Author: OLLUNewsletter

“Becoming & Belonging” Exhibition Opens March 5 at Sueltenfuss Library

The Visual & New Media Arts program is collaborating with the Sueltenfuss Library to host the Women’s Caucus for Art’s group exhibition, “Becoming & Belonging.” Curator, Paola Nunez Solorio, will announce artist awards and moderate a panel talk with artists. Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month with this art exhibition on March 5th from 6:00:8:00pm.

Becoming & Belonging is a visual arts exhibition exploring the evolving identities of individuals and communities within society and across history. It reflects on the tensions and harmonies between selfhood and society, migration and rootedness, memory and transformation.

In a world shaped by movement and change, identity is never fixed. It unfolds through relationships, environments, and lived experience. This exhibition invites viewers to consider how we shape ourselves—and how we are shaped by others. How does identity evolve over time? Where, and how, do we find spaces of belonging? Do we inhabit existing structures, or do we create new ones?

Through diverse artistic perspectives, Becoming & Belonging speaks to personal journeys of growth, migration, and self-discovery while also engaging collective narratives of heritage, displacement, resilience, and the longing for home. The works on view celebrate multiplicity and transformation, embracing identity as an ongoing act of becoming.

Together, these artists offer a powerful meditation on what it means to belong—reminding us that belonging is not simply a place, but a process.

Amber Ortega, MFA, Awarded Texas Folklife Community Folklife Fellowship

Amber Ortega, MFA, Coordinator for the International Folk Culture Center has received The Texas Folklife, Community Folklife Fellowship in oral history, audio storytelling, and archiving.

Ortega joins a cohort of 12 culturalists across Texas who will receive training and guidance from Texas Folklife’s digital storytelling initiative, “Stories from Deep in the Heart” which includes mentorship from lead digital archivists in Texas.

Since 2023, Ortega has been conducting interviews with choreographers from Cayey, Puerto Rico to Miami, Florida, and San Antonio, utilizing her experience with curating transdisciplinary discussions and bridging dance practice to deeper insights into culture, human behavior, and research methodologies. During her fellowship, Ortega will be meeting and interviewing dance culture bearers in San Antonio to thread a cohesive narrative line between dance, history, and culture.

As Coordinator for the International Folk Culture Center, archiving the center’s history and preserving the greater story of dance in San Antonio particularly with how that story intersects with the IFCC and OLLU, is tantamount to the work of curating and coordinating dance, folk way, and culture at the center, on campus, and in our Westside neighborhood.

Ortega’s final work along with her cohorts will be released this May.

Employee IDs to Become Mandatory on Campus Beginning March 17

As part of OLLU’s continued commitment to Operational Excellence and maintaining a safe university campus, all faculty and staff will be required to visibly wear their employee ID at chest level while on campus.

This requirement will become mandatory on Tuesday, March 17.

Please note:

  • Name tags may still be worn at campus or external events; however, they will not serve as a substitute for the official employee ID.
  • Staff who wear OLLU uniforms that already display their names will not be required to wear their employee ID.
  • If you currently have an outdated ID, you may contact ITS to update your information and receive a new card.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued commitment to campus safety.

Leadership will receive additional details and will be responsible for sharing this information with their respective teams.

Save the Date: Campanas de América 2027 Set for February 6

Mark your calendars! Campanas de América 2027 will take place on February 6, 2027 — and we can’t wait to celebrate with you.

As we look ahead, we also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the Campanas de América concert earlier this month. With your incredible enthusiasm and the widespread sharing of our Scholarship QR code, this year’s concert became the most profitable Campanas in the past 24 years.

Your support continues to elevate this cherished OLLU tradition and the mission it advances. The energy in the room, the generosity of our community and the shared spirit of celebration made this year truly unforgettable.

Tickets for Campanas 2027 will go on sale this fall!

Saints Soar Past Eagles

Our Lady of the Lake University delivered an efficient and well-balanced performance in its 84–71 victory over Texas A&M University–Texarkana, showcasing offensive consistency and disciplined execution on both ends of the floor.

The Saints shot 47.3 percent from the field (26-of-55) and were particularly effective from three-point range, connecting on 11-of-27 attempts (40.7 percent). Jaydin Morin-Bishop led the team with 21 points, including three three-pointers, and converted 8-of-9 free throws to anchor the offense. Barack Holland added 19 points with three three-pointers of his own, while contributing five rebounds and two steals.

Jermey Irwin provided 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, and Isaiah Moore added 12 points and six rebounds. Santiago Ochoa contributed across multiple categories, finishing with six rebounds and a team-high five assists, helping guide an offense that recorded 14 assists on 26 made field goals.

The Saints also received key contributions from their bench. Matthew Gonzalez was efficient from beyond the arc, hitting both of his three-point attempts for six points. Caleb Richardson added four points and four rebounds in limited minutes, while Davonte Durst provided three assists off the bench to maintain offensive flow.

Our Lady of the Lake controlled the game through perimeter shooting, free throw efficiency (21-of-28, 75 percent), and ball security. The Saints committed just 13 turnovers compared to Texarkana’s 15 and generated nine steals defensively.

The Saints will be back in action Saturday against LSU-Shreveport at 3:00 PM CDT. It will be Senior day.

Peña-Cortes Leads OLLU with Impressive Top-10 Finish

Our Lady of the Lake University entered the tournament prepared to compete in a deep and talented field, and the Saints delivered moments that underscored the program’s growth and competitive potential over 54 demanding holes.

Leading the way for OLLU was Victor Peña-Cortes, who finished tied for ninth at 5-over par. Peña-Cortes set the tone early with an impressive 4-under opening round, one of the lowest scores in the field. His ability to attack the course and position himself among the tournament leaders highlighted OLLU’s play. Despite a challenging final round, his top-10 finish demonstrated the ability to contend against some of the region’s strongest programs.

Niall Langley-Brook and Alex Marshall each secured a tie for 13th at 13-over, providing steady contributions throughout the event. Both players showed composure across the first two rounds and remained competitive in a tightly packed leaderboard. Their performances reflect the foundation the team continues to build as the season progresses.

Juan Limon added a 21st-place finish, battling through each round with determination and providing critical experience in a competitive divisional setting. Fernando Limon rounded out the Saints efforts, continuing to gain valuable tournament reps that will contribute to the team’s development moving forward.

While the final standings reflect the challenges of a three-round tournament, OLLU’s performance revealed significant positives. The Saints proved they can produce low rounds and stay within reach of the leaderboard against established programs.

OLLU Powers Past St. Mary’s In Two-Game Sweep

The Our Lady of the Lake University softball team delivered a commanding two-game sweep over the St. Mary’s University Rattlers, combining timely hitting and steady pitching to secure 7-2 and 9-6 victories.

In the opener, the Saints set the tone early and never relinquished control behind a balanced offensive attack that produced 12 hits. Arianna Alejandro sparked the lineup with two runs scored, while Boston Tijernia powered the middle of the order, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Marisa Rosales turned in one of the game’s standout performances, finishing 3-for-3 with a double, a home run, and an RBI as part of a two-run effort.

Yezenia Perez added a triple and drove in a run, and Novalee Gloria contributed a pair of hits, including a double, and two RBIs. Reanna Aguirre and Alyssa Guzman each brought in a run as the Saints capitalized on scoring opportunities throughout the contest.

Inside the circle, Annika Litterio delivered a complete-game performance to earn the win and improve to 4-1 on the season. She scattered seven hits, allowed two earned runs, and struck out seven across seven innings, throwing 128 pitches with 76 strikes. 

The Saints carried that offensive rhythm into game two, erupting for nine runs on 12 hits to complete the sweep. Alejandro once again ignited the lineup, finishing 2-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Tijernia delivered the biggest blow of the afternoon, going 2-for-5 with a double and four RBIs to anchor the offense.

Yezenia Perez continued her strong series with two hits and three RBIs, while Alyssa Guzman went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate and scored once. Reanna Aguirre added two runs, and the Saints drew four walks to keep pressure on the Rattlers’ pitching staff.

Valeria Vielma earned the win in the circle for the Saints, moving to 2-0 after working four innings with five strikeouts. Litterio returned in relief to secure her first save of the season, allowing one run over three innings while striking out two to close out the 9-6 victory.

Across both games, Our Lady of the Lake combined disciplined at-bats with consistent pitching to outscore the Rattlers 16-8. The Saints will be back in action this weekend against Xavier (LA) in a series at New Orleans starting on Friday. 

A New Year, A New Approach

On Thursday, February 26, during the community hour of 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., President Abel Chávez will present to faculty and staff the higher education landscape. A thought-provoking presentation that looks at national and local demographics, opinions on higher ed, and OLLU’s comparative standing in San Antonio.

This will be an in-person, brown bag gathering in San Antonio; Houston and RGV campuses will be provided a TEAMS link to attend virtually. Your presence is necessary in shaping a thoughtful direction. As a steward of our university, please join your colleagues for this presentation.

RSVP’s are required. The specific location on campus for San Antonio will be shared soon.

Spirit Week: Celebrating Our Familia | February 23–26

Spirit Week is here, and the Center for Student Involvement — through the leadership of SGA and the Saints Programming Board (SPB) — invites the OLLU community to gather in celebration of our shared identidad.

Rooted in tradition, orgullo, and comunidad, Spirit Week is fully student-programmed and intentionally designed to strengthen belonging across campus. Research consistently affirms what we know to be true at OLLU: when students feel seen, connected, and valued, they are more likely to thrive. This week creates those moments.

Saints street eats

The celebration begins Monday with Saints Street Eats, as SGA sponsors the Mr. Meximum Food Truck in Library Circle from 4:00–6:00 p.m. The first 50 student meals will be provided at no cost, offering an accessible and welcoming space for students to connect and build community.

Honoring the legacy

On Tuesday, we will gather in Renaissance Parlor during community hour for Honoring the Legacy. Participants will write personal notes of gratitude to the Congregation of Divine Providence (CDP) Sisters — a meaningful act that bridges past and present and honors the women whose faith and leadership continue to shape our misión.

Champions Breakfast

Wednesday morning shifts the focus to appreciation. During Champions Breakfast from 9-11, students will host a Faculty and Staff Appreciation event in Renaissance Parlor, offering complimentary bagels and words of thanks to the faculty and staff who invest daily in student growth and success.OLLU Saints

Saints Showdown

Spirit Week concludes Thursday with Saints Showdown in the UWAC. This student field day brings camaraderie, class pride, and shared energía into one culminating experience, reinforcing the joy and unity that define our campus culture.

More than a series of events, Spirit Week reflects the power of student leadership and the importance of creating intentional spaces for connection. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to participate throughout the week as we strengthen our sense of belonging and celebrate what makes OLLU distinct: tradition, pride, and familia.