News – Lake Weekly

Campus Transitions Underway: Office Moves Enhance Access as Payroll Support Continues

OLLU is advancing several campus transitions designed to strengthen service, accessibility and the overall experience for students, families, faculty and staff. As offices complete planned relocations by Sept. 11, the university is also supporting continuity in payroll services during a staffing transition.

Improving Campus Access

As part of OLLU’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, collaboration and the campus experience, several offices are moving to new locations across campus:

Office	New location
Academic Affairs	Main Building, Room 416
Human Resources	Main Building, Room 417
Career Services	Moye Building basement
Advancement	Moye Building, Room 103
Marketing, Communications and Engagement	Casa Caritas
Enrollment Management	Main 104, Main 106, Main 125 and the Welcome Center

The relocations are intended to position Enrollment Management in a more visible, accessible and front-facing area of campus. Locating enrollment services closer to the center of the visitor experience will help OLLU provide a warmer welcome for prospective students and families, make it easier to access assistance and strengthen support throughout the enrollment process.

The relocation of the Marketing, Communications and Engagement office to Casa Caritas will also help support the university’s ongoing efforts to share OLLU’s stories, engage the campus community and communicate with prospective students, families, alumni and community partners.

All office moves are scheduled to be completed by Sept. 11.

Payroll Transition

OLLU also announces the departure of Henry Ornelas, Director of Payroll, effective Sept. 3. During eight years of service to the university, Ornelas provided important support to payroll operations and served faculty, staff and students with commitment and care. The university thanks him for his contributions and wishes him the best in his future endeavors.

To ensure continuity during this transition, temporary contractor Carole Kurtz will manage payroll activity remotely. Faculty and staff should send payroll-related requests to payroll@ollusa.edu.

For urgent payroll matters, contact Virginia Salazar, Senior Budget Analyst, at vmsalazar362@ollusa.edu or 210-431-6594.

Supporting the OLLU Community

Together, these transitions reflect OLLU’s commitment to ensuring that essential services remain accessible, responsive and focused on the needs of the university community. The university appreciates the patience, flexibility and support of faculty and staff as these changes are completed.

DUAL Running Club to Bring Fitness, Coffee and Community to OLLU

A new running club is preparing to hit the pavement at Our Lady of the Lake University with a goal that goes beyond miles and pace.

DUAL Running Club, a community-focused running group created for OLLU students, faculty and staff, will bring together fitness and social connection through regular morning runs. The club plans to meet at 6:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the University Wellness and Activities Center (UWAC) entrance.

“DUAL represents bringing two things together — running and social connection,” said Harry Acklam, the club’s founder and OLLU Athletics Graduate Assistant. “The club is about more than just how fast or how far you can run.”

The idea grew from a desire to create a consistent running community at OLLU where people could connect outside of their classrooms, teams and departments. Once launched, participants will meet at the UWAC, review the morning’s route and head out together.

Runners will have options for distances and paces, making the club accessible to beginners as well as experienced runners.

“You don’t need to be fast or run a certain distance,” said Acklam. “If you want to get moving and be part of the group, that’s enough.”

The club’s tagline, “Run. Coffee. Community.”, reflects its focus on both physical activity and relationships. “Run” represents getting active, “coffee” represents the social experience after the run, and “community” brings the two together. Participants will be encouraged to stick around after their run to grab coffee and get to know one another.

Founding members needed

As DUAL Running Club works toward official recognition through OLLU’s Center for Student Involvement, the club is currently seeking five students to join its founding group and help complete the approval process.

The founder hopes the group will become a recognizable part of the OLLU community and eventually expand its reach into the broader San Antonio community. Future plans include special runs, participation in local races, partnerships with area businesses and brands, and wellness activities such as recovery mornings.

No running experience or expensive equipment is required to participate. First-time runners simply need comfortable running shoes, water and a willingness to join in.

“Come out and try something new,” the Acklam said. “You don’t have to be fast, experienced or know anyone. Just show up, get a run in, grab some coffee and meet some people. You might be surprised by how much better your morning starts.”

Interested in joining DUAL Running Club or becoming a founding member? Contact hjacklam22sp@ollusa.edu or +44 7899 933994, or follow @dualrunningclub on Instagram.

From Lake Pride to Online Impact: October 14 Social Media Workshop

At Our Lady of the Lake University, school spirit isn’t just about wearing blue and gold on game day—it’s about how we show up for one another every day, in person and online. Whether it’s cheering on the Saints at a soccer match, volunteering with neighbors after a storm, or sharing a student’s achievement on social media, each act strengthens the sense of community that makes OLLU unique.

This fall, Marketing & Communications is inviting faculty, staff, and official university social media managers to deepen that spirit through storytelling that resonates across platforms. On October 14, 2026, the OLLU Social Media Workshop returns with a focused mission: equip campus partners with the tools to confidently and consistently represent the university online.

The workshop will cover social media guidelines, OLLU brand awareness, and practical tips for creating content that is effective, current, and engaging. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to translate everyday moments of Lake pride—like a classroom breakthrough, a service project, or a campus tradition—into compelling posts that reflect OLLU’s mission and values.

Just as the recent OLLU Lotería game brought faculty and staff together in friendly competition and connection, this workshop offers another opportunity to build community—this time through shared digital storytelling. By aligning our online presence with the spirit we already show on campus, we can amplify what makes OLLU special to students, families, alumni, and the broader San Antonio community.

Save the date: October 14, 2026. More details and registration information will be shared soon.

Introducing OLLU’s Learning Commons: A New Hub for Student Success

As the new academic year begins, OLLU’s Learning Commons is taking shape in Sueltenfuss Library, bringing together resources and services designed to create a more connected and supportive student experience.

The Learning Commons provides a collaborative framework connecting the Sueltenfuss Library, Academic Center for Excellence (ACE), retention, career and professional development, peer mentoring and other campus partners. While each area maintains its distinct identity and reporting structure, the Commons creates new opportunities to work together and make learning, resources and support more accessible to students.

Join us as we officially launch the Learning Commons on September 9 and learn more about the vision, the services students can expect this fall, and how the Commons will continue to grow through input and collaboration from the OLLU community.

📅 Learning Commons Launch Day
Wednesday, September 9, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
📍 Sueltenfuss Library

Come learn more, ask questions and be part of shaping this exciting new chapter in student success at OLLU.

Why_a_Learning_Commons Download

OLLU Community Rallies Together After Storm Hits San Antonio’s West Side

Our Lady of the Lake University and its surrounding West Side community are continuing to recover after a powerful storm brought winds of up to 70 mph, widespread debris, and nearly three days of power outages to the area. The storm disrupted electricity for approximately 230,000 San Antonio homes and businesses, with more than 111,000 customers experiencing sustained outages at its peak.

Our Lady of the Lake University student volunteer Viviana Connolly, center, works with other volunteers to
clear storm debris from homeowner Martin Crisantes’ backyard on San Antonio’s West Side on Wednesday,
Sept. 2, 2026.
Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

OLLU experienced its own challenges as the campus remained without power for nearly three days. More than 50 students were relocated to a hotel, while another 25 students were accommodated at nearby St. Mary’s University. More than 300 additional residential students returned home or found alternative accommodations until power was restored Monday afternoon. Throughout the outage, the University’s primary focus remained the safety and well-being of its students.

The storm left brush and debris scattered throughout OLLU’s 55-acre campus, but the University community quickly stepped up. Faculty, staff and others spent the weekend clearing debris, with President Dr. Abel A. Chávez and Athletics Director Tom Norris among those helping remove fallen limbs.

Our Lady of the Lake University President Abel A. Chávez, left, helps Tom Norris, athletic director, remove limbs from the 55-acre campus after a violent storm passed through San Antonio on Friday night. The university housed 78 students who live on campus at other local sites, and more than 300 others found their own accommodations after the storm knocked out power to the campus for nearly three days.
Courtesy / Our Lady of the Lake University

The OLLU community also extended its service beyond campus. On September 2, approximately 50 volunteers were sent to 20 West Side properties to help homeowners clear fallen branches and yard debris. OLLU student volunteer Viviana Connolly was among those working alongside fellow volunteers to assist residents with storm cleanup.

Faculty members also took extraordinary steps to protect valuable University resources. Environmental science faculty member Briana Salas and her sons worked to rescue sensitive chemicals, samples and other materials stored in laboratory freezers and refrigerators. Using dry ice and regular ice, they helped preserve expensive perishable materials in Metz Hall.

Despite the disruption, OLLU canceled classes Monday and resumed regular instruction Tuesday morning after power was restored. The University is now continuing its recovery efforts while documenting storm-related damage and seeking donations to the Student Emergency Fund, which provides assistance to students facing unforeseen expenses, including travel costs related to the storm.

The storm was a difficult reminder of the challenges faced by our neighbors across the West Side, but it also highlighted the strength, compassion and resilience of the OLLU community. When our community needed help, Saints showed up.

Read the full article at the San Antonio Express News link.

More Cybersecurity: Authentication

Microsoft is moving to passkeys as the preferred way to verify your identity when signing in a stronger, more phishing resistant method than text messages or phone calls. As part of this change, Microsoft will be retiring text message and phone call verification codes over the next several months. IT Services is preparing for this transition to help ensure uninterrupted access to Microsoft 365 and other University resources. They are giving everyone plenty of time to get set up, so there’s no need to worry, but everyone should start preparing now.

What Will Change?

If you currently verify your sign-ins using a text message or phone call code, you’ll need to switch to the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device. Authenticator lets you approve sign-ins with a simple tap, and depending on your device, you may also be able to use your PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition to verify it’s you. Setting it up takes about 2 minutes, and Microsoft walks you through the process step by step right on your phone.

This transition happens in two steps:

1. Install and set up Microsoft Authenticator (replaces text message/phone call codes for everyday sign-in verification)

2. Register a passkey inside Microsoft Authenticator, a follow up step you’ll be prompted to complete once Authenticator is set up, providing an even stronger, password free way to sign in

No Action Is Required Today

However, IT strongly encourages you to install and set up Microsoft Authenticator now, before you’re prompted to do so. Getting ahead of this will help you avoid any interruption to your access.

In the coming weeks, you’ll receive step-by-step instructions on how to:

• Install Microsoft Authenticator on your mobile device

• Connect Microsoft Authenticator to your OLLU account

• Complete the registration process

• Use Microsoft Authenticator when signing in

What Should I Expect?

Beginning September 1, 2026, if you’re still using text message or phone call codes to sign in, you may start seeing prompts to set up a passkey. To complete this step, you’ll need Microsoft Authenticator installed first, which is exactly why they are asking you to set it up now, ahead of time.

After February 1, 2027, text message and phone call verification will be fully retired. If Authenticator is not yet set up by that date, you will be unable to sign in until you register a passkey. There is no opt-out for this transition.

What if I Already Use Microsoft Authenticator?

If you’re already using Microsoft Authenticator with your OLLU account, you’re ahead of the curve. You’ll simply be prompted to complete the additional passkey registration step when it becomes available to you, no need to do anything before then.

A Note on Security

Please do not approve an authentication request you did not initiate. If you receive an unexpected Microsoft Authenticator sign-in prompt, deny it immediately and contact Information Security Officer Greg Garza: gjgarza@ollusa.edu. IT Services is here to help every step of the way. If you have questions or need assistance getting set up, please reach out.

OLLU Student Selected for UP Leaders of Tomorrow Fellowship

Our Lady of the Lake University student Emilio Gutierrez, a McNair and TexasFAST Scholar, has been selected as one of 23 fellows for UP Partnership’s Leaders of Tomorrow, a nine-month leadership fellowship focused on advocacy, public policy and civic leadership in San Antonio and Bexar County.

UP Partnership works to ensure that young people throughout Bexar County are prepared for the future by coordinating data, aligning educational and career pathways, and promoting policy changes that help young people and communities reach their full potential.

Through the fellowship, Gutierrez will gain hands-on experience while learning how community voices can help shape decisions and policies. His interest in advocacy is rooted in a desire to make sure individuals from different backgrounds and experiences have a meaningful role in conversations that affect their communities.

“All voices deserve to have a say in the decision of what is to be done,” Gutierrez said. “That is why I aim to serve my community with integrity, to restore trust in leaders and academics.”

Gutierrez hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology and eventually become a university professor. He also sees community advocacy as an important part of his future, using his education and experiences to elevate voices that may otherwise go unheard.

His participation in the UP Leaders of Tomorrow fellowship will provide an opportunity to develop the skills, relationships and experience needed to turn that commitment into meaningful community impact.

Did You Know?

Elmendorf Lake’s History Is Closely Tied to OLLU

Did you know that Elmendorf Lake and Park, located just steps from Our Lady of the Lake University, are part of a history that helped shape both OLLU and San Antonio’s West Side?

The area was once part of the 687-acre Coulson Tract and later became associated with former San Antonio Mayor Henry Elmendorf, for whom the lake and park are named. During the late 1800s, the land changed ownership several times before the Lake View Land Company platted the area as the “Lake View” residential suburb in 1893, setting aside parcels for public parks.

0415 0LLU AERIALS JMS; 04/15/11; Aerial photos of Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, April 15, 2011 from a R-44. ( Photo by J. Michael Short / SPECIAL )

The history of the area became permanently intertwined with OLLU in 1895, when Elmendorf deeded 18 acres near the lake to the Sisters of Divine Providence. The property, located on Prospect Hill overlooking the manmade lake created by damming Apache Creek, became the home of what is now Our Lady of the Lake University.

More than a century later, Elmendorf Lake Park underwent a major transformation. San Antonio voters approved funding through the 2012 bond program, with the City of San Antonio and Bexar County investing approximately $14 million to revitalize the area.

Today, the approximately 30-acre park features walking and biking trails, a swimming pool (235 Shore Drive), a splash pad, a playground, and restored natural areas that support native plants and wildlife.

For generations of OLLU students, faculty, staff and West Side residents, Elmendorf Lake has been more than a scenic neighbor. It is part of the landscape, history and community that have surrounded OLLU since its earliest days.

OLLU Continues Energy-Saving Efforts Through CPS Energy Demand Response Program

Our Lady of the Lake University thanks the campus community for its continued commitment to saving energy and reducing electricity use through the CPS Energy Commercial Demand Response Program.

According to the latest CPS Energy performance report dated Aug. 27, OLLU’s overall event performance is currently 43.01%, below the 51% threshold needed to maximize the University’s incentive opportunity. The report indicates an estimated total incentive of $1,553.69, with a potential maximum incentive of $12,600.

OLLU has a contracted demand response commitment of 120 kW. Across the summer events recorded by CPS Energy, the University’s average performance was 51.61 kW.

We Can Still Make an Impact

While OLLU has not yet reached the 51% goal, there is still an opportunity for the campus community to help improve our performance during the remainder of the demand response period.

Every effort to conserve energy—such as turning off unnecessary lights and equipment, adjusting thermostats appropriately and reducing electricity use during demand response events—can contribute to our overall performance.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to energy conservation. Together, we can work toward reaching the 51% threshold and increasing OLLU’s potential incentive.

CommercialDemandResponseReport-Download

Meet OLLU’s Fall 2026 Artist in Residence: Dr. G. Beatriz “Triz” Rodríguez

The International Folk Culture Center (IFCC) welcomes Dr. G. Beatriz “Triz” Rodríguez as its Artist in Residence for Fall 2026.

The residency will kick off with a Welcome Reception featuring a Cuban merienda prepared by Dr. “Triz,” along with interactive opportunities to learn more about her creative work.

During her residency, Rodríguez will create a participatory, interactive installation in the IFCC Glass Gallery, exploring hip-hop culture, writing, community and artistic expression. My Hip Hop Lit Review will feature cultural texts, Old School artifacts, aerosol works and “The Writer’s Bench,” inspired by the tradition of writers gathering to exchange names, build relationships and develop their unique styles.

With more than 30 years of experience in pedagogy, classroom action, street-based education and aerosol pen Style Writing, Rodríguez brings a dynamic creative and educational practice to OLLU.

Throughout the semester, she will collaborate with the OLLU Education Department, Visual and New Media Arts Department, Center for Student Involvement and Catholic Imaginations course through guest teaching, workshops, community events and office hours.

Join us in welcoming Dr. “Triz” Rodríguez to OLLU!

RSVP for the Welcome Reception: RSVP Here