Our Lady of the Lake University will serve as an official Early Voting site for the upcoming Primary Elections, providing a convenient opportunity for the campus and surrounding community to participate in the democratic process.
Have you ever wanted to grow your own herbs, vegetables, or flowers—but didn’t know where to start? Now’s your chance.
The OLLU Community Garden is inviting students, faculty, and staff to rent a FREE garden bed on campus and experience the rewards of growing your own food. Whether you’re planting herbs for your dorm, vegetables for your family, or flowers just because, this space is here for you.
This initiative is supported in part by the TExAS FAST Scholars Program, which continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning, sustainability, and community-building experiences right here on campus. For students especially, this is more than gardening—it’s a chance to develop healthy habits, reduce grocery costs, learn about food systems, and connect classroom knowledge to real-world practice.
By reserving a garden bed, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Build community on campus
Grow your own food
Practice sustainable living
Connect with nature
The community garden is located just outside of the Commerce Street gate, behind the soccer fields and Maintenance Shop.
All skill levels are welcome, and no tools are required. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or have years of experience, the garden is designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone. Spots are limited to don’t wait!
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!
The Our Lady of the Lake Saints earned national recognition from Perfect Game with a 25* ranking, a nod that reflects both the results of the 2025 season and the growing respect for the program’s trajectory. Finishing 30–23 overall and fourth in the Red River Athletic Conference, OLLU continued a steady rise that has now produced two 30-win seasons in the last three years. What once felt like an under-the-radar climb is beginning to look more like a foundation for sustained success, with the Saints positioning themselves as an emerging force within the conference.
“This recognition is exciting for our program, young men, and our department. It’s the student-athletes that earn things like this with how they play and how they operate. Our focus, however, will continue to be on the next thing in front of us.”
The 2025 campaign showcased an offense that developed into one of the league’s most dangerous units and returns largely intact. Joshua Milton emerged as a late-season catalyst, leading the team with a .433 batting average after carving out a regular role. Jack Kalisky anchored the lineup as the Saints most complete hitter, batting .379 while leading the team in nearly every major offensive category, including 15 home runs. Carlos Gusman provided consistency and production at third base with a .353 average, Drew Saucedo brought speed and energy to the top of the order with a .321 average, 16 stolen bases, and 12 extra-base hits, and Benjamyn Hovda added depth and balance in the corner outfield after a solid .297 season. Together, that nucleus gives OLLU length, versatility, and the ability to pressure opponents throughout the lineup.
While the offense set the tone, the next step for the Saints lies on the mound. Donovan Gamez returns as the unquestioned ace after an 11–3 season with a 3.77 ERA, striking out 91 batters across 86 innings while allowing just 71 hits. His performance, followed by a dominant summer as a closer in the Western Canadian Baseball League, established him as one of the program’s most reliable arms. Behind him, the development of depth will be pivotal. Matthew Sanchez showed promise out of the bullpen, Christian Perez and Kalisky flashed swing-and-miss stuff, and transfer Noah Ferraro arrives from Dallas College Brookhaven with a proven track record, highlighted by a 2.06 ERA over 52⅓ innings. Additional transfers, Max Benton and Omar Rodriguez, further bolster competition and options within the staff.
Perfect Game’s 25* ranking underscores a season that was about more than wins and losses; it recognized a program building toward something bigger. With a productive offensive core, continuity on the coaching staff, and a pitching staff that has both a proven leader and growing depth, the Saints enter 2026 with momentum and belief. The pieces are in place for OLLU to turn national recognition into a true breakthrough and firmly establish itself as a contender in the Red River Athletic Conference.
Our Lady of the Lake University is excited to welcome back Saints alumni, friends, and family for a celebration of 131 years of community & tradition at Homecoming 2026.
This will be a weekend full of fun events kicking off on Friday, February 27th, and running through March 1st. While more details will be available soon, we’d like to invite you to explore our alumni resources in the meantime, and look forward to inviting you all back to campus.
For the latest updates on Homecoming 2026, visit the official Homecoming page on the OLLU website. Stay tuned! Wings up!
Our Lady of the Lake University is proud to celebrate the leadership and service of Director of Assessment and Accreditation, Liliana Gutierrez, and Director of Institutional Research & Analytics, Newman Wong, who were recently elected to serve three-year terms on the Executive Committee of the Texas Association for Higher Education Assessment (TxAHEA).
Director of Institutional Research & Analytics, Newman WongDirector of Assessment and Accreditation, Liliana Gutierrez
This election is a proud moment for the entire OLLU community, as they will both now work to advance assessment practices in higher education, representing OLLU within a statewide professional organization committed to improving student learning and institutional effectiveness across Texas.
In addition to her role with TxAHEA, Liliana Gutierrez also currently serves on the Planning Committee for National Assessment Week as the South Representative. National Assessment Week brings together higher education professionals from across the country to share strategies, research, and best practices related to assessment and continuous improvement.
Congratulations to both Liliana Gutierrez and Newman Wong— the OLLU community is proud to be represented by their ongoing commitment to excellence in assessment, collaboration, and professional engagement.
It is with a heavy heart that I share that one of our beloved OLLUmni has been called home to God. Colonel Gil Coronado (BA ’75) passed peacefully on Saturday morning at the age of 89.
A proud son of San Antonio’s West Side, Gil was raised just down the street from our campus on Veracruz Street. His life story is one of resilience, grace, and providence. Though he dropped out of Sidney Lanier High School at the age of 15, God had other plans. Through the care and vision of one of our Sisters, a pathway was created for Gil to come to OLLU and complete his sociology degree, an education his superiors encouraged him to pursue for professional advancement. What emerged was not only a graduate of OLLU, but a leader whose legacy will be felt for generations.
Gil is affectionately and respectfully known as the father of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Through his vision, leadership, and tireless commitment, Public Law 100-402 was enacted on August 17, 1988, expanding National Hispanic Heritage Week into a full month and authorizing President Ronald Reagan to designate September 15 through October 15 annually as National Hispanic Heritage Month. I cannot overstate the national and cultural significance of his contribution.
As I remember Gil, I am deeply grateful to him for many reasons, but especially for his friendship. From the very first days of my arrival at OLLU, he welcomed me into his home and into his life. In every interaction, Gil embodied values that endure: respect for one another, meeting people eye to eye, holding one’s head and chin up, honoring one’s word through action, and being proud of one’s roots. He was always teaching, always mentoring—often reminding me to “retire early, and retire often,” his way of encouraging a full and faithful life.
Gil was also a steadfast champion for education. He believed deeply that success begins with education and he often spoke of the three Es: education, effort, and excellence. Last year, he published his memoir, Barrio Boy, a powerful reflection on his journey and the values that guided his life. In Barrio Boy, Gil recounts his story—from a troubled childhood and early encounters with the justice system to a life of public service, military leadership, and advocacy for veterans. His life is a testament to perseverance, dignity, and the transformative power of education. It is, in many ways, a lived and model expression of the boundless potential within each person when opportunity meets determination.
Colonel Gil Coronado was a model American citizen, a faithful servant, and a man of profound dignity.
“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.” (Wisdom 3:1)
Gil, dear friend—you will be deeply missed. May you rest in eternal peace.
A couple of weeks ago we had over 500 students from throughout San Antonio on our campus. The students, from 3rd graders to high schoolers, were part of an annual civic education program competition called Speak Up Speak Out organized by CAST Schools. This was their 8th year holding the event.
The competition consists of having the students propose solutions to problems or issues in their community. The best ideas win and go on to compete nationally.
It was refreshing to have so many young students on our campus; it was also befitting. Our very Charism reminds us to speak up and speak out as well as instilling in our students the spirit to care and service to their communities.
For example, in 1968, OLLU served as the host site for the historic U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Hearing on Mexican Americans in the Southwest.
In 1974, our Sisters of Divine Providence joined other Catholic leaders and families in advocating for working class Mexican Americans on the city’s west and south sides and created Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS). Through the years, COPS has taken on political issues and causes in support of fair and equitable distribution of city resources and services. COPS’ success has amounted to over one-billion dollars in group-sponsored projects and initiatives.
In 1985, OLLU brought together academicians and others to discuss the need for a Center for Hispanic Higher Education. The result was the creation of Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)… and later Congress designated Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs).
We are entrusted with a voice. OLLU provides the environment to articulate it and amplify it. And that is what our students do. Here are some examples:
Gil Coronado (Class of 1975) went on to create Hispanic Heritage Month, a federal month-long designation that celebrates our heritage.
Gloria Rodriguez (Class of 1970 & 1973) went on to start the national early childhood education organization AVANCE, which supports Latino mothers in the raising of their young children in poor communities. She also is the author of “Raising Nuestros Niños: Bringing Up Latino Children in a Bicultural World.” Her work has been featured in the books of three First Ladies: Barbara Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Rosalynn Carter.
Ernesto Gomez (Class of 1975) is the founder and CEO of CentroMed, a federally qualified health center serving low-income families for over 40 years. What started out as a family counseling program for low-income San Antonio residents grew to 24 service sites in Bexar and Comal counties providing health care to more than 78,000 patients a year. On average, 47% of their patients lack insurance and 38% are children and youth.
Catholic teaching reminds us that courage, rooted in the virtue of fortitude, is the grace-filled strength to pursue the good with constancy, especially in the times when perseverance and trust in God’s Providence is necessary.
Congratulations to the Speak Up Speak Out winners – stay strong as you advance to the statewide competition in Austin next month. Your voice inspires.
