News – Page 19 – Lake Weekly

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.

Dr. Charlin Jones-Chavez Selected as 2026 NASPA Foundation Access Scholarship Recipient

Dr. Charlin Jones-Chavez, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, has been selected as a 2026 NASPA Foundation Access Scholarship recipient to attend the 2026 Institute for New AVPs and the 2026 AVP Symposium in Denver, Colorado January 22-26.

The NASPA Institute for New AVPs is a foundational three-day learning and networking experience designed to support and develop AVPs in their unique and challenging roles on campus. The Institute is specifically designed for AVPs and other senior-level “number twos” who report to the highest-ranking student affairs officer and who are within their first two years in the role. This is an opportune time for Dr. Jones-Chavez to attend as she is closing out her first year as AVP at OLLU.

The NASPA AVP Symposium is a unique and innovative three-day program that supports and develops AVPs and other “number twos” in their campus leadership roles. Leveraging the expertise of sitting AVPs from across the nation, the Symposium provides high-level content through engaging, practice-driven sessions focused on leadership, strategy, and institutional impact.

The NASPA Foundation Access Scholarship provides financial support for NASPA members facing hardship to attend professional development events by covering registration costs. This recognition reflects both professional excellence and NASPA’s investment in Dr. Jones-Chavez’s continued growth as a senior leader in higher education.

“I am deeply grateful to NASPA for this opportunity and investment. I am also thankful for the support from Jennifer Bendele, Vice President for Students, to engage in this meaningful professional development. I’m excited to learn alongside colleagues from across the country and to bring back new insight, strategies, and perspective that will strengthen our work and continue advancing student success at OLLU.”

– Dr. Jones-Chavez

Marching for Justice: OLLU at the MLK Day Parade

Our Lady of the Lake University proudly participated in yesterday’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March, joining the broader community in honoring Dr. King’s legacy of justice, service, and unity.

Despite the chilly weather, a strong and spirited group of OLLU students, faculty, staff, and the Sisters of Divine Providence marched together, representing the heart of our mission. Carrying OLLU flags, our community stood in visible solidarity for equity, dignity, and peace.

Moments like these reflect OLLU’s continued commitment to social justice and living out our mission beyond campus—walking together in hope, courage, and service to others.

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.

OLLU Participates in the MLK March — Volunteers Still Needed

Our Lady of the Lake University will participate in the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March and Celebration on January 19, 2026, and volunteers are still needed to join the OLLU delegation.

This year’s theme, “March to Keep the Dream in Motion,” invites students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to come together in unity and service.

If you have any questions, please contact cslv@ollusa.edu.

Counseling & Wellness Services Open House and Zen Room Launch

Counseling and Wellness Services invites the OLLU community to join us for an Open House and Zen Room Launch this January. Stop by to learn more about Counseling & Wellness Services, including support available through Uwill, take a tour of the new Zen Room, and learn how to book a session.

Event Details:

Friday, January 16
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Walter Student Service Center, Room 206

Light refreshments will be provided, including snacks, tea, and coffee — plus swag bags while supplies last.

All students, faculty, and staff are welcome. Come take a break, recharge, and check out this new wellness resource on campus.

OLLU Spirit Team Brings National Excellence to Houston At TDEA Convention

The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Spirit Team proudly represented collegiate dance excellence at the Texas Dance Educators Association (TDEA) Convention in Houston. Their performance stood out among an impressive lineup, as 32 teams showcased across all divisions, highlighting the depth and diversity of dance talent from across the state. OLLU’s presence reflected not only performance quality, but also a program rooted in national championship pedigree, bringing a high standard of excellence to the convention stage.

The Texas Dance Educators Association continues to celebrate its dedicated service to the advancement of dance education throughout the state of Texas. Each year, TDEA provides opportunities for professional growth and collaboration through a three-day convention that supports educators, students, and dance professionals alike. The event features professional workshops, technique classes, exhibits, master classes, performances, and acknowledgment dinners that promote both artistic and educational development.

In addition to cutting-edge dance curriculum, convention workshops incorporate important information related to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the Center for the Educator Development in Fine Arts (CEDFA), and legislative breakthroughs in the area of fine arts and dance education. These sessions ensure attendees remain informed and equipped to advocate for strong, sustainable dance programs throughout Texas.

Attendees at the convention include dance and drill team instructors, school administrators, college students, future educators, professionally associated businesses and exhibitors, and All-State dance team members. Throughout the three-day event, participants share educational resources, network with peers, and establish meaningful professional and business partnerships that strengthen the future of dance education.

Among the 32 performing teams, the OLLU Spirit Team’s performance exemplified collegiate-level artistry, precision, and professionalism. With a foundation built on national championship success, the team served as a powerful example of the opportunities available beyond high school dance programs and the impact of continued training at the collegiate level.

The Texas Dance Educators Association remains committed to providing a professional learning community where innovative ideas in the field of dance are celebrated. OLLU’s participation in the TDEA Convention aligned seamlessly with this mission, reinforcing the value of excellence, education, and leadership in dance while leaving a lasting impression on attendees across all divisions.

Aiken’s Late Bucket Caps OLLU 20 Point Comeback Against LSUA

Our Lady of the Lake delivered one of its most resilient performances of the season, erasing a 20-point deficit to defeat LSU Alexandria in a dramatic comeback that showcased composure, toughness, and collective belief. Trailing by double digits for much of the game, the Saints refused to fold, steadily chipping away until momentum fully swung in their favor down the stretch.

The comeback reached its defining moment in the final seconds. With 2.3 seconds remaining, Mike Aiken rose and knocked down a contested, high-difficulty shot to give OLLU its first lead of the closing stretch, a clutch basket that capped the Saints relentless push and ultimately sealed the outcome. The shot punctuated the momentum OLLU had built over the final minutes and underscored the confidence the Saints played with despite the early deficit.

Jaydin Morin-Bishop led the offensive effort with 24 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting performance, converting all 12 of his free-throw attempts. His ability to attack the rim and consistently finish at the line kept OLLU within reach and set the stage for the late-game surge. Barack Holland provided a spark off the bench with nine points, while Davonte Durst and Arthur Celestin Jr. contributed valuable minutes during the rally.

Defensively, the Saints elevated their intensity as the game progressed, forcing 16 LSU Alexandria turnovers and contesting shots down the stretch. OLLU’s aggressiveness translated to the free-throw line, where the Saints attempted 37 shots and converted 24, using patience and poise to control the tempo during the comeback.

LSU Alexandria was paced by Jordan Decuir’s 20-point performance and shot efficiently overall, but OLLU’s persistence ultimately proved decisive. Down by as many as 20 points, the Saints stayed connected, trusted their system, and responded possession by possession until the comeback was complete.

The victory stands as a defining moment of resilience for Our Lady of the Lake, highlighted by Aiken’s late-game heroics and a team-wide commitment to fight until the final buzzer. The Saints will be back in action against Louisiana Christian Saturday at 3:00 PM CDT. It will be Youth Day at Mabee Gymnasium.

OLLU Outpaces TAMUSA In 100–89 Route

Our Lady of the Lake men’s basketball delivered a statement victory over rival Texas A&M University–San Antonio, pulling away late for a 100–89 win powered by efficiency, balance, and poise at the free-throw line. The Saints shot 47.6 percent from the field and a sharp 45 percent from three-point range, turning a competitive matchup into a decisive result down the stretch.

Jaydin Morin-Bishop led all scorers with 24 points, showcasing a confident shooting night that included six three-pointers on nine attempts. His perimeter scoring stretched the defense early and often, giving OLLU consistent momentum. Devontae Da Costa added 15 points on an ultra-efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance while also converting six of seven free throws, helping the Saints maintain control whenever TAMUSA threatened a run.

OLLU’s frontcourt presence was steady and physical. Arthur Celestin Jr. posted 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds, while Isaiah Moore chipped in 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Wahkil Lopez made his impact felt defensively with four blocks to go along with eight points and six rebounds, anchoring a Saints defense that forced 18 turnovers.

Depth proved to be a major factor as the Saints reserves consistently contributed on both ends. Santiago Ochoa scored 11 points and dished out five assists, providing a steady hand off the bench, while Barack Holland added nine points and strong perimeter defense. In total, OLLU recorded 18 assists and turned defensive pressure into scoring opportunities throughout the night.

The difference came at the line and in overall execution. OLLU converted 31 of 37 free throws, capitalizing on nearly every opportunity, while also protecting the ball well enough to offset TAMUSA’s rebounding edge. With balanced scoring, timely shooting, and disciplined play in key moments, the Saints closed out their rivals and secured a convincing win that underscored their growth and confidence as a unit. The Saints will be back in action this Thursday against LSUA at home at 7:30 PM CDT.

Spring 2026 Is Here — There’s Still Time to Register

Welcome back Saints, Spring 2026 is officially underway! If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to jump in and secure your schedule. Whether you’re finalizing your plans or making last-minute adjustments, registering now can help you:

Avoid full courses
Stay on track for graduation
Secure the schedule you want