News – Page 7 – Lake Weekly

A Day to Remember: Welcoming the Class of 2026

August 14 was a day filled with excitement, connection and Saints pride as Our Lady of the Lake University welcomed its newest students and their families to campus.

The day’s activities, including Camp Blue Nation and New Student Convocation, marked an important milestone for OLLU’s incoming class as students officially began their journey as Saints. Family members and friends joined them on campus, helping create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere from the moment they arrived.

One of the day’s most meaningful traditions was the Providence Path, where faculty, staff and parents lined the halls of the Main Building to cheer, encourage and welcome students as they made their way through campus. The longstanding tradition offers a powerful reminder that OLLU is a community invested in the success of every Saint.

Following the Providence Path, students and their families gathered in the Mall area for a welcome reception filled with food, games and opportunities to connect with members of the OLLU community.

The incoming class also came together for a class photo, capturing the beginning of what will become a memorable chapter of their OLLU experience. Parents participated in a parent orientation, providing families with important information and resources as they begin this new journey alongside their students.

From the cheers along Providence Path to the conversations, games and celebrations throughout the day, August 14 was more than an orientation—it was a celebration of becoming a Saint.

Welcome to OLLU, Class of 2026! We’re glad you’re here.

New Saints Get a First-Bite Bonus

Welcome to the Saints community—and now there’s a little extra incentive to get connected!

First-time Grubhub users can receive 50% off their first on-campus pickup order with code FIRSTBITE50, with maximum savings of $7. Terms apply.

It’s an easy way for new users to give Grubhub a try, grab a bite on campus and discover a convenient option for ordering food.

Keep an eye out for free GRUBHUB merch coming soon!

New account. First bite. 50% off.

1,608 Saints and Counting: OLLU Builds Momentum Toward 1,800

OLLU’s Fall 2026 enrollment momentum continues to grow, with 1,608 students now enrolled as the university works toward its goal of 1,800 Saints. That puts OLLU just 192 students away from reaching this year’s enrollment goal.

This progress reflects the collective effort of the OLLU community. Faculty and staff, students, alumni, coaches and ambassadors all contribute to helping prospective students discover what makes OLLU a place to learn, grow and belong.

As we approach the start of the new academic year, every connection continues to matter. A conversation with a prospective student, a referral to a family member or friend, sharing an OLLU experience, welcoming a visitor to campus or helping someone navigate their next step can make a meaningful difference.

1,608 enrolled. 1,800 is the goal. 192 Saints to go.

We have made significant progress, and there is still work to do. Let’s keep the momentum moving forward and continue sharing the OLLU story with the students and families who are looking for their next chapter.

Every connection creates an opportunity. Every Saint helps move us closer to 1,800.

Together, let’s finish strong.

McNair Scholar Recognized for Undergraduate Research

McNair Scholar Francisco Barraza Segura was recognized for his outstanding research presentation at the UT San Antonio Undergraduate Research Summer Showcase, earning third place in the Oral Presentation category.

Francisco Barraza Segura is pictured on the left.

Francisco presented his research, titled “A Deep-Agent Cyber Investigation System Using Event-Centric Graph Learning for Red-Team Detection and Lateral-Movement Analysis.”

A Computer Information Systems & Security major with a minor in Environmental Science & Sustainability, Francisco’s research focuses on applying machine learning techniques to develop optimized predictive models for cybersecurity and data analysis applications.

His achievement highlights the depth and impact of undergraduate research at OLLU and the dedication of our students to advancing knowledge in innovative fields.

Congratulations, Francisco, on this outstanding accomplishment!

Save the Date! The Undergraduate Research Symposium: November 19, 2026

OLLU Is Making History: San Antonio’s First College Flag Football Team Takes the Field

A new era of women’s athletics is coming to Our Lady of the Lake University.

Our Lady of the Lake University is once again breaking new ground. This fall, OLLU will launch San Antonio’s first college women’s flag football program, positioning the Saints at the forefront of one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.

The new program is more than an addition to OLLU Athletics—it represents opportunity, innovation and the university’s commitment to creating new pathways for students to learn, compete and succeed.

Flag football is experiencing tremendous growth nationwide. More than 60 NAIA schools are expected to sponsor programs during the 2026–27 academic year, while the NCAA anticipates more than 100 schools will offer the sport. With flag football also headed for its Olympic debut in 2028, the timing could not be better for the Saints to step onto the field.

OLLU’s inaugural roster reflects that growing national reach, bringing together student-athletes from Florida, California, Nevada, Louisiana, New York and Texas. The team will begin competition with an 18-game spring schedule featuring opponents from across Texas, along with two tournaments.

For OLLU, the program also represents another way to attract talented students to the university and strengthen the connection between athletics and academic opportunity.

We’re not just watching the future of women’s sports—we’re helping build it.

The Saints are ready to make history, and we can’t wait to see them take the field.

Read the full story below.

SAEN – OLLU launching flag football 8-1-2026

OLLU Welcomes Shobi Sivadasan as Vice President for Enrollment and Strategy

Our Lady of the Lake University is pleased to announce the appointment of Shobi Sivadasan as Vice President for Enrollment and Strategy.

Sivadasan joined OLLU in early May as a consultant and quickly made an impact, bringing a strategic and results-oriented approach to the university’s Enrollment division. In a short time, she has led efforts to restructure the division for optimal performance and has begun laying the foundation for a renewed approach to recruiting and retaining students.

“Shobi has demonstrated a command of enrollment strategy that has been unmistakable,” said OLLU President Abel Chávez. “We are utilizing rigor, discipline and accountability in reshaping how we recruit and retain students. Her appointment reflects my belief in OLLU, my belief in our faculty and staff, and our shared responsibility to move forward with focus, execution, discipline, accountability and urgency.”

Under Sivadasan’s leadership, the university is taking a comprehensive look at its enrollment processes, practices and strategies, with the goal of building a stronger and more sustainable enrollment operation.

“This is about much more than enrollment numbers,” Chávez said. “It is about our future and our mission. We believe OLLU belongs, and we must make Catholic education more attainable for the students we exist to serve. As a tuition-dependent institution, our ability to recruit, retain and graduate students is inseparable from our ability to fulfill that mission.”

Sivadasan’s appointment marks an important step in OLLU’s continued efforts to strengthen enrollment and position the university for a successful future. Her leadership will help guide this work with a clear focus on serving students, advancing the university’s mission and ensuring that an OLLU education remains attainable for the students who need it most.

Every Saint Counts: OLLU Reaches 1,577 Enrolled for Fall 2026

OLLU’s Fall 2026 enrollment momentum continues! We have now reached 1,577 enrolled students as we work toward our goal of 1,800 Saints.

That means we’re 223 students away from reaching our goal—and every person in the OLLU community has a role in getting us there.

From faculty and staff to students, alumni, coaches and ambassadors, everyone plays a part. A conversation with a prospective student, a referral to a friend or family member, sharing an OLLU story, welcoming a visitor to campus or simply helping someone see why OLLU could be their home can make a difference.

We’re in the final stretch, and now is the time to keep the momentum going.

1,577 enrolled. 1,800 is the goal. 223 Saints to go.

Let’s continue showing prospective students what it means to be a Saint. Every conversation counts. Every connection matters. Every Saint brings us closer.

Together, we can reach 1,800.

Help Welcome the Class of 2030: New Student Convocation and Providence Path

All OLLU staff and faculty are invited to join the community in welcoming OLLU’s 131st Incoming Class at this year’s New Student Convocation on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Conventual Chapel. We will conclude this cherished tradition with Providence Path, where the community lines the hallway of Main Building to cheer on and welcome in our newest Saints.

Participating administration, faculty, and staff are asked to arrive by 10:45 a.m. on the 2nd Floor of Main Building.

Dress Code: Faculty, please wear regalia.

Staff: Please wear OLLU polos or similar.

Everyone is invited to join us for the New Student Convocation Reception immediately following New Student Convocation/Providence Path on Friday, Aug. 14, at 12:15 p.m. in the Mall Area. This is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with our incoming students and their families, extend a warm OLLU welcome, and help them feel part of our community from day one. Light appetizers will be served. We hope you can join us in celebrating the start of their OLLU journey! We look forward to seeing you there!

Welcome Back! Join Us for UPDD Week, August 10–14, and Don’t Miss the Mandatory Convocation – State of the University on August 11

Welcome Back! UPDD Week Kicks Off August 10–14

The start of a new academic year is almost here, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for University Professional Development Days (UPDD), August 10–14! Join us for a week of learning, collaboration, connection, and plenty of fun as we prepare for an exciting 2026–2027 academic year. Throughout the week, you’ll find engaging sessions, opportunities to connect with colleagues, games, prizes, and a few surprises along the way.

Don’t Miss Convocation – State of the University (Mandatory)

The University Professional Development Days keynote speaker, Norman Wirzba, will deliver an inspiring and thought-provoking address. Faculty and staff are invited to attend the session from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Please remember that while most UPDD activities are encouraged but not mandatory, Convocation – State of the University on Tuesday, August 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. is a mandatory gathering for all faculty and staff. This important annual event will provide updates on the university’s direction, priorities, and vision for the year ahead and marks the official start of the new academic year together as one OLLU community.

Whether you’re attending one session or many, we hope you’ll take advantage of this opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, celebrate our shared mission, and build momentum for the semester ahead.

Celebrating Community

In addition to administrative updates, each quarterly gathering will recognize university accomplishments and milestones. This year’s Convocation will also mark the debut of the Customer Service Excellence Award, a new recognition honoring staff members that create a welcoming, respectful, and caring environment for students, colleagues, visitors, and the university community.

REMINDER: Submit a nomination by August 4th by 5pm below.
(If your nominee was not selected, please know that their contributions are valued and they may be considered during a future nomination period.)

Submit nominations here

We look forward to seeing you August 10–14—and kicking off an incredible 2026–2027 academic year together!