Author: OLLUNewsletter

A Message From The President

Last week reminded me why education remains the great equalizer. At the Invest San Antonio panel, which I was invited to join, we discussed our city’s future thru the lens of education, and throughout the conversation I reflected on the three ministries upon which the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence founded our university—education, community service, and community health. I’ve been thinking a lot about how inseparable each is from the other. We cannot build strong educational pathways without healthy and whole communities, and we cannot build healthy communities without education that uplifts and prepares. When these three essential ingredients are present and in synergy, civic engagement and human flourishing follow.

During Dr. Donna Carroll’s visit, her reflections on the vocation of Catholic higher education have also stayed with me. In this turbulent moment for our world and our sector, her reminder was clear…we are called not merely to sustain our institutions, but to flourish them so that they serve students and families, by forming lives that are whole, healthy, and rooted in purpose. That is our vocation.

And so my invitation is simple yet urgent. Let us, all of us who have been entrusted with a postsecondary credential and knowledge, open wide the pathways for others, to also have access to credentials and knowledge. Let us innovate boldly and act with the trust and confidence in Providence, removing barriers so that education once again becomes a bridge to wholeness for every student and family we get to serve.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent newsletter survey! Your feedback helps us better connect, inform, and engage with our campus community.

The results are in — and the majority of you prefer to receive the weekly OLLU newsletter in the morning. Beginning this week, we’ll deliver the newsletter early in the day so you can start your morning with the latest campus news, events, and updates over your coffee. ☕

Your input continues to guide how we communicate and share the great work happening across Our Lady of the Lake University.

Stay tuned, stay connected, and thank you for helping us make OLLU communications even stronger!

Also…Here is a brief refresher on the CORRECT way to submit your Lake Weekly request.

Warm regards,
Marketing, Communications & Engagement
Our Lady of the Lake University
📧 marcomm@ollusa.edu

Our Lady of the Lake University proudly honored the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans during this year’s Veterans Day Celebration, featuring Retired Aire Force Chief Master Sergeant Kelly “RC” Roberts-Cooper as the special guest speaker. The event will host students, faculty, staff, and alumni in a powerful moment of reflection and gratitude, reinforcing OLLU’s mission to lead, learn, and serve with purpose.

RC, a distinguished advocate for military families and veterans, brings inspiring messages that resonate deeply with the OLLU community. Drawing from her personal experiences and professional journey, she tailors her messages around the enduring values of resilience, leadership, and community service—principles that reflect both military life and the university’s spirit of compassion and commitment.

Service is not only about wearing the uniform. It’s about using your gifts to strengthen your community, to lift others, and to live with courage and integrity every day. That’s something every OLLU Saint understands.”

As a university rooted in faith and service, OLLU recognizes the invaluable contributions of its veteran students, alumni, and employees who continue to embody these ideals both in and out of uniform. The Veterans Day ceremony serves as a reminder of the shared mission that unites the OLLU family—a commitment to serve others selflessly and lead with heart.

At OLLU, we are proud to celebrate and support our veterans—not only on Veterans Day, but every day—as they continue to inspire us through their courage, leadership, and dedication to service.

Join us as we remember, We are Saints, and Saints serve.

Dr. Jesse Harasta is the Director of the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism at Our Lady of the Lake University. With over a decade in higher education, he specializes in supporting first-year students and making the university experience welcoming, engaging, and inclusive. His research explores lesser-used and heritage languages, focusing on orthography, ideology, and the politics of language standardization.

At the Creative Mornings speaker event, Dr. Harasta will draw on his experience in academic introduction, language diversity, and student success to explore how creativity, community, and connection can unlock new possibilities in our everyday work and campus life. Readers and attendees can expect insights on how to engage inclusive audiences, strengthen communication, and redefine success through diverse voices.

We’re honoured to welcome Dr. Harasta and look forward to the conversation ahead!

OLLU proudly recognizes alumnus Richard Acosta for his extraordinary journey and enduring contributions to education, entrepreneurship, and community service.

Richard Acosta, a San Antonio native raised on the city’s West Side, overcame early challenges and societal expectations to forge a path of success rooted in faith, family, and education. Despite being told he wasn’t “college material,” Richard persevered—working nights, serving in the Air Force Reserves, and raising a family—ultimately earning his degree with honors, Summa Cum Laude, from Our Lady of the Lake University. 

In 1975, alongside his wife Celia, Richard opened their first McDonald’s franchise, launching what would become a South Texas legacy. Today, the Acosta family owns 62 McDonald’s locations, employs over 5,000 people, and maintains a $155 million payroll. Their business has supported employees through college, contributed to numerous charities, and raised tens of thousands of dollars for scholarships and nonprofits.

This October, the Acosta family celebrated 50 years in business and Richard and Celia’s 57th wedding anniversary with a rooftop celebration in downtown San Antonio. The event was a tribute to their resilience, generosity, and the transformative power of education and community support. 

Richard’s story is a testament to the values OLLU holds dear—service, perseverance, and leadership. His journey from a crowded home in the barrio to becoming a respected business leader and community advocate continues to inspire generations of students and entrepreneurs.

We honor Richard Acosta not only for his accomplishments but for the example he sets: that with faith, determination, and education, dreams can become legacies.

Read the full story here.

Our Lady of the Lake University came alive as students, families, and community members gathered for this year’s Lake-O-Ween celebration — a beloved campus tradition that brought together fun, creativity, and community connection.

Hosted by OLLU TAFE–Educators Rising, Residence Life, numerous student organizations, and community partners, the event transformed campus into a festive Halloween wonderland. Students showed off their creativity with imaginative costumes, from spooky to silly, filling the grounds with laughter and excitement.

Local families joined in the fun, enjoying games, candy stations, and interactive activities that celebrated the joy of the season. From pumpkin decorating to costume contests, Lake-O-Ween offered something for everyone — a true reflection of OLLU’s community spirit and commitment to bringing people together.

The evening’s success was thanks to the hard work and collaboration of OLLU students, faculty, and partners who made the event both festive and memorable. The turnout was tremendous, showing once again how the OLLU community continues to embrace moments that combine fun, service, and connection.

At the Lake, Lake-O-Ween isn’t just about Halloween — it’s about celebrating togetherness and the joy of shared experiences that make OLLU truly one of a kind. 👻💙