2026 Confetti 5K Run/Walk

Get ready to run, walk, and celebrate at the 2026 Confetti 5K Run/Walk, happening Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 a.m. on the beautiful campus of Our Lady of the Lake University. For more information on this historic race, check out our website below for full race details. Your participation helps shape the future of OLLU students. Every contribution makes a difference, with all proceeds going directly toward student scholarships and expanding opportunities for Saints to succeed.

2023 5K Confetti Run

2025 5K Confetti Run

2025 5K Confetti Run

OLLU Celebrates National Employee Appreciation Day

In celebration of National Employee Appreciation Day, the President of Our Lady of the Lake University hosted a special “Tacos with the President” gathering to recognize the incredible dedication of our faculty and staff.

During this time of fellowship and gratitude, the President shared his sincerest thanks for the hard work, passion, and commitment that each employee brings to the university community every day. OLLU’s mission and success are made possible through the talent, service, and care demonstrated by our employees, and this event served as a small token of appreciation for all they do.

Thank you to our outstanding OLLU team for your continued dedication to our students, our mission, and one another.

3rd Annual Celebration of Scholarship, Research, and Creativity

The Dean of Academics invites the OLLU community to attend the 3rd Annual Celebration of Scholarship, Research, and Creativity on Wednesday, March 25, from 4–6:30 p.m. in the Sueltenfuss Library, second floor.

This annual event highlights the outstanding scholarly, research, and creative contributions of OLLU faculty, staff, and students across disciplines. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the innovative work being produced throughout the university and celebrate the academic achievements of the OLLU community.

The program will begin promptly at 4 p.m., and guests will be able to enjoy wine and heavy appetizers while engaging with presenters and learning more about their work.

All members of the OLLU community are encouraged to attend and celebrate the impactful scholarship and creativity taking place across campus.

OLLU Posts Top-Three Finish at Schreiner Shootout

The Our Lady of the Lake University Saints earned a share of third place at the Schreiner Shootout, finishing in a tie in a competitive seven-team field.

The Saints posted a two-round total of 46-over par, opening with a 16-over performance before carding a 30-over round on day two. Their consistent presence near the top half of the standings reflected a balanced lineup and multiple individual finishes inside the top 25.

University of the Southwest Mustangs claimed the team title at 23-over par, shooting rounds of 10-over and 13-over. Concordia Texas Tornados finished second at 30-over, highlighted by a strong 6-over opening round. OLLU tied for third with University of St. Thomas Celts, which rebounded from a 27-over first round to post a 19-over team score in the final round.

Schreiner Mountaineers placed fifth at 49-over, followed closely by McMurry War Hawks at 50-over. Dallas Crusaders rounded out the standings at 57-over.

Individually, OLLU was led by Alex Marshall, who tied for 14th at 11-over par. Victor Pena-Cortes and Niall Langley-Brook each tied for 17th at 12-over, while Juan Limon and Ozil Trey Salinas added top-25 finishes to strengthen the team total. The Saints also received contributions from their individual competitors, who gained valuable tournament experience against a deep regional field.

The tie for third place positions OLLU well as the team continues to build rhythm early in the season. Competing closely with several established programs, the Saints demonstrated depth and the potential to contend as the season progresses.

Worden School Celebrates Social Work Heroes Making a Difference in the Community


The Worden School of Social Service at Our Lady of the Lake University hosted a special Social Work Month celebration honoring the Social Work Heroes in our community—dedicated professionals who serve and advocate for oppressed and vulnerable populations.

The event recognized outstanding OLLU–Worden alumni who have earned their master’s and doctoral degrees and continue to make a meaningful impact across a wide spectrum of services, including hospices, hospitals, schools, the military community, child welfare, ministry, and clinical practice. Their work reflects the heart of the OLLU mission: service, compassion, and a commitment to social justice.

In a moving moment during the celebration, OLLU social work students presented each community partner with a hero pin as a symbol of gratitude and respect for their service. This gesture beautifully represented the spirit of OLLU—honoring those who dedicate their lives to uplifting others and inspiring the next generation of social workers to continue this vital work.

The Social Work program at OLLU remains a cornerstone of the university’s mission, preparing compassionate leaders who advocate for dignity, equity, and hope in communities that need it most.

Bookstore Spring Break hours

Before you take off, or if you’re sticking around, here is some important information about the University bookstore. The OLLU Bookstore will operate on adjusted hours during Spring Break.

  • Monday 3/9 – Thursday 3/12: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Friday 3/13 – Sunday 3/15: Closed

Normal business hours will resume Monday, March 16.

OLLU Women’s Golf Finishes Runner-Up at Schreiner Shootout

The Our Lady of the Lake University Saints delivered a competitive performance at the Schreiner Shootout, earning a runner-up team finish against a challenging field.

The Saints posted a two-round total of 81-over par, improving by five strokes from the opening round. After carding a 43-over team score on day one, OLLU responded with a 38-over performance in the second round, highlighting the team’s ability to make adjustments and close the tournament with momentum.

Odessa College Wranglers claimed the team title with an impressive 18-over total, shooting consistent rounds of 9-over in both rounds. University of St. Thomas Celts finished third at 120-over, followed by University of the Southwest Mustangs at 124-over. Schreiner Mountaineers placed fifth with a 141-over total, and Dallas Crusaders rounded out the standings at 235-over.

Individually, Samantha Garcia led OLLU with a fifth-place finish at 12-over par, setting the tone for the Saints effort. Kendall Ward showed continued improvement between rounds to finish inside the top 10, while Grayson Weiler and Sophia Young each contributed steady scores that factored into the team total. Samantha Ziegler rounded out the teams performance.

The runner-up finish reflects continued progress for OLLU as the team builds consistency early in the season. The Saints were coming off a big week the previous week as they took first place and look to continue to build the momentum going forward.

Celebrating Faculty Promotions and Tenure for Upcoming Academic Year

Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to recognize several faculty members who have earned promotions and tenure for the upcoming academic year. These achievements reflect their dedication to teaching excellence, scholarship, and service to the OLLU community.

The following faculty members have received promotions:

  • Adam Bynum, MS
    Biology – Promotion to Assistant Professor
  • Brittany Chozinski, PhD
    Applied Social & Cultural Sciences – Promotion to Professor
  • Kimberly Gallegos, PhD
    Social Work – Promotion to Professor
  • Jessica Hajek, PhD
    Humanities & Social Sciences – Promotion to Associate Professor
  • Codruta Haselmayer, PhD
    Psychology – Promotion to Associate Professor and Tenure
  • Naomi Hernandez, MA
    Communication Sciences and Disorders – Promotion to Clinical Professor
  • Christopher Rose, PhD
    History – Promotion to Associate Professor

The university congratulates each of them on this important milestone and thanks them for their continued contributions to the OLLU community.

OLLU’s Ward earns RRAC Women’s Golfer of the Week

Our Lady of the Lake’s (Texas) Kendall Ward‘s outstanding performance has earned her the RRAC Women’s Golfer of the Week for the dates of Feb. 23-March 1. This is the second set of the weekly awards.

RRAC Women’s Golfer of the Week – Kendall Ward – Our Lady of the Lake

At Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving, Texas, the women of OLLU, led by junior Kendall Ward, captured the team title at the Crusaders Cup. Over 36 holes, OLLU finished at +111, posting rounds of +40 and +71 to secure first place ahead of eight other institutions. Ward earned a runner-up finish at +23, tying for second among a slate of 47 golfers. After an impressive +3 opening round, she battled through a tougher second day (+20) and still held her position among the tournament’s elite.

Ward is a native of Spring, Texas.