Category: Student News

OLLU Celebrates Spring 2025 Phi Alpha Honors Society Induction

On April 24, 2025, the Phi Alpha Delta Delta Chapter of the Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University held its Spring 2025 Induction Ceremony. Surrounded by peers, faculty, and loved ones, new members were welcomed into this prestigious organization that recognizes academic excellence and commitment to the values of the social work profession.

Phi Alpha recognizes students who have achieved excellence in scholarship and demonstrated a strong commitment to humanitarian goals. The Spring 2025 cohort exemplifies leadership, service, and a dedication to advancing equity through social work practice.

Congratulations to all our newest members!

Phi Alpha Delta Delta Spring 2025 Inductees

2025 Phi Alpha Officers
  • President: Ciminie Blea, MSW
  • Vice President: Zurisaday Robbins-Briz, MSW
  • Secretary: Alyssa Cerna, MSW
  • Treasurer: Rosina Osuna, MSW
  • Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ilan Kwon, PhD, MSW
New Phi Alpha Inductees
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
    • Luisa Bustamante
    • Courtney Farias
    • Robin Gorena
    • Michaela Reitzer
    • Marlena Stafford
    • Heather Strange
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
    • Ciminie Blea
    • Alyssa Cerna
    • Natalia Canseco
    • Nieshia Davis
    • Camary Dilworth
    • Elizabeth Dungan
    • Colemra Ellis
    • Deena Gomez
    • Victoria Heffner
    • Laura Hewitt
    • Elena Holguin
    • Clarissa Leal
    • Kimberly Mata-Rodriguez
    • Orisha Moon
    • Jessalyn Moreno
    • Chasity Nickelson
    • Laycee Ramsey
    • Zurisaday Robbins-Briz
    • Karina Villanueva

Register. Win. Repeat: $100 Bookstore Gift Card Giveaway

Our Lady of the Lake University wants to reward you for taking charge of your academic future! All current OLLU students who register for Summer and/or Fall 2025 classes by May 1 will be entered into a daily drawing to win a $100 gift card to the OLLU Bookstore.

Whether you’re locking in summer classes to stay ahead or gearing up for an exciting fall semester, registering early could pay off—literally.

Lavender Graduation on May 7th

Lavender Graduation is right around the corner. See the event details below—a formal invitation will follow.

Event Details:

  • When: Wednesday, May 7th
  • Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Where: Saint Anne’s Courtyard

What is Lavender Graduation? Lavender Graduation aims to support LGBTQ+ students. Dr. Ronni Sanlo founded it, inspired by her exclusion from her children’s graduation due to her sexuality. More information can be found at https://www.hrc.org/resources/lavender-graduation.

RSVP

OLLU Alliance presents

SAVE THE DATE! 

Lavender Graduation is right around the corner. See the event details below—a formal invitation will follow. 

Event Details:

When:Wednesday, May 7th

Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM  

Where: Saint Anne’s Courtyard  

RSVP here. 

What is Lavender Graduation? Lavender Graduation aims to support LGBTQ+ students. Dr. Ronni Sanlo founded it, inspired by her exclusion from her children’s graduation due to her sexuality. More information can be found here. 

Kind regards, 

Selena Fiesta – Como La Floreo Video Shoot

Love Selena? Come have a Selena Fiesta with the International Folk Culture Center and Zombie Bazaar!

Join us for the Como La Floreo Video Shoot. Wear your favorite Selena look as we shoot side-by-side while moving simultaneously with La Reina!

Friday, April 25 | 7:30 – 9:00 pm | MARC Ballroom

RSVP

RSVP is not required to attend; it just helps us prepare. Questions? Email IFCC@ollusa.edu. See you there!

Cyber Saints Represent OLLU at National IT Collegiate Conference

Three students from Our Lady of the Lake University’s CISS program—Cesar Reyes, Rose Vasquez, and Jennifer Vaquera-Luna—recently put their cybersecurity skills to the test at the U.S. Information Technology Collegiate Conference (USITCC) in Springfield, Missouri.

Held from March 27–29, the conference brought together 170 participants from 15 colleges and universities, including 133 students, 24 faculty members, and 13 industry professionals, sponsors, and judges. The OLLU students each competed in two events, gaining hands-on experience and insight into real-world IT challenges.

“Team Cyber Saints did well in their first competition of this type,” said faculty advisor and Assistant Professor Kelly Roberts-Cooper. “I’m so proud of this group!”

The USITCC gives students the opportunity to compete, network with IT professionals, and explore career pathways in a dynamic and evolving industry.

Learn more about the conference: usitcc.com

Reminder: Free Dental Day is Friday, April 11!

Counseling & Wellness Services will be hosting the next Dental Day on April 11, 2025 starting at 9:30am, with the last appointment at 3:30pm in UWAC 112

If you have Wellfleet Student Health Insurance, you can schedule an appointment for a FREE teeth cleaning and checkup. Appointments are required, so check your @ollusa.edu email for a survey sent out on Monday, March 31, 2025 to register for an appointment time. You must have Wellfleet Student Health Insurance to participate.

Dental Day Lake Weekly Announcement FlyerDownload

Madam Butterfly – FREE tickets for OLLU students

Do you love breathtaking music, stunning performances, and a night of culture at one of San Antonio’s premier venues? Well, you’re in luck! 🎶✨

We have 30 FREE tickets remaining for OLLU students to experience Madam Butterfly at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, April 19, at 7:30 PM! This is your chance to witness Puccini’s timeless opera—a story of love, sacrifice, and beautiful melodies.

🔹 How to Claim Your Free Ticket: Be one of the first 50 students to complete the Madam Butterfly RSVP, and you’re in! One ticket per student.

🔹 Where to Pick Up Your Ticket: Head to the Box Office Will Call line at the Tobin Center starting at 6:30 PM on April 19—your ticket will be waiting under your name. Be sure to bring your OLLU student ID to pick up your ticket.

🔹 Know Before You Go: Check out the Tobin’s Guide on everything you need to know before you visit! Box Office Will Call line at the Tobin Center starting at 6:30 PM on April 19—your ticket will be waiting under your name. Be sure to bring your OLLU student ID to pick up your ticket.

🔹 What to Wear for the Opera: Business Casual attire is perfect for your night out at the Opera!

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity! 🎭 RSVP now to secure your spot before they’re all gone!

Butterfly FlyerDownload

OLLU Education Students Bring Civil Rights History to Life in Alonso S. Perales Exhibit

Check out OLLU Education student’s contributions to the Alonso S. Perales exhibit before it closes on April 18th! Visit the entire exhibit on the 3rd floor of the Sueltenfuss Library!

  • “A Geographic Timeline: Alonso Perales’ Life-Long Legacy of Justice & Equality,” a bilingual, multimedia presentation created by Dr. Kim Kennedy’s students in her Reading Comprehension course (EDUC), explores key moments in Perales’ lifelong fight for justice and equality.
  • “Explorando El Legado de Alonso Perales: Hands-On Learning Activities.” Developed by grad and undergrad students, this interactive experience enhances the Perales exhibit with engaging, hands-on activities for school-aged children.

Student quotes on the project experience

“The opportunity to spotlight Alonso S. Perales, one of America’s pioneering Mexican American diplomats for current generations, and his contributions to his enduring legacy of advocacy, diplomacy, and Civil Rights gives students the foundation for how history is made of exceptional individuals who had to overcome challenges to succeed.”
– Richard Martinez, OLLU Graduate – History 2024

“Researching Alonso S. Perales provides us with a special opportunity to be a part of restoring and uncovering his life’s work. Perales had such an amazing impact in the lives of so many Mexican Americans. As future Masters of Education and Literacy, it is our responsibility to help inform our community about his humble beginnings and the way he used his knowledge to speak for others.
– Sasha Smith, OLLU Graduate Student & teacher

Curriculum Designers: graduate and undergraduate students enrolled with Dr. Kimberley Kennedy in the following courses: English as a Second Language Methodology (EDUC 6364), Approaches to English Language Learners (ELLs) (EDUC 4364), and Reading and Writing Development at the Secondary Level (EDUC 6375).

  • Graduate Students: Abigail Avila, David De Leon, Stephanie Frausto, Rosa Hernandez, Richard Martinez, Kristal Peña, Madicela Perez, Jacqueline Rivera, Natalie Rodriguez, Kristee Salas, and Sasha Smith.
  • Undergraduate Students: Tanya Barrientos, Marissa Escamilla, Camila Hernandez, Angelina Ochoa, Viviana Reyes, Lyndee Rheinberger, Bianca Rodriguez, & Lizette Rodriguez
  • Undergraduate Students in Reading Comprehension (EDUC 3344): Stacey Adams, Tanya Barrientos, Steven Castaneda, Marissa Escamilla, Camila Hernandez, Sebastian Moreno, Angelina Ochoa, Viviana Reyes, Bianca Rodriguez and Andrew Vanover.

“Alonso S. Perales: Civil Rights Trailblazer” by Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI) on view through April 18, 2025, Sueltenfuss Library, 3rd Floor Loft. For more information, contact library@ollusa.edu.