Join us on Tuesday, October 28 for the OLLU Exercise is Medicine Walking Challenge — a day dedicated to movement, fresh air, and friendly competition! Let’s come together as a campus community to celebrate wellness and aim for the top spot in the national challenge. Last year, we ranked 5th in the nation — this year, let’s go even higher!
Who can participate? Everyone! Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are all encouraged to join in.
Kickoff Event: 2nd Annual President’s Walk
We’ll start the day with the President’s Walk, led by Dr. Chavez. 📍 Meet at the steps of Sacred Heart Chapel 🕘 9:00 a.m. 🚶♂️ Enjoy a 1-mile walk through campus, escorted by our very own OLLU PD.
Can’t be on campus? No problem! You can still participate from anywhere — just track your steps between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. using the app, which easily syncs with most wearable devices.
📲 Scan the QR code below to register and join the fun! Be sure to check out the attached flyer and share it with your friends, teammates, and colleagues.
Let’s make October 28 a day of movement, connection, and campus pride. Mark your calendars and get ready to step it up — we can’t wait to walk with you! 👟
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.
Our Lady of the Lake University proudly celebrates three remarkable women — Dr. Valerie A. Martinez, Dr. Carolyn Castillo, and Dr. Norma Greenfield-Laborde — whose leadership, service, and dedication to others have earned them induction into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame. Each embodies the OLLU spirit of giving back to the community and living the university’s mission to lead, learn, and serve.
Dr. Valerie A. Martinez, Associate Professor of History at OLLU, has transformed the study of women’s history through her groundbreaking research on Latina servicewomen during World War II. A first-generation college graduate and descendant of Mexican American farmworkers, Dr. Martinez has also strengthened OLLU’s culture of student success through her leadership in first-year programs and mentorship of emerging scholars.
Dr. Carolyn Castillo (BA, MA, PhD), Deputy Director for Teaching and Learning Services at the Education Service Center, Region 20, is a three-time OLLU graduate whose impact reaches across South Texas. She leads initiatives that serve more than 500,000 students and champions women’s leadership through the San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce’s Transformational Leadership Development Program, mentoring hundreds of women toward confident, effective leadership.
Dr. Norma Greenfield-Laborde (PhD), Director of the Bexar County Office of Criminal Justice Policy, Planning, and Programs, has dedicated her career to justice reform and compassion-driven community work. Her programs have changed lives by reducing incarceration rates and supporting individuals on their path to restoration. Through her advocacy, mentorship, and civic engagement, she continues to open doors for women in leadership and public service.
Together, these extraordinary women reflect the heart of OLLU — a community where education, service, and leadership unite to create lasting change. Their achievements remind us that when we lead with purpose and faith, we help build a more just and compassionate world.
Our Lady of the Lake University–Houston recently celebrated its semester Spirit Day, a tradition that brings students together to relax and reconnect after midterms. Coordinated by staff members Victoria Sandoval, Stacey Winters, and interim director Shirley Caldera, the event highlighted school pride and community spirit through creative and cultural activities.
Students enjoyed painting stations to showcase their creativity, a Día de los Muertos altar to honor loved ones, and a photo booth to capture their costume creativity. Sweet treats added a festive touch, while the costume party encouraged fun and family-friendly attire. A special Faculty Gratitude Area invited students to share messages of appreciation for faculty members who have made a difference in their lives.
Spirit Day was more than just a celebration; it is an opportunity to recognize student accomplishments and strengthen the sense of belonging on campus. We wish all students continued success and a joyful remainder of the semester!
Join us for the annual Staff and FacultyhOLLUween Costume Contest on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. in Main 311.
Whether you’re going for scary, clever, or laugh-out-loud funny, this is your chance to show your OLLU spirit and celebrate the Halloween season with your colleagues!
Looking for internships or job opportunities? Join us at the Fall 2025 Career Fair on Wednesday, October 29, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Mall Area! Meet with employers from a variety of industries, explore career paths, and make meaningful connections—all while enjoying free pizza!
Whether you’re actively searching for internships, job hunting, or just exploring options, this is your chance to take the next step toward your future.
This event will feature our sponsor, Modern Woodmen, a financial services organization committed to helping individuals and communities thrive.
Modern Woodmen of America – Financial Services
Great Hearts Academics – Teaching
City of San Antonio – Human Resources
Jubilee Academics
The Center for Health Care Services
TheBluHouse
Project Transformation Rio Texas
MGA Homecare – Speech Language Pathology
Still Water Camps
Security Service Federal Credit Union
San Antonio Police Department
Harmony Public Schools
Vivint Smart House
Corpus Christi Police Department
Globe Life: AIL Div-OLUSEGN Org
Dollar General – Supply Chain – Distribution Centers
Judson Independent School District
Kaspar Companies
ArcLight Medical
Communities in Schools of SA
Questions? Contact Career Services at career@ollusa.edu or 210-431-3971.
In one of the biggest wins in program history under the Coach Thompson Era, the Our Lady of the Lake University men’s basketball team stunned the nation Thursday night, taking down the No. 9 team in the country, The Master’s University Mustangs, with a thrilling 86-79 victory. The Saints played with heart, grit, and confidence from start to finish, proving they could compete, and win, against one of the NAIA’s elite programs.
From the opening tip, OLLU showed they weren’t intimidated by the top-ten Mustangs. The Saints shot an impressive 45.9 percent from the field, moving the ball with precision and purpose. Their unselfish play was on full display, racking up 20 team assists and finding scoring opportunities inside and out. From beyond the arc, OLLU went 9-for-22, knocking down big shots at crucial moments to keep momentum in their favor.
The battle on the boards was one of the key differences in the game. OLLU dominated the glass, outrebounding The Master’s 53-44, including 17 offensive rebounds that led to critical second-chance points. The Saints also turned defense into offense, forcing the Mustangs into costly mistakes and converting them into 11 points off turnovers. OLLU’s relentless hustle resulted in 5 blocks and 10 steals, a testament to their all-around defensive effort.
Inside, the Saints were unstoppable, scoring 40 points in the paint and showing physicality that overwhelmed their nationally ranked opponent. The bench stepped up in a major way as well, contributing 21 points and keeping the energy high whenever they were called upon.
Wahkil Lopez led the charge for OLLU, putting together a brilliant performance. Lopez went 10-for-13 from the field on his way to 22 points, adding 4 rebounds and 4 assists while shooting 2-for-4 from the free throw line. His leadership and composure set the tone for the Saints throughout the night. Jaydin Morin-Bishop added 16 points and 7 rebounds, battling on both ends of the floor. Isaiah Moore was efficient with 14 points and 3 rebounds, while Mike Aiken chipped in 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Kenyon Elliot anchored the team inside, pulling down a game-high 10 rebounds as the Saints controlled the glass all night long.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Saints celebrated a hard-earned 86-79 win over one of the best teams in the nation.
The Saints will be back in action Friday night against Westcliff (CA) at 10:30 PM CDT.
Get ready for a night of fun, frights, and family-friendly festivities at Our Lady of the Lake University’s Annual Lake-O-Ween! Join us on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Library Circle for an evening open to the entire community.
Hosted by OLLU TAFE–Educators Rising, Residence Life, and numerous student organizations and community partners, this cherished campus tradition brings together the OLLU family and our West Side neighbors for a celebration full of Halloween spirit.
Guests can enjoy trick-or-treating, explore the Haunted Hall, indulge at food booths, and show off their creativity in the costume contest. Whether you’re a student, parent, child, or community member, Lake-O-Ween offers something for everyone to enjoy in a safe and festive environment.
This event embodies the heart of OLLU’s mission to serve, connect, and celebrate with our community.
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.
As we continue to advance our university’s mission and strategic priorities, I kindly share an important leadership update within the Enrollment Division.
Effective immediately, Ms. Shirley Caldera has been appointed Interim Head of Enrollment, serving in this capacity through January 31, 2026. Shirley will provide continuity and leadership during this period of transition as we begin a search for the permanent leader of the Enrollment division.
I want to thank the team members of the Enrollment Division for their dedication, insights, and steadfast commitment to serving our students and families. Their work is vital to OLLU, and I am grateful for the professionalism and care they bring to their roles every day.
Please join me in offering your full support as Shirley steps into this important interim role. Together, we will continue strengthening OLLU’s foundation for growth, student success, and mission-driven excellence.
