News – Lake Weekly

Fall Career Fair Draws Highest Student Attendance in Current Records

OLLU’s Fall 2026 Career Fair welcomed 184 students—the highest student attendance in Career Services’ current records—connecting Saints with employers across education, government, financial services, health care, nonprofit organizations, and public safety.

The milestone reflected collaboration among the university’s one-person Career Services department, colleagues across campus and Academic Affairs leadership. Together, they helped create an opportunity for students to explore career paths, meet recruiters and practice presenting their skills and experiences in a professional setting.

Seventeen employers participated, offering students a broad view of organizations and industries to consider as they plan their next steps.

Education and student-support organizations included Great Hearts Academies, Edgewood Independent School District, Boerne ISD, Communities In Schools of San Antonio and Project Transformation Rio Texas. Other participating organizations included Security Service Federal Credit Union, The Center for Health Care Services, Morgan’s Inclusion Initiative–Morgan’s Wonderland Camp, Goodwill Industries of San Antonio, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Government and public safety participants included the City of Austin’s Human Resources department, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, San Antonio Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety–Texas Highway Patrol and Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.

Preparation Before the Fair, Support Beyond It

Career Services also developed The Launch Pad Series, four workshops designed to connect career exploration with practical preparation and follow-through.

The Resume Workshop helped students describe their experiences professionally, while the Career Closet Workshop focused on professional attire and confidence when meeting employers.

Two additional workshops extend that support into the application process. The Job & Internship Search Workshop guides students in pursuing opportunities identified at the fair and through other sources. The Letters Workshop addresses cover letters, graduate school personal statements and requests for letters of recommendation.

Together, the series helps students move from introducing themselves to employers to preparing the materials needed for their next opportunity.

Career fairs take place each semester, typically in late October and mid-March, with preparation initiatives planned alongside them. Students can also seek individual assistance from the Office of Career Services throughout the year.

Whether students are exploring options, preparing an application or considering graduate school, Career Services encourages them to visit for help translating their OLLU education and experiences into a strong professional introduction.

Save the Date for the 25th Annual Mariachi Valentine’s Day Concert at OLLU

Annual fundraiser supporting the Legacy Scholarship Fund returns Feb. 6, 2027, to Thiry Auditorium

Save the date for the 25th Annual Mariachi Valentine’s Day Concert at OLLU on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, at Our Lady of the Lake University’s Thiry Auditorium, 411 SW 24th St. The annual fundraiser benefits OLLU’s Legacy Scholarship Fund, bringing the community together for an evening of music in support of students.

Featuring Mariachi Campanas de América, the concert invites couples, friends and families to celebrate Valentine’s Day with lively favorites and romantic serenades while contributing to educational opportunities at OLLU.

Tickets will go on sale later this month. OLLU will announce the concert time and additional event details when ticket sales open.

At the heart of the celebration is the Legacy Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship assistance to OLLU students. Support for the fund helps ease the financial demands of pursuing a college degree, giving students additional resources to continue their education and work toward graduation.

As the concert marks its 25th year, the fundraiser offers alumni, friends and community members an opportunity to invest in the next generation of Saints. Attending connects a cherished San Antonio musical tradition with a lasting purpose: helping OLLU students pursue their educational goals.

Mariachi Campanas-flyer Download

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OLLU Sweeps RRAC Golfer of the Week Honors With Hojgaard and Hidalgo

WHITE LAKE, Mich. (Nov. 2, 2026) – The Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) announced its weekly golf awards for Oct. 26–Nov. 1, honoring Our Lady of the Lake University’s Magnus Hojgaard as Men’s Golfer of the Week and teammate Claudia Hidalgo as Women’s Golfer of the Week. Both golfers captured individual tournament titles while leading the Saints to team championships at the Crusader Cup.

RRAC MEN’S GOLFER OF THE WEEK – MAGNUS HOJGAARD, OUR LADY OF THE LAKE

Our Lady of the Lake freshman Magnus Hojgaard captured medalist honors at the Crusader Cup, finishing first among 58 golfers with a two-round total of 139.

Hojgaard opened the tournament with a 3-under-par 69 before following with a 2-under-par 70 in the second round. His 5-under-par performance on the par-72, 6,898-yard course secured the individual championship and helped lead the Saints to the team title in the 10-team field.

The Køge, Denmark, native delivered an impressive performance for OLLU, earning his first-place finish while helping the Saints claim the tournament championship.

RRAC WOMEN’S GOLFER OF THE WEEK – CLAUDIA HIDALGO, OUR LADY OF THE LAKE

Our Lady of the Lake sophomore Claudia Hidalgo earned medalist honors at the Crusader Cup, finishing first among 25 golfers and helping lead the Saints to the team championship.

Hidalgo opened the tournament with a 2-over-par 74 before carding a 6-over-par 78 in the second round. She finished with a two-round total of 152, 8-over-par, on the par-72, 6,040-yard course to capture the individual title.

The Guadalajara, Mexico, native led OLLU to a first-place team finish in the five-team field, completing a successful tournament for the Saints.

Saints Advance With Dramatic Penalty Shootout Victory Over Texas A&M-Texarkana

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) women’s soccer team delivered a dramatic postseason victory, defeating Texas A&M University-Texarkana 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw through regulation and two overtime periods.

The Saints battled through a competitive opening half, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but neither finding the back of the net. Texas A&M-Texarkana broke the scoreless tie in the 64th minute when Ziah Zachry scored off an assist from Lillian Miller to give the Eagles a 1-0 advantage.

OLLU responded with a determined effort, continuing to push forward in search of the equalizer. The Saints found their breakthrough in the 80th minute when Eleonora Diversi scored an unassisted goal, bringing the match even at 1-1 and shifting the momentum back in OLLU’s favor.

Neither team could find a go-ahead goal during the two overtime periods, sending the contest to a penalty shootout. The Saints remained composed under pressure, converting four of their five attempts to secure the 4-2 shootout victory. Deserie Herrera, Angela Garcia, Mariana Medrano and Miya Haehnel each converted their penalty kicks to lead OLLU to the win.

Goalkeeper Carola Verano played an important role throughout the contest, recording nine saves in 110 minutes of action. Diversi led the Saints offensively with five shots, all on target, while Grace Reed added four shots, including three on goal. OLLU finished with 20 total shots and 14 shots on goal.

New Era of Saints Spirit: OLLU Announces Football for Fall 2027

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — November 8, 2026 — A new chapter in Saints athletics is coming to Our Lady of the Lake University. OLLU will launch its first football season in fall 2027, following approval by the university’s Board of Trustees. The addition will create new opportunities for student-athletes to pursue a college education while building an exciting game-day tradition for students, alumni and the San Antonio community.

“Football gives us an opportunity to meet students where their aspirations already exist and show them what is possible through an OLLU education,” said Tom Norris, OLLU’s Executive Director of Strategic Operations and Athletics. “Our responsibility extends far beyond what happens on the football field. We want our student-athletes to graduate prepared to lead, serve their communities, build successful careers and make a difference in the lives of others.” The Saints will compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Sooner Conference. The university will spend the 2026–27 academic year building the program, including establishing the coaching staff, recruiting student-athletes and preparing for its inaugural season.

OLLU has a longstanding tradition of supporting collegiate athletics, with sports playing a significant role in the university’s student experience. Earlier this school year, the university introduced women’s flag football – the first to do so in San Antonio. With the addition of football, OLLU will have 22 athletic teams competing. Currently, approximately 25% of enrolled students participate on OLLU athletic teams, reflecting the strong presence of athletics across campus.

The football program is being made possible through the generosity of a donor who shared a vision of bringing collegiate football to OLLU. The program’s start-up costs will be fully funded by this donor, whose investment will allow the university to establish the team and pursue this new opportunity.

“Bringing football to Our Lady of the Lake University represents much more than adding another sport,” said OLLU Interim President Dr. Brent Fields. “Athletics has a tremendous ability to build belonging and pride. Football will bring students together, give alumni another reason to come.

The addition of football supports OLLU’s broader enrollment goals by expanding its reach to prospective students interested in combining collegiate athletics with a quality education. The university anticipates attracting student-athletes from San Antonio, South Texas, and throughout Texas, as well as regional and national prospects. OLLU is launching recruitment for its inaugural Saints football team, intending to bring 100 student-athletes to campus for the program’s first season.

“The board saw an opportunity to reach students who want to keep playing football while earning a college degree,” said Steve O’Donnell, chairman of the OLLU Board of Trustees. “As we build the program, our priority is to give those students the support they need to succeed in the classroom from their first semester through graduation,” he added.

The program will carry OLLU’s Catholic mission onto the field through an emphasis on academic achievement, teamwork, service and the development of servant leaders. Sister Rose Kruppa, CDP, superior general of the Congregation of Divine Providence, echoed this vision, stating, “The Sisters of Divine Providence founded Our Lady of the Lake University to open doors through education. As we welcome our first football team, my hope is that our student-athletes will put their gifts at the service of others by encouraging a teammate who is struggling, treating opponents with respect and giving their time to our West Side neighbors.”

As the university prepares for kickoff, OLLU is evaluating potential home venues and
community partnerships to establish a welcoming and energetic game-day experience. Details about the coaching staff, recruiting opportunities, home venue, and inaugural competition schedule will be announced as plans are finalized.

Our Lady of the Lake University, the birthplace of Hispanic Serving Institutions, is a private Catholic university in San Antonio founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence. OLLU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs and is committed to academic excellence, student success, service, and expanding access to higher education. The university’s intercollegiate athletics programs compete as the OLLU Saints.

Our Lady of the Lake University athletic director Tom Norris poses for a portrait on campus in San Antonio, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. The university is set to announce the launch of a football program. Carlos Javier Sanchez/Contributor

Alumni Spotlight: Dreamy Dulce Turns Personal Experiences Into Powerful Art

For OLLU alumna and visual artist Dreamy Dulce, art gives visible form to experiences others may never see.

A spring 2026 graduate with bachelor’s degrees in Visual & New Media Arts and Psychology, Dulce is continuing that exploration through an artist residency at San Antonio’s Thrown Studio. Her latest ceramic work will appear in Internalities, opening Nov. 14 from 6–9 p.m. at 531 Guadalupe St., Suite A.

When Dulce arrived at OLLU in fall 2022, she primarily created digital drawings and portraits of women. By graduation, her practice included abstract painting, installations, ceramics, embroidery and sewing.

Along the way, she learned to challenge both her skills and her expectations. An assignment that initially felt restrictive helped her discover abstract painting—and recognize how her own harsh standards could limit her creativity.

In ceramics with Professor Harmon, she set an ambitious goal: hand-building a moonjar despite having no experience with coil construction. The finished piece sold for $200 at her senior exhibition.

Her final year also brought significant health challenges as she balanced coursework, exhibition planning and an upcoming surgery. Support from her mother, boyfriend and OLLU staff, along with careful organization, helped her finish.

Those experiences informed her senior exhibition, Pain & Comfort, which explored personal experiences of pain and coping. For her Honors Capstone, she also curated Between Classes, inviting students to consider art as an outlet for mental health struggles.

After graduation, Professor Gonzalez shared the Thrown Studio residency opportunity. There, Dulce found space to experiment and a community of ceramicists willing to help.

Her new work draws on her experiences with chronic reproductive health conditions. One moonjar-inspired piece, Adhesions, uses sculpted forms and layered glazes to express internal pain.

“I wanted to take the internal struggle and create an external piece that was so visceral and shocking to strengthen the voice of those who struggle with the same diseases that I do,” she said.

For students considering an artistic career, Dulce encourages persistence and a willingness to pursue opportunities.

“If you don’t try, you will never know.”

Environmental Science & Sustainability Students Shine at Texas State Research Conference

Seven Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) students proudly represented the Environmental Science & Sustainability (ESS) program and TExAS FAST Scholars Program at the IDEA Conference and Career Fair 2026, hosted by Texas State University’s NextGen grant team on Friday, October 30.

For many students, the conference marked an exciting milestone: their first opportunity to present research and experiential learning projects at an academic conference! Through poster presentations, students shared their summer experiences, highlighting opportunities that took them beyond the classroom and into the world of environmental science and sustainability. Their work reflected a variety of experiences, including international study in Germany, marine conservation through the Middlebury School of the Environment, specialized training at Rutgers University, and a prestigious Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at Binghamton University.

Student presentations included Hailey Harrison’s comparison of organic farming in the United States and Germany; Emily Hamilton’s exploration of marine conservation; Jaylem Covarrubias’s experience in animal science and sustainability; Amy Gutierrez’s research on the physiological and reproductive effects of microplastics and other chemicals on C. elegans; Coral James’s investigation of microplastics and fertility in C. elegans; and Liliana Obregon’s research on water infiltration and red harvester ants.

Beyond sharing their research, students connected with USDA professionals, networked with Texas State University students, and engaged with individuals pursuing careers in agriculture, natural resources, and environmental science. Their presentations were evaluated on research comprehension, audience engagement, and communication skills, giving students valuable opportunities to strengthen their professional and academic skills.

OLLU is especially proud to recognize the three LSAMP scholars who participated and extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Teresita Munguia for her continued support of student research opportunities. Special thanks go to Professor Adam Bynum for accompanying and supporting the students throughout the conference and Dr. Briana Salas for helping make these transformative experiences possible.

Experiences like the IDEA Conference reflect the mission of the TExAS FAST Scholars Program: connecting classroom learning with meaningful research, hands-on experiences, professional development, and pathways to careers in environmental and agricultural sciences.

We celebrate our students for their dedication, curiosity, and courage to step outside their comfort zones, share their discoveries, and represent OLLU with pride. Their accomplishments demonstrate the power of experiential learning and the bright future of environmental science and sustainability!

San Antonio Police Chief Jesse Salame Jr. to speak at OLLU Nov. 16

What does it mean to serve beyond the badge? San Antonio Police Chief Jesse Salame Jr. will explore that question at A Call to Serve: Beyond the Badge, a conversation about public service and the responsibilities that come with serving the community through law enforcement.

The event will take place Monday, Nov. 16, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in OLLU’s Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel. Students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome, and refreshments will be served.

The conversation gives students, especially those considering careers in criminology or criminal justice, a chance to hear directly from San Antonio’s police chief about what public service looks like in practice.

The H-E-B Raisers Edge Grant, OLLU’s Division of Mission and Ministry and the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department co-sponsor the event. For more information, contact Mission and Ministry at 210-431-3973 or ministry@ollusa.edu.

OLLU Welcomes Adam Alviar as New Golf Coach

San Antonio, Texas- Our Lady of the Lake University welcomes Adam Alviar back to the Lake as its new golf coach, bringing nearly a decade of high school coaching experience, more than 20 years in the golf industry, and a strong personal connection to the university.

Born in McAllen, Texas, Alviar spent the first 15 years of his life in Germany as a military child before returning to Texas and making San Antonio his home. After graduating from Douglas MacArthur High School, he served in the United States Army before beginning a career in the golf industry. Alviar eventually earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from OLLU. His connection to the university runs deep, as his wife, Dr. Leah J. Alviar, is also an alumna, and the couple was married in the university’s chapel.

Following approximately 20 years in the golf industry, including positions as Head Golf Professional and General Manager, Alviar transitioned into coaching at the high school level. Over nearly 10 years, he guided multiple individual golfers to the regional round of the UIL playoffs, helped his teams earn approximately 60 victories and established the first indoor golf practice facility at a high school in the San Antonio area. He was also selected by his peers to serve as a guest speaker for the Texas High School Coaches Association.

“We are excited to welcome Adam back to the Lake,” said OLLU Director of Athletics Tom Norris. “His experience, passion for the game and commitment to building relationships with student-athletes make him a great addition to Saints Athletics. We look forward to what he will accomplish with our golf programs.”

Alviar’s coaching philosophy emphasizes both competitive development and personal growth. On the course, he stresses aggressive play, consistent ball striking, hitting fairways and greens, and maintaining composure. Above all, he believes in creating a family atmosphere where every decision impacts the entire team. Inspired by coaches such as Dick Vermeil and Gregg Popovich, Alviar prioritizes relationships and believes athletes should never be defined solely by their performance.

“Here at OLLU we are a FAMILY,” Alviar said. “Our team is our family, and we always do what is best for the family.” Outside of coaching, Alviar enjoys golfing, fishing, watching the Dallas Cowboys and spending time with his family. He and his wife have been married for 29 years and have three children: Adam Jr., Aaron and Anderson. As he returns to the university that played an important role in his life, Alviar looks forward to building relationships and developing the next generation of Saints golfers.

Verano Named RRAC Women’s Soccer Player of the Week

WHITE LAKE, Mich. (Oct. 26, 2026) – The RRAC released its 10th set of weekly women’s soccer awards for Oct. 19-25. Texas A&M Texarkana’s Desiree Narvaez wins Offensive Player of the Week, and Our Lady of the Lake’s Carola Verano claims Defensive Player of the Week honors.

RRAC WOMEN’S SOCCER OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – DESIREE NARVAEZ, TEXAS A&M TEXARKANA

A&M Texarkana senior forward Desiree Narvaez scored in both the Eagles’ victories this week, including the game-winner that propelled them past first-place LSU Alexandria. She scored on a pass from Brooklyn Lattier with 24 seconds left, giving A&M Texarkana a 2-1 win and handing the Generals their only conference loss of the season.

With the Eagles leading Louisiana Christian, 2-0, at the half, Narvaez scored on a cross from Dulce Macias in the 55th minute, and teammate Briana Puente scored the fourth goal in the 70th minute. The Wildcats added their sole goal in the 86th minute before the match ended with a 4-1 TAMUT victory.

Narvaez is playing in her fourth season with the Eagles. She has added 13 goals, two assists, 53 shots, and 34 shots on goal. She is from Mesquite, Texas.

Fourth-seed A&M Texarkana ends the regular season 7-2 in the RRAC and 14-2-1 overall. The Eagles will be the No. 3 seed in the RRAC tournament. They lead the RRAC with 430 shots, 73 goals, 54 assists, and 105 corner kicks.

RRAC WOMEN’S SOCCER DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – CAROLA VERANO, OUR LADY OF THE LAKE

OLLU freshman goalkeeper Carola Verano had one save against A&M-Victoria on Thursday. On Saturday, she saved two against NAU. The Saints won both games 2-0.

Verano is 7-3-2 this season. She has started in nine games and has had 14 saves and three shutouts. She is a native of Saluzzo, Cuneo, Italy.

OLLU will share the RRAC Regular Season title with top-seeded LSUA, and the Saints will hold the No. 2 seed. They finished 8-1 in the conference play and 10-3-2 overall. Their stat line is 294 shots, 34 goals, 22 assists, 13 goals against, 62 corner kicks, 40 saves, and six shutouts.