Author: OLLUNewsletter

On September 20, a group of OLLU students, led by Dr. Jacob Friesenhahn, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, visited the Hindu Temple of San Antonio for an immersive learning experience.

The visit was guided by Mr. Murthy Patamalla, Chairman at the Temple, who shared insights into Sanātana Dharma and explained Hinduism not only as an ancient faith but also as a way of life that continues to flourish today. Students learned about the spiritual practices, values, and philosophy that guide millions of people worldwide, while also recognizing how this tradition lives vibrantly within the San Antonio community.

For our students, the experience was much more than an academic exercise. It provided an opportunity to step outside the classroom and engage directly with the diverse faith traditions that enrich our city. Through conversations and observation, students deepened their understanding of religious diversity, interfaith dialogue, and the ways theology and philosophy shape daily life.

This visit reflects OLLU’s commitment to student involvement in experiential learning, where education goes beyond textbooks and lectures to foster personal growth, cultural awareness, and meaningful community connections. By participating in these kinds of experiences, students not only strengthen their academic foundation but also prepare themselves to be thoughtful, compassionate leaders in a multicultural world.

As we continue to celebrate the richness of religious traditions both near and far, opportunities like this remind us that faith, learning, and community are interconnected — values that stand at the heart of OLLU’s mission.

Join Us: Friday, October 17, 2025 | 6 p.m. | St. Anne’s Courtyard

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) invites the community to a special evening celebrating Octavio Quintanilla, named 2025–2026 Texas Poet Laureate. The event will feature a public reading and conversation in St. Anne’s Courtyard on Friday, October 17, at 6 p.m.

Quintanilla is the author of acclaimed poetry collections including If I Go Missing (Slough Press, 2014), The Book of Wounded Sparrows (Texas Review Press, 2024), longlisted for the National Book Award, and Las Horas Imposibles / The Impossible Hours (University of Arizona Press, 2025), winner of the 2024 Ambroggio Prize of the Academy of American Poets.

A celebrated visual artist as well, Quintanilla’s Frontextos (visual poems) have been exhibited in prestigious venues such as the Mexican Cultural Institute in San Antonio, the El Paso Museum of Art, and the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, with permanent installations at San Antonio’s Labor Plaza and Poet’s Pointe.

Beyond his creative achievements, Quintanilla is the founder and director of the VersoFrontera literature and arts festival, publisher of Alabrava Press, and a former Poet Laureate of San Antonio. He was recently inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters and received the Nebrija Creadores Scholarship, completing a residency at the Instituto Franklin at Alcalá University in Spain. Quintanilla holds a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas and is a professor at Our Lady of the Lake University.

This event reflects OLLU’s enduring commitment to literature, art, and community engagement — honoring not only one of Texas’ most distinguished poets, but one of OLLU’s very own.

The event is free and open to the public.

October 21 & November 12, 2025 | 12:30–1:30 p.m. | Main Building, Room 325

The OLLU School of Business invites all students, faculty, and staff to participate in the Fall 2025 Lunch & Learn Series—a dynamic opportunity to connect with business professionals and OLLU alumni.

This engaging series is designed to enhance career readiness and provide valuable insights into industry trends, professional skills, and workplace practices. Whether you’re exploring career paths or looking to strengthen your professional network, these sessions offer a supportive space to learn directly from experienced leaders.

Lunch will be provided, and students are encouraged to RSVP in advance using the QR code or registration link.

For more information, contact:
Xin Brown
School of Business
📞 210-434-6711 | ✉️ xbrown@ollusa.edu

A Message from the President:

Monday, September 29, 2025

This week, as Excelencia in Education hosts their Annual Convening in the midst of what feels like rough waters for education, I reflect on the Seal of Excelencia. I especially appreciate that the Seal is awarded to institutions of higher learning that demonstrate measurable and tangible results for Latino students across three verticals: Data, Practice, and Leadership. Institutions can earn the Seal when they not only enroll Latino students but also graduate them; not only when they launch programs, but also when they implement evidence-based programs that drive student success; and not only when they state expectations, but also when they embed student success into every practice, policy, and decision.

The Seal reminds me of the saying, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” If a Latino student succeeds, all students succeed. When resources are withheld from any segment of our student body, all students feel the impact; especially at tuition dependent mission driven institutions like ours.

At OLLU, we anchor ourselves in Providence and will remain tenacious and unwavering in our commitment to make each of our jobs about our students’ personal, academic, career, and faith journey. That commitment, lived in our data, practices, and leadership, is what will lift every boat, no matter the waters.

This past Saturday, the OLLU campus came alive at sunrise as we proudly hosted the 3rd Annual La Casita del Barrio 5K/1K Run/Walk. From the first rays of light, participants filled “The Lake” with energy, determination, and community spirit. The early morning air was buzzing with encouragement and support, reflecting the very mission of La Casita del Barrio, a House of Neighborly Service organization dedicated to serving our community.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all OLLU volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this event possible. Your presence and dedication helped create a welcoming space for runners, walkers, and families who came together for a meaningful cause.

We also celebrate and congratulate members of our OLLU family who laced up and participated in the run. A special acknowledgment goes to the Chief of Police and MarComm Manager, who both represented OLLU with pride and enthusiasm in the course. Their example highlights the commitment of our leaders to community engagement and well-being.

As we continue to honor Hispanic Heritage Month, this event was a beautiful reminder of our shared values of service, unity, and cultural pride. La Casita del Barrio’s mission to uplift and serve resonates deeply with OLLU’s own legacy of community engagement, rooted in Hispanic heritage and Catholic social teaching.

Thank you again to everyone who joined in spirit, service, and participation. Together, we continue to strengthen our community and celebrate the vibrant culture and traditions that make OLLU a beacon of hope and connection in San Antonio.

As part of Our Lady of the Lake University’s institutional priority to Elevate the Brand, we have updated the official email signature templates for all employees. This includes versions for faculty, staff, Athletics, and mobile devices.

Your email signature is more than just a sign-off — it is an important part of how we present ourselves to students, alumni, partners, and the broader community. A consistent, professional look across all OLLU communications strengthens our reputation, reinforces our identity, and ensures that every message reflects the values of our university.

We ask that you please take a few moments this week to review your email signature and update it to the current format. A detailed template and step-by-step instructions are available on the Brand Identity SharePoint site for email and mobile views.

By updating your email signature, you are contributing directly to our efforts to Elevate the Brand and helping us present a unified and professional image. Thank you for your attention to this important update and for your continued commitment to OLLU’s success. If you need assistance with updating your signatures, please feel free to reach out to marcomm@ollusa.edu.