Category: Top Stories

An Evening of Poetry with Dr. Wallis R. Sanborn III

Join us for a special literary event as Dr. Wallis R. Sanborn III shares a reading from his latest collection, Son of Bukowski. This exciting evening will take place on Thursday, March 27th, in Main 311, from 6 PM to 8 PM, and will also feature special guest Octavio Quintanilla.

Dr. Sanborn’s poetry captures life’s struggles and hopes with honesty and emotion, using words to preserve history and truth

Reflecting on the importance of remembering and sharing stories, Dr. Sanborn is guided by the words of Elie Wiesel, a writer and survivor who once said:

“My life as a writer—or my life, period—would not have become what it is: that of a witness who believes he has a moral obligation to try to prevent the enemy from enjoying one last victory by allowing his crimes to be erased from human memory.”

Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable evening of storytelling and creativity!

Celebrating 70 Years of Communication Sciences and Disorders at OLLU!

Fiesta Networking at the Lake: A Celebration of 70 Years for CSD


đź“… Wednesday, April 30th
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
đź“Ť Harry Jersig Speech-Language-Hearing Center

Join us in celebrating 70 years of excellence in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)! Founded in 1955 by Dr. Elizabeth Carrow Woolfolk, the Woolfolk School of CSD has shaped speech-language pathology and audiology through education, research, and service.

This milestone honors our past while launching us into the future. In 2025, we spotlight transformative impact, recognizing the achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

To commemorate, we proudly present our Inaugural Annual Research Symposium, showcasing advancements in the field. Join us for a night of discovery, networking, and celebration!

What to Expect:

  • Research Symposium showcasing innovation and academic excellence
  • Networking with faculty, alumni, and professionals
  • Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks (while supplies last)
  • Live entertainment celebrating our rich history and future

We’re also welcoming TSHA Convention attendees and working on hotel advertising, sponsorships, and shuttle transportation to Jersig for a seamless experience.

Thank you for being part of the Woolfolk School’s journey. Join us on April 30th as we celebrate 70 years of impact and look ahead to the future!

Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss it!

Congressman Castro holds 1st ever Town Hall with over 1,000+ in attendance at OLLU!

On Saturday, March 8th, there was a powerful sense of solidarity and pride during the first-ever Town Hall at Our Lady of the Lake’s Thiry Auditorium (OLLU) as we heard from veterans, students, seniors, and community members about the current political landscape regarding the future. San Antonians are ready to stand up for Texas and America.

Congressman Joaquin Castro’s Town Hall brought 1,000+ people of all backgrounds, creeds, and cultures to the beautiful campus of OLLU. Thank you for your voice and to those who joined us — it was great to hear from you.

It’s always a wonderful day to be a Saint!

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!

OLLU Students Invited to Experience Traditional Chinese Culture at Sias Summer Camp

Embark on a Cultural Journey to China This Summer!

OLLU students have the unique opportunity to participate in the 2025 Sias Summer Camp: Traditional Chinese Culture Experience at Sias University in Zhengzhou, China. This immersive program offers a deep dive into traditional Chinese culture through hands-on activities, excursions, and educational workshops.

Program Highlights

  • Dates: May 18-25, 2025
  • Location: Sias University, Zhengzhou, China
  • Program Fee: FREE for OLLU students (meals, dorms, and program fees covered)
  • Students Cover: $500 registration deposit, airfare, travel insurance, visa, and personal expenses
  • Registration Deadline: March 27, 2025

How to Learn More

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore China, gain cultural insights, and create unforgettable memories!

OLLU-chinese-summer-campDownload

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.

OLLU International Folk Culture Center Hosts Scholar Niurca Márquez

The OLLU International Folk Culture Center is honored to host Niurca Márquez, a renowned religious studies and dance scholar, for a series of engaging events exploring identity, ritual, and movement. Márquez, a Latinx artist and activist, is known for her work on cultural memory, resistance, and the intersection of religion and the body.

Upcoming Events:

🗓 February 24 | 5:30–7 PM | Plática: Dance As Resistance
 Márquez will discuss her research on the Arará of Cuba and the role of ritual as a living archive, sharing insights from resistance theatre and Flamenco practices.

🗓 February 25 | 3:30–5 PM | MARC Ballroom | Presentation: Sacred Dance/Sacred Ritual
 An exploration of sacred dance within global religious traditions, examining how cultural, political, and historical events shape these practices and their connection to worship.

🗓 February 28 | 6–8 PM | MARC Ballroom | Movement Workshop: Writing Our Body’s History
 A hands-on workshop guiding participants through somatic practices that reveal how the body records and expresses personal and cultural histories.

All events are free and open to the community.

Register Here

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Niurca Márquez and explore the powerful connections between movement, identity, and ritual!