Exciting News! 🍔📲
Grubhub is coming to Our Lady of the Lake University!
Students, faculty, and staff will soon be able to order food from campus dining locations and participating off-campus restaurants — all through the Grubhub app.
Whether you’re studying late, in between classes, or just craving your favorite meal, convenience is now just a tap away!
Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to launch.
Get ready to skip the line and order ahead — Grubhub @ OLLU is almost here!
Dr. Apolonio Trejo, assistant professor of bilingual education at Our Lady of the Lake University, continues to shine a spotlight on a critical educational equity issue: the underrepresentation of Hispanic English learners in gifted and talented programs.
Since his doctoral dissertation, Dr. Trejo has been deeply committed to researching how systemic barriers often prevent bilingual students from being properly identified and supported as gifted. His expertise recently garnered national attention when he was recognized by Monserrat Garibay, former Deputy Secretary and Director of the Office of English Language Acquisition under President Joe Biden.
Dr. Trejo’s research centers on the unique cognitive advantages of bilingual students, particularly their ability to code-switch and translanguage, which are often misunderstood or overlooked in traditional assessments of giftedness.
“When you start translanguaging, you have learned to manipulate both languages—Spanish and English—and not all students can do that,” Dr. Trejo explained. “That’s when you start getting all this Spanglish, where students make up their own words, because they’re using their entire brain. Not all gifted or high-achievers can do that.”
He advocates for a broader definition of giftedness—one that recognizes cultural and linguistic assets rather than viewing them as deficits. His work encourages educators to see the rich linguistic repertoires of English learners as signs of advanced cognitive development, not obstacles to be remediated.
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) has officially partnered with Laredo College (LC) to launch a bold new transfer agreement aimed at expanding access to affordable, high-quality bachelor’s degree pathways for students in South Texas.
On June 26, 2025, leaders from both institutions gathered at the Sueltenfuss Library on OLLU’s San Antonio campus to commemorate the signing of this landmark agreement. The event brought together trustees, faculty and staff, members of the Congregation of Divine Providence, and special guests from the Laredo community for a celebration of collaboration, access, and educational opportunity.
The agreement paves the way for qualifying Laredo College students to transfer into OLLU’s undergraduate programs with streamlined credit evaluations, automatic admission into designated majors, and personalized advising support. Students will also benefit from scholarship opportunities and ongoing guidance throughout their academic journey.
“This agreement is more than a memorandum,” said Dr. Abel A. Chávez, President of OLLU. “It is a shared declaration of purpose. Together, Laredo College and OLLU are clearing pathways, removing barriers, and accelerating access to four-year degrees for students who will go on to lead, serve, and transform our communities of San Antonio, South Texas, and beyond.”
Designed to serve first-generation and underrepresented students, the partnership reflects both institutions’ commitment to equity and student success. By addressing common transfer challenges—like credit loss, limited advising, and financial roadblocks—the agreement creates a smoother transition for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
“It is an honor to see both of our great institutions come together for the success of our students,” said Dr. Minita Ramírez, President of Laredo College. “This partnership with Our Lady of the Lake University will open more doors for our students that will lead them to become great leaders in our communities, throughout the South Texas region, and the nation. When we empower our students and remove obstacles, we also clear a route to graduation and their dream career.”
As Texas continues to invest in building a skilled and educated workforce, this agreement aligns with state goals to increase educational attainment and economic mobility. OLLU, as a Hispanic-Serving Institution founded in 1895, remains committed to mission-driven partnerships that uplift students and communities through higher education.
Our Lady of the Lake University was proudly represented this week at the 5th International Single Session Therapy Conference, hosted by Northwestern University in Chicago. The conference brought together leading researchers, practitioners, and scholars from around the world to explore the evolving landscape of single session psychotherapy (SST)—a brief, client-centered approach to mental health care.
OLLU’s team included both graduate students and faculty presenters from the university’s psychology and counseling programs, highlighting the university’s academic excellence and research-driven approach to therapy.
Dr. Monte Bobele
Their presentations explored innovative applications of single session therapy and its benefits in diverse, real-world contexts—particularly among underserved populations. Faculty members such as Dr. Monte Bobele and Dr. Monica Sesma have been instrumental in advancing OLLU’s contributions to this international conversation on brief therapy models.
The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to announce Shirley Caldera as the Interim Regional Executive Director of Graduate Admissions and Retention for the San Antonio, Houston, and Rio Grande Valley (RGV) regions.
Shirley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role, backed by a proven track record in designing and implementing effective educational policies and programs that consistently exceed performance goals. Her strategic leadership in academic planning, budget oversight, and program development has led to measurable improvements in student enrollment, retention, and achievement.
Prior to joining OLLU, Shirley led the operations and strategic execution of eight off-site campuses in Texas, including six in San Antonio, one in Killeen, and one in Corpus Christi. She collaborated with cross-functional teams to organize community-focused fundraising events tailored to adult learners, including Casino Night, Family Picnic Day, Dining with Administration and Faculty, and Mardi Gras Evening. She also oversaw the development and delivery of online, hybrid, and in-person courses, supporting over 150 faculty members and more than 1,500 students to meet academic learning outcomes.
In her interim role, Shirley will lead the development and execution of region-specific plans aimed at achieving graduate admissions goals, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards and accreditation requirements. She will also focus on standardizing admissions procedures and enhancing student support services across all campuses, driving consistency, equity, and operational excellence.
Our Lady of the Lake University will host Lake Day Orientation #3 on Monday, July 14, 2025. This full-day, in-person orientation welcomes our newest group of incoming undergraduate students and their families to campus.
LDO is a vital part of the onboarding experience for new students, offering a first look at OLLU’s academic expectations, support services, and community values. We expect a strong turnout of future Saints—one of five orientation sessions scheduled this summer.
🎓 Faculty and staff participation is essential—thank you to everyone who is volunteering, presenting, advising, or welcoming families throughout the day. Your presence and engagement help our new students feel supported and excited to begin their college journey.
Other Upcoming LDO Dates:
From June 1 to 6, Our Lady of the Lake University had the privilege of hosting six international EducationUSA advisers as part of a weeklong exploration of San Antonio’s academic institutions. The visit, organized in partnership with the City of San Antonio’s Global Engagement Office, brought together representatives from countries including Slovakia, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Republic of Mauritius.
During their stay, the advisers were housed in OLLU’s Slater Hall, giving them firsthand experience of on-campus student living. They also received an in-depth overview of the university from the Office of Undergraduate Admission, highlighting OLLU’s academic programs, vibrant student life, and commitment to global education.
We invite OLLU faculty and staff to submit proposals for presentations and workshops that contribute to the conference theme and goals. Proposals should offer engaging and practical learning experiences that empower employees to evolve in their roles and contribute to the university’s success
Week of August 11, 2025
Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio Campus (with hybrid options for Houston & RGV)
Conference Goals:
The University Professional Development Days aims to:
Important Dates:
Our Lady of the Lake University’s Center for Teaching Excellence invites you to experience one of the most influential education expos in the world — absolutely free!
The ISTELive 25 and ASCD Annual 25 Conference will be hosted in San Antonio from June 29 to July 2, and OLLU students, faculty, and staff are eligible for a free Expo Hall pass.
This is your chance to connect with global leaders in education technology, explore cutting-edge tools, and engage with representatives especially interested in meeting those studying or working in:
Location: Henry B. González Convention Center
Expo Pass: Free with advance registration
Expo Hall Hours:
Open to anyone age 16+ with a professional or academic connection to education or curriculum. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the latest in edtech innovation right here in San Antonio!
