Author: OLLUNewsletter

Remembering Albert Michael Casillas (1936–2025)

Our Lady of the Lake University remembers with gratitude and affection Albert Michael Casillas, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, Margaret.

A proud San Antonian, Albert’s lifelong commitment to learning and service was deeply shaped by his education at Our Lady of the Lake University. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Education, he continued at OLLU to complete a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in School Administration—a foundation that prepared him for a remarkable 35-year career in public education.

Albert often credited OLLU for inspiring his dedication to teaching and leadership. The university’s mission to “lead, learn, and serve” resonated throughout his career, particularly during his 27 years as Principal of Kindred Elementary, where he guided generations of students and teachers with compassion and excellence. His commitment to education continued through his service to the Archdiocese of San Antonio as Principal of St. Cecilia’s Catholic School and his involvement with San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation and After-School Challenge Programs.

Albert’s life was one of faith, family, and fulfillment. Together with his wife of 63 years, Margaret, he lived out his faith as a devoted parishioner of St. Pius X and Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Our Lady of the Lake University celebrates Albert’s legacy as a lifelong learner and servant leader whose work reflected the university’s values of wisdom, community, and faith. His impact will continue to be felt by the countless students, colleagues, and family members whose lives he enriched.

Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to welcome Evangelina “Vangie” Flores and Yvonne Gonzales as the newest members of its Board of Trustees.

Evangelina “Vangie” Flores, a native of San Antonio and alumna of Our Lady of the Lake High School, brings decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and community advocacy to the board. As President of Flores Riverwalk Properties, she and her late husband, Roger, operated several well-known San Antonio restaurants, including La Paloma del Rio and Paloma Riverwalk. Beyond her business success, Vangie has dedicated her life to serving her community, supporting the arts, historic preservation, and education. She currently serves as Chairman of the Board for Arboretum San Antonio and has held leadership roles with the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Texas A&M–San Antonio Foundation, and Fiesta San Antonio. Her contributions have earned her numerous honors, including induction into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.

Yvonne Gonzales, a longtime San Antonio resident and community advocate, brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and family health initiatives. A graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Yvonne’s professional and volunteer work has centered on improving the well-being of children and families. She has served on the University Health Foundation Board, including as Chair, leading a multi-million-dollar campaign for the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She also serves on the boards of Clarity Child Guidance Center and the Harvey Najim Foundation, among others. Her deep commitment to service and community collaboration reflects OLLU’s mission to lead, learn, and serve.

Please join us in welcoming Evangelina “Vangie” Flores and Yvonne Gonzales to the OLLU Board of Trustees. Their passion for education, service, and community will help guide the university toward a bright future.

Accessibility Services would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating Invisible Disabilities Week, held October 20–24. The week served as an important reminder that not all disabilities are visible—and that understanding, empathy, and inclusion make a powerful difference in the lives of our students, faculty, and staff.

Throughout the week, our community came together to raise awareness, share resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about how we can continue to support one another. Your participation and enthusiasm reflect the heart of OLLU’s mission to lead, learn, and serve with compassion and respect for all.

We are also excited to announce that Maggie Ceballos is the winner of the Boo Basket Drawing! Congratulations, Maggie!

Thank you again to everyone who helped make Invisible Disabilities Week a success. Together, we continue to build a campus culture of inclusion, understanding, and empowerment for all members of our OLLU family.