News – Page 38 – Lake Weekly

MSW Student Orisha Moon Receives Prestigious Ima Hogg Scholarship

Orisha Moon, a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Our Lady of the Lake University, has been named a 2025 Ima Hogg Scholarship recipient by the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. This highly regarded scholarship supports graduate-level social work students who are preparing to serve the mental health needs of underserved and underrepresented populations in Texas.

As part of this honor, Orisha will receive a $5,000 award to assist with academic expenses during the period of May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026. The scholarship serves as both financial support and a recognition of Orisha’s commitment to mental health equity and community-based service.

The Hogg Foundation’s mission is to transform how communities promote mental health in everyday life. Through this scholarship, the foundation invests in future professionals like Orisha who are driven to make lasting impacts in Texas communities through culturally competent, accessible mental health care.

Congratulations to Orisha Moon on this outstanding recognition!

Nemesis Crociata Accepted to MA/PhD Program at University of Connecticut

Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to announce that Nemesis Crociata, a graduating Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student, has been accepted into the MA/PhD Sociology program at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut.

Nemesis will enter the program with full funding for five years, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects their academic excellence, research potential, and commitment to advancing the field of sociology.

This opportunity will allow Nemesis to pursue advanced graduate training in social theory, research methodology, and areas of critical importance to society—all while contributing to a vibrant academic community at UConn.

Congratulations to Nemesis on this well-deserved achievement and best wishes for continued success on this next chapter!

Bianca Villalobos Accepted to UTSA Ph.D. Program in School Psychology

We are thrilled to announce that Bianca Villalobos, a graduating Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student at Our Lady of the Lake University, has been accepted into the Ph.D. School Psychology program at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).

Bianca will join the program’s Research and Evaluation track—a path designed for scholars interested in advancing evidence-based practices in school psychology. Even more exciting, Bianca received a fully funded offer, a testament to her outstanding academic performance, research potential, and dedication to the field of psychology.

This prestigious opportunity positions Bianca to contribute meaningfully to research that supports student mental health and academic outcomes across diverse school settings.

Congratulations, Bianca, on this incredible achievement and the bright future ahead!

OLLU Celebrates Spring 2025 Phi Alpha Honors Society Induction

On April 24, 2025, the Phi Alpha Delta Delta Chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University held its Spring 2025 Induction Ceremony. Surrounded by peers, faculty, and loved ones, new members were welcomed into this prestigious organization that recognizes academic excellence and commitment to the values of the social work profession.

Phi Alpha recognizes students who have achieved excellence in scholarship and demonstrated a strong commitment to humanitarian goals. The Spring 2025 cohort exemplifies leadership, service, and a dedication to advancing equity through social work practice.

Congratulations to all our newest members!

Phi Alpha Delta Delta Spring 2025 Inductees

2025 Phi Alpha Officers

President: Ciminie Blea, MSW
Vice President: Zurisaday Robbins-Briz, MSW
Secretary: Alyssa Cerna, MSW
Treasurer: Rosina Osuna, MSW
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ilan Kwon, PhD, MSW

New Phi Alpha Inductees

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Luisa Bustamante
- Courtney Farias
- Robin Gorena
- Michaela Reitzer
- Marlena Stafford
- Heather Strange
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Ciminie Blea
- Alyssa Cerna
- Natalia Canseco
- Nieshia Davis
- Camary Dilworth
- Elizabeth Dungan
- Colemra Ellis
- Deena Gomez
- Victoria Heffner
- Laura Hewitt
- Elena Holguin
- Clarissa Leal
- Kimberly Mata-Rodriguez
- Orisha Moon
- Jessalyn Moreno
- Chasity Nickelson
- Laycee Ramsey
- Zurisaday Robbins-Briz
- Karina Villanueva

Rodriguez Montessori Elementary School Visits Alonso S. Perales Exhibit!

The Sueltenfuss Library welcomed 125 elementary students to the Perales exhibit on April 24th! The students and their teachers enjoyed visiting with OLLU students from the Visual & New Media Arts and Education departments to learn about their printmaking project, video presentation and Kid’s Guide, inspired by Perales’ legacy.

Thank you, Dr. Kim Kennedy–Education Department, Professor Suzy González–Visual & New Media Arts Department and OLLU students for making this an enjoyable, memorable visit!

Visit the Library 3rd Floor Loft to see the exhibit before it closes on May 7th!

Visitors, please sign our guestbook, comment or follow the library’s social media:

Instagram: @ollu_library
Facebook: OLLUSueltenfussLibrary

Any questions about the exhibit, please email: library@ollusa.edu

Loaves and Fishes May 5-6: Free Breakfast!

The “Loaves and Fishes” event refers to the scripture, John 6:1-14, where Jesus feeds a crowd of 5,000 people with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. Although bread and fish in particular aren’t served during this event, Mission and Ministry, alongside Student Affairs, will feed our community free breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday, May 5 – 6, 2025. We encourage all students to stop by Elliott House and the front walkway of Main/Moye to enjoy a hot meal to refresh their mind, body and spirit.

Monday, May 5
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Elliott House
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in front of Main/Moye Walkway

Tuesday, May 6
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Elliott House

Sponsored by Mission & Ministry, in collaboration with Student Affairs
For questions, contact Roxanna Chavez at Missionandministry@ollusa.edu or call 210-528-7171 (Ext. 7171).

Modified Office Hours – Finals & Battle of Flowers

In observance of the Battle of Flowers holiday, most university offices will close at 12:00 PM on Friday, May 2.

However, the following offices will remain open to continue assisting students and faculty since this is also the first day of final exams.

Sueltenfuss Library: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Financial Aid: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Student Business Office: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Residence Life: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Accessibility Services & Testing: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and Afternoon by appointment only
IT Helpdesk & AV: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 210-431-3908
Chartwells Dining Services: normal hours for all locations Dine On Campus || Hours of Operation
University Police is available 24/7, 365 days a year:
- Non-Emergency: 210-431-4022
- Emergency: 210-433-0911

All other university offices will close at noon.

As you wrap up the semester, don’t forget to finish the registration process for summer and fall:

Meet with your academic advisor and get register for your upcoming classes
Review your student account and financial aid status
Select a payment plan and accept financial responsibility through the Self-Service Portal

Raise Awareness For Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Join Counseling & Wellness Services as we “Chalk the Walk” to raise awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We will write messages of hope, support, and empowerment for survivors, while promoting consent and prevention in Renaissance Parlor to display throughout campus.

This creative and inclusive event is a simple yet powerful way to stand in solidarity with survivors and spark important conversations in our community. All are welcome!

Chalk the Walk normally occurs outside with actual chalk on walkways, but due to weather concerns, we are moving it inside with creative art supplies.

We hope you will join us to help send a powerful message of support to survivors ❤

Chalk The Walk Flyer Download

Adelante “Empower & Evolve” Training and Development Conference 2025

Wednesday, May 21st & Thursday, May 22nd, 2025
Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio Campus (with hybrid options for Houston & RGV).

Submit Your Proposal Here

Conference Goals:
The Adelante conference aims to:

Enhance professional skills and knowledge for all OLLU employees.
Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
Promote employee well-being and engagement. Align employee development with OLLU’s strategic goals and mission.
Increase cross-campus collaboration.

Important Dates:

Proposal Submission Deadline: May 2, 2025
Notification of Acceptance Emails Sent to Presenters: May 12, 2025
Accepted Presentations Announced University-Wide: May 15, 2025
Conference Dates: Wednesday, May 21st & Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

The Learner Responsive Leadership Academy June 16-20, 2025

The Center for Mexican American Studies and Research at Our Lady of the Lake University is developing a new initiative, the Learner Responsive Leadership Academy, to create a student centered, and community engaged approach to leadership. Through a week-long academy for 25-30 participants Summer 2025, the Learner Responsive Leadership Academy (LRLA) will help administrative leaders and teams learn how to address the needs of a growing variety of student populations in Texas. During the LRLA, administrators in K-12 and higher education will develop strategies and leadership competencies that contribute to implementing, scaling, and sustaining school systemic change and transformative initiatives by promoting student centered learning practices. The intended goal of the program is to train school leaders in inclusive pedagogy that permits analysis, evaluation, and administration of their campuses through a learner responsive lens. The proposed program will enhance academic and support services to the increasingly unique needs of diverse Texas students. 

Sponsored by the Jinny Chalmers Fund for Educational Justice