Last week, Institutional Advancement sent our end-of-year appeal letter to donors, highlighting the importance of supporting the Sisters of Divine Providence Legacy Scholarship Fund.
For more than a century, the Sisters have upheld the belief that those with the greatest need deserve the greatest access to education. That legacy continues through our OLLU students—many of whom are first-generation scholars balancing work, family responsibilities, and full academic schedules as they strive toward their degrees.
This year, scholarship support is more vital than ever. Federal reductions in discretionary grant funding are affecting universities across the country, including Hispanic-Serving and Minority-Serving Institutions like OLLU. These changes add new financial pressures for students who are already working hard to stay on track.
Your gift to the Sisters of Divine Providence Legacy Scholarship Fund provides immediate and meaningful assistance. Every contribution helps students remain enrolled, navigate unexpected challenges, and continue preparing for careers that strengthen our communities—whether as teachers, nurses, social workers, business leaders, or ministers.
Thank you for supporting our mission and bringing hope to our students. Donate at the link below or scan the QR code.
We’re considering participating in next year’s Fiesta Flambeau Parade — and we want your input! The parade is one of San Antonio’s most iconic Fiesta events, and before planning begins, we’re asking students, faculty, staff, and alumni to help us gauge interest.
Take the quick poll below and let us know if you’d like to see OLLU represented in the 2026 parade.
Stories of Resilience since the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo February 2–6, 2026
OLLU’s Sueltenfuss Library and the International Folk Culture Center are proud to launch the Segundo de Febrero Community Conference, a new annual gathering focused on remembrance, resilience, and community storytelling. All are welcome to join!
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.
Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a steady and well-balanced performance to earn a 77–59 victory over Southwest, using strong rebounding, efficient bench production, and disciplined defense to guide the win.
Arthur Celestin Jr. set the tone for the Saints with a dominant effort on the glass. He finished with 10 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, controlling the interior and providing second-chance opportunities that helped OLLU maintain momentum throughout the night. Isaiah Moore added another consistent effort with 10 points and six rebounds, contributing timely scoring and energy on both ends of the floor.
Off the bench, Barack Holland provided a major spark that shifted the rhythm of the game. He delivered 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including a three-pointer, and added two assists and a pair of steals. His efficiency gave OLLU valuable separation when the game tightened. Santiago Ochoa also made a significant impact with nine points and three steals, while Matthew Gonzalez knocked down three three-pointers to finish with nine points of his own.
Jaydin Morin-Bishop and Devontae Da Costa added six points each, with Da Costa hitting a key three-pointer and working effectively on the boards. Kenyon Elliott contributed four points and two assists while providing steady defense in the backcourt. As a team, OLLU shot 40.3 percent from the field and outrebounded Southwest 44–40, using their depth and physicality to wear down the opposition.
OLLU capitalized on Southwest’s mistakes, turning defensive pressure into transition chances and controlling the tempo in the second half. With balanced scoring from the starting lineup and impactful contributions from the bench, the Saints secured a convincing conference win built on poise, energy, and consistent execution. The Saints will play again Saturday against UNT-Dallas at 3:00 PM CDT. It will be Youth Day at the Mabee Gymnasium.
Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a composed and disciplined performance to secure a 73–61 victory over Southwest, powered by efficient shooting, strong rebounding, and balanced contributions across the roster.
Zariah Todd set the tone early for the Saints, showcasing her efficiency from the field. She finished with 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including four three-pointers, and added four rebounds. Her perimeter accuracy helped OLLU establish momentum in a game where every offensive rhythm mattered.
Shayla Dede complemented Todd’s output with a versatile, steady performance. She recorded 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, controlling the pace and consistently creating opportunities for her teammates. Inside, Alexandra Westerdijk Martin was a dominant presence, securing a game-high 16 rebounds to go with 12 points. Her work on the offensive glass, six boards, provided critical second-chance scoring that helped OLLU maintain separation as the game progressed.
Isabella Jaramillo added nine points and six assists, contributing both as a scorer and facilitator, while the Saints’ bench offered timely support. Amya Miller-Singleton gave OLLU an efficient spark with 10 points in nine minutes, converting five of her six attempts. Evangeline Hernandez added four points and a steal in 20 minutes, reinforcing the defensive effort. Southwest shot 37.7 percent from the field and just 16.7 percent from three-point range, struggling to match OLLU’s offensive balance.
The Saints, meanwhile, shot 41.4 percent from the floor and 78.3 percent from the free-throw line, maximizing their opportunities and limiting mistakes with only 10 turnovers compared to Southwest’s 15. Their defensive effort held Southwest to a single three-pointer, while OLLU connected on seven from long range.
With strong execution on both ends and contributions from every position, OLLU’s win reflected a complete team effort, one that showcased poise, efficiency, and resilience from start to finish. The Saints will play against Saturday against UNT-Dallas at 1:00 PM CDT. It is Youth Day.
Preseason All-Americans for the 2026 NAIA Baseball season are in, headlined by five players who appeared in the 2025 Avista NAIA World Series, in Lewiston, Idaho.
Hope International (Calif.), a World Series qualifier from last season, led all teams with three honorees, including Josh Landry, a Second-Team NAIA All-American in 2025. Tennessee Wesleyan, another Series team from 2025, put two players on the 2026 Preseason list, including returning First-Team All-American Kolton Reynolds. Concordia (Neb.) was the only other team with multiple selections, placing two on the Preseason team.
Preseason All-Americans are selected annually by the NAIA Baseball Coaches Association (NAIA-BCA) All-America Committee. The list is a combination of two catchers, four outfielders, four starting pitchers, a relief pitcher, one designated hitter, and five infielders.
In all, 10 NAIA conferences are represented, led by four selections from the Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC).
OLLU is excited to host the renowned Campanas de America for a special Valentine’s Day Concert on Saturday, February 7 in Thiry Auditorium.
Guests will enjoy an evening of exceptional mariachi music from one of San Antonio’s most celebrated ensembles. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a musical celebration perfect for Valentine’s Day, community connection, and an unforgettable night on the OLLU campus. For assistance, contact geriosa@ollusa.edu.
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.
