Each year from September 15 to October 15, the nation celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
At Our Lady of the Lake University, this observance is especially meaningful. OLLU is proud to be recognized as one of the first Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the country and the founding home of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Last week, during HSI Week (Sept. 8–14), we joined institutions nationwide in celebrating the impact of HSIs and the students they serve.
As we enter Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue that celebration by recognizing the resilience, creativity, and leadership of Hispanic communities—values that are deeply woven into OLLU’s mission and lived out every day by our students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
This month is both a time to honor history and to look ahead, as we recommit to supporting Hispanic heritage and empowering future generations of leaders.
As we kickoff Hispanic Heritage Month and have been celebrating National Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) week, there has been news coming from the federal Department of Education. Funding for HSIs as well as for programs such as the TRIO program that help First Gen students have been eliminated or redirected to other colleges and universities. It is indeed disheartening, yet, we have been a Hispanic Serving Institution before there were any executive orders to support them. Our values: integrity, trust, community, and service are values that are synonymous with being Catholic, living a life in service to others, to being and doing good. These values have been part of our mission since 1866 when the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence first arrived in Texas. We are committed to these values regardless of other beliefs. “E pluribus unum — out of many, one” is a reminder that unity in diversity is our nation’s strength and it is OLLU’s identity. Whether you are a Sister, a staff member, a faculty member, a student, an Armadillo, or a Saint, remember that we are resilient. We are OLLU. I feel extraordinarily humbled to represent you. We have been here 130 years and it is my intention to keep us going for another 130.
Tony’s acting career has spanned over three decades and he has been in over 70 feature films as well as popular TV shows such as Ugly Betty and this year in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. He most recently received the award for being the most evil and hated villain in the Miami Vice series. But, as shown here with President Abel Chavez at Our Lady of the Lake University’s Sacred Heart Chapel, Tony is really a good guy. He has been active in Los Angeles, Washington, DC., New York City and now in San Antonio bringing theater to minority communities. Tony is currently working on Seniors at Play, a program that empowers seniors through creativity and connection at the Madonna Center – which was also started by the Sisters of Divine Providence. While he may have been voted the most evil and hated villain, Tony is an honorary Saint in our eyes!
The National Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), which was created at Our Lady of the Lake University, is asking for you to share your story on how your HSI impacted your life, your community, and the broader economy. “Our goal is to amplify the collective voice of HSIs and ensure the public understands what is at stake,” said Dr. Paul Machen, Senior Executive Director of Professional Leadership and Student Programs. “The testimonials and stories will be sent to members of Congress.”
The Dieciseis de Septiembre parade, as it is affectionately called for taking place on the 16th of September to commemorate Mexico’s Independence day, has been organized by the Avenida Guadalupe Association and has taken place in San Antonio’s west side community for 44 years. This year, Our Lady of the Lake University was among the more than 75 registered participants. From floats, charros on horses, marching bands, motorcycle organizations, and antique cars this year’s celebration did not disappoint. Local residents sat on their folding chairs outside of their homes and cheered the participants on. Alum along the route yelled out, “that’s my school!”
Our Lady of the Lake University volleyball continued their strong early-season form with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Huston-Tillotson University on the road Wednesday evening at Branch Gymnasium. The Saints controlled the match from start to finish, earning set victories of 25-13, 25-17, and 25-21 to improve their momentum heading into the heart of the season.
OLLU delivered a well-balanced team performance with 38 kills, 32 assists, and 11 blocks, showcasing both offensive power and defensive discipline. The Saints came out firing in the first set, overwhelming Huston-Tillotson with aggressive play at the net and crisp ball movement. Their pressure never relented, and the team executed with precision in all phases of the game.
Mia Francis led the Saints’ attack with nine kills, while Anais Velasquez added six and Bailey Scott chipped in five. Nicole Bir contributed four kills, further highlighting the depth and versatility of OLLU’s offense. The front line’s efforts were made possible by standout setter Lauren Reynard, who led the team with 19 assists, consistently putting her hitters in ideal positions to score.
On the defensive end, Sophia Castillo anchored the Saints with a match-high 14 digs, helping neutralize Huston-Tillotson’s attempts to mount a comeback. The team’s 11 total blocks proved crucial in disrupting their opponent’s rhythm and maintaining control throughout the match.
The Saints now turn their focus to their next matchup, an away contest against Concordia University (TX) on Wednesday, September 17 at 6:30 PM CDT.
Mia Curiel of Our Lady of the Lake University (Texas) was selected as the RRAC Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week for Sept. 1-7, while OLLU’s Damon received the RRAC Men’s Runner of the Week honor for the same dates.
Curiel finished as the runner-up in the Bearkat Twilight event at NCAA Division I Sam Houston State University (Texas). The senior from McAllen, Texas, raced to a time of 19:02 in the 5K against a field of 20 runners from SHSU, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and North American.
Gutierrez led OLLU to a tiebreaker against SHSU by surpassing all runners in the Bearkat Twilight race. The graduate student from San Antonio posted a first-place time of 15:46 in the 5K distance against 30 runners from SHSU, TAMUK and NAU.
In a fiercely contested and emotionally charged match, the OLLU men’s soccer team battled to a 2-2 draw against Paul Quinn College on Sunday evening, showing grit, resilience, and flashes of brilliance in a game that could have gone either way.
The Saints came out aggressive and energized, controlling possession early and pressing high. Their early intensity paid off when Oli White opened the scoring in the first half with a clinical finish that sent the home crowd into celebration. White was active throughout the match, testing the Paul Quinn defense and goalkeeper with four shots, one of which found the back of the net. His movement and control in attacking set the tone for OLLU’s first-half dominance.
Despite holding the lead going into halftime, OLLU found themselves under pressure in the second half as Paul Quinn mounted a strong counterattack. The Tigers managed to score twice, capitalizing on quick transitions and a couple of defensive lapses. Still, the Saints refused to let the match slip away.
With time winding down and the intensity reaching its peak, Caleb Chagoy stepped up in a big way. On what was his only shot on goal of the match, Chagoy delivered the equalizer—an expertly timed strike that beat the keeper and reignited the Saints’ hopes. The goal was not only critical for the outcome of the match but gave the Saints momentum to keep pushing.
Defensively, Zak Averns remained a steady force in goal, recording four crucial saves and standing strong under pressure in a match where every possession mattered. Although he conceded two goals, his ability to stay composed and come up with big stops kept OLLU in the fight and ultimately preserved the draw.
While the Saints would have preferred to walk away with the win, the effort and resolve they showed throughout the full 90 minutes reflect a team with both heart and talent. The 2-2 result leaves OLLU hungry for more as they continue to build chemistry and momentum early in the season.
The Saints return to action on September 11th with an away match against Southwestern Christian University at 3:00 PM, where they’ll look to turn their fierce competitive energy into a statement win on the road.
Are you interested in growing your own garden on campus?
The TExAS FAST program is going to be renting out garden beds from our community garden on campus, which is close to the campus entrance off Commerce Street behind the soccer fields.
We are hosting an informational meeting Friday, September 12th from 12:30-1:30 in Metz 102. All OLLU students, faculty and staff are welcome!
Swing into action and join the fun at the 10th Annual Saints Golf Classic benefiting OLLU Athletics. Your support fuels essential athletic resources, resulting in success on and off the field.
Friday, September 26 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m Registration and lunch at 12:00 p.m. Shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.
