collaboration through a three-day convention that supports educators, students, and dance professionals alike. The event features professional workshops, technique classes, exhibits, master classes, performances, and acknowledgment dinners that promote both artistic and educational development.

In addition to cutting-edge dance curriculum, convention workshops incorporate important information related to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the Center for the Educator Development in Fine Arts (CEDFA), and legislative breakthroughs in the area of fine arts and dance education. These sessions ensure attendees remain informed and equipped to advocate for strong, sustainable dance programs throughout Texas.

Attendees at the convention include dance and drill team instructors, school administrators, college students, future educators, professionally associated businesses and exhibitors, and All-State dance team members. Throughout the three-day event, participants share educational resources, network with peers, and establish meaningful professional and business partnerships that strengthen the future of dance education.

Among the 32 performing teams, the OLLU Spirit Team’s performance exemplified collegiate-level artistry, precision, and professionalism. With a foundation built on national championship success, the team served as a powerful example of the opportunities available beyond high school dance programs and the impact of continued training at the collegiate level.

The Texas Dance Educators Association remains committed to providing a professional learning community where innovative ideas in the field of dance are celebrated. OLLU’s participation in the TDEA Convention aligned seamlessly with this mission, reinforcing the value of excellence, education, and leadership in dance while leaving a lasting impression on attendees across all divisions.

Aiken’s Late Bucket Caps OLLU 20 Point Comeback Against LSUA

Our Lady of the Lake delivered one of its most resilient performances of the season, erasing a 20-point deficit to defeat LSU Alexandria in a dramatic comeback that showcased composure, toughness, and collective belief. Trailing by double digits for much of the game, the Saints refused to fold, steadily chipping away until momentum fully swung in their favor down the stretch.

The comeback reached its defining moment in the final seconds. With 2.3 seconds remaining, Mike Aiken rose and knocked down a contested, high-difficulty shot to give OLLU its first lead of the closing stretch, a clutch basket that capped the Saints relentless push and ultimately sealed the outcome. The shot punctuated the momentum OLLU had built over the final minutes and underscored the confidence the Saints played with despite the early deficit.

Jaydin Morin-Bishop led the offensive effort with 24 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting performance, converting all 12 of his free-throw attempts. His ability to attack the rim and consistently finish at the line kept OLLU within reach and set the stage for the late-game surge. Barack Holland provided a spark off the bench with nine points, while Davonte Durst and Arthur Celestin Jr. contributed valuable minutes during the rally.

Defensively, the Saints elevated their intensity as the game progressed, forcing 16 LSU Alexandria turnovers and contesting shots down the stretch. OLLU’s aggressiveness translated to the free-throw line, where the Saints attempted 37 shots and converted 24, using patience and poise to control the tempo during the comeback.

LSU Alexandria was paced by Jordan Decuir’s 20-point performance and shot efficiently overall, but OLLU’s persistence ultimately proved decisive. Down by as many as 20 points, the Saints stayed connected, trusted their system, and responded possession by possession until the comeback was complete.

The victory stands as a defining moment of resilience for Our Lady of the Lake, highlighted by Aiken’s late-game heroics and a team-wide commitment to fight until the final buzzer. The Saints will be back in action against Louisiana Christian Saturday at 3:00 PM CDT. It will be Youth Day at Mabee Gymnasium.

OLLU Outpaces TAMUSA In 100–89 Route

Our Lady of the Lake men’s basketball delivered a statement victory over rival Texas A&M University–San Antonio, pulling away late for a 100–89 win powered by efficiency, balance, and poise at the free-throw line. The Saints shot 47.6 percent from the field and a sharp 45 percent from three-point range, turning a competitive matchup into a decisive result down the stretch.

Jaydin Morin-Bishop led all scorers with 24 points, showcasing a confident shooting night that included six three-pointers on nine attempts. His perimeter scoring stretched the defense early and often, giving OLLU consistent momentum. Devontae Da Costa added 15 points on an ultra-efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance while also converting six of seven free throws, helping the Saints maintain control whenever TAMUSA threatened a run.

OLLU’s frontcourt presence was steady and physical. Arthur Celestin Jr. posted 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds, while Isaiah Moore chipped in 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Wahkil Lopez made his impact felt defensively with four blocks to go along with eight points and six rebounds, anchoring a Saints defense that forced 18 turnovers.

Depth proved to be a major factor as the Saints reserves consistently contributed on both ends. Santiago Ochoa scored 11 points and dished out five assists, providing a steady hand off the bench, while Barack Holland added nine points and strong perimeter defense. In total, OLLU recorded 18 assists and turned defensive pressure into scoring opportunities throughout the night.

The difference came at the line and in overall execution. OLLU converted 31 of 37 free throws, capitalizing on nearly every opportunity, while also protecting the ball well enough to offset TAMUSA’s rebounding edge. With balanced scoring, timely shooting, and disciplined play in key moments, the Saints closed out their rivals and secured a convincing win that underscored their growth and confidence as a unit. The Saints will be back in action this Thursday against LSUA at home at 7:30 PM CDT.

Spread the Love: OLLU Launches Campus Peanut Butter Drive for the Salud Center 🥜💙

In celebration of National Peanut Butter Day on January 24, Our Lady of the Lake University is coming together to make a meaningful impact—one jar at a time.

From January 20–23, OLLU will host a Campus Peanut Butter Drive to support the Salud Center, which provides emergency food assistance to members of the OLLU community and our neighbors on the Westside. Peanut butter is one of the most requested and essential items for food pantries nationwide, making this drive both timely and deeply impactful.

Sponsored by the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism and the Salud Center, the drive will feature daily tabling in the Mall during Community Hour, making it easy for Saints to give back. Donations will also be accepted at the Salud Center office in Worden Hall, Room 23, and on-campus pickup can be arranged for larger contributions.

This initiative is made even stronger through the generous support of our partners. The National Peanut Board, Texas Peanut Producers’ Board, and Wilco Peanut—a Pleasanton-based peanut processor—have stepped up to sponsor the drive. The National Peanut Board has donated peanut-themed swag to help promote the event, while the Texas Peanut Producers’ Board and Wilco Peanut will each contribute peanut butter donations. Even better, Wilco and the Texas Peanut Producers’ Board will match all campus donations, doubling the impact of every jar given.

As a thank-you, donors who contribute two jars of peanut butter will receive a free peanut-themed swag bag while supplies last.

This drive reflects OLLU’s commitment to service, solidarity, and caring for our community. Together, Saints can turn a simple staple into nourishment, support, and hope. 🥜💙💛

Las Dos Marías: Honoring a Legacy of Friendship, Activism, and Latina Leadership

Two extraordinary OLLU alumnae—María Antonietta Berriozábal and María del Rosario “Rosie” Castro—embody the spirit of leadership, service, and advocacy that defines Our Lady of the Lake University. Rooted in friendship and strengthened through decades of activism, their journeys reflect a lifelong commitment to justice, education, and empowering future generations of Latina leaders.

Berriozábal, a trailblazer in public service and recipient of an honorary doctorate from OLLU in 2019 and the commencement speaker, has dedicated her life to community-centered leadership and civic engagement. Rosie Castro, who earned degrees in Spanish (BA ’71) and Sociology (BA ’75) from OLLU, is a nationally recognized activist whose work has shaped movements for civil rights and educational equity. Together, Las Dos Marías represent the power of purpose-driven leadership grounded in faith, culture, and community.

Hispanas Unidas is honored to host a sold-out celebration, Las Dos Marías: A Conversation on Friendship, Activism, & Leadership Lessons for Future Latina Leaders, featuring a special screening of a short film by Sonya Rosario, OLLU–IFCC Inaugural Artist in Residence.

📅 Friday, January 16, 2026
📍 Palo Alto College Performing Arts Center
🕠 Reception: 5:30 p.m.
🎤 Event: 6:30–8:00 p.m.

To support this meaningful evening, Hispanas Unidas is seeking additional volunteers. Faculty, staff, and students interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Dr. Valerie A. Martínez at vamartinez@ollusa.edu. The event is registered with the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism.

🔗 Volunteer & Event Info

Join us in celebrating two remarkable alumnae whose legacies continue to inspire Saints and Latina leaders everywhere.

SECURE 2.0 Act: Roth Catch-Up Contribution Requirement Begins Jan. 1, 2026

The SECURE 2.0 Act Roth catch-up mandate goes into effect January 1,2026.

What is the “Roth catch-up” mandate

• The mandate originates from the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. Under this law, catch-up contributions for older plan participants (e.g. 50+) — extra contributions beyond standard 401(k)/403(b)/457 deferral limits — may in certain cases have to go into Roth (after-tax) accounts rather than traditional pre-tax accounts.

• Specifically, the requirement applies when a participant’s “wages” (as defined for Social Security / FICA) from the prior year exceed a certain threshold, currently $150,000 (subject to inflation adjustments).

Recent announcement & timing (as of September 2025)

• On September 15, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS released final regulations implementing the catch-up contribution rules under SECURE 2.0, including the Roth-only requirement for eligible high-wage earners.

What changes for affected retirement-plan participants

• If you are 50 or older and eligible for catch-up contributions, and your prior-year wages exceeded the threshold (e.g., $150,000), then catch-up contributions in 2026 (or beyond) must go into a Roth account rather than a traditional pre-tax account.

• Employees making less than the threshold who wish to switch from deferring on a pre-tax basis to deferring on Roth basis, must make change on Transamerica Website.

Why the change — and what it means

• The shift is intended by lawmakers (via SECURE 2.0) to increase the share of retirement savings that are taxed upfront (Roth) rather than deferred — which can increase taxable revenue over time.

• For savers: this means paying tax now on your catch-up contributions — but qualified withdrawals in retirement (both contributions + earnings) will be tax-free under Roth rules (assuming the standard Roth-withdrawal rules are met).

Employees are encouraged to review their retirement strategy and consult a financial or tax advisor if they have questions about how this change may affect them.

OLLU Says Yes to Fiesta Flambeau!

Our Lady of the Lake University is excited to share that the OLLU community has spoken—and the response was overwhelmingly clear. Following a recent community poll, faculty, staff, students, and alumni voiced strong support for OLLU to participate in the 2026 Fiesta Flambeau Parade.

Before taking part in this iconic San Antonio tradition, OLLU will proudly come together as a university community to participate in the annual Martin Luther King Jr. March. This meaningful event reflects our shared commitment to justice, service, and living out the mission and values that guide our work every day.

We look forward to honoring both opportunities—first by standing in solidarity at the MLK March, and later by celebrating OLLU’s spirit, pride, and presence in the Fiesta Flambeau Parade. More details on both events, including ways to get involved, will be shared in the coming months.

Cyber Saints Excel in Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Capture the Flag (CTF) Cybersecurity Competition

The Computer Information Systems and Security (CISS) Cyber Saints Student Organization recently put their skills to the test in a high-energy Capture the Flag (CTF) cybersecurity competition—an experience designed to replicate the intensity, urgency, and problem-solving demands of real-world cyber defense and ethical hacking.

CTF competitions are a cornerstone of cybersecurity education, blending learning with competition. In these fast-paced, game-based challenges, teams race against the clock to uncover hidden strings of text known as “flags.” Each captured flag signifies the successful completion of a security task, earning points and propelling teams up the leaderboard.

Working collaboratively under pressure, the Cyber Saints tackled complex challenges, shared insights, and executed strategic solutions—demonstrating the teamwork and adaptability essential to today’s cyber professionals.

CISS faculty advisor and Assistant Professor Kelly “RC” Roberts-Cooper applauded the students’ commitment and collaboration, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning experiences. “Competitions like CTFs allow students to practice real-world offensive and defensive cyber skills in a controlled, ethical environment,” Roberts-Cooper said.

For the Cyber Saints, the competition was more than a technical challenge—it was an opportunity to build camaraderie, sharpen their expertise, and spark excitement for future events. Their participation reflects the organization’s dedication to experiential learning and to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.

As digital threats continue to evolve, experiences like these ensure students are doing more than studying cybersecurity—they are actively preparing to defend the digital world with confidence and skill.

From left to right: President, Alexandria Heaton; Student government Rep. Cesar Reyes; Vice President Jennifer Vaquera-Luna; Treasurer Luis Vela; Jaylen Williams

Student Spotlight: Valeria Peña

How has OLLU shaped me as a student and prepared me for my business goals?

OLLU has equipped me with all the tools necessary to step up in the big world. Being a business major, I had amazing faculty, mentors, staff, and coaches who are highly accomplished and knowledgeable in their fields, and they are constantly trying to get you to think not through the textbook but through the real world. That’s an advantage I can say I’m getting as I’m about to graduate. This real-world approach gave me all the right tools to carve my own path, and the environment at OLLU made it feel safe—like if I had made a wrong turn, I would be safely led the right way. I joined great clubs like First Gen and McNair, and I even started my own business club. My time at OLLU has been well spent, and I’m glad I made the most of my time here.

What I want my legacy to be

Coming from the border city of Laredo, Texas, as a first-gen student on an athletic scholarship for cross country and track, I hope to leave a legacy as a source of inspiration. I want to lead and inspire a greater percentage of Hispanic graduates to pursue their dreams. I hope to be used as a tool and guide for students to ask questions and teach, just as my professors have encouraged us to treat them. I hope to continue to expand my education and get my Ph.D. somewhere along the way in the future and come back to teach wherever it might take me, but always share about my time at OLLU.