Category: Student News

Alternative Spring Break is back at OLLU! Under the leadership of Jesse Harasta, CYCL Director, a group of OLLU students spent their spring break serving alongside Texas Parks and Wildlife rangers at Enchanted Rock State Park.

From March 6–10, students worked with Jesse and TExAS Grant Activities Manager Austin Bergstrom on a variety of conservation projects. Their efforts included building new trails, removing a vineyard from newly acquired park land, and repainting trail markers to improve visitor navigation.

Beyond service, students also had the opportunity to connect with nature and each other—learning how to set up tents, stargazing from the top of Enchanted Rock, hiking scenic trails, and visiting Fredericksburg.

Participating students included Karis Alcoser, Tracy Cabrera, Adriana Figueroa Rodriguez, Bethany Garr, Zulma Juarez, Monica Sanchez, and Keyli Smith. Adrian Alvarez and Angel Santacruz also contributed during the vineyard removal project.

This trip marks a meaningful return of an OLLU tradition—students dedicating their spring break to service, community, and environmental stewardship.

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Students in Dr. Chloe Lash’s Vascular Plants Lab recently celebrated an exciting milestone—the first harvest from OLLU’s new hydroponic towers.

After collecting, weighing, and washing their crop of fresh lettuce, students, faculty, and staff marked the occasion by making salads together before donating the remaining harvest to the Salud Center.

This hands-on experience highlights the impact of experiential learning in the classroom, giving students the opportunity to engage directly with plant science from growth to harvest.

A special thank you to Dr. Lash and the OLLU Biology Department for bringing innovative, hands-on learning opportunities to students. We look forward to seeing what they grow next!

Stay tuned for upcoming events on Earth Day, April 22, 2026.

For Beau Lewis, athletics is more than competition—it’s a legacy.

Growing up in a family of collegiate athletes, Lewis was surrounded by examples of dedication, discipline, and perseverance. His grandfather played football at the University of Houston, while his mother competed in basketball at Sam Houston State University. Their achievements didn’t just set a standard—they created a pathway.

“I’ve always been driven to follow in their footsteps,” Lewis shares. “Their hard work, discipline, and passion for their sports inspire me every day to give my best for my team and continue their legacy at OLLU.”

That legacy carries special meaning during Black History Month, a time to reflect on the contributions and impact of Black athletes whose excellence and resilience have shaped the world of sports. For Lewis, honoring that history means showing up fully—for himself, his teammates, and those who paved the way before him.

Alongside family inspiration, Lewis credits an influential mentor who helped shape his athletic and personal growth. His high school coach, Coach Norris, played a pivotal role in building his confidence and competitive mindset.  Norris, now OLLU’s Athletic Director, gets to provide that support to Beau and 400 other athletes on a daily basis.

“He always believed in me, pushed me to improve, and made sure I was moving forward even when things got tough,” Lewis says. “I’m incredibly grateful for his support at every meet.”

As a student-athlete at Our Lady of the Lake University, Lewis recognizes the importance of continuing to uplift and celebrate Black voices—not just during February, but throughout the year.

“OLLU uplifts Black voices by sharing these stories year-round,” he notes.

By honoring family legacy, valuing mentorship, and embracing the broader history of Black excellence in athletics, Beau Lewis represents both where the journey began and where it continues. During Black History Month and beyond, his story is a reminder that every performance carries the strength of those who came before—and the inspiration for those still to come.

From January 30 to February 1, two OLLU TExAS FAST scholars travelled to Arizona State University to participate in the 2nd Annual Model USDA with the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems!

All participants were assigned a role and scenario! Karis Alcoser took on the role of Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Agriculture in deciding whether to finalize proposed guidelines for new FSIS labels in meat and poultry. Mia Curiel acted as President of Public Land Council, voicing her opinion on how to best educate the public about prescribed burns.

Karis and Mia met nearly 200 like-minded peers from 31 universities around the world and participated in a Q&A with two former US Secretaries of Agriculture. They also toured ASU, which is home to one of the largest sustainability programs in North America! We hope this trip inspired both students to continue their journey in Environmental Science and Sustainability!