Author: OLLUNewsletter

UPDATE: Grubhub Ordering Goes Live December 3

Grubhub mobile ordering officially launches on campus Wednesday, December 3. Students, faculty, and staff will be able to place orders from campus dining locations — and select off-campus restaurants — directly through the Grubhub app.

As part of the rollout, self-service ordering kiosks will be available across campus this week to make grabbing meals even faster and more convenient.

The new system is designed to make dining at OLLU more flexible and efficient. To learn more about the partnership, click the link below!

Read The Full News RELEASe

OLLU Welcomes New Alumni Director, Cynthia Rocha

Our Lady of the Lake University is pleased to welcome Cynthia Rocha as the new Alumni Director.

Rocha brings extensive experience in community engagement, nonprofit leadership, and relationship building, most recently serving through her work with Lifelong Legacies, where she partnered with organizations to strengthen alumni networks, elevate storytelling, and foster long-term donor and volunteer connections.

In her new role at OLLU, Rocha will lead efforts to engage alumni, expand outreach programs, and create meaningful opportunities for Saints to stay connected with the university and with one another.

Learn More about Cynthia Rocha

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Aundrea Culliver Returns to San Antonio to Serve Her Community

Our Lady of the Lake University proudly highlights the journey of Aundrea Culliver, OTD, OTR/L, a 2020 Kinesiology alumna whose passion for service, healing, and lifelong learning has taken her across the country—and now back home to San Antonio.

Building a foundation at OLLU

Culliver graduated from OLLU with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology (Health Science concentration), where she was also a dedicated student-athlete. She credits the university’s close-knit environment and the mentorship of faculty and coaches—especially Dr. Hall and Coach Smith—for shaping both her academic success and personal growth.

“My time at OLLU was defined by strong community and lasting relationships,” she shared. “I valued the camaraderie and family-like environment within the athletic program, which encouraged me to excel both in academics and in sports.”

From OLLU to a Doctorate in Occupational therapy

After graduation, Culliver was accepted into the University of St. Augustine, where she earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD). Throughout her doctoral training, she completed multiple clinical rotations and developed a deep commitment to helping individuals regain independence and meaning in their everyday lives.

Her capstone project—a scoping review on neurofeedback within occupational therapy for clients with substance use disorders—allowed her to explore innovative behavioral health interventions. She also implemented occupational therapy practices at The Arbor Behavioral Health Addiction Treatment Center in Georgetown, Texas.

Culliver graduated with her OTD in August 2023 and passed her national board certification in February 2024.

A Career of service and travel

Shortly after becoming licensed, Culliver began working as a travel occupational therapist, taking on 3–6 month contracts across the country. Her work focuses on helping patients recover from stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, and other conditions that affect daily independence.

“The most rewarding part of my career is witnessing my patients’ progress and helping them rediscover confidence and purpose.”

Her career has also allowed her to explore new places, including international travel during breaks between assignments.

Returning home

Now on her fourth travel assignment, Culliver has returned to San Antonio to work at Methodist Texsan Hospital, where she is grateful for the chance to serve the community that shaped her.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to serve my own community and give back to the place that shaped me to be where I am today!”

Giving back through mentorship

Passionate about lifting up the next generation, Culliver welcomes OLLU students who are curious about the field of occupational therapy.

“If anyone is interested in learning more about the field of occupational therapy or seeking shadowing opportunities, I would be happy to share my experiences, offer insight, and provide mentorship to those pursuing this rewarding career.”

Contact & follow!

To get in touch with Dr. Culliver or follow along her journey, use the contact information below.

Phone – 512-971-0619
Email – aundrea.culliver23@gmail.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dr.ottraveler/

OLLU Announces New Unified Commencement Ceremony Tradition

Beginning Spring 2026, Our Lady of the Lake University will debut a new tradition: one unified Commencement Ceremony that brings together all graduating students in a single, memorable celebration. This change aligns with OLLU’s commitment to elevating the student experience and honoring graduates as one united community.

What You need to know
  • Graduation is the formal awarding of a degree after all academic requirements are completed.
  • Commencement is the spring ceremony where OLLU recognizes graduates alongside their families, friends, faculty, and staff.
  • Participation in Commencement does not confirm graduation—students must meet all degree requirements for the term in which they applied to graduate.

This new approach—One Lake, One Ceremony, One Celebration—creates a shared moment for every graduate to be honored together and marks an exciting evolution of OLLU’s commencement traditions.

Multiple Saints Earn NAIA Scholar-Athlete Honors

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) proudly announces the 2025 NAIA Scholar-Athletes for fall sports. This honor recognizes student-athletes in each of the fall sports who have excelled academically, including football, men’s cross country, men’s soccer, women’s cross country, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball.

To qualify as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, appear on the eligibility certificate for their sport, and have attended their institution for at least one full year. This year, the list features an impressive number of student-athletes who have met these rigorous standards.

Women’s soccer highlights the field with 1,606 scholar-athletes, ahead of men’s soccer (1,345), women’s volleyball (1,231), football (1,129), women’s cross country (617) and men’s cross country (558). Twenty-nine Saints across these sports received NAIA Scholar-Athlete Honors.

  • Angela Garcia Our Lady of the Lake University Sophomore Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Anisia Serrano Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Cade Ryan Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Men’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Carly Dossett Our Lady of the Lake University Sophomore Women’s Volleyball Red River Athletic Conference
  • Chloe Conn Our Lady of the Lake University Junior Women’s Volleyball Red River Athletic Conference
  • Cristian Govea Mireles Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Men’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Danilo Marinho de Figueiredo Our Lady of the Lake University Sophomore Men’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Eleonora Diversi Our Lady of the Lake University Sophomore Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Gabrielle Deleon Our Lady of the Lake University Junior Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Gabrielle Pace Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Grace Reed Our Lady of the Lake University Junior Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Jordan Betterton Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Men’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Juan Hernandez Salamanca Our Lady of the Lake University Junior Men’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Julia Anguiano Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Women’s Volleyball Red River Athletic Conference
  • Kaitlyn Olivas Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Katherine Delgadillo Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Kevin Zamora Our Lady of the Lake University Junior Men’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Kira Brown Our Lady of the Lake University Sophomore Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Lauren Reynard Our Lady of the Lake University Graduate Student Women’s Volleyball Red River Athletic Conference
  • Leah Tapia Our Lady of the Lake University Junior Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Madison Perez Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Women’s Cross Country Red River Athletic Conference
  • Mariana Medrano Sanchez Our Lady of the Lake University Sophomore Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Mia Perez Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Women’s Volleyball Red River Athletic Conference
  • Mikayla Arce Our Lady of the Lake University Sophomore Women’s Volleyball Red River Athletic Conference
  • Romualdo Gonzalez Our Lady of the Lake University Junior Men’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Sabastian Moreno Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Men’s Cross Country Red River Athletic Conference
  • Sadie Rios Our Lady of the Lake University Sophomore Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference
  • Samantha Watson Our Lady of the Lake University Junior Women’s Volleyball Red River Athletic Conference
  • Sara Garza Our Lady of the Lake University Senior Women’s Soccer Red River Athletic Conference

OLLU Community Shares Holiday Generosity Through Thanksgiving Basket Drive

This year, the OLLU community came together to spread holiday cheer by assembling fully stocked Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. Each basket included essential holiday meal items—such as stuffing, vegetables, rolls, mashed potatoes, and a gift card for a turkey or ham—with many departments adding extra touches like table settings and festive décor.

After being thoughtfully decorated and shared with the campus, the baskets were voted on by the OLLU community. While a few friendly winners were named — Chartwells (1st Place), OLLU Police Department (2nd Place), and the Department of Business and CISS (3rd Place) — the real impact of this effort lies in how these contributions will be used.

All baskets will be donated to the Madonna Center and the Lackland Fisher House, where they will help brighten the holiday season for local families, service members, and individuals experiencing hardship.

Thank you to every office, department, and individual who contributed. Your generosity reflects the heart of the OLLU mission and brings warmth and hope to our community during this season of gratitude.

Basket Delivery Gallery

The Showman Era Begins, Saints Capture First Win Of The Season

The Our Lady of the Lake University women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance in a 65–45 victory over Huston-Tillotson, showcasing efficient offense, strong rebounding, and balanced team play from start to finish.

Senior guard Samantha Fields led the way for the Saints with a standout performance, scoring a game-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including three makes from beyond the arc. Fields steady scoring and on-ball defense set the tone for OLLU, as she also recorded two steals and committed just one foul across 37 minutes of play.

Forward Alexandra Westerdijk Martin provided a powerful presence in the paint, finishing with 12 points and a game-high nine rebounds. Her ability to crash the boards on both ends (six offensive rebounds) gave the Saints multiple second-chance opportunities that helped them maintain control throughout the contest. Guard Shayla Dede added 11 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in a strong two-way showing, while freshman forward Zariah Todd contributed five rebounds and four points in 26 minutes.

Off the bench, Isabella Jaramillo delivered an important spark, tallying seven points, seven rebounds, and three assists in 20 minutes. Her efficiency at the free throw line (4-for-4) and active defensive presence helped sustain OLLU’s momentum whenever the starters rested. Aniyah Andrews also added three points and four rebounds, while Amya Miller-Singleton and Anissa Cardona chipped in valuable minutes.

As a team, the Saints shot 44.1 percent from the field and outrebounded Huston-Tillotson 46–26, including a 16–10 edge on the offensive glass. Their defensive intensity forced 16 turnovers and held the Rams to just 27.5 percent shooting overall and 23.5 percent from three-point range.The Rams struggled to find rhythm against OLLU’s tight perimeter defense and physical play in the post.

With the victory, OLLU continued to demonstrate the depth and discipline that have become trademarks of its program. The Saints ability to combine efficient scoring with relentless rebounding and teamwork positions them as a formidable force as the season progresses. The Saints will be back in action 

OLLU Dominates Xavier As Saints Look To Repeat

Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a composed and confident performance as they swept Xavier (LA) to earn their place in tomorrow’s championship match. With a steady rhythm that grew stronger as the afternoon progressed, OLLU controlled the match 25–23, 28–26, 25–19, showcasing both resilience under pressure and the offensive balance that has defined their best volleyball this season.

OLLU’s attack was anchored by Anais Velazquez Figueroa, whose 17 kills on a .400 hitting percentage set the tone at the net. Mia Francis added 13 kills of her own, consistently finding ways to score even as rallies tightened. Setter Lauren Reynard guided the offense with precision, recording 38 assists while keeping Xavier’s block off balance. Her distribution allowed multiple hitters to find rhythm, helping OLLU outpace Xavier across all three sets.

Defensively, the Saints were steady and disciplined. Nicole Bir contributed key touches at the net with six block assists, and the back row, led by Reynard, Castillo, and Saldana, absorbed pressure and limited Xavier’s opportunities to sustain momentum. Though Xavier had moments of surge, especially behind the strong hitting of Taylor Parker and Kamea Uitenham, OLLU’s consistency and poise in late-set situations carried them through.

The Saints now advance to tomorrow’s championship match at 1:00 PM, where they will face the winner of Texas A&M–Texarkana and Louisiana Christian. After a controlled and confident semifinal performance, OLLU moves forward with momentum and a clear competitive edge as they prepare for their shot at the title.