News – Page 2 – Lake Weekly

Baseball Falls To Royals

SALINA, Kan. – Top-seeded Johnson (Tenn.) used a 5-run fourth inning and a 7-run seventh inning to pull away from the fourth-seeded Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) Saints for a 20-10 victory in the first round of the Salina Bracket of the NAIA Baseball National Championship Opening Round at Dean Evans Stadium.

The victory boosts the Royals record to 38-12 heading into Tuesday’s match-up with the host Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes at 2:30 p.m. at Dean Evans Stadium. Our Lady of the Lake falls to 34-19 and will face Concordia (Neb.) in an elimination game at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Travis Hobbensiefken put the Royals up 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning with a RBI single that scored JJ Menesini who walked earlier in the inning.

OLLU tied it on Diego Zuniga‘s homer in the second, but Johnson grabbed the lead back in the bottom of the inning as Luke Wilson singled to bring home Christian Altamirano who walked and moved up on a passed ball in the inning.

Johnson’s five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning game on a 2-run double by Luke Wilson, a Hobbensiefken RBI single, an error on a double steal and a RBI single by Izaak Fernandez to put the Royals up 7-1.

OLLU came back with four runs in the top of the fifth inning as Drew Saucedo singled to bring in Benjamyn Hovda, a wild pitch allowed Christian Martinez to score, Joshua Milton had a RBI single and Zuniga knocked home a run with a hit.

The Saints got within a run on a single by Brett Atkinson in the sixth, but got no closer. Johnson put two on the board in the sixth, the first run coming on a wild pitch and the second on Altamirano’s single.

OLLU added two more in the seventh on a single by Hivda to score Gonzalez and Juan Garcia‘s RBI double, but Johnson would pull away in the bottom of the inning with seven runs.

Mitchell Birdsall hit a 3-run homer to start the scoring, and was followed by Joseph Brown’s RBI double, a RBI single by Altamirano and JJ Menesini’s 2-run ground-rule double.

Jack Kalisky homered for OLLU in the eighth, but the Royals would end it on the run-rule in the bottom of the frame. Braden Frank singled to bring in Andrew Wilford, Altamirano singled home a run and Grayson Shehan would close things out with a 2-run single to left center to push the Royals out to a 20-10 lead.

Hovda had four hits for Our Lady of the Lake to lead the Saints. Donovan Gamez took the loss allowing two runs, one earned, on two hits, with four walks in an inning-plus of work as OLLU used seven pitchers in the game.

Altamirano had four hits for the Royals and Wilson added three as Johnson had 20 hits in the game. Three players drove in three runs each. Kaleb Townsend got the win going five innings, allowing five runs on nine hits with four strikeouts.

Saints Rally To Take Down St. Thomas

Klamath Falls, Oregon- Our Lady of the Lake delivered an explosive offensive performance to earn a 13-7 victory over St. Thomas in a game filled with momentum swings and clutch hitting. The Saints collected 20 hits and scored in six different innings, overpowering St. Thomas late to secure the win.

OLLU wasted no time setting the tone offensively. Arianna Alejandro led the charge from the top of the lineup, finishing with three hits, two RBIs, and two runs scored, while also adding a stolen base. Reanna Aguirre matched that effort with three hits, two RBIs, and two runs of her own. Lilly Rocha provided one of the game’s biggest moments with a three-run home run as part of a three-hit outing, while Marisa Rosales stayed red hot at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a home run, double, and three RBIs.

Caitlin Casas was another major contributor for the Saints, recording three hits and scoring three runs, including two doubles that kept pressure on the St. Thomas defense throughout the afternoon. Marina Litterio added an RBI double, while Alyssa Guzman chipped in with an RBI single as OLLU continued to pile on offense inning after inning.

Despite the final margin, St. Thomas battled early behind a powerful performance from Jade Fayad. Fayad finished with two hits, including a five-run home run that helped keep the Celts within striking distance. Alahnis Berrios added a double and scored twice, while Emma Edwards recorded two hits in the loss.

The game remained competitive through the middle innings as St. Thomas collected nine hits overall, but OLLU’s offense proved too consistent to contain. The Saints capitalized on timely hitting and aggressive baserunning to regain control late in the game.

Inside the circle, Annika Litterio started for OLLU and worked through four innings before Valeria Vielma entered in relief. Vielma shut the door over the final three innings, allowing just one hit while striking out three to earn the win and improve to 11-3 on the season.

St. Thomas starter Johana Magaldi took the loss after allowing nine runs over 4.1 innings, while Christina Ortiz pitched the final 1.2 innings in relief.

OLLU PsyD Student Andrea Nava-Quintero Earns National Latina Student Scholar Award

Please join us in celebrating OLLU PsyD student Andrea Nava-Quintero on her selection as a recipient of the 2026 Latina Student Scholar Award from the American Psychological Association’s Division 35, Section III (Society of Latinx Womxn in Psychology).

This national recognition honors outstanding Latina scholars whose work advances the field of psychology and uplifts the experiences of Latinx communities. Andrea’s achievement reflects her dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a meaningful impact through her studies and future practice.

Learn more about the award and the Society of Latinx Womxn in Psychology here.

We are proud to celebrate this incredible accomplishment and look forward to all that Andrea will continue to achieve.

Adelante 2026 Begins May 20: Learn, Connect, and Grow Together

Dear OLLU Community,

The Adelante Professional Development Conference is set to begin May 20–21, bringing together our community for two days of learning, connection, and growth.

Hosted by Staff Assembly with support from the President’s Cabinet, this year’s conference features dynamic speakers from across the OLLU community, along with a special guest speaker who will lead an engaging keynote and masterclass on Emotional Intelligence.

Participants can look forward to a wide range of sessions, including topics such as data-driven decision making, workflow automation, well-being, cybersecurity, and more. The conference will also include a leadership panel and conclude with a wine and cheese reception.

📅 Wednesday, May 20 & Thursday, May 21, 2026
📍 San Antonio Campus (with hybrid options for Houston and RGV)
Adelante SharePoint Site- most up to date information

Employees are encouraged to attend in person for meaningful engagement, with hybrid access available for all sessions.

We look forward to learning and growing together—Adelante!

OLLU Enrollment Reaches 1,210 as Fall 2026 Momentum Continues

Dear OLLU Community,

As we prepare for a successful Fall 2026, we celebrate the progress we’ve made together and remain focused on what’s ahead. Our current enrollment stands at 1,210—a strong reflection of the dedication and care across our OLLU community.

With a goal of reaching 1,800 students, we are within reach—and every effort counts.

Enrollment is a shared responsibility, and each interaction with students makes a difference. We can continue building momentum by:

Sharing your OLLU experience to inspire future students
Supporting and retaining the students who are already part of our community
Staying engaged and working collaboratively across campus

Every registration moves us closer to our goal and strengthens our mission. You’ll continue to see the enrollment thermometer across campus as we track our progress together.

With focus, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose, we can cross the finish line and continue creating a thriving OLLU community.

OLLU’s Sueltenfuss Library Early Voting Site for May 2026 Joint Primary Runoff Election

Our Lady of the Lake University will once again serve the San Antonio community by hosting an official early voting location for the May 26, 2026 Joint Primary Runoff Election. Early voting will take place at the Sueltenfuss Library from May 18 through May 22, 2026, providing convenient access for students, faculty, staff, and local residents to participate in the democratic process.

By opening its campus as a polling location, Our Lady of the Lake University continues its longstanding commitment to civic engagement, community partnership, and public service. The University encourages all eligible voters to take advantage of early voting to avoid Election Day lines and ensure their voices are heard.

Hosting early voting reflects OLLU’s mission of leadership and service, reinforcing the University’s role as a welcoming gathering place where education, community involvement, and civic responsibility come together. Community members are invited to visit campus during the early voting period and participate in shaping the future through active citizenship.

For more information on hours and the sample ballot, click here.

OLLU Makes History with the Launch of Women’s Flag Football in Fall 2026

Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to usher in a historic new era for Saints Athletics with the launch of its first-ever Women’s Flag Football program, beginning in Fall 2026. As one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, women’s flag football represents innovation, opportunity, and the continued expansion of collegiate athletics—and OLLU is leading the way as San Antonio’s first university to offer scholarships in the sport.

This milestone reflects OLLU’s longstanding commitment to elevating women’s athletics and creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes to compete, lead, and succeed. The addition of women’s flag football not only expands our varsity offerings but also reinforces our mission to empower students through access, equity, and excellence both on and off the field.

We are excited to welcome the inaugural class of Saints flag football student-athletes who will help build the foundation of this program and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Their leadership, determination, and competitive spirit will help shape the future of women’s sports at OLLU and across Texas.

As we look ahead to Fall 2026, we celebrate this moment with pride and anticipation. OLLU is once again bringing women’s sports to the forefront—creating new pathways, inspiring champions, and continuing a tradition where Saints rise, lead, and make history together.

Join the movement. The future of Saints Athletics starts here. Go Saints!

OLLU Honors Colonel Gil Coronado with Posthumous Doctorate, Celebrating a Life of Service and Westside Leadership

During commencement ceremonies, Our Lady of the Lake University paid tribute to one of its distinguished alumni, Colonel Gil Coronado (USAF Retired), awarding him a posthumous Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to service, leadership, and community empowerment.

The honorary degree was received on his behalf by his wife and daughter, creating one of the most moving moments of the ceremony as the OLLU community stood in remembrance and gratitude for a leader whose legacy remains deeply rooted in the Westside of San Antonio.

A proud Mexican American leader and lifelong advocate for his community, Colonel Coronado described himself as a “product of the streets” of San Antonio’s Westside — a community he never forgot as he rose to national prominence. Through military service, civic leadership, and advocacy, he transformed early challenges into a career defined by integrity, mentorship, and opportunity for others.

Colonel Coronado served with distinction in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Colonel and commanding at Lackland Air Force Base. His military career included service during the Vietnam War and international assignments across Europe and Latin America, earning more than 35 military honors and decorations, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.

Beyond military service, Coronado made a lasting national impact as a champion of Hispanic recognition and advancement. Widely known as the “Padrino” of Hispanic Heritage Month, he helped expand the original National Hispanic Heritage Week into the month-long national celebration recognized today. His commitment to representation and cultural pride helped elevate Hispanic contributions across the United States.

His leadership continued at the highest levels of government when he became the first Hispanic Director of the Selective Service System, where he strengthened outreach to underserved communities and expanded equitable access to opportunity.

Throughout his life, Colonel Coronado remained connected to Our Lady of the Lake University — his alma mater — embodying OLLU’s mission of service, social justice, and community transformation. His work opened pathways for generations of Westside families, students, and future leaders.

By conferring this honorary doctorate, OLLU honored not only an alumnus but a legacy of courage, cultural pride, and servant leadership that reflects the very spirit of the Saints.

The recognition serves as a lasting reminder that education, faith, and service can transform lives — and that the impact of one OLLU graduate can resonate far beyond campus and across generations.

Donald Graham Inspires OLLU Graduates with Message of Opportunity, Service, and Community Impact

Our Lady of the Lake University welcomed nationally recognized media leader and philanthropist Donald “Don” E. Graham as the Commencement speaker on Thursday, May 7, delivering a powerful address focused on education, opportunity, and the transformative impact of serving communities such as San Antonio’s Westside.

Graham, Chairman Emeritus of Graham Holdings Company and former publisher of The Washington Post, shared reflections from a career shaped by journalism, public service, and a deep commitment to expanding access to education. Speaking directly to OLLU’s graduates — many of whom are first-generation college students and proud representatives of the Westside — Graham emphasized the responsibility that comes with education: to uplift others and strengthen the communities that shaped them.

Drawing from his own family legacy in media and civic leadership, Graham highlighted how opportunity grows when institutions invest in people. His speech paralleled his work co-founding TheDream.US, the nation’s largest scholarship program for DREAMers, underscoring his belief that higher education changes not only individual lives but entire neighborhoods.

His message resonated strongly with OLLU’s mission and history on the Westside of San Antonio — a university founded to expand access to higher education for underserved communities. Graham praised the resilience, cultural pride, and determination reflected in OLLU graduates, noting that their success represents generations of sacrifice and hope.

“You carry your community with you,” he shared, encouraging graduates to remain connected to their roots as they pursue careers, advanced degrees, and leadership opportunities.

As graduates crossed the commencement stage, his words reinforced a central theme of the evening: OLLU graduates are not only earning degrees; they are becoming leaders prepared to make lasting change in San Antonio and beyond.

The university proudly thanks Donald Graham for delivering an address that honored OLLU’s heritage, affirmed the strength of the Westside community, and inspired the newest generation of Saints to lead with purpose.

Dr. Valerie Martinez Honored at San Antonio Hispanic Chamber Women’s Leadership Awards

Our Lady of the Lake University proudly celebrates Dr. Valerie Martinez, who was recognized at the 15th Annual Making a Mark on the World Women’s Leadership Awards Luncheon hosted by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on May 8.

Dr. Martinez received this distinguished honor in recognition of her leadership, professional excellence, and commitment to uplifting the community through education and service. Representing OLLU at the regional event, she stood among influential leaders whose work continues to create meaningful impact across San Antonio and beyond.

The Women’s Leadership Awards highlight individuals who exemplify innovation, mentorship, and dedication to empowering others — values that reflect OLLU’s mission of preparing leaders committed to service, social responsibility, and community engagement.

Through her work, Dr. Martinez advances opportunities for students and strengthens partnerships that support access to higher education and workforce success. Her recognition underscores the vital role OLLU faculty and administrators play in shaping future leaders while contributing to the broader Hispanic community.

OLLU congratulates Dr. Martinez on this well-deserved honor and celebrates her continued leadership as she helps make a lasting mark on the world.