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Our Lady of the Lake University Main Building

OLLU: A University On The Rise

Building For Tomorrow

Since the arrival of President Abel A. Chávez, MBA, PhD, in 2022, Our Lady of the Lake University has raised more than $31 million, launched new programs and scholarships and embraced a new level of energy and excitement.

Dr. Chávez has immersed himself in the community. He attends regular breakfasts with San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and luncheons with business leaders. He speaks at galas, participates in local events and visits OLLU campuses in Houston and the Rio Grande Valley. He meets with faculty, listens to students and joins Saints fans in the bleachers at athletic events. Dr. Chávez is a leader on the move.

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President Abel Chavez

Leaders Applaud President Chávez

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Mayor Ron Nirenberg



San Antonio Mayor

Ron Nirenberg


In the brief time that Abel has been at the helm of Our Lady of the Lake University, he has already energized the community about the future of the institution and the critical role it should play in the resurgence of San Antonio’s historic West Side.

– From San Antonio Magazine 

 

Peter Sakai

County Judge
Peter Sakai

 Dr. Abel Chávez has done a terrific job in his first year as President of Our Lady of the Lake University. He brings vision and leadership to the community he works in. OLLU is a West Side gem and Dr. Chávez is the perfect person to help both the university and the surrounding area flourish.” 

 

Tommy Calvert


County Commissioner, Pct. 4
Tommy Calvert

Mr. President, I want to thank you for bringing new energy and new life to Our Lady of the Lake University. Your reputation is spreading quickly around San Antonio as someone who is going to do a lot of great things.
– During Commissioners Court meeting

 

Joaquin Castro


Congressman
Joaquin Castro

Over the last year, Dr. Chávez has quickly established himself as a champion for both OLLU and the West Side of San Antonio. With tens of millions of dollars in new funding for scholarship and service, OLLU is thriving under his leadership and I look forward to the accomplishments of his second year.

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Briana Salas


New Energy at OLLU

OLLU has received several seven-figure grants, which have excited faculty and students. The most recent is a $5 million USDA grant for scholarships and research. OLLU also received a $3 million “Rethink to Retain: IDEA in Action” grant, which will help improve retention of first-time students.

I’m excited about the Environmental Science program,said Briana Salas, PhD, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science.

Local, State and National Media Exposure

President Chávez has been featured in national publications, such as “The Hispanic Outlook on Higher Education” and NBCNews.com, and granted interviews to numerous media outlets.

Among them: The San Antonio Express-News, the San Antonio Business Journal, the San Antonio Report, San Antonio Magazine, KSAT-12, News 4 WOAI, KENS-5, KLRN-TV, Univision 41, Telemundo 60, Catholic Television of San Antonio, the San Antonio Current and Today’s Catholic.

Dr. Chavez being interviewed by Kens 5 News

New Buildings and Renovations for the Next Generation

OLLU is expanding its footprint and reach.  A new Center for Children and Family will be built close to campus. Renovations will begin soon on Chapel Auditorium. Also, plans are underway for a remodel of the Sueltenfuss Library and other infrastructure needs across the university.

The commitment to the advancement of OLLU is rooted in its rich legacy and propelled by the promise of a brighter future.

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Sueltenfuss Library

Library Circulation Desk

Library Entrance

Student Study Area

Coffee Bar Area

Science Building

Science Building - Night View

Kinesiology Lab

Science Building - Lake View

Science Building - Day View

Biology Anatomy & Physiology Lab

Biology Wet Lab

Classroom

Organic Chemistry Lab

Main Lobby

Chapel Auditorium

Chapel Auditorium Rendering

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Center for Children and Family

Center for Family and Children rendering

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First cohort of Futuro scholarsSupporting Tomorrow’s Leaders with the Futuro Scholarship Program

Our new OLLU Futuro Leaders Scholars program recognizes academically talented, leadership driven, first-generation college-bound students with a full tuition and fees scholarship. 

The first cohort includes 20 students from across Texas for the 2023-2024 academic year. Each Futuro’s scholar will:

First Cohort - OLLU Futuro Scholars Program

Futuro Leaders Scholars Program

 

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