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.
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’sSacred 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.
The Division of Mission and Ministry invites the OLLU community to celebrate Founders’ Week Nov. 1–7, honoring the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence and the mission they continue to inspire.
The Sisters founded OLLU in 1895 and remain the university’s sponsoring organization. Throughout the week, students, faculty, and staff can honor loved ones, meet the Sisters, and explore how Providence shapes lives. Learn more about OLLU’s history.
Honor a loved one
Bring framed photos of deceased loved ones to Elliott House by Friday, Oct. 30, for the altar in Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel. Paper 5-by-7-inch frames will be available for unframed photos. Write your name, phone number and email address on the back of each photo or frame. Photos may be picked up at Elliott House beginning Monday, Nov. 9.
Founders’ Week events
Sunday, Nov. 1 | All Saints’ Day Liturgy and Founders’ Week Kickoff
7 p.m. | Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel
Join a procession led by Danza Azteca Matachines, remember the saints and departed loved ones, and honor OLLU’s founders. Participants may bring photos for the altarcito/ofrenda and write loved ones’ names in the Book of Life. The gathering will also introduce the Sisters of the Living Legacy of the CDPs.
Monday, Nov. 2 | Día de los Muertos Procession and Ofrenda Blessings
12:30 p.m. | Begins in Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel
Gather for prayer before a procession to bless ofrendas in Main, Moye, Metz and the MARC. A reception with aguas frescas and pan de muerto will follow in the Library Learning Commons on the second floor.
Tuesday, Nov. 3 | Pan Dulce with the CDPs
9:30–10:30 a.m. | Sr. Annie B’s Cafeteria, near Starbucks
Meet the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence and enjoy a sweet treat.
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | First Gen Fest
Noon–2 p.m. | Mall Area
Visit the Mission and Ministry table to write a postcard thanking the CDP Sisters for their contributions to the university community.
Thursday, Nov. 5 | “How Do You Know?” Providence Unfiltered
7–9 p.m. | Main 311
Explore questions about vocation, school, relationships, careers and spirituality with Sister Melissa Cessac, CDP, director of Campus Ministry at Providence Catholic School; Sister Christina Chavez, CDP, charism and vocation promoter for the Congregation of Divine Providence; and Natalia “Mel” Rivera, an OLLU alumna and religion professor at Providence Catholic School.
National Cupcake Day hosted by Saints Programming Board: Stop by to decorate your own cupcake with friends! For more information contact: spb@ollusa.edu
• Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Ren Parlor
Grad Fest for Fall 2026 Graduates: Representatives from the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, Graduate Admissions, and Alumni Association will be available to answer questions about loan repayment information; how to remove any holds on your record; how to receive your diploma; graduation events happening May 7, 2027; and how to order regalia; as well as information on graduate degree programs and sharing ways to stay connected to OLLU after earning your degree. Stop by to connect with campus partners, gather helpful information, and celebrate this exciting milestone! For more information contact: ollugraduationinformation@ollusa.edu
12:30-1:45 p.m., in the MARC Building
OLLU Veterans’ Day Ceremony, featuring U.S. Army Veteran and OLLU Doctoral Candidate Jennifer M. Alamos. “OLLU Vets: We thank you for your service.” See Lake Weekly article for more information.
12:30-1:30 p.m., Main 225
Career Services Internship & Job Search Workshop. For more information, contact: career@ollusa.edu
2-4:30 p.m. Main 311
OLLU Veterans Day Movie Screening: “No Job For A Woman: The Women Who Fought To Report WWII,” directed by Michèle Midori Fillion. See Lake Weekly article for more information.
5 p.m., Main 311
Student Government Association November Congress Meeting, For more information, contact: sga@ollusa.edu
• Thursday, Nov. 12-Wednesday, Dec.9, 2026
8 a.m.-5 p.m., Main 3rd Floor Gallery
Visual & New Media Arts Senior Brian Bird’s Senior Exhibition & Capstone Presentation will be on view and open to the public. The exhibition highlights his journey from military service to academia to educator.
12:30-1:30 p.m., Ren Parlor
Student Programming Board’s Low-Key Craft, do-it-yourself keychains. Whether it’s for your best friend, someone you love or for yourself, come pop by for some key chain making fun! For more information contact: spb@ollusa.edu
• Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 1-3 p.m.
Elmendorf Lake Cleanup: Join TExAS FAST and the San Antonio River Authority in picking up trash to clean up our Elmendorf Lake. Meet by the lake on the Residence Halls side of 24th Street. Log volunteer hours by making our neighboring park more beautiful! Last month’s lake clean-up yielded 19 trash bags of trash. Signup on Saints Serve.
• Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Volunteer at Star Party at Rodriguez Elementary: A night of science- and astronomy-themed fun across the street at SAISD’s Cleto M. Rodriguez Montessori Elementary School.
6 p.m.-Midnight
Visual & New Media Arts Professor Suzy Gonzalez collaborated with students (Bruno Amezaga, Ana Carvajal Sanchez, Sofia Lara, Leo Salas, Dominique Zapata, Alma Rodriguez) in Professor Mark Martinez’s Digital Photography class for an installation at this year’s Luminaria Contemporary Art Festival. The Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival features over 250 artists showcasing live music, fine arts, film, digital art, dance, poetry, and large-scale art installations. One of the most prominent contemporary arts festivals in South Texas, Luminaria inspires San Antonio audiences with performances and installations by regional, national, and international artists whose stories and styles transform the streets and buildings of downtown San Antonio. Join this nighttime celebration of the arts. Visit luminariasa.com and on social media @luminariasa for more information.
A conversation with the San Antonio Chief of Police, Jesus Salame, Jr. Followed by a reception in St. Anne’s Courtyard. This event is open to the public. An event in collaboration with the OLLU Division of Mission and Ministry and the OLLU Criminal Justice Dept.
• Tuesday, November 17
3-5 p.m., Moye Rotunda and Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel
hOLLUday Decorating (Pt. 1) The OLLU Community is invited to join us as we prepare for the Christmas season by decorating our university campus with trees, wreaths, lights, and garland! Come and go – Stop by even if you only have 15 minutes to give! hOLLUday Decorating sponsored by the Division of Mission and Ministry. For questions about decorating, please contact: MissionAndMinistry@ollusa.edu
5:45-6:45 p.m., Sr. Annie B’s Cafeteria
OLLU Thanksgiving Day Feast served by University President’s Cabinet: FREE Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for All Students. Financial Aid and the Student Business Office will be available to assist students who have not yet completed the final steps for their spring semester registration. Students who complete their final SBO confirmation will be entered into a drawing for a gift card. Cafeteria will close early (after dinner is finished being served). For more information contact: studentaffairs@ollusa.edu
• Wednesday, November 18
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., CRAVE side of Cafeteria
Epilepsy Awareness Tabling hosted by Accessibility Services. For more information, contact: ada@ollusa.edu
6-9 p.m., Sueltenfuss Library
Study Con: Fuel your mind, release your stress, and spark your end-of-semester energy! Join us for: Food, Drinks, finals study prep, prize drawings, karaoke, games, mindful meditation, massages, and more! For more information, contact: writing@ollusa.edu
• Thursday, November 19
10:00-2:00 p.m.
12:30-1:30 p.m. Moye 214
Come celebrate the ribbon cutting of its new Military Affiliated Student Lounge (MASL), located in Moye 214. Replacing the former Veterans Lounge in Worden, the new space features computers and resources for military-affiliated students, veterans, and their family members. The Cyber Saints Student Organization will host the lounge and help keep it stocked with refreshments. Special thanks to Assistant Professor Kelly Roberts-Cooper, who volunteered to lead this team effort, and to Kelly and her husband, Joseph, for donating military coins honoring their combined 50-plus years of service in the U.S. Air Force!
6-8 p.m, Library Community Room
Bingo & Basics hosted by Saints Programming Board: We know the end of the semester can get tight — budgets, time, and energy all running low. That’s why SPB is here to help with a fun night of bingo and basic necessities! Come relax, snack, and win some essentials to make the rest of your semester a little easier. For more information contact: spb@ollusa.edu
• Monday, Nov. 30, 2026
12-2 p.m., in the Mall area
HOLLUday Decorating (Pt. 2): Community Tree Decorating and Blessing Join us for our Community Christmas Tree Decorating in the Mall Area. Our community tree will be blessed by Friar Mario Serrano and then the tree will be lit. OLLU community are encouraged to wear their ugly or cute Christmas sweaters. Refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Division of Mission and Ministry and Student Affairs.
OLLU’s Jersig Center will bring hands-on learning and communication awareness to campus on Tuesday, Oct. 20, in recognition of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month.
Clinical and academic staff will join members of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) from 12:30–1:30 p.m. in the Renaissance Parlor near the main entrance. Students, faculty and staff are invited to explore communication systems and AAC equipment through demonstrations and hands-on activities.
AAC includes techniques and tools that supplement or replace spoken communication, such as picture boards and electronic devices. These approaches help individuals express their thoughts, needs and ideas when spoken language is limited or unavailable.
For students, the event offers an opportunity to connect classroom concepts with practical tools, learn alongside clinical and academic professionals, and develop a deeper understanding of communication accessibility. Participation also gives student organizers an opportunity to practice explaining their field and advocating for inclusive communication.
The collaboration highlights the connection between OLLU’s academic programs, clinical expertise and student engagement. By making specialized knowledge accessible to the broader campus community, the event supports the University’s commitment to service and inclusion while showcasing how professional preparation can address community needs.
Stop by to ask questions, explore AAC equipment and celebrate the many effective ways people communicate.
From turning old T-shirts into toys for shelter dogs to planting a native garden, Our Lady of the Lake University’s Make A Difference Week offers Saints opportunities to care for their neighbors—and the environment—Oct. 19–24.
Coordinated by the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism (CSLV), the week combines donation drives, creative projects and hands-on service reflecting OLLU’s core values of community and service. Last year, 70 participants took part in the university’s activities. This year, organizers hope more than 100 Saints will get involved.
“Service is a part of the fabric and everyday life of this University,” said Dr. Jesse Harasta, director of the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism. “But sometimes having a special week to call out service helps us remember and refresh our commitment to service.”
OLLU’s observance expands on the spirit of national Make A Difference Day, which falls on Oct. 24 this year. Established in 1992, the initiative encourages volunteers of all ages to address community needs. Its national reach has included three million volunteers participating in the 2011 observance, according to Points of Light.
At OLLU, that spirit means responding to needs close to campus. Harasta noted that the university’s understanding of community includes children at the neighboring school, people needing warm clothing or food, and the ecological community surrounding campus.
Donate Throughout the Week
Saints can contribute through three collection efforts:
Nonperishable food: Canned and dried foods will be collected Monday–Saturday for a West Side food pantry. Drop-off locations include Lakeview, Main Building, Saints Café, Worden Building and Sueltenfuss Library.
Books and clothing: Items in good condition will be accepted Monday–Wednesday at the CSLV office in Worden 23 for Wednesday’s swap.
T-shirts: Clean T-shirts in any condition will be accepted Monday–Friday at Worden 23 for the shelter dog toy-making project.
Wednesday, Oct. 21: Share Resources and Creativity
Kappa Delta Chi will sponsor a Book and Clothing Swap from 12:30–1:30 p.m. in Renaissance Parlor. Participants can bring a book or piece of clothing and exchange it for another item. Remaining donations will support public library book sales or a local clothing closet. No registration is required.
OLLU art students will also join Artist-in-Residence Triz Rodríguez to teach children at the neighboring elementary school spray-paint mural techniques in preparation for a larger project in November.
Thursday, Oct. 22: Explore Nature and Support School Neighbors
A Pollinator BioBlitz from 12:30–1:30 p.m. at Elmendorf Lake Park will invite students to use the iNaturalist app to document pollinator species. Presented with TExAS FAST and the Math and Science Department, the activity supports a statewide Texas Parks and Wildlife program. Participants will meet at the gate behind Metz Hall, alongside Casa Caritas.
Later, student volunteers will help operate booths at the neighboring elementary school’s Muertitos Fest from 4–7 p.m., with setup beginning at 2 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 23: Give Old T-Shirts a New Purpose
Delta Xi Nu will sponsor Toy Making for Shelter Dogs from 12:30–1:30 p.m. in Renaissance Parlor. Volunteers will cut and transform donated T-shirts into pull toys for shelter dogs in partnership with Pets Alive. No registration is required.
Saturday, Oct. 24: Help Establish the St. Francis Garden
The week concludes with Service Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the St. Francis Garden, behind the softball field near Elmendorf Lake Park. Volunteers will transplant native plants, spread mulch and prepare the grounds to help establish the new native garden.
For registration information for the BioBlitz, Muertitos Fest or Service Saturday, contact the CSLV at cslv@ollusa.edu or visit Worden 23.
Our Lady of the Lake University will put wellness in motion throughout October as students, faculty and staff take part in Exercise is Medicine® On Campus Month, culminating in a campus-wide President’s Walk on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
The President’s Walk, beginning at 9 a.m., will serve as the signature event of OLLU’s monthlong activities and bring the Saints community together for an hour dedicated to movement, wellness and connection.
OLLU President Abel A. Chávez, MBA, Ph.D., is encouraging students, faculty, staff and administrators across campus to step away from their regular duties and responsibilities from 9-10 a.m. to participate in the walk. The event will also highlight the positive impact physical activity can have on learning, creativity and overall well-being.
Participants can expect a festive atmosphere along the route, with snacks and water, OLLU’s spirit team, student organization stations and motivational and humorous signs, similar to those seen along marathon routes.
The President’s Walk is part of the national Exercise is Medicine On Campus Walking Challenge, which encourages participating campuses to accumulate as many walking or wheelchair miles as possible during an eight-hour period.
OLLU is the only San Antonio university participating in the official Exercise is Medicine On Campus competition.
“Exercise is Medicine Month is an opportunity to bring our entire campus community together around something that directly affects our health and quality of life — movement,” said Dr. Emily Sauers, OLLU Kinesiology Program Head and organizer of OLLU’s Exercise is Medicine activities. “The President’s Walk gives us a chance to come together as Saints, step away from our daily routines and experience firsthand how movement can support our physical health, learning, creativity and overall well-being.”
OLLU has already demonstrated that Saints know how to get moving. During the 2024 EIM Walking Challenge, OLLU placed fifth nationally, with 149 participants logging 343.3 miles.
Other Exercise is Medicine activities throughout October will help build momentum toward the President’s Walk.
On Oct. 13 and 15, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., students in OLLU’s fitness testing courses will conduct cardiovascular risk assessments for faculty, staff and administrators. Organizers are also working with Phil Vargas to explore participation by Next Level Care.
From Oct. 26-30, fitness testing students will offer Exercise is Medicine activities during Community Hour, providing additional opportunities for members of the OLLU community to incorporate movement into their day.
Faculty, staff, students and administrators are encouraged to participate throughout October — and especially to join President Chávez on Oct. 28 — as OLLU works to build on its previous national Walking Challenge success.
OLLU faculty and staff are invited to celebrate the season at the annual hOLLUween Costume Contest and Social on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in Main Building, Room 311.
Attendees are welcome to come in everyday attire, but costumes are encouraged for those who want to compete in one of three categories: Most Original Costume, Funniest Costume or Best Group Costume.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and an opportunity to connect with colleagues during this festive campus gathering.
For more information, email Staff Assembly at sac@ollusa.edu.
OLLU is inviting the campus community to give back in a big way during its annual Halloween-themed blood drive on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
The blood drive, sponsored by South Texas Blood and Tissue and hosted by OLLU’s Counseling and Wellness Services and the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism, will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along the front walk between Moye Hall and Main Building, facing 24th Street. Donating blood is a simple act that can make an immediate difference for patients facing emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatment and other serious medical needs. Because blood cannot be manufactured, hospitals rely on volunteer donors to maintain a safe and steady supply. A single donation can help save multiple lives and support patients throughout our community.
Students, faculty and staff who are able to donate are encouraged to make an appointment in advance. A limited number of walk-in donation opportunities also will be available.
Even those who are unable to donate can join the fun. Stop by to enjoy spooky music, snacks and a Halloween-themed craft as the OLLU community comes together to celebrate the season and support an important cause.
Reserve a donation time through the South Texas Blood and Tissue appointment portal. The appointment site could not be independently accessed, so availability should be confirmed directly through the registration link.
The OLLU Division of Mission and Ministry will host acclaimed pianist John Noel Roberts for a free concert on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. in Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel.
The program will feature works by Reinagle, Wilder, Rachmaninoff and Brahms. Community members, friends and families are invited to attend and experience an afternoon of piano music in one of OLLU’s most significant sacred spaces. Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel is a historic English Gothic chapel at the heart of the University campus.
Roberts, a Texas native, began his piano studies at OLLU with Sister Mary Elaine Gentemann, C.D.P. He later studied at the Eastman School of Music and the Yale University School of Music. Throughout his career, he has performed in the United States and internationally, including in the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Italy, Japan, and Australia.
A Steinway Artist, Roberts previously served as artist in residence and head of music at the Western Australian Conservatorium of Music at Edith Cowan University. He also has held faculty appointments at Furman University, Mercer University, Concordia College, Stephen F. Austin State University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at OLLU and as a musician for the Sisters of Divine Providence.
Roberts’ recent artistic work includes performances with The Friends of Alec Wilder in New York City and recordings of Wilder’s piano music. His recording, Alec Wilder, Such a Tender Night, Music for Piano, Volume III, was released by Albany Records/PARMA Recordings.
Event details
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 2:30 p.m. Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel Our Lady of the Lake University 411 SW 24th Street San Antonio, TX 78207
