Category: News

Baseball Scores 50 runs in Series Sweep Over Texas College

The Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) baseball team earned a series sweep over Texas College this weekend, scoring 50 runs in three games including 31 in the series finale. The Saints’ sweep moves them to 9-13 overall and 5-4 in Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) action.

Game 1 Highlights

  • In his first at-bat of the series, Jack Kalisky surpassed the OLLU career homerun record with his 27th career blast, giving OLLU the early 1-0 lead.
  • Gavin Machado doubled and gave way to pinch runner Christian Martinez who later scored on a Vincent Banda double to put OLLU in front, 2-0.
  • Texas College scored their lone run of the game in the bottom of the first via a solo homerun.
  • Banda drove in Martinez once again in the third to make it 3-0.
  • Criztian Delgado sent a ball over the right field fence for a two-run blast. 5-0 OLLU
  • Drew Saucedo recorded an RBI double in the inning to make it 6-0.
  • Isaac Davila drove in two runs and Kalisky capped off the inning with his second homerun of the game, a two-run shot.
  • The Saints led 10-1 after 2.5 innings.
  • OLLU plated four more runs in the fifth to extend their lead to 14-1.
  • Donovan Gamez earned the win on the mound in game one of the series, tossing five innings and striking out seven.

Game 2 Highlights

  • Banda got things started for the Saints in game two, driving in Davila to make it 1-0.
  • OLLU added a run in the third to take a 2-0 lead.
  • An RBI double by the Steer in the seventh cut the OLLU lead to 2-1.
  • Joshua Milton drove in a run in the eighth and the Saints took advantage of a wild pitch to plate another run, making it 4-1.
  • Texas College answered with a run in the home half of the eighth, making it 4-2.
  • Kalisky came around to score on a Delgado double as the Saints added an insurance run in the ninth.
  • Texas College plated a run in their final at-bat to make it 5-3.
  • Devin Benavides struck out 13 Steer batters over 8.1 innings of work to earn the victory.

Game 3 Highlights

  • The Saints scored 31 runs in a dominant win over the Steer. The program record in a game is 33 set by the Saints in 2023 against Texas College.
  • Kalisky finished the game with six RBI while Ben Hovda drove in five runs.
  • Gavin Machado and Alex Rodriguez each had three RBI.
  • The Saints hit five homeruns in the game (Rodriguez, Machado, Diego Zuniga, Brett Atkinson, Hovda).
  • OLLU drew 16 walks.
  • Domenic Martinez earned the win, going five innings and striking out seven.
  • Javier Hinojosa tossed an inning, allowing just one hit.

Up Next

  • The Saints will return to Missions Baseball Academy this weekend as they host LSU Alexandria in a three-game series. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7.

Kinesiology Students travel to Waco for TASCM

Six Kinesiology students from Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) recently traveled to Waco, Texas, to participate in the Texas American College of Sports Medicine (TACSM) Conference on Feb. 20-21. The students—Adriana Guerrero, Nathan Guevara, Isabella Maldonado, Isai Moran, Zackariah Reyes, and Samantha Watson—were accompanied by Dr. Emily Sauers, Associate Professor of Kinesiology, and Michael Maspero, MS, Instructor in Kinesiology.

Kinesiology major Adriana Guerrero was honored as the TACSM Major of the Year and was a finalist in the Undergraduate Research Presentation Awards for her study, “The Relationship Between Handgrip Strength and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Older Women.” Her research, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Emily Sauers as part of the McNair Scholars program, is now published in the International Journal of Exercise Science Conference Proceedings.

Read Adriana’s published research here: International Journal of Exercise Science.

OLLU is proud of Adriana and all the students who represented the university at this prestigious event, showcasing their dedication to kinesiology and academic excellence.

OLLU Students Shine at Texas Association of Future Educators Conference

Future educators from across Texas gathered at the Texas Association of Future Educators (TAFE) Conference from Feb. 17-19 at the Moody Gardens Galveston Island Convention Center. With this year’s western-themed motto, “Rounding Up Future Educators,” students competed in various events, demonstrating their skills and passion for teaching.

OLLU Students Qualify for Nationals

Our Lady of the Lake University proudly recognizes the achievements of students who showcased their talents and secured spots at the national competition.

National Qualifiers:

  • Educators Rising Moment (English): Hannah Garrett
  • Teacher Created Materials: Analia Lopez*
  • Educators Rising Moment (Spanish): Lizette Rodriguez*
  • Interactive Bulletin Board – Project Visualize: Joselinn Perez* and Lizette Rodriguez*

These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the field of education, and their success at TAFE reflects OLLU’s commitment to preparing future educators for impactful careers.

Welcoming Liana Morales, Special Collections and Archives Librarian

We are excited to introduce Liana Morales, MA, MLS, as the new Special Collections and Archives Librarian at Our Lady of the Lake University. In this role, Liana oversees Special Collections, University Archives, and the Center for Mexican American Studies and Research (CMASR) collection.

With a strong dedication to research assistance, Liana aims to ensure that students, faculty, and independent researchers have seamless access to these invaluable resources. Her expertise includes helping locate primary sources, guiding archival research, supporting digital preservation initiatives, and assisting with citation and source evaluation.

Liana is deeply committed to preserving archival materials with respect to cultural heritage while also developing the collection to remain relevant and sustainable for future research needs. Through outreach, education, and collaboration with the university community, she strives to enhance access and engagement with archival materials.

For research assistance, Liana can be reached at limorales@ollusa.edu or by phone at 210-528-7101.

Originally from El Paso, Texas, Liana brings over 15 years of library experience. She enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and swimming. She looks forward to working closely with students, faculty, and staff to support scholarly work and foster a deeper connection with archival research.

Please join us in welcoming Liana Morales to the university community!

All-Access Textbook Program to End After Spring 2025

Distinguished faculty members of OLLU,

Last week, information was communicated regarding the Follett All-Access Textbook program and its discontinuation at the end of the Spring 2025 semester. OLLU will no longer participate in the Program beginning in Summer 2025 and students will be responsible for the cost of course materials. Keep in mind that digital options are often the most cost-effective textbook options.

As educators, you inspire, transform, and mold young minds to aspire to new heights. This discontinuation of the program may bring uncertainty, but rest assured, your impact on these students creates more value in their lives.

Also mentioned last week, OLLU is exploring another avenue to provide affordable books to our students. Stay tuned for more information regarding an alternative textbook program.

Charla con Chávez – Episode 6: Jalen Bell – Running the Beat

Charla con Chávez is back with Episode 6, featuring a guest who truly does it all—Jalen Bell! 

Meet Jalen Bell: The Multi-Talented OLLU Powerhouse

Jalen isn’t just a student—he’s an athlete, musician, sports commentator, and even a valet driver. From sprinting on the track to making music and calling the plays in sports broadcasting, Jalen is mastering the art of balance.

In this episode, he shares his journey of switching majors five times before finding his passion for music education, where he now dreams of becoming a drumline instructor. Plus, he spills on his unique experience parking luxury cars downtown, including the coolest (and most nerve-wracking) rides he’s driven!

Tune In Now!

Don’t forget to drop a comment with your favorite part and share with a fellow OLLU Saint!

Dr. Manpreet K. Semwal Publishes Research in Nature Aging

OLLU Assistant Professor of Biology, Dr. Manpreet K. Semwal, has recently published groundbreaking research in the prestigious journal Nature Aging.

About the Publication

Dr. Semwal’s study, titled “Paracrine FGF21 Dynamically Modulates mTOR Signaling to Regulate Thymus Function Across the Lifespan,” explores the critical role of FGF21 signaling in maintaining thymus function and size throughout aging. The findings highlight potential therapeutic targets to enhance T-cell function and immune tolerance in older adults, providing new insights into immune system longevity.

Read the full study here: Nature Aging – Dr. Semwal’s Research

This publication underscores OLLU’s commitment to advancing scientific discovery and celebrating faculty contributions to the broader research community.

Stay Informed: Updates to OLLU’s Title IX Resources and Policies

Check out our updated Title IX page for the latest information on confidential services, Title IX trainings, and more. We’ve made important updates to ensure you have the resources and support you need. Visit now to stay informed and access these essential services! It is important for you to know your rights, become well versed on OLLU’s Title IX Sexual Misconduct Policy and Grievance Procedures 

Let’s continue working together to support each other and create a space where everyone can thrive!

Guadalupe (Lupita) Marquez, PhD., MLS

Title IX Coordinator 

Temporary Sidewalk Closure Near Walter Center and Bookstore Due to Plumbing Repairs

A plumbing repair is currently in progress behind the bookstore and alongside the Walter Center, temporarily blocking the sidewalk between the two buildings. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as this work is completed.

Students needing to meet with Accessibility Services who are unable to access the office due to the sidewalk closure can contact the office for alternative meeting arrangements:
Phone: 210-431-4010
Email: ada@ollusa.edu

Appointments can be conducted via Microsoft Teams, phone call, or an alternative meeting location upon request.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to improve campus infrastructure.

OLLU Student Sandra Garza-Escamilla to Present Research at Texas Nurses Association Conference

Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to recognize Sandra Garza-Escamilla for her acceptance to present at the Texas Nurses Association 2025 Annual Conference. Her research, “Exploring Servant Leadership as a Strategy for Mitigating Burnout and Promoting Nurse Wellness,” showcases her commitment to advancing the nursing profession and improving well-being in healthcare.

A Nurse Leader Making an Impact

Sandra brings a wealth of experience to her research, currently serving as a Nurse Clinician III at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, University of Texas Medical Branch (TDCJ UTMB), where she provides essential healthcare services. Her work in both academia and clinical settings demonstrates her dedication to the intersection of leadership, wellness, and nursing practice.

A Journey of Dedication and Gratitude

Sandra extends her appreciation to her dissertation chair, Dr. Megan Carmody-Bubb, and committee members Dr. Randall L. Townley and Dr. Phyllis Duncan, along with department chair Dr. Esther Gergen, for their invaluable support. She also credits her faith, expressing gratitude to her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ for guiding her through this journey.Sandra’s achievement is a testament to her perseverance, passion for nursing, and the transformative power of education. We look forward to seeing her represent OLLU at the Texas Nurses Association 2025 Annual Conference!