New Cafeteria Mural Celebrates Student Art

The Mexican American Visual Arts class with Professor Gonzalez has completed their newest mural, located in the Cafeteria.

Artists include:

  • Leilani Barajas
  • Steven Engbrecht
  • Celeste Flores
  • Kitsia Flores
  • Jacqueline Gloria
  • Jack Kalisky
  • Kyle Kemp
  • Dani Palacios
  • Annabelle Prindle
  • Santos Rivera Valles
  • Sophie Robles
  • Troy Stinson
  • Sandra Vidal
  • Dominique Zapata

Be sure to check it out!

OLLU Secures Seven-Point Win Behind Gonzalez’s Hot Shooting


The Our Lady of the Lake University men’s basketball team earned a strong 88–81 victory over Jarvis Christian University, closing out a competitive matchup with poise and timely shooting. The Saints maintained steady control throughout the game, responding to each push from Jarvis Christian with disciplined play on both ends of the court.

Matthew Gonzalez led OLLU with an impressive performance, knocking down four three-pointers on his way to a team-high 18 points. Kenyon Elliott added 14 points, contributing key baskets that helped the Saints keep momentum in their favor. Isaiah Moore finished with 11 points, providing consistent support in the scoring column and helping secure the win down the stretch.

The Saints will return to action on Saturday when they travel to face Texas College at 3:00 PM CDT.

Remaking Education Through Hip Hop: A Hands-On Workshop for Future Educators

This dynamic workshop introduces the OLLU community to a groundbreaking “True” Hip Hop Education model—developed through doctoral research and brought to life in a San Antonio 9th-grade classroom. Rooted in Hip Hop culture’s origins as a tool for survival, innovation, and creative expression, this model offers a youth-centered alternative to traditional schooling and societal norms. It transforms young lives through teaching and learning that prioritize engagement, empowerment, and equity

Participants will experience this pedagogy in action—honoring culture and collective liberation in alignment with OLLU’s mission to transform society through education grounded in justice and dignity. In this hands-on session, seasoned and aspiring educators will do Hip Hop, exploring the self-determined naming practices of StyleWriting, Hip Hop’s core visual art form. This immersive approach demonstrates how to engage and empower youth through creativity, belonging, and confidence.

Designed for OLLU’s future educators, social workers, and community leaders, the workshop highlights how innovative, locally rooted pedagogy can help San Antonio’s youth shape futures full of possibility. For an institution committed to service, culture, and transformation, this event showcases how Hip Hop education fuels excellence, empathy, and equality.

About the Presenter:
G. Beatriz Rodríguez, JD, PhD, is a San Antonio–raised educator, scholar, and Hip Hop practitioner with nearly 30 years of experience in public schools and community spaces nationwide. Her doctoral research developed the “True” Hip Hop Education model, later implemented in her 9th-grade Geography classroom with powerful results. She co-founded Universal Style School in 2014 and continues to lead efforts to advance Hip Hop pedagogy as a justice-centered approach to teaching and learning. Her bold aerosol artworks uplifting community can be seen across San Antonio.


Event Details:
IFCC Winter Educator’s Workshop:
Remaking Education Now – A True Teacher’s Guide to Hip Hop Pedagogy & Classroom Practice
📅 Thursday, January 8, 2026
🕕 6 PM – 9 PM
📍 MARC Ballroom
💲 Free Admission

Cyber Saints Excel in Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Capture the Flag (CTF) Cybersecurity Competition

The Computer Information Systems and Security (CISS) Cyber Saints Student Organization recently put their skills to the test in a high-energy Capture the Flag (CTF) cybersecurity competition—an experience designed to replicate the intensity, urgency, and problem-solving demands of real-world cyber defense and ethical hacking.

CTF competitions are a cornerstone of cybersecurity education, blending learning with competition. In these fast-paced, game-based challenges, teams race against the clock to uncover hidden strings of text known as “flags.” Each captured flag signifies the successful completion of a security task, earning points and propelling teams up the leaderboard.

Working collaboratively under pressure, the Cyber Saints tackled complex challenges, shared insights, and executed strategic solutions—demonstrating the teamwork and adaptability essential to today’s cyber professionals.

CISS faculty advisor and Assistant Professor Kelly “RC” Roberts-Cooper applauded the students’ commitment and collaboration, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning experiences. “Competitions like CTFs allow students to practice real-world offensive and defensive cyber skills in a controlled, ethical environment,” Roberts-Cooper said.

For the Cyber Saints, the competition was more than a technical challenge—it was an opportunity to build camaraderie, sharpen their expertise, and spark excitement for future events. Their participation reflects the organization’s dedication to experiential learning and to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.

As digital threats continue to evolve, experiences like these ensure students are doing more than studying cybersecurity—they are actively preparing to defend the digital world with confidence and skill.

From left to right: President, Alexandria Heaton; Student government Rep. Cesar Reyes; Vice President Jennifer Vaquera-Luna; Treasurer Luis Vela; Jaylen Williams

Record-Breaking Run as OLLU Women Reach New Heights at National Championships

Tallahasse, Florida- The Our Lady of the Lake University women’s cross-country team delivered a record-setting performance at the 2025 NAIA National Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, finishing 28th overall. This is the highest national placement in program history. The Saints entered the meet with confidence and left having reached a milestone that showcased their depth, discipline, and steady program growth. There were 36 teams who competed and 333 runners in the field.

Kristen Torres led OLLU with a time of 22:39.2, running a controlled and consistent race on the challenging 6K course finishing 60th. Close on her heels, Mia Curiel delivered one of her strongest performances of the season, finishing in 23:14 and maintaining a steady pace through the demanding middle miles. Liliana Hernandez added another strong effort, crossing the line in 23:30.6 with a powerful closing stretch that secured valuable points for the team.

Zaddie Santacruz continued OLLU’s scoring momentum with a composed national debut, finishing in 23:42.7. Leilania Leza followed with a 25:12 effort, rounding out the Saints’ scoring and playing a key role in their historic finish. Daylah Vega finished in 25:50.7, providing additional depth, while Victoria Bartlett closed the team results with a 27:03 effort in her final collegiate cross-country race.

The Saints 28th-place finish marks a defining moment for the program. With several top performers returning in 2026, OLLU is poised to build on this breakthrough and continue its ascent within the NAIA.

Math and Sciences Department to Host First Annual Metz Achievement Awards

The Math and Sciences Department is proud to introduce a new tradition at Our Lady of the Lake University — the first annual Metz Achievement Awards, celebrating Fall 2025 graduates from the Kinesiology, Biology, and Environmental Science and Sustainability programs.

Held in recognition of academic excellence, perseverance, and the transformative journeys of OLLU’s science students, the Metz Achievement Awards will honor graduating seniors through personalized reflections shared by their faculty mentors. Each student will be recognized for completing their degree requirements and for the meaningful impact they have made within their programs.

Tuesday, December 9
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Hosted by the Math and Sciences Department

OLLU Welcomes New Alumni Director, Cynthia Rocha

Our Lady of the Lake University is pleased to welcome Cynthia Rocha as the new Alumni Director.

Rocha brings extensive experience in community engagement, nonprofit leadership, and relationship building, most recently serving through her work with Lifelong Legacies, where she partnered with organizations to strengthen alumni networks, elevate storytelling, and foster long-term donor and volunteer connections.

In her new role at OLLU, Rocha will lead efforts to engage alumni, expand outreach programs, and create meaningful opportunities for Saints to stay connected with the university and with one another.

Discover What’s Happening at OLLU — Visit the Events Calendar!

Looking to stay connected and make the most of your OLLU experience? The OLLU Events Calendar is your one-stop destination for everything happening on campus and beyond.

Whether you’re interested in:

📘 Academic and Professional Events
Workshops, lectures, career development sessions, academic deadlines, and more.

🎉 Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
Campus traditions, social events, cultural celebrations, and leadership opportunities.

🏛️ University-Sponsored Events
Major campus gatherings, community partnerships, performances, ceremonies, and special announcements.

You can find it all—updated regularly and easy to browse—on the OLLU website.

🔗 Visit the Events Calendar anytime at: OLLU Events

Stay informed, get involved, and make every week at the Lake meaningful! 💙

🎃 OLLU Hosts Annual Lake-O-Ween: A Spooktacular Community Celebration!

Get ready for a night of fun, frights, and family-friendly festivities at Our Lady of the Lake University’s Annual Lake-O-Ween! Join us on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Library Circle for an evening open to the entire community.

Hosted by OLLU TAFE–Educators Rising, Residence Life, and numerous student organizations and community partners, this cherished campus tradition brings together the OLLU family and our West Side neighbors for a celebration full of Halloween spirit.

Guests can enjoy trick-or-treating, explore the Haunted Hall, indulge at food booths, and show off their creativity in the costume contest. Whether you’re a student, parent, child, or community member, Lake-O-Ween offers something for everyone to enjoy in a safe and festive environment.

This event embodies the heart of OLLU’s mission to serve, connect, and celebrate with our community.

For more information, contact Ms. Castillo at EducatorsRising@ollusa.edu or call (210) 431-6575.

Come celebrate the season—if you dare! 👻

OLLU-Houston Strengthens Community Connections and Expands Access to Mental Health Resources

Rain or shine, OLLU-Houston is there! Dr. Gil-Wilkerson and Admissions Counselor Victoria Sandoval attended the Spring ISD Showcase to share the Houston Relationship Clinic, a psychotherapy clinic focused on supporting couples, families, and other close relationships. OLLU-Houston is committed to expanding community access to mental health resources while addressing the urgent need for more licensed mental health professionals. We were also proud to connect with alumna Rae McWilliams, Clinical Director and CEO of Equity Counseling Services, and celebrate the impact OLLU graduates continue to make in their communities.