Top Stories – Page 2

HACU Selects OLLU Academic Leaders for Competitive, Prestigious Research Program

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) academic leaders Candace de León-Zepeda, Ph.D., Dean of Academics and Associate Provost, and Valerie A. Martínez, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History and University College Coordinator, have been selected to participate in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ (HACU) prestigious VOLARÉ Institute, a national initiative designed to strengthen research capacity at Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs). Teresita Munguia, Ph.D., Associate Provost and Associate Professor of Chemistry, will serve as the Lead Administrator.

The selection recognizes OLLU’s growing commitment to building a stronger research enterprise and places Drs. De León-Zepeda, Martínez and Munguia among a competitive cohort of higher education professionals focused on expanding institutional research capabilities. Their applications stood out among a competitive group of candidates selected to advance research initiatives at their respective institutions.

OLLU President Abel A. Chávez, MBA, Ph.D., praised the academic leaders for earning the opportunity.

“When I think about the future of OLLU, I think about leaders like Candace, Valerie and Teresita; scholars and practitioners who hold the tradition of our founding Sisters in one hand and the demands of a rapidly changing higher education landscape in the other. Their selection for the HACU VOLARÉ Institute will help us prepare our university for tomorrow. Our best days are ahead.”

VOLARÉ — Visioning, Organizing, Leading, and Advancing the Research Enterprise — provides participants with research capacity-building activities, mentorship and strategic support aimed at strengthening their skills and their institutions’ ability to compete for funding and elevate their research enterprise.

For OLLU, participation offers an opportunity to develop a systematic framework for strengthening the University’s research enterprise while receiving guidance from experienced mentors and collaborating with colleagues from institutions across the country.

The Institute emphasizes developing and implementing systematic research enterprise frameworks; creating communities of practice and regional consortia that allow institutions to share resources and expertise; and piloting new strategies that can support sustainable research growth.

Participants also gain tools to assess existing research capabilities, identify areas for growth and develop actionable strategies for strengthening research administration and infrastructure. The program is designed to increase institutional competitiveness for research funding while broadening participation in STEM and cultivating a more diverse research workforce.

Through their participation, Drs. de León-Zepeda, Martínez and Munguia will help position OLLU to identify institutional research needs, develop an action plan and explore strategies that can expand opportunities for faculty, students and collaborative research.

Additional details about OLLU’s research enterprise project developed through the VOLARÉ Institute will be shared as the initiative progresses.

Cybersecurity Awareness: Stay Vigilant, Prevent Cyberattacks

On Monday, August 17, 2026, UT San Antonio (UTSA) reported an attempted unauthorized intrusion at the edge of its network. According to the university, the intrusion was detected before reaching core systems. UTSA’s technology team contained the attempt and subsequently took numerous systems offline as a precaution while investigating the incident and strengthening security. While we are confident that UTSA is following its incident response protocol, it is also advisable that we keep cybersecurity awareness in mind when utilizing the OLLU network to avoid a similar situation. Instances like this are stark reminders that universities are a prime target for cyber criminals, and we should all remain vigilant and ensure we adhere to our cyber training.

Some tips to always keep in mind to stay cyber-safe:

Verify unexpected requests for payments or financial transactions through a trusted, independent communication method.
IT personnel will NEVER ask for your user name and password over email or text
University Personnel will NEVER ask a student to acquire gift cards from personal finances
Be cautious of messages that create urgency or pressure you to act immediately.
Examine the sender’s email address carefully, even if the display name appears familiar.
- i.e. Sender Greg Garza <hacker@badguy.com>
Never click links or open attachments from suspicious or unexpected emails.
Never approve authenticator actions you did not initiate.
Report suspicious emails immediately using the phishing reporting process.

During this time of year, colleges and universities typically see an increase in phishing and social engineering attacks. Your continued awareness and attention are essential to protecting both your personal information and our University systems and data. If you encounter any suspicious activity, or have any concerns, please contact the University’s Chief Information Security Officer, Greg Garza: gjgarza@ollusa.edu immediately.

Thank you for your continued vigilance to keep our campus community secure.

Make Plans to Attend: OLLU Is Marching in El Dieciséis de Septiembre Parade!

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Get ready to represent the Saints! Our Lady of the Lake University will be marching in El Dieciséis de Septiembre Parade on Saturday, September 12, joining the Avenida Guadalupe Association’s longstanding celebration of Mexican-American history, culture and community.

This annual parade brings the community together in San Antonio’s historic Westside and celebrates the cultural heritage and history connected to Mexico’s independence and the region.

We Need Saints to Join the March!

OLLU is looking for faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends who would like to walk with the university and show their Saints pride.

Whether you’re a longtime participant or joining for the first time, this is a great opportunity to represent OLLU, connect with the community and celebrate our city’s rich cultural heritage.

Make Plans to Attend:
📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026: Parade Step-Off @ 10 AM
📍 Avenida Guadalupe / San Antonio’s Historic Westside
💙💛 Represent OLLU. Walk with the Saints.

Want to Volunteer and March With OLLU?

For information about joining the OLLU contingent, contact:

Jesse Harasta
Director, Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism
(210) 431-3990
joharasta@ollusa.edu

Come march with us and show San Antonio what it means to be a Saint!

A New Year, A Shared Mission: OLLU Welcomes 2026–27 at Faculty/Staff Convocation

Our Lady of the Lake University officially welcomed the 2026–27 academic year with Faculty/Staff Convocation, bringing together faculty and staff to celebrate OLLU’s accomplishments, recognize outstanding service and look ahead to the year ahead.

The gathering provided an opportunity for the university community to reflect on the progress and achievements of the past year while preparing for the opportunities and priorities that will shape the new academic year.

During the program, President Chávez shared remarks on what the OLLU community can expect in 2026–27, highlighting the university’s continued momentum and the important work ahead. The event also celebrated university accomplishments and the collective contributions of faculty and staff who help advance OLLU’s mission each day.

Celebrating Service to OLLU

A special part of the celebration was the recognition of this year’s Service Award recipients:

Dr. Heather Herrera
Newman Wong
Gianno Gomez
Veronica Martinez Borrell

Their dedication and contributions to the university were recognized as part of the celebration, honoring the important role employees play in strengthening the OLLU community.

Let the Games Begin: OLLU Lotería

The convocation also introduced a little friendly competition with the first-ever OLLU Lotería game.

OLLU Bingo Card_2026_8.10.26 Download

Bringing a uniquely OLLU twist to a beloved tradition, the game gave faculty and staff an opportunity to connect, have fun and celebrate the university community in a new way.

From recognizing those who have dedicated their talents to OLLU to looking ahead to the year to come—and even playing a little Lotería—Faculty/Staff Convocation set the tone for 2026–27: a year of connection, accomplishment and continued momentum.

Here’s to a new academic year and another year of moving OLLU forward—together.

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.

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.

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!