Author: OLLUNewsletter

OLLU Cross Country Opens Season at Competitive UIW Twilight Run

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men’s and women’s cross country teams opened their 2025 season at the UIW Twilight Run in San Antonio on Friday evening. Although no team scores were recorded, the Saints competed in a deep and competitive field that provided an early-season challenge.

In the men’s 6-kilometer race, Jose Perez led OLLU with a 40th-place finish, clocking in at 19:47. He was followed by Ryan Aldana, who finished 66th with a time of 21:39, and Anthony Alaniz, who placed 68th in 21:54. A total of 69 runners competed in the men’s race.

On the women’s side, the Saints ran a 4-kilometer race. Claudia Lopez was the top finisher for OLLU, taking 55th place with a time of 16:43. Reese Vernieuw followed in 58th with a time of 16:54, while Victoria Bartlett finished 59th in 17:03. Valeria Pena rounded out the group in 63rd place with a time of 18:05. The women’s field included 66 runners.

The meet served as a valuable starting point for both teams as they gained experience against strong competition. The Saints will look to build on this performance when they return to action at the Bearkat Twilight meet on September 5th.

OLLU Women’s Volleyball Battles on Day One of Hampton Inn Classic

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) women’s volleyball team faced tough competition on the first day of the Hampton Inn Classic, hosted by Corban University. Despite strong individual performances, the Saints dropped both of their Friday matches—falling in a five-set battle against Carroll College and later to No. 3-ranked Corban University.

In their opening match of the day, the Saints went toe-to-toe with Carroll in a back-and-forth thriller, ultimately falling 3-2. Setter Lauren Reynard led the way with an impressive 63 assists, orchestrating a dynamic offense. Mia Francis powered the attack with 20 kills, while Anais Velasquez added 15 kills and Bailey Scott contributed 10. On defense, Chanisty Villarreal Bermea was a steady presence in the back row, finishing with 24 digs.

Later that evening, OLLU squared off against tournament host Corban University, the No. 3 team in the country. The Saints showed resilience but ultimately fell in four sets, 3-1. Velasquez led OLLU with 12 kills, followed by Francis with 10. Reynard posted 28 assists in the match, while Villarreal Bermea added 17 digs to cap a strong day defensively.

Although the results didn’t go in their favor, the Saints displayed grit and competitiveness throughout both matches against high-level opponents.

OLLU continues play in the Hampton Inn Classic tomorrow with two more matchups—first against Oklahoma Wesleyan University, followed by a contest against Bushnell University. The Saints look to bounce back and close out the tournament on a high note.

Saints and Stars Battle to a 1-1 Draw in Non-Conference Clash

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Saints women’s soccer team opened their home slate with a competitive 1-1 draw against the Oklahoma City University (OCU) Stars on Wednesday afternoon.

The Saints struck early in the first half when Monicha Sanchez found the back of the net at the 7:36 mark, capitalizing on a strong offensive push. Sanchez led OLLU with two shots on goal, converting one into the opening score of the match.

Oklahoma City responded in the 29th minute, leveling the match at 1-1 with a goal at 28:27. Despite several opportunities on both ends, neither team could break the deadlock through the remainder of regulation.

OLLU outshot OCU 12-11, with the Saints placing 10 shots on target compared to the Stars 7. In goal, Salka Hrafns recorded four saves in the second half for the Saints, while London Suarez added one save in the first half to help preserve the tie.

The Saints will look to build on their performance as they continue their season with the next game being a scrimmage against St. Mary’s on Sunday.

OLLU Men’s Soccer Battles #16 Oklahoma City in Narrow 1-0 Defeat

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) men’s soccer team put forth a determined effort against a nationally-ranked opponent on Thursday evening, falling 1-0 to No. 16 Oklahoma City University (OCU) at home.

The Stars found the back of the net late in the first half, capitalizing on a chance in the 44th minute. OCU’s lone goal, scored at the 43:49 mark, proved to be the difference in a tightly contested matchup.

OLLU goalkeeper Zak Averns turned in a solid performance between the posts, registering four saves while facing 11 total shots from the OCU attack. The Saints managed six shots in total, with one shot on target.

Set pieces were evenly matched, with the Stars earning three corner kicks to the Saints two. Despite a strong defensive showing and moments of promise in the attacking third, the Saints were unable to break through OCU’s back line.

The Saints will look to regroup and build on this competitive performance as they continue their 2025 campaign Saturday at 12:00 PM at home against Science and Arts.

🚧 Demolition of St. Martin Hall Begins – A Step Toward OLLU’s Future 🚧

Beginning Monday, September 8, demolition of St. Martin Hall will commence as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernize our campus. This project represents an exciting step forward in the continued development and commitment to OLLU.

Please note the following:

  • Lot K and the adjacent gated area will be closed for parking until further notice.
  • Construction activity will take place in and around the area throughout the project.
  • We ask all faculty, staff, students, and visitors to plan accordingly and respect posted signs and barriers for your safety.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we take this important step toward shaping the future of our campus.

Visit the campus virtual map if you have any questions.

In Memory of Professor Timothy Kitterman

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Professor Timothy Kitterman, an adjunct faculty member in American Sign Language. Tim was suddenly taken from us, leaving a profound void in our OLLU family.

Tim dedicated 25 years to teaching, with the last 15 years spent at MacArthur High School. At OLLU, he taught ASL I and II, sharing his knowledge and passion with our students and community. His commitment to education and his students will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.

We especially hold in prayer Tim’s wife, Grace, and all who mourn his passing. We ask our Provident God to surround them with comfort, sustain them in their sorrow, and grant them strength through faith and community.

Please join us in giving thanks for Tim’s life, his service to our students, and the lasting impact of his work. May he rest in peace.

United Way Child Care Scholarships Available for Fall 2025

United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County is offering child care scholarships to help parents continue their education and job training while ensuring access to quality, affordable child care.

The program covers the majority of child care costs for families enrolled in:

  • College full-time (pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree)
  • College part-time with a part-time job
  • A long-term workforce development or job training program

Military families may also qualify if they are residents of the greater San Antonio area and the spouse of an active duty, guard, or reserve member.

Fast Facts for Applicants:

  • Most applications take less than an hour to complete.
  • An unofficial transcript (such as a screenshot) is acceptable.
  • Letters of recommendation are not required.
  • Over 50% of applicants receive awards.
  • Applicants do not need to have a child care center selected at the time of application.

In addition, families may qualify for immediate child care support through United Way’s Dual Generation Initiative, which provides wraparound resources for parents and children.

To Learn More & Apply, Click Here

2025_ChildCareScholarship_Flyer_English_TemplateDownload
2025_ChildCareScholarship_Flyer_Spanish_TemplateDownload
2025_ChildCareScholarship_Flyer_Military_TemplateDownload

Celebrate Your OLLU Pride with an Official Ring

Our Lady of the Lake University students have the opportunity to honor their memories and accomplishments with the Official OLLU Ring. More than just jewelry, the official ring symbolizes the pride, tradition, and lifelong connection that comes with being part of the OLLU family.

Join us for the on-campus ordering event:

  • Tuesday, September 17 – Wednesday, September 18
  • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Campus Bookstore

During the event, students can explore a variety of ring styles and take advantage of special event pricing—up to $125 off all metals.

Don’t miss your chance to take part in this OLLU tradition and carry a piece of the Lake with you wherever you go.

Order or Learn More
118654-2_ORP-105_No Ceremony_FLYER_OLL_7676[25]Download

Reminder: Spirit Day 2025 on Thursday, September 11

OLLU will celebrate the new academic year with the annual Spirit Day Mass on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel. During the celebration, we will also be recognizing and blessing our OLLU Dance Team, Cheer, and Drumline, who made school and national history, bringing home the 2025 NCA NAIA Game Day Division National Championship.

During Spirit Day, OLLU joins more than 200 Catholic universities across the nation in celebrating the tradition of calling on the Holy Spirit to bless the academic year. In addition, faculty and staff who are celebrating 10+ years of service to the university will be recognized. They have contributed a collective 190 years of service to OLLU and its students.

This year’s Spirit Day honorees are:

  • Farias, Louis – General Maintenance Journeyman (45 years)
  • Alvarado, Dominga C – Director of Disbursements (35 years)
  • Gomez, John P – Professor of Psychology (25 years)
  • Nino, Nikki M – Student Support Specialist (20 years)
  • Delgado, Melissa – Registrar (20 years)
  • Ibarra, Stella C – Student Employment Assistant (15 years)
  • Ramirez, Elena C – Financial Aid Counselor (10 years)
  • Mendez, Darian G – Graduate Admissions Specialist (10 years)
  • Hernandez, Naomi A – Associate Clinical Professor (10 years)

Classes are dismissed from 10:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. on Spirit Day to allow the community to attend this celebration.