Category: News

United Way Child Care Scholarships Available for Fall 2025

United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County is offering child care scholarships to help parents continue their education and job training while ensuring access to quality, affordable child care.

The program covers the majority of child care costs for families enrolled in:

  • College full-time (pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree)
  • College part-time with a part-time job
  • A long-term workforce development or job training program

Military families may also qualify if they are residents of the greater San Antonio area and the spouse of an active duty, guard, or reserve member.

Fast Facts for Applicants:

  • Most applications take less than an hour to complete.
  • An unofficial transcript (such as a screenshot) is acceptable.
  • Letters of recommendation are not required.
  • Over 50% of applicants receive awards.
  • Applicants do not need to have a child care center selected at the time of application.

In addition, families may qualify for immediate child care support through United Way’s Dual Generation Initiative, which provides wraparound resources for parents and children.

To Learn More & Apply, Click Here

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Celebrate Your OLLU Pride with an Official Ring

Our Lady of the Lake University students have the opportunity to honor their memories and accomplishments with the Official OLLU Ring. More than just jewelry, the official ring symbolizes the pride, tradition, and lifelong connection that comes with being part of the OLLU family.

Join us for the on-campus ordering event:

  • Tuesday, September 17 – Wednesday, September 18
  • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Campus Bookstore

During the event, students can explore a variety of ring styles and take advantage of special event pricing—up to $125 off all metals.

Don’t miss your chance to take part in this OLLU tradition and carry a piece of the Lake with you wherever you go.

Order or Learn More
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OLLU’s Hrafns Recognized With First RRAC Women’s Soccer Award Of The Season

In RRAC women’s soccer, Our Lady of the Lake notched a win in its first game of the season on Friday with a freshman goalkeeper in net, but the Saints and Xavier are the only teams in the win column this season.

TAMUT and OLLU players were recognized as the weekly award winners for Aug. 18-24:

RRAC Offensive Player of the Week – Brooklyn Lattier, Texas A&M-Texarkana
Lattier found the net with the Eagles’ only goal in a 5-1 loss to NAIA No. 2 Keiser University (Fla.). The junior midfielder from Shreveport, La., was a first-team all-conference selection last year.  

RRAC Defensive Player of the Week – Salka Hrafns, Our Lady of the Lake
Hrafns collected the win in a 1-0 shutout victory over Schreiner University (Texas). The freshman goalkeeper from Akranes, Iceland, was making her first college appearance for the Saints.

Additional RRAC women’s soccer weekly nominees: Layla Anaya (A&M-Texarkana), Sacha Backus (LSU Alexandria), Sara Garza (Our Lady of the Lake), Yanira Herraez (LSU Alexandria), Laura Kucharz (LSU Shreveport).

2025 RRAC women’s soccer weekly selections:

DateOffensive Player of the WeekDefensive Player of the Week
Aug. 19-25Brooklyn Lattier (TAMUT)Salka Hrafns (OLLU)

This week in the RRAC

Both OLLU and Texas A&M-Victoria will host Oklahoma City University for matches, and LSU Shreveport is on the road at William Carey tonight. Texas A&M-San Antonio will have a crosstown match-up with Trinity, while OLLU will play St. Mary’s.

Tuesday, Aug. 26 – Mobile at Xavier, Lubbock Christian at Southwest, LSU Shreveport at William Carey

Wednesday, Aug. 27 – Tennessee Southern at LSU Alexandria, Texas Wesleyan at Jarvis Christian

Thursday, Aug. 28 – Oklahoma City at Our Lady of the Lake, Eastern New Mexico at Southwest, North American at Texas Southern

Friday, Aug. 29 – Texas A&M-San Antonio at Trinity

Saturday, Aug. 30 – Oklahoma City at Texas A&M-Victoria, North American at Paul Quinn, LSU Alexandria at Texas Wesleyan, Texas A&M-Texarkana at Nelson, LSU Shreveport at USAO

Sunday, Aug. 31 – St. Mary’s at Our Lady of the Lake, Schreiner at Southwest

Saints Start Strong: OLLU Soccer Sweeps Season Openers Against Schreiner

Our Lady of the Lake University opened its soccer season with a commanding display from both the men’s and women’s teams, earning shutout victories over Schreiner University on Thursday night. The Saints set the tone for the year with dominant performances that left little doubt about their readiness for the new campaign.

The women’s team struck first, notching a 1-0 victory behind an unrelenting offensive push and airtight defense. Sara Garza led the attack with an impressive five shots, all on target, eventually breaking through for the game’s only goal. The assist came from Monica Sanchez, who placed the ball perfectly to set up Garza’s finish. Despite the narrow margin on the scoreboard, the Saints controlled much of the match, outshooting Schreiner 25-4 and keeping the Mountaineers under constant pressure. Sixteen of OLLU’s shots were on goal, and their 60% possession reflected their command of the game. In goal, London Suarez and Salka Hrafns split time, each holding the Mountaineers scoreless to secure the clean sheet.

Momentum continued to build into the men’s game, where OLLU delivered a powerful 4-0 statement win. Cade Ryan opened the scoring with one goal on two shots on target. Alessandro Sierra was clinical with his opportunity, scoring on his lone shot. Andres Rocha proved to be a standout, netting two goals on three shots and constantly putting the Schreiner defense on its heels. Rocha’s first goal came in the 40th minute off a sharp assist from Nicolas Murgas, who found him in stride to double the Saints’ lead before halftime. Goalkeeper Zak Averns played the full 90 minutes and recorded two saves to preserve the clean sheet. OLLU’s men launched 14 shots compared to Schreiner’s two, with eight on target.

Both teams now turn their attention to building on these opening wins, already showing promise and discipline on both ends of the pitch. Both the men and women soccer teams will play at home Thursday, August 28th against the Oklahoma City Stars at 1:00 and 3:30 PM CDT.

Reminder: Spirit Day 2025 on Thursday, September 11

OLLU will celebrate the new academic year with the annual Spirit Day Mass on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel. During the celebration, we will also be recognizing and blessing our OLLU Dance Team, Cheer, and Drumline, who made school and national history, bringing home the 2025 NCA NAIA Game Day Division National Championship.

During Spirit Day, OLLU joins more than 200 Catholic universities across the nation in celebrating the tradition of calling on the Holy Spirit to bless the academic year. In addition, faculty and staff who are celebrating 10+ years of service to the university will be recognized. They have contributed a collective 190 years of service to OLLU and its students.

This year’s Spirit Day honorees are:

  • Farias, Louis – General Maintenance Journeyman (45 years)
  • Alvarado, Dominga C – Director of Disbursements (35 years)
  • Gomez, John P – Professor of Psychology (25 years)
  • Nino, Nikki M – Student Support Specialist (20 years)
  • Delgado, Melissa – Registrar (20 years)
  • Ibarra, Stella C – Student Employment Assistant (15 years)
  • Ramirez, Elena C – Financial Aid Counselor (10 years)
  • Mendez, Darian G – Graduate Admissions Specialist (10 years)
  • Hernandez, Naomi A – Associate Clinical Professor (10 years)

Classes are dismissed from 10:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. on Spirit Day to allow the community to attend this celebration.

OLLU-Houston Welcomes Marriage and Family Therapy Class of 2028

The OLLU-Houston campus officially kicked off the 2025–2026 academic year on August 16 with a lively and inspiring orientation for the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Class of 2028.

Special guest Shirley Caldera, Director of Graduate Recruiting and Retention and Interim Regional Executive Director of Houston and RGV, shared a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for a year of learning and growth.

The event also featured Dr. Adrianna Gil-Wilkerson, Director of the MFT Program, who introduced Dr. Lindsay McCarthy, Assistant Professor of Psychology and the newest addition to the Houston faculty.

With three consecutive years of full MFT cohorts, excitement on campus continues to grow. This fall, OLLU-Houston students are already making an impact in the community. Graduate Admissions Counselor Victoria Sandoval is leading the university’s partnership with the BEAR Back to School Drive, supporting BEAR (Be a Resource for CPS Kids)—the only 501(c)(3) working directly with Texas DFPS and Harris County Resources for Children and Adults. Students proudly contributed supplies to help children in need start the school year strong.

The celebration also honored the Class of 2026, who have completed 300+ direct service hours, finished internships, and are preparing for their licensing exams. Their dedication reflects the strength and spirit of OLLU-Houston’s MFT program.

Here’s to another year of academic achievement, professional growth, and community service!

Saints Sweep William Carey, Fall Short in Five-Set Thriller Against Texas Wesleyan

Our Lady of the Lake University volleyball kicked off its 2025-26 season with a pair of matches that tested both resilience and execution. The Saints dropped a tightly contested opener against Oklahoma City University before bouncing back with a thrilling sweep of Embry-Riddle (AZ), securing the first collegiate head coaching win for Coach Swain.

In the morning match, the Saints faced a battle-tested Oklahoma City squad and came up just short in all three sets, falling 3-0 with scores of 26-24, 25-21, and 26-24. Despite the loss, the Saints displayed grit and poise throughout, staying within striking distance in every frame. Our Lady of the Lake finished the match with 41 kills and 113 total attempts, while committing 22 errors. Mia Francis and Anais Velasquez led the attack with 10 kills apiece. Lauren Reynard orchestrated the offense with 24 assists, and Chanisty Villarreal Bermea anchored the back row with a team-high 11 digs. The Saints also registered 8 team blocks and 3 service aces in a performance that showed promise despite the final result.

Later that day, the Saints returned to the court energized and determined, sweeping Embry-Riddle in three sets—though the final score didn’t come easily. After controlling the first two sets 25-19 and 25-16, the Saints found themselves in a marathon third set, rallying from behind to secure a dramatic 35-33 win and close out the match 3-0. It marked the first victory of the season for the Saints and a milestone moment for Coach Swain, who earned her first collegiate head coaching win in front of an electric crowd of 421 fans.

Anais Velasquez once again led the offensive charge with 12 kills, continuing her strong start to the season. Reynard dished out 34 assists, while Nicole Bir stepped up defensively with 5 blocks at the net. Villarreal Bermea was a force in the back row, collecting 13 digs to lead the team. As a group, the Saints improved significantly in the second match, finishing with 47 kills, just 12 errors, 35 assists, 49 digs, and 13 total blocks.

Reflecting on the team’s first win, Coach Swain said, “I’m incredibly proud of how the team fought today, especially in that final set. It was a true test of our resilience and teamwork. This win is just the beginning—we’re excited to keep building and competing hard every match.”

Saints Split Opening Day, Earn First Win Under Coach Swain

Our Lady of the Lake University volleyball kicked off its 2025-26 season with a pair of matches that tested both resilience and execution. The Saints dropped a tightly contested opener against Oklahoma City University before bouncing back with a thrilling sweep of Embry-Riddle (AZ), securing the first collegiate head coaching win for Coach Swain.

In the morning match, the Saints faced a battle-tested Oklahoma City squad and came up just short in all three sets, falling 3-0 with scores of 26-24, 25-21, and 26-24. Despite the loss, the Saints displayed grit and poise throughout, staying within striking distance in every frame. Our Lady of the Lake finished the match with 41 kills and 113 total attempts, while committing 22 errors. Mia Francis and Anais Velasquez led the attack with 10 kills apiece. Lauren Reynard orchestrated the offense with 24 assists, and Chanisty Villarreal Bermea anchored the back row with a team-high 11 digs. The Saints also registered 8 team blocks and 3 service aces in a performance that showed promise despite the final result.

Later that day, the Saints returned to the court energized and determined, sweeping Embry-Riddle in three sets—though the final score didn’t come easily. After controlling the first two sets 25-19 and 25-16, the Saints found themselves in a marathon third set, rallying from behind to secure a dramatic 35-33 win and close out the match 3-0. It marked the first victory of the season for the Saints and a milestone moment for Coach Swain, who earned her first collegiate head coaching win in front of an electric crowd of 421 fans.

Anais Velasquez once again led the offensive charge with 12 kills, continuing her strong start to the season. Reynard dished out 34 assists, while Nicole Bir stepped up defensively with 5 blocks at the net. Villarreal Bermea was a force in the back row, collecting 13 digs to lead the team. As a group, the Saints improved significantly in the second match, finishing with 47 kills, just 12 errors, 35 assists, 49 digs, and 13 total blocks.

Reflecting on the team’s first win, Coach Swain said, “I’m incredibly proud of how the team fought today, especially in that final set. It was a true test of our resilience and teamwork. This win is just the beginning—we’re excited to keep building and competing hard every match.”

Careers in Environmental Science Seminar Welcomes Guest Speaker Joseph Plappert

Dr. Briana Salas’ Careers in Environmental Science seminar series will kick off this fall with a special guest lecture by Joseph Plappert, Urban Wildlife Biologist with Texas Parks & Wildlife.

Joseph began his career with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a regulatory biologist and now serves in San Antonio as an Urban Wildlife Biologist. In his role, he works on professional planning, habitat management, research, and public outreach focused on wildlife and natural resource management in urban areas.

Date: Friday, November 15
Time: 1:45–3:00 p.m.
Location: Main 204 (with a virtual option available)

This event is free and open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear firsthand about the career journey from STEM student to environmental science professional.

For questions, contact: ollustexasfast@ollusa.edu

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OLLU President Abel Antonio Chávez Shares Vision and Goals

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) President Dr. Abel Antonio Chávez recently sat down with the San Antonio Report to discuss his goals for the university, the challenges facing higher education, and his vision for OLLU’s future.

In the Q&A, Dr. Chávez highlighted several priorities:

  • Expanding access and affordability – Ensuring that higher education remains within reach for students from all backgrounds.
  • Strengthening student success – Focusing on retention, graduation rates, and supporting students inside and outside the classroom.
  • Building community connections – Deepening OLLU’s role as a partner to San Antonio and the broader South Texas region.
  • Innovation and growth – Exploring opportunities to expand programs, research, and partnerships that prepare graduates for today’s workforce needs.

Dr. Chávez also reflected on OLLU’s unique history and mission, noting how its foundation as a Catholic university dedicated to service continues to shape its work today.

Read the full interview to learn more about President Chávez’s perspective and vision for OLLU’s future.