Center for Women hosts Thanksgiving meal for OLLU students
Students on campus for the holiday can still enjoy a home-cooked dinner

Students who will remain on campus during the Thanksgiving holiday are invited to a traditional meal and celebration at the Center for Women in Church in Society, located in the Elliott House, from noon to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 22.

This special celebration is open to OLLU residence life students who will not be traveling home for the Thanksgiving holiday. The meal will be provided by University staff, alumni and a student who have volunteered to prepare and serve the meal.

Students are encouraged to RSVP by contacting: Edna Hinojosa, hinoe@lake.ollusa.edu or ext. 2679 or 2249, or Roxanne Ramon, rmramon@lake.ollusa.edu or ext 2163.  

1. The Board Chair and University Constituent Representatives agreed to cancel the Nov. 30 Constituency Representative Meeting in favor of a broader luncheon dialogue on the day of the Jan. 31, 2008 Board meeting. More details will follow.
2. The Higher Education Council of San Antonio (HECSA) is developing the concept for a federal funding proposal that will create a city-wide intra- and inter-institutional knowledge base of student resources and support programs to improve student success.
3. As the aesthetics and vitality of our surrounding neighborhood are important to the University, OLLU is participating in the City Council District 5 Task Force to revitalize businesses and community space which includes draining and cleaning Elmendorf Lake in 2008.

Students are invited to provide feedback at President@lake.ollusa.edu on instruction, administrative services, academic support programs and any aspect of our operations that are helping or hindering their success at our University.

The Colleague upgrade was complete as of 11 p.m. Sunday. The system remains down as a small group of testers continue to review processes. Notification will be sent by e-mail when the system is available. I wish to express my deep appreciation to director Sulema Cabrera and the staff of Administrative Technology for the work they have done to accomplish this transfer rapidly and collaboratively.  

Excelencia in Education, a Washington, DC-based organization dedicated to improving Latino educational success, has named our Hispanic-Serving Institutions Web site one of its “Online Affiliates.”  Excelencia’s online affiliates are at http://www.edexcelencia.org/about_us/partners/online.asp.  The HSI Web site was developed as a project of our current Title V Cooperative grant program for which Dr. Anthony Rigual, professor of Spanish, serves as PI.

This season of Thanksgiving prompts me to reflect on the deeper meaning of our work together at the University and the strength we can derive by understanding more deeply the trust in Provident God that inspired the CDPs whose legacy is this wonderful institution.  I give thanks that Providence has brought us all together in the common endeavor of graduating students who are competent and committed to service.

Everyone is always welcome to submit e-Comments to me to help us improve.

School of Business and Leadership to offer new leadership minor
Courses for the minor, including online classes, will be offered this spring

As part of the University’s continued efforts to produce outstanding leaders, the School of Business and Leadership will begin offering a minor in Organizational Leadership for traditional daytime undergraduate students this spring.

The minor will let students pursue majors they are passionate about while enhancing their leadership skills. The skills acquired through the minor in Organizational Leadership will help students rise to levels of higher responsibility in their chosen professions.

All courses for this minor will be available online each semester. Students who prefer the collaborative learning and interactions of a traditional classroom may take classes during the day. Two resident courses and seven on-line courses will be offered in spring 2008.

Dr. Phyllis Duncan, a former COO of a printing company, shares her corporate experiences in her course, LEAD 3314: Gender Issues in Leadership. Dr. Duncan holds her PhD in Organizational Leadership from UIW. Her areas of research focus on emotional intelligence, the glass ceiling and gender issues in the workplace.           

Professor Diana Garza-Ortiz also brings her corporate experience as a Project Manager and Systems Analyst for a large corporation and shares her experience of working in diverse environments. Professor Garza-Ortiz is completing her PhD in Leadership Studies at OLLU and will teach LEAD 3312: Multi-cultural Issues in Leadership.  

The minor focuses on leadership principles and best practices through experiential learning exercises, introspective leadership profiles, case studies and real-world analyses. Students will experiment with a variety of leadership ideas.

For more information, contact Professor Garza-Ortiz at ext. 2712 or
dgarza-ortiz@lake.ollusa.edu.

Proceeds from anime convention donated to OLLU, CDP
Successful 'Zero Day Anime' gives back to University

Following a successful anime convention at OLLU on Nov. 10, the San Japan organization donated a portion of the event proceeds to the University community last week, including to the OLLU Development Office, the Congregation of Divine Providence and the OLLU Anime Club.

The convention held at the UWAC and in Providence Hall was sponsored by San Japan, a non-profit group devoted to bringing Japanese cultural awareness to San Antonio. More than 800 people visited campus for the event.

Dave Henkin, convention chair for San Japan, along with Darrell Hoberer, staff member and adviser for OLLU's anime group, visited the CDP and the Development Office on Friday for check presentations of $500 each. The OLLU Anime Club, represented by Jose Luis De La Cruz, club president and OLLU senior, also received a $500 check from San Japan. The funds donated to the CDP will be used where most needed while the Development Office will use the funds to assist students who study the Japanese language at OLLU. The anime club plans to use its donation for expansion of the club's activities and to further their goal of forming a collaborative among other college and high school anime clubs.

Photos: At right, Sister Charlene Wedelich, CDP, an OLLU Board of Trustees member, accepts a check from the San Japan anime convention held at OLLU and poses with (clockwise) Henkin, Chris Pagonis, OLLU staff member and anime club member; Mary Northrup, OLLU student and anime member; De La Cruz and Hoberer.

Above at left, Peggy Prather, director of the Development Office, accepts a check from Henkin and Hoberer.

Helping Hands, Staff Org holds Thanksgiving basket contest
All baskets entered will be donated to the needy in the community

The Helping Hands Committee and Staff Organization's Thanksgiving Basket contest produced creative entries from several University departments. All baskets will be donated to needy families in the community. Prizes were awarded to the top three basket winners:

• 1st Place: Post Office (turkey riding on wagon)
• 2nd Place: Group entry from Student Employment Office, Police and Assessment Center (turkey basket)
• 3rd Place: Library (cherry pie)

The prizes included $125 for first place; $75 for second; and $50 for third place. Staff Organization President John Sanchez noted that half of the total award amount given away was donated by President Tessa Martinez Pollack, PhD.

Learning from Leaders series continues this Tuesday
James Allen, president of J. Allen Family Partners, Ltd., scheduled to speak

James Allen, president of J. Allen Family Partners, Ltd., is the featured speaker in the Fall 2007 Learning from Distinguished Leaders Lecture Series this Tuesday from 9:55-11:10 a.m. in the Renaissance Parlors. Allen’s investment company looks at many different opportunities, ranging from real estate to business start-ups. His company has executed projects totaling more than $100 million. Current developments include a self-storage facility at Loop 1604 and O’Connor, a master plan retail development on S.W. Military, a high-rise building in Inwood and a  60-acre master planned community in San Juan/Pharr, Texas.

Allen is forming a non-rprofit organization called Wishes and Prayers that will provide assistance to young children and seniors bedridden in the hospital and coordinate visits to them by high school and college students. He is active in several organizations such as the San Antonio Livestock Exposition Horse Committee, Friends of Christus Santa Rosa Board and the Lone Star Capital Bank Advisory Board.

During the fall semester, 13 business and civic leaders will visit as part of the lecture series. The purpose of the series, now in its fourth year, is to acquaint OLLU students with local leaders to learn how they run organizations and respond to leadership challenges. See the Schedule of Fall 2007 speakers.

The OLLU community is invited to attend. RSVP to Amanda Flores at 431-3955 or amflores@lake.ollusa.edu.

Photo: James Allen

Staff Organization meeting available on the Web
Nov. 15 meeting recorded for staff members who did not attend

The Staff Organization meeting on Nov. 15 was videotaped and is now available for viewing at the link below.

    Title: Staff Organization Meeting
    Date: Thursday, November 15, 2007
    Duration: 00:36:14
    Link: http://216.248.220.40/mediasite/viewer/?peid=55c1289e-33c9-4797-b75a-95521fb13dc5

Second annual fatherhood conference set for Dec. 1
Free event is open to all fathers, male guardians

OLLU and its Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism will join with the San Antonio Fatherhood Campaign to offer the second annual “Hombres con Razon” fatherhood conference on Dec. 1.  Area fathers are invited to participate in workshops and activities designed to improve relationships, handle stress and deal with parenting issues.  Representatives from state and community organizations will be on hand with information on various programs and services.  Free parking, breakfast, lunch and childcare will be provided for participants.  Spanish translation services will be available.

The conference is from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1. Spaces are limited so please register by Nov. 26 by contacting Sandy Young at slyoung@lake.ollusa.edu or 210-434-6711, ext. 2759. This year's conference will take place at nearby The Neighborhood Place (formerly known as H.K. Williams Elementary School) on 3014 Rivas Street off of General McMullen. Call 210-431-7500 for directions.  
                       
The event is offered annually by OLLU and the Fatherhood Campaign to improve relationships between fathers and their families and to recognize the important role played by male figures in families, specifically Latino families.   

OLLU's TunaPalooza on Dec. 1 at the White Rabbit
Fundraising concert benefits the San Antonio Food Bank

OLLU's Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism will host the third annual TunaPalooza benefit concert on Dec. 1, in a new off-campus venue.  The tuna collection and fundraiser for the San Antonio Food Bank will take its multi-act show to longtime live music spot, The White Rabbit, on 2410 N. St. Mary’s Street.  Admission is eight cans of tuna or $8.  Doors open at 7 p.m. until midnight.

Tuna is one of the Food Bank’s most needed items, according to the organization’s Web site.  Beyond being inexpensive, tuna is protein-rich and one of the least perishable food items.  In lieu of tuna, monetary donations will be accepted as the Food Bank can convert every dollar donated into $13 worth of quality groceries for needy families.  With the holiday season here, TunaPalooza offers music lovers an ideal opportunity for giving.

A diverse lineup of local musicians for TunaPalooza is confirmed, including: the Latin, hip-hop style of Mexican Stepgrandfather; the pop rock sounds of The Reen; alternative group Sonido Estereo UK; Texas Nouveaux Wave band Savior Daughters; and the rockin’ country pop of Ledaswan.

During TunaPalooza, the Empty Bowls event will offer tasty soups and a unique, handcrafted bowl at prices between $5 and $20.  Various restaurants will cater the event and the empty bowls serve as a reminder of the countless hungry mouths that go unfed around the world.

For more information, visit http://www.myspace.com/tunapalooza or contact Josh Franco, Service-Learning Coordinator, at the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism, at 210-431-3990 or jtfranco@lake.ollusa.edu.  

OLLU Post Office offers services for holiday mailing needs
Christmas stamps go on sale starting today

The University operates a campus Post Office in Providence Hall basement for the reception, dispatch and on campus delivery of the United States Mail. The Post Office offers services for all faculty, staff and students:

*Priority Service
*Express/Federal Express Overnight delivery
*Certified Mail
*Insured mail
*Delivery confirmation
*Signature Confirmation
*UPS

The Post Office is available for the purchase of postage stamps during the hours of operation from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The OLLU Post Office will have Christmas stamps available for sale starting today.

World boxing champ visits campus for presentation
Jesse James Leija speaks to students about character

Jesse James Leija spoke to more than 200 students, staff and faculty last Thursday about “Spirit of Character” during a program presented by La Llamada and Campus Recreation. OLLU Board of Trustees member Roy Terracina introduced Leija, whom he considers a close friend. Leija began his talk describing the thousands of stitches he’s had and hundreds of broken bones and bruises he’s endured throughout his 16-year athletic career. “I still look good,” he joked.

The two-time world boxing champion talked about what he went through growing up on San Antonio’s South Side. Although he did not take up boxing until he was 19 years old, within a few years, through hard work and dedication, he compiled a 23-5 record and won a San Antonio Golden Gloves title and made the 1988 Olympic Trials. Leija won two world titles, had nine world title fights, defeated 15 world contenders and three Olympians, and he retired with a record of 47 wins, 7 losses and 2 ties with 19 knockouts. His last boxing competition was in 2005. Aside from training the San Antonio Spurs, Leija runs his ChampionFit Gym located on San Pedro Ave.

Throughout his speech, Leija encouraged the students in attendance to work hard to fulfill their goals as he did and continues to do. Leija took questions from the audience, and when asked about his greatest accomplishments, he cited his top three – his two sons and his marriage of 19 years. After a blessing led by Sister Isabel Ball, CDP, PhD, Gloria Urrabazo, vice president for mission, presented Leija with an OLLU hooded sweatshirt and Saints t-shirt.

Photos: Above, Leija speaks to the crowd in the UWAC gym and at right, the crowd holds their hands out in a blessing for Leija.

Worden Student Organization volunteers at Morningside Manor
Students assisted with retirement community's fall festival

OLLU students from the Worden Student Organization participated in the fall festival at the Morningside Manor retirement community on Nov. 3.  The students helped the residents enjoy the festival by taking them around the grounds, assisting them to and from their rooms and providing companionship to the residents during this special celebration. 

Pictured are OLLU BSW students Laureen Howard and Ashley Bernal.

SAISD students compete in Academic Decathlon at OLLU
High schoolers participate in event sponsored by College of Arts and Sciences

Pictured are students from the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), who visited the campus last Tuesday for the SAISD Academic Decathlon.

Participating schools included Fox Tech High School, Brackenridge High School, Burbank High School, Thomas Edison High School, Highlands High School, Sam Houston High School, Jefferson High School and Sidney Lanier High School. The College of the Arts and Sciences sponsored the day-long event.

Villarreal scholarship deadline is Nov. 30
The deadline to apply for the Villareal Endowed Scholarship is Nov. 30.  The scholarship is for undergraduate students currently enrolled in the Biliterate Certificate Program (BCP).  Student recipients will use the scholarship awards for a learning experience in a Latin American Spanish-speaking country, preferably Mexico.  For more information, contact the Office of the BCP at ext. 2271 or e-mail: bilit@lake.ollusa.edu.

Take the Library Services Satisfaction Survey
During November, the Sueltenfuss Library will be conducting an online survey, LibQual+, to learn more about how faculty and staff view the library and what services they expect to find there. If you choose to participate, you will be eligible to win one of five $50 gift cards. For more information about the survey, visit our FAAQ or e-mail library@lake.ollusa.edu.  To take the survey, click here.

Nominate a Staff Employee of the Month
All are invited to nominate any full, part or half-time staff members of OLLU.  This award is designed to recognize those who have made a distinct contribution to OLLU and the University mission. The Employee of the Month for October is Olga Martinez (pictured), a member of OLLU's Housekeeping Department. Martinez was recognized at the Nov. 15 Staff Organization meeting and noted for her positive attitude and participation with the Center for Women in Church and Society.

Nomination forms and guidelines are online or in hard copy in the Staff Lounge.

Forms can be submitted electronically to stafforganization@lake.ollusa.edu or in the drop box located in the Staff Lounge and are due by the 25th of every month to be considered for the following month.  

Through Nov. 30 – Senior Art Exhibition: Rebecca Greene – Library Community Room
Attend the closing ceremony from 5-10 p.m. on Nov. 30 in the Library Community Room. For information, contact: April Atkinson, Art Program Chair, 434-6711, ext. 2251.

Monday – Financial Aid office closed – 2-4 p.m. (every Monday during fall semester)
The Office of Financial Aid will be closed from 2-4 p.m. today for staff training.  This training will continue every Monday from 2-4 p.m. until the end of the fall 2007 semester.

Nov. 19 – Student Instrumental and Piano Recital – 7:30 p.m. – Thiry Auditorium

Nov. 20 - The Student Business Office will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. for training.  Normal hours will resume Nov. 21.

Nov. 27 – OLLU Ensembles Recital – 7:30 p.m. – Thiry Auditorium

Nov. 29 – University Choir Concert – 7:30 p.m. – Thiry Auditorium

Dec. 1 – Candlelight –– 5:30-11 p.m. – Chapel Auditorium
Candlelight ticket sales are ongoing in the Café Hallway from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4-6 p.m.. The Candlelight program schedule is: 5:30 p.m., Dinner; 7 p.m. Prayer Service; 8 p.m., Caroling; and 8:45 p.m., Dance.

Dec. 1 – Breakfast with Santa – 9 a.m.-noon – Main Building (RSVP by Nov. 27)
Alumni, students, faculty and staff are invited to bring children and grandchildren (ages: infant-10) to meet Santa. Take a picture with Santa, enjoy a pancake breakfast and craft activities in Santa workshops. Please bring a new toy for the Blue Santa Gift Program. RSVP by Nov. 27 at ollualumnirsvp.org or phone at 210-431-3985. For more information, e-mail: alumni@lake.ollusa.edu.

Dec. 1 – Third annual TunaPalooza – 7 p.m.-midnight – The White Rabbit
OLLU's Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism will host the third annual TunaPalooza benefit concert on Dec. 1 with the same mission but in a new off-campus venue.  The tuna collection and fundraiser for the San Antonio Food Bank will take its multi-act show to longtime live music spot, The White Rabbit, on 2410 N. St. Mary’s Street.  Admission is eight cans of tuna or $8.  Doors open at 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 – Socrates Café – 3:45 p.m. – Main 115
The fourth meeting of the discussion group is open to all students, faculty and staff. The topic is chosen at the start of the meeting. Socrates Cafe provides an opportunity to discuss interesting issues in a friendly, comfortable environment. Listeners are welcome.  

Zaragoza awarded $2,500 scholarship for literacy efforts

OLLU student Joseph Zaragoza received a $2,500 scholarship from the San Antonio Youth Literacy during its second Annual Harriet Marmon Helmle Scholarship Breakfast on Nov. 13. The award recognized Zaragoza for his outstanding service to youth literacy as a volunteer reading tutor for first-third graders at Crockett Elementary School from fall 2005 to spring 2007. Zaragoza worked through the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism’s AmeriCorps OLLU Serves Program.

Zaragoza is pictured with Henry G. Cisneros, chairman of CityView and founder of American Sunrise, who served as a special guest at the breakfast.

Professor Khan keeps busy with published writing, conference

Hamid Khan, EdD, PE, associate professor of management, published in peer reviewed journal of Competition Forum titled, "The question of teaching effectiveness-- the answer in not in the box, it's in the band." He presented the research findings to the international audience of American Society of Competitiveness in Tulsa, Okla. from Nov. 7-9.

Earlier this month, Dr. Khan lead an OLLU student team to compete at the ethico-forensic debate called Ethics Match, held in Fort Worth, Texas, from Nov. 1-2.

Dr. Khan also attended a professional development conference in Seattle, Wash., from Oct. 3-6 under the auspices of Christian Business Faculty Development Association, a national organization that promotes Teaching Faith and Service.

Photo: Hamid Khan, EdD, PE, associate professor of management

OLLU Cheerleader of the Week: Jesse Miller

Jesse Miller, a freshman psychology major, is a dedicated cheerleader and her professional goals include understanding the minds of those in need. A cheerleader since sixth grade, Jesse participated in her recreational league, high school varsity squad and volunteered as a cheer mentor for a squad of 5-9 year-olds.

With positive energy and lots of school spirit, her favorite aspect about cheerleading is dancing and stunting. Her current goal for the OLLU squad is “to be prepared for competition and develop a close bond with one another; such that not only we are aware of, but others are, too, simply by being in our presence.”

Every other week, the spotlight will shine on one staff or faculty member so that the OLLU community may learn more about the team members who make the University such a special place.

Lei Wang, PhD

Office:  Office of Planning, Research and Effectiveness
Title: Director of Institutional Effectiveness
Years employed at OLLU:  Three years

Duties/Responsibilities:   

• To research assessment trends and models for assessing student learning outcomes.
• To coordinate assessment activities, such as standardized testing, student surveys, general education assessments, etc.
• To analyze University and unit-based assessment data.
• To collect, analyze and report outcome information for dissemination to the University community.
• To co-chair the Institutional Assessment and Effectiveness Council.
• To represent the Office of Planning, Research and Effectiveness on the Academic Program Review Committee.

Most enjoyable part of your job:  The Lake students, faculty and staff are truly wonderful people and being a part of this team is the most enjoyable part of my job.

Originally from: I am originally from Beijing, China.  I was born in a communist labor camp before the Cultural Revolution.

Interesting fact people may not know about you: One of the interesting facts people may not know about me is that my family has had strong ties with America and the American people. My grandfather earned his PhD from the University of Missouri in the 1940s.  This summer when I went back to China to visit my parents, I accidentally found my grandfather’s journal. In fact, my grandfather visited San Antonio several times and he loved this city.

Hobbies:   My favorite pursuits are watching Wheel of Fortune and the History Channel with my family, reading and following international and domestic politics.

Family:  The first time I met my husband was 15 years ago in the Library of Congress. One year later, we met again at a conference. We have a 10-year-old son named Royce.

Hyperlinks are provided for articles available online. Please note that the links are constantly being updated and may become inactive.

11/19: San Antonio Express-News – “Kids strut their stuff on the River Walk,” mentions that the Juvenile Outreach and Vocational/Educational Network, or JOVEN, a local nonprofit group, began at OLLU in 1992.

11/16:  San Antonio Express-News – “Business Calendar,” listing for OLLU chapter of Students in Free Enterprise Internet workshop on Friday.

11/16:  San Antonio Express-News – “Business Calendar,” listing for OLLU chapter of Students in Free Enterprise résumé-writing workshop on Friday.  

11/16:  San Antonio Express-News – “Weekender — Word calendar for Nov. 16-22,” lists Friday’s event with author Keith Bowden.

11/15: San Antonio Express-News – “S.A. Life” section includes photograph and brief on OLLU Drama program’s presentation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

11/15: San Antonio Express-News – “Business Calendar,” listing for OLLU chapter of Students in Free Enterprise Internet workshop on Friday.

11/14:  210SA.com – “7 DAYS: This week's event highlights,” includes a listing for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” showing at OLLU.

11/14:  La Prensa – “Celebration at OLLU commemorates its founders,” covers OLLU’s Founders Day Luncheon with an article and photo.

11/9:  San Antonio Business Journal – “Colleges' business curricula keeps up with market trends,” includes OLLU and an interview with Robert Bisking, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business and Leadership, in its article about how universities are preparing undergraduate students for future trends.

11/9:  San Antonio Express-News – "Weekender's Week at a Glance section," includes a brief on the Anime Convention at OLLU on Nov. 10.

11/07:  210SA.com – “OLLU Campus Buzz,” asks several OLLU students about their thoughts on the current presidential campaign.

11/07:  210SA.com – Video of OLLU students talking about the upcoming presidential election.