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Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) is an independent Roman Catholic co-educational institution of higher education located in San Antonio, Texas. It was founded in 1895 by the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence, a religious order originating in Lorraine, France, during the 18th century. The Texas chapter of the order is still the sponsoring organization of the university.

History

In 1895, construction began on the main campus of Our Lady of the Lake College. By 1896, educational programs were under way. The first college program began in 1911 as a two-year curriculum for women. In 1919, the curriculum was expanded to four years and the institution was admitted to membership in the Texas Association of Colleges. Graduate study began in 1942 and was coeducational from its inception; all programs became fully coeducational in 1969. In 1975 the name of the institution was changed from Our Lady of the Lake College to Our Lady of the Lake University of San Antonio.

Our Lady of the Lake University was the first San Antonio institution of higher education to receive regional accreditation. It has been accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1923. In 1927 it became the third Texas school to be approved by the American Association of Universities.

As part of its mission to provide education to those with limited access, the University introduced the Weekend College concept at the San Antonio campus in 1978. OLLU began offering "weekend degree" programs in Houston in 1986.

Present

Our Lady of the Lake University currently offers Bachelor's degrees in 56 areas of study, Master’s degrees in 48 areas of study, and two doctoral degree programs.Our Lady of the Lake University also offers evening classes at the Northwest campus in San Antonio.

Mission statement

The mission of Our Lady of the Lake University, an independent, Catholic institution sponsored by the Congregation of Divine Providence, is:

To provide excellent teaching through traditional and innovative educational programs; To develop its diverse, intercultural student bodies in Christian, person-centered learning communities; and To graduate individuals who are competent and committed to service.

Statement of purpose

"Because it is a learning community inspired by the Catholic faith of its sponsoring religious order and informed by the strong spiritual values of the Christian academic tradition, Our Lady of the Lake University expresses its continuing religious purpose in a commitment to the complete educational development of the individual: intellectual, moral, social, and spiritual. It attempts, moreover, to create a person-centered learning environment in which both academic and co curricular programs and services provide creative alternatives responsive to the needs of individual students. In accord with the mission of the Congregation of Divine Providence, it also seeks to provide--both on campus and at selected off-campus sites--improved access to higher education for underserved groups, including women, Hispanic and other ethnic/racial minorities, person with disabilities, and adults beyond the traditional college age.

2008 Fire

On May 6, 2008, a fire was reported on the campus at 7:44 p.m. CDT. The fire affected all four floors of Main, the often said "main image" of Our Lady of the Lake University. The fire quickly changed from a three- to four-alarm fire after an hour's time with five pumper trucks battling the blaze. No injuries or deaths occurred. The building is still standing and damage is still being assessed. As of 10 pm it appeared as if the roof and one spire had collapsed. There was one bomb threat the day before the fire. Firefighters suspect that the fire started on the fourth floor of the Main building due to an electrical short.