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Our Lady of the Lake University proudly celebrates three remarkable women — Dr. Valerie A. Martinez, Dr. Carolyn Castillo, and Dr. Norma Greenfield-Laborde — whose leadership, service, and dedication to others have earned them induction into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame. Each embodies the OLLU spirit of giving back to the community and living the university’s mission to lead, learn, and serve.

Dr. Valerie A. Martinez, Associate Professor of History at OLLU, has transformed the study of women’s history through her groundbreaking research on Latina servicewomen during World War II. A first-generation college graduate and descendant of Mexican American farmworkers, Dr. Martinez has also strengthened OLLU’s culture of student success through her leadership in first-year programs and mentorship of emerging scholars.

Dr. Carolyn Castillo (BA, MA, PhD), Deputy Director for Teaching and Learning Services at the Education Service Center, Region 20, is a three-time OLLU graduate whose impact reaches across South Texas. She leads initiatives that serve more than 500,000 students and champions women’s leadership through the San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce’s Transformational Leadership Development Program, mentoring hundreds of women toward confident, effective leadership.

Dr. Norma Greenfield-Laborde (PhD), Director of the Bexar County Office of Criminal Justice Policy, Planning, and Programs, has dedicated her career to justice reform and compassion-driven community work. Her programs have changed lives by reducing incarceration rates and supporting individuals on their path to restoration. Through her advocacy, mentorship, and civic engagement, she continues to open doors for women in leadership and public service.

Together, these extraordinary women reflect the heart of OLLU — a community where education, service, and leadership unite to create lasting change. Their achievements remind us that when we lead with purpose and faith, we help build a more just and compassionate world.

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! 👻

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.

Accessibility Services would like to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating Invisible Disabilities Week, held October 20–24. The week served as an important reminder that not all disabilities are visible—and that understanding, empathy, and inclusion make a powerful difference in the lives of our students, faculty, and staff.

Throughout the week, our community came together to raise awareness, share resources, and engage in meaningful conversations about how we can continue to support one another. Your participation and enthusiasm reflect the heart of OLLU’s mission to lead, learn, and serve with compassion and respect for all.

We are also excited to announce that Maggie Ceballos is the winner of the Boo Basket Drawing! Congratulations, Maggie!

Thank you again to everyone who helped make Invisible Disabilities Week a success. Together, we continue to build a campus culture of inclusion, understanding, and empowerment for all members of our OLLU family.

A Message from the President

As we continue to advance our university’s mission and strategic priorities, I kindly share an important leadership update within the Enrollment Division.

Effective immediately, Ms. Shirley Caldera has been appointed Interim Head of Enrollment, serving in this capacity through January 31, 2026. Shirley will provide continuity and leadership during this period of transition as we begin a search for the permanent leader of the Enrollment division.

I want to thank the team members of the Enrollment Division for their dedication, insights, and steadfast commitment to serving our students and families. Their work is vital to OLLU, and I am grateful for the professionalism and care they bring to their roles every day.

Please join me in offering your full support as Shirley steps into this important interim role. Together, we will continue strengthening OLLU’s foundation for growth, student success, and mission-driven excellence.

Warm Regards,

Abel A. Chávez, MBA, Ph.D.
President

Thinking about grad school? Don’t miss the Fall 2025 Graduate & Professional School Fair at OLLU! Join us for pizza on Tuesday, October 21st, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Mall Area to connect with representatives from top programs, explore your options, and take the next step toward your future. Whether you’re curious or ready to apply, this is your chance to get inspired and make valuable connections—see you there! Questions can be directed to Career Services at career@ollusa.edu or 210-431-3971.

Schools participating:

• OLLU Graduate Admissions
• OLLU McNair Scholars
• Drexel University – Graduate Admissions
• MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Saba University School of Medicine
• Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Lyle School of Engineering
• St. Mary’s University – School of Law
• St. Mary’s University – Graduate Admissions
• Texas A&M University–San Antonio – College of Business
• Texas A&M University–San Antonio – Graduate Studies
• Texas A&M University–Kingsville – College of Graduate Studies
• Texas A&M University – School of Public Health
• Texas Lutheran University – Graduate Admissions
• University of the Incarnate Word – Graduate Admissions
• University of the Incarnate Word – Pharmacy
• University of the Incarnate Word – Physical Therapy
• University of St. Augustine
• U.S. Navy – Medical Officer Programs
• UT Arlington
• UT Tyler
• UT Health San Antonio – Graduate Admissions

Are you nearing retirement, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand your healthcare options better? Join us for an informative session that breaks down the essentials of Medicare in a clear, approachable way.

📅 Date: October 15, 2025
📍 Location: Main 311
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Topics We’ll Cover:

• ✅ Are you eligible for Original Medicare?
• 📅 When can you enroll in a Medicare plan?
• 🧠 The A, B, C, and Ds of Medicare – Understanding your options
• ⚖️ Should you be on Medicare instead of your employer plan?
• ❓ Q&A Session – Bring your questions!

Whether you’re approaching retirement, helping a loved one, or want to be informed, this session will provide the clarity you need.

October 20-26 is Make a Difference Week and OLLU will be having daily opportunities for our community to give back and make a difference here on campus and in our neighborhood.  Every day, we’ll have an activity every day for you to sign up for to help make a positive impact in our community.  These range from two Halloween parties with kids, to a pollinator count with the state Parks and Wildlife, to hygiene kit making.  

We are encouraging everyone to participate in The Big Event (Saturday, Oct 25), where we’ll be helping our neighbors at Building Hope Together (2802 W Salinas St, San Antonio, TX 78207, United States) in restoring and upgrading their workspace and events area.  Building Hope is an amazing organization that works with low-income senior citizens in our neighborhood, seeking to create solutions that allow them to age in place in their homes and pass them on to their descendants.  Our project will help increase their capacity to create new and innovative programming.

The other events include:

The Wednesday Book, Clothing Swap, and Friday Hygiene Kit Making, both during Community Hours, do not require registration.  Just drop in!  For all others, register online on Saints Serve (login with your OLLU ID)

As we close Hispanic Heritage Month, I am reminded of especially one guiding principle. In a 1960 speech at Spellman College, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you cannot fly, then run; if you cannot run, then walk; if you cannot walk, then crawl—but whatever you do, you must keep moving forward.” These words come to life in the example of our very own OLLU alumnus, Colonel Gil Coronado (BA ’75), who worked with President Ronald Reagan to champion Public Law 100-402, establishing National Hispanic Heritage Month. Col Coronado’s persistence reminds us that progress, even through challenge, must honor God, community, and each other. May we, too, keep moving—doing good, grounded in faith, and committed to our students, legacies, and mission we get to serve.

Our Lady of the Lake University was delighted to welcome State Representative Trey Martinez Fischer to campus during this year’s Fall Fest celebration. Representative Martinez Fischer joined students, faculty, and staff in the festive spirit, serving as a guest judge for the annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest held on Thursday, October 9th.

The event brought together the OLLU community for an afternoon filled with creativity, laughter, and friendly competition as participants showcased their best fall-themed pumpkin designs. Representative Martinez Fischer shared encouraging words with students and praised the university’s commitment to fostering community engagement and school spirit.

OLLU thanks Representative Martinez Fischer for joining in the fun and supporting our students as they continue to create lasting memories and celebrate the season together.