OLLU’s Fall 2026 enrollment currently stands at 1,366 toward a goal of 1,800. Reaching that target is a shared priority for the entire OLLU community, and every member has a role to play in helping the university succeed.
Together, through continued outreach, support, and commitment, we can move closer to our goal. Every effort matters, and every contribution helps OLLU thrive.
Professor Gonzalez and OLLU’s Visual & New Media Arts Program are excited to welcome San Anto Zine Fest to campus this year. Since 2017, San Anto Zine Fest has created a space for self-published artists and writers to share their work and connect with the community.
Save the date for San Anto Zine Fest at the UWAC on September 19, 2026. The open call for zine exhibitors and workshop or panel talk proposals is now live at bit.ly/SAZF26App, and applications are due July 20.
For more information, visit sanantozinefest.com or contact Professor Gonzalez at sbgonzalez@ollusa.edu.
Dr. Heather Herrera, Director of Retention and Student Success at Our Lady of the Lake University, has been selected as a Fellow in the eighth cohort of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo, a nationally recognized program designed to prepare higher education professionals for senior leadership roles, including college and university presidencies, chancellorships, and CEO positions.
As part of this distinguished honor, Dr. Herrera was awarded a competitive $10,000 Capital One scholarship to cover program fees. The scholarship is awarded through a rigorous selection process that evaluates candidates on their professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and commitment to advancing higher education.
The HACU Leadership Academy brings together emerging leaders from colleges and universities across the nation for a yearlong professional development experience focused on strategic leadership, institutional governance, student success, and the future of higher education. Participants engage in virtual and in-person seminars, collaborate with peers, and gain valuable insight from experienced higher education leaders.
The program includes leadership seminars held in conjunction with HACU’s Annual Conference and National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education, culminating in an international seminar that provides participants with a global perspective on leadership and higher education.
Dr. Herrera’s selection reflects her dedication to academic excellence, student success, and leadership development. Through this fellowship, she will further strengthen her ability to serve OLLU and contribute to the advancement of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and higher education nationwide.
Congratulations to Dr. Herrera on this outstanding achievement and recognition of her leadership potential.
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) Computer Information Systems and Security (CISS) graduate Cesar Reyes is proving that classroom learning can lead directly to career opportunities.
Shortly after graduating from OLLU, Reyes was hired to develop business solutions using Microsoft’s Power Apps platform—a skill he learned while completing coursework in the CISS program. His success demonstrates the value of hands-on, project-based learning and the impact of service-learning experiences on career readiness.
Reyes developed his Power Apps expertise through two OLLU courses, including a Service-Learning course that challenged students to apply technology skills to solve real-world problems for community organizations. Rather than simply learning software concepts in a traditional classroom setting, Reyes gained practical experience designing applications, automating processes, and developing solutions that addressed actual client needs.
“The ability to take what you learn in the classroom and immediately apply it to real organizations is one of the strengths of the CISS program,” said Professor Kelly Roberts-Cooper. “Cesar embraced every opportunity to learn, collaborate, and create solutions that make a difference. His success is exactly what we hope for our students.”
During the Service-Learning project, Reyes worked directly with stakeholders to identify business needs and develop technology solutions using Microsoft Power Apps. The experience helped him build both technical and professional skills, including project management, client communication, problem-solving, and application development.
Those experiences paid off when Reyes entered the workforce. Employers recognized his ability to create low-code business applications that improve organizational efficiency and streamline operations. Today, he is using those same skills professionally to build Power Apps solutions that support business processes and digital transformation initiatives.
The achievement highlights the growing demand for professionals with expertise in Microsoft’s Power Platform, which includes Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI. Organizations across industries increasingly rely on these tools to modernize workflows and improve productivity.
OLLU’s CISS program prepares students for careers in information systems, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies through hands-on learning opportunities and industry-relevant coursework. The program has earned national recognition for its quality and commitment to preparing students for technology careers.
Reyes’ journey from student to technology professional reflects the transformative impact of experiential learning. By combining academic knowledge with practical application, he was able to develop skills that not only enhanced his education but also opened the door to immediate career opportunities. His achievement exemplifies the mission of OLLU’s CISS program—to prepare graduates who are ready to lead, innovate, and serve. As Reyes begins this new chapter, he joins a growing network of OLLU alumni making meaningful contributions through technology in workplaces and communities across Texas and beyond.
On June 3, Our Lady of the Lake University welcomed seventh- and eighth-grade students from Edgewood ISD to campus for a summer STEM camp held in partnership with Startup High.
The visit provided students with an opportunity to explore college life while engaging in hands-on learning experiences across multiple disciplines. After a campus tour, students participated in interactive activities led by OLLU faculty and staff, including a VO₂ max demonstration in the Kinesiology Lab, Makerspace projects and hydroponic gardening activities in Metz Hall, and cybersecurity exercises hosted by Computer Information Systems and Security faculty.
Students tested password strength, examined computer hardware, and explored the evolution of technology through a display of legacy computing equipment. Throughout the day, participants engaged with faculty, discovered new areas of interest, and gained insight into potential academic and career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
OLLU is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Edgewood ISD and Startup High to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is hosting a special Juneteenth art exhibition presented by The Art of Four Art Initiative, featuring the work of Black and minority artists whose pieces explore themes of freedom, resilience, culture, and community. The exhibition is on display through June 30, 2026, in the AT&T Foundation Student Commons on the third floor of OLLU’s Main Building and is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the public.
Curated by Maria M. Williams, executive director of The Art of Four Art Initiative and founder of In the Eye of the Beholder Art Gallery, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on history, identity, healing, and artistic expression. Williams said the exhibition was created from the belief that art is memory, resistance, storytelling, and legacy.
The partnership holds special meaning for Williams, whose older brother, Clifton B. Hazlewood Jr., attended OLLU, making the collaboration a tribute to family, education, resilience, and community legacy. As an Afro-Latina, Williams has long championed greater representation and visibility for Black and minority artists through her work as a curator, cultural strategist, and arts advocate.
OLLU President Dr. Abel Chávez said the university is proud to host the exhibition as a reflection of its commitment to civil rights, social justice, and the dignity of every person. The exhibit highlights the enduring impact of Black history and culture while celebrating the transformative power of art in education and community engagement.
The exhibition served as both a cultural and educational experience, inviting visitors to engage with themes of liberation, identity, heritage, and social justice. Through visual storytelling and artistic expression, the exhibit highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing the stories that continue to shape our communities.
A special highlight of this year’s exhibition was a visit from students from Lytle on May 20. During their campus visit, students toured OLLU and explored the exhibit, gaining a deeper understanding of Juneteenth’s historical significance while experiencing the University’s commitment to education, diversity, and community engagement.
The Juneteenth Art Exhibition remains on display through June 30, 2026, in the AT&T Foundation Student Commons on the third floor of OLLU’s Main Building. The exhibit reflects OLLU’s ongoing mission to foster learning, dialogue, and appreciation for the diverse histories and experiences that enrich our society.
For Tayara Cropper, earning a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University was more than an academic achievement—it was a transformative experience that prepared her to serve others with compassion, cultural understanding, and purpose.
A member of OLLU’s Class of 2023, Cropper earned her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Hispanic Children and Families, a specialized program that continues to influence her work as a renal social worker. The program equipped her with the cultural competence and practical skills needed to effectively support diverse populations, particularly Hispanic patients and families navigating complex healthcare challenges.
“Through this program, I gained the cultural competence and insight needed to effectively serve diverse communities,” Cropper said. “As a renal social worker, I apply this training daily when supporting Hispanic patients and families with respect, understanding, and advocacy.”
OLLU’s rigorous curriculum and supportive faculty helped prepare Cropper for immediate success after graduation. She passed her social work licensing exam on her first attempt and quickly secured employment in her field, a testament to the strong foundation she built during her time at the university.
While pursuing her degree, Cropper also faced economic challenges, but she credits OLLU’s support systems and community for helping her remain focused on her goals. The encouragement and resources she received enabled her to persevere and complete her graduate education.
Today, as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Cropper continues to serve others while preparing for the next step in her professional journey as she works toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Reflecting on her experience, Cropper remains grateful for the education and mentorship she received at OLLU.
“I will always appreciate my time at OLLU for shaping me into the social worker I am today and reinforcing my commitment to service and compassion,” she said.
Through graduates like Cropper, OLLU’s mission of preparing professionals dedicated to service, leadership, and social justice continues to make a meaningful impact in communities across Texas.
As we continue our Fall 2026 enrollment efforts, we want to recognize the progress we have made together and keep our focus on the goal ahead. Our current enrollment stands at 1,340 students, a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and commitment demonstrated across the OLLU community.
While this milestone is worth celebrating, we remain focused on our Fall 2026 enrollment goal of 1,800 students. With 460 students still needed to reach our target, every conversation, campus visit, referral, and act of support can make a meaningful impact.
Enrollment is a shared responsibility. Whether you are engaging prospective students, supporting current Saints, participating in campus events, or sharing your OLLU experience with others, your efforts help strengthen our community and advance our mission.
As you continue to see the enrollment thermometer displayed across campus, remember that each new student represents an opportunity to transform a life through education. Together, through collaboration, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to student success, we can build the momentum needed to reach our goal and continue growing a thriving OLLU community.
Thank you for your continued dedication and support.
OLLU is currently under a Demand Response request from CPS Energy. Please walk through your areas and ensure lights are off in unoccupied spaces, window air conditioners are set 4 degrees higher or turned to LOW/off in empty rooms, and all space heaters, coffee pots, and other unused appliances are turned off or unplugged. Response leads should complete their assigned actions immediately.
Thank you for your commitment to OLLU’s energy efficiency efforts.
OLLU’s Fall 2026 enrollment stands at 1,314, with a goal of 1,800. Reaching that milestone will take all of us working together across campus and within our broader community. Every conversation, every connection, and every registration brings us one step closer to success. We work together, and we thrive together.
