News – Page 17 – Lake Weekly

Message From The President

Marther Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, on the West Side of that beautiful city, to his parents, Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. As a young man, Dr. King was deeply shaped by faith, the church, and an early interest in justice, education, and the dignity of the human person. Those interests matured through his schooling and led him to Morehouse College, where he graduated in 1948 with a degree in sociology. On this day, as we reflect on his legacy, I am struck by how closely anchored his principles and words were to our Catholic faith.

One such anchor is human dignity. Scripture speaks of Imago Dei, that every person is created in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 tells us, “So God created mankind in his own image; in the image of God he created them.” Dr. King’s work was fundamentally about restoring dignity. Educational attainment remains one of the most enduring ways a person can honor that dignity, because it affirms worth, potential, and agency. Here at OLLU, we get to provide students not just degrees, but livelihoods rooted in their values.

Another anchor is education as a moral act, not merely an economic one; the formation of the whole person. Luke 2:52 reminds us, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.” Education forms the mind, heart, character, and skills. Dr. King understood education as essential to both social mobility and moral clarity, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that education would remain a pathway to freedom and responsibility.

A third anchor comes from Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Dr. King famously asked, “Where do we go from here?”, and he asked not out of despair, but as an invitation to all of us, without exception, to think critically, to work meaningfully, to serve faithfully, and to live with dignity. At its essence, the question was directed to every person and every institution: to live into a purpose beyond itself.

Through our work at OLLU, each of us gets to answer that question through the power of education—by forming lives of purpose, dignity, and service for the common good; all the while remaining grounded in faith, guided by purpose, and committed to the dignity of every person we serve.

Saints Stay Competitive in Physical Test Against LSU Shreveport

Our Lady of the Lake women’s basketball battled throughout the evening but came up short in a 78–61 loss to LSU Shreveport on Thursday night in Shreveport. Despite the final score, the Saints showed fight and composure against a physically aggressive opponent and remained competitive for much of the contest.

The Saints opened the game with confidence, moving the ball effectively and finding quality looks on the offensive end. Macie Moss set the tone early, attacking the defense and stretching the floor, while Alexandra Westerdijk Martin controlled the tempo with steady decision-making. Our Lady of the Lake matched LSU Shreveport possession for possession in the opening quarter and stayed within reach by playing disciplined basketball and limiting trips to the free-throw line for the hosts.

As LSU Shreveport increased defensive pressure, the Saints continued to respond with poise. Moss led all OLLU scorers with 19 points, shooting 8-of-17 from the field and knocking down three three-pointers. Westerdijk Martin followed with 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, consistently creating opportunities for her teammates. Samantha Fields added 10 points, including two timely three-pointers, while Shayla Dede contributed eight points, five rebounds, and three assists while working relentlessly on both ends of the floor.

Defensively, Our Lady of the Lake competed hard against one of the top scorers in the conference. The Saints forced LSU Shreveport into contested shots and held them near the perimeter for long stretches. While turnovers proved costly at times, many came as a result of aggressive defense rather than lack of execution, and the Saints continued to fight through every possession.

Off the bench, Evangeline Hernandez provided an important spark, scoring five points in 14 minutes and adding energy when the Saints needed a lift. Amya Miller-Singleton contributed on the boards, helping OLLU battle in the paint against a larger lineup. Overall, the Saints shot an efficient 45.3 percent from the field and an impressive 85.7 percent from the free-throw line, reflecting strong offensive fundamentals.

Even as LSU Shreveport pulled ahead in the second half, Our Lady of the Lake never stopped competing, showing resilience and togetherness until the final buzzer. The Saints finished with 18 assists, a testament to their unselfish play and commitment to team basketball. While the result did not go their way, the performance highlighted the growth, effort, and determination of the OLLU program as it continues to build momentum moving forward. The Saints will be back in action Saturday against Texas A&M-Texarkana.

Grubhub Has Arrived at OLLU! 🍽️📱

Grubhub is officially live at Our Lady of the Lake University! To celebrate the launch, we hosted a free merch giveaway during Community Hour last Thursday, featuring bags, utensils, squishes, pins, hats, sweaters, T-shirts, bottles, and socks—thank you to everyone who stopped by and joined the fun.

We’re also excited to share that our dining Instagram community is growing fast! Thanks to the launch, the number of followers on @ollueats more than tripled. Be sure to follow along for the latest updates, announcements, and information about your on-campus dining experience.

Lauren Reynard Honored with CSC Academic All-America Distinction

Lauren Reynard, a standout setter for the Our Lady of the Lake University Saints volleyball team, has been honored as a CSC Academic All-America selection after previously earning Academic All-District distinction from College Sports Communicators (CSC). This accolade recognizes her excellence both in the classroom and on the court, qualifying her to advance on the national ballot for CSC’s prestigious Academic All-America honors, which celebrate top student-athletes who excel academically while competing at a high level athletically. Reynard’s achievement highlights her strong academic performance and leadership as a key contributor to the Saints program.

Bishop’s Big Week Powers Pair of Conference Wins

Jaydin Morin Bishop earned Red River Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors following a standout stretch that helped lead his team to two impressive victories. His performance was highlighted by composure, efficiency, and leadership in key moments as his team defeated LSUA and LCU in consecutive games.

In a dramatic 67-65 win over LSUA, Bishop played a pivotal role in a 20-point comeback. He finished with 24 points and six rebounds, consistently delivering when his team needed him most. Bishop was flawless from the free throw line, converting all 12 of his attempts, a critical factor in closing the gap and securing the narrow victory. His ability to remain poised under pressure set the tone for the comeback and ultimately swung the momentum in his team’s favor.

Bishop followed that performance with another efficient outing in a 79-64 win over LCU. He scored 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting, while adding three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. His offensive efficiency and all-around contributions helped maintain control throughout the game and capped off a strong week. Across both contests, Bishop’s consistency and impact were instrumental, making him a deserving recipient of the conference’s weekly offensive honor.

Saints Use Hot Shooting to Defeat LCU

Our Lady of the Lake delivered an efficient offensive performance to defeat Louisiana Christian 79–64, using strong shooting and balanced scoring to pull away over the course of the game.

OLLU shot 59.2 percent from the field and 52.6 percent from three-point range, converting 10 three-pointers on 19 attempts. Jaydin Morin-Bishop led the Saints with 18 points, knocking down four shots from beyond the arc while shooting 6-of-8 overall. Isaiah Moore added 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, and Barack Holland provided a spark off the bench with 11 points on 4-of-7 from the floor.

Kenyon Elliott contributed six points and a team-high six assists, helping facilitate an offense that totaled 18 assists on 29 made field goals. Arthur Celestin Jr. anchored the interior with eight rebounds, while OLLU finished with a 35–26 rebounding advantage and committed just 14 fouls.

Louisiana Christian was led by Bryce Weinmunson, who scored a game-high 21 points and added six rebounds and three steals. Justice Kelly followed with 14 points and six rebounds, while Corey Lombard Jr. and Tomario Thomas Jr. combined for 15 points off the bench. Despite shooting 30.8 percent from three-point range, LCU struggled to slow OLLU’s perimeter efficiency and transition scoring.

Defensively, the Saints forced 15 turnovers and limited Louisiana Christian to 37.7 percent shooting from the field. OLLU’s ability to score efficiently at all three levels and maintain control on both ends allowed the Saints to build and sustain their advantage en route to the 15-point victory. The Saints will be back in action on Thursday away against LSUS at 7:30 PM CDT.

Campanas de América Valentine’s Day Concert: Get Your Tickets Before They Sell Out

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the beautiful sounds of Campanas de América at this special concert benefiting student scholarships at Our Lady of the Lake University.

This beloved annual performance has been a sold-out event in previous years, so attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets early. Tickets are available online only and will not be sold at the door.

Proceeds from the event support the Sisters of Divine Providence Legacy Scholarship, which helps provide critical financial assistance to OLLU students. By attending, you’re not only enjoying an unforgettable musical experience—you’re also making a meaningful investment in our students and their futures.

Purchase tickets

Support the legacy scholarship

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate love, music, and the power of giving back to the OLLU community.

“A Comfort In The End” Art Exhibit Explores Change, Loss, and Renewal

A Comfort In The End Art Exhibit
Featuring Visual Arts Professors:

Professor Tori Quemada, MAE
Professor Mark Anthony Martinez, MFA

A Comfort In The End is a two-person exhibition, featuring works that speak to the inevitability of change.

Here, Professors Tori Quemada, MAE and Mark Anthony Martinez, MFA; combine concepts from two separate bodies of work that encourage their audiences to brace for inevitable change. Changes that can come with health scares, evolving relationships, or even growth! Acknowledging that change is not necessarily a bad thing; but to recognize change as a fact of life that we must all contend with – however it arrives.

Through Quemada’s animal portraits, the photos are taken in the final days (sometimes moments) of a subject’s life. Here, moments of strength and care are captured before the ultimate passing of the beloved pet. Quemada solemnly renders in black and white, a testament of an enduring love beyond the animal’s lifetime.

Additionally, this exhibition also highlights joys of reflection and potential for evolution after a moment of crisis or grief.

This can be seen in Martinez’ “asteroid forms” wherein these forms are rendered in neon magenta. A color that, while intense, can be perceived as festive and attention grabbing – intended to root an audience in their present moment. Indeed, the forms themselves may remind an audience of a certain food item enjoyed in youth (the hint being the boot shape).

The hope of the exhibition is that we share levity behind a phenomenon so heavy as change.

The end after all is just another beginning.

Reminder: RSVP for Special Announcement Celebration on January 22

Faculty and staff are reminded to please RSVP by accepting the calendar invitation for the Special Announcement Celebration taking place on Thursday, January 22, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Sueltenfuss Library.

This special celebration will recognize an important milestone in support of Our Lady of the Lake University. Lunch will be provided, and we encourage all invited employees to attend.

If you have not yet responded, please be sure to accept the calendar invite to help us plan accordingly. We look forward to celebrating this exciting moment together as a campus community.

IFCC Welcomes Spring 2026 Artist in Residence Xelena Gonzalez and Invites Campus to Dance This Spring

The International Folk Culture Center (IFCC) at Our Lady of the Lake University is excited to welcome Xelena Gonzalez as its Spring 2026 Artist in Residence.

Xelena Gonzalez is a published author, speaker, and healing arts practitioner whose work centers on writing, movement, and embodied connection. During her residency at OLLU, Xelena will explore and experiment with movement and dance as tools for healing, using her project Lotería Remedios as a creative and cultural framework. This work serves as the foundation for an embodied movement practice that invites participants to reflect, move, and connect through shared experience.

The campus community is invited to meet Xelena and learn more about her work at a Welcome Reception and Lotería Night, where she will introduce her residency project, participate in a brief Q&A, and engage attendees through games, prizes, and light refreshments.

RSVP HERE

Xelena’s residency also kicks off an exciting season of movement, dance, and community gatherings hosted by the IFCC throughout the spring semester.

As part of this programming, the IFCC invites students, faculty, and staff to take a break, get moving, and connect during Spring Dance Demos, held in the Mall Area during community hour.

In addition to the weekly dance demos, the IFCC has a full lineup of Spring 2026 events, including:

Bridgerton Regency Wear Workshop
February 14 – Contra Dance
February 14 – Bridgerton Tea & Dance
March 7 – The Gatherings Art Workshops & Talks
March 27–April 1 – Selena Fiesta
April 7–10 – Spring Dance Programming

Whether you’re curious about embodied healing practices, interested in cultural dance traditions, or simply looking for a joyful way to connect with the OLLU community, the IFCC invites you to join us this spring.

For more information, contact ifcc@ollusa.edu