PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
For more information on any of the following programs and events please contact Roxanne Ramon or 210-434-6711 ext. 2163.
Black History Month
(also referred to as African American History Month)
February is Black History Month, a month in which African American history, heritage, and culture is celebrated. The February birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln played a significant role in the selection of February as a time to celebrate Black History Week, which would later expand to Black History Month. During February, The Center for Women in Church and Society commemorates African Americans who have changed the world through academic and social programs and events, to include art, narrative, and website features of Outstanding Contemporary African American Women of the World.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Nationwide, activities and events are held to raise awareness, prevent, and advocate against Domestic Violence. At the national, state, and local levels programs focus on mourning those who have died because of domestic violence, celebrating those who have survived, and connecting those who work to end the cycle. The Center for Women in Church and Society is among a number of organizations on campus who both host and actively participate in activities and events focusing on domestic violence awareness and prevention. These include speakers and panels with survivors of domestic violence, and Silent Witnesses placed throughout the campus community. The Center for Women Prayer Walk invites and includes the campus community in prayer for those who have died, have survived, or are experiencing domestic violence. The Center also actively assists with events and activities around the San Antonio area.
Earth Day
On April 22 we celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. Earth Day is a time to unite around new actions and to act to protect our planet. The Center for Women in Church and Society actively participates in Earth Day events that promote environmental education initiatives, green living, and sustainability. The Center is actively involved in the education and mobilization of resources that promote social responsibility for a clean and healthy environment.
Embracing the Future Conference
This event is co-sponsored by the Student Mom’s organization and by the Center for Women. This conference is a service learning experience focused on high school mothers who are invited to the Our Lady of the Lake University campus to experience college life. Service learning is a way of teaching and learning through service tasks that reflect self knowledge and skills. Conference activities include time for reflection and discussion regarding upcoming educational decisions, a campus tour, and inspirational guest speakers who share both their triumphs and tragedies. Special time and attention are allocated for instruction on financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and child care support. It is an inspirational event in which Teen Mom’s learn about their future as college students.
Hispanic Heritage Month
The 30-day period from September 15 through October 15 is a special time for celebrating Hispanic heritage. Many Latin countries celebrate their independence during this time; in addition, el Dia de la Raza, or Columbus Day, falls within this time frame. It is a time to reflect upon and celebrate history, heritage, and culture. Our Lady of the Lake University hosts numerous celebrations. The Center for Women collaborates with many other organizations to host events and activities that help celebrate Hispanic history, culture, contribution, and ancestry.
Housekeeping and Maintenance Appreciation Breakfast
The Center for Women hosts an annual breakfast in appreciation of the Housekeeping and Maintenance staff at Our Lady of the Lake University. The Center for Women staff cook and serve a home-cooked meal to thank, honor, express appreciation, and acknowledge the devoted individuals who are the backbone of Our Lady of the Lake University.
International Women’s Day
The Center for Women in Church and Society actively supports International Women’s Day through involvement in campus and community activities and events. International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. Celebrated on March 8, hundreds of events mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. It is the story of ordinary women as makers of history, and represents a coalescing of women across continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, coming together to celebrate. The Center for Women is actively involved in programs that reflect both global and local gender issues, opportunities, and concerns.
La Comida for Freshmen
This monthly gathering provides freshmen students with the opportunity to enjoy a homecooked meal and talk about the challenges, opportunities and successes of their first year in college.
Lenten Series
Lent, a 40-day liturgical season that begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes at the Great Vigil of Easter, is a season of soul-searching, repentance, penance, humility and discipline. The Lenten Series, sponsored by the Office of Campus Ministry, is an annual event that brings OLLU faculty, staff and students together during Lent in reflection and meditation. At Our Lady of the Lake University, the Center for Women in Church and Society participates in the Lenten Series by hosting sessions for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community that allow a time and place for reflection, outreach, and exploration of our call. In 2009, as part of the Lenten Series, the Center for Women in Church and Society hosted a series called “Voices of Hope.” It included two sessions:
“An Evening in Africa: Breaking Out of the Shell”
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Click on photo to see slideshow from the "Evening in Africa" event.
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The Center for Women transformed into the African bush, guests dine ofauthentic African foods, and view African artifacts. Meet Tere Dresner, executive director of Women’s Global Connection, who discussed what the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, in conjunction with the University of the Incarnate Word, are doing to promote learning and leadership of the women in Africa. Standing room only for a beautiful evening full of meaningful surprises! This program was offered in conjunction with Campus Ministries, as part of the Lenten Series. The series was free and open to all.
“An Afternoon in India: Out of the Shadows with Hope and Dignity”
The Center for Women transforms, reflecting the culture and heritage of India! Professor Cynthia Medina shared the story of Anuradha Bhonsle and the children she has rescued from child slavery and exploitation, the schools she has started for the children, and the work being done with their families. Standing room only for an inspirational example of one person making a difference in the world! This program was offered in conjunction with Campus Ministries, as part of the Lenten Series.
Free and open to everyone.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 
October is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. It is also the second leading cause of death in women, after lung cancer. The Center for Women in Church and Society is part of a coalition of campus organizations who are working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services. The Center for Women works with both the campus and the San Antonio Community to actively promote breast cancer awareness and prevention through joint health and wellness programs and events.
Rent Tent Retreat
The Center for Women, in collaboration with the Office of Campus Ministry co-sponsors a retreat for women that is loosely fashioned around The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant. The Red Tent is a historical fiction based on the story of the rape of Dinah, daughter of Jacob. Diamant’s narrative gives voice and clarity Dinah, revealing the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood. It is the story of mothers, wives and daughters—a new view of biblical women’s society. This book has been successful in retreat because of the sense of relationship, sisterhood, kinship, connection, and spirituality created across time and circumstance. It is a book written from the perspective of women for women by a woman. Topics explored in retreat are spirituality, relationships, healing through art, self esteem and body image.
Spirit Day
Spirit Day celebrates the history and heritage of the University. Held at the beginning of the Fall semester, Spirit Day is the perfect way to welcome new students to the campus. Spirit Day celebrations begin with the traditional Spirit Day Mass followed by a lively parade to the event grounds where students, faculty and staff enjoy live music and entertainment, food, games and friendly-but-competitive Lakeapalooza Olympics. Spirit Day is often part of a five day pride week event for the Our Lady of the Lake University community. The Center for Women joins numerous other campus organizations and centers in celebration. In recent years the Center for Women has had a massage booth, prayer booth, and refreshment booth.
Student Employee Appreciation Week
Each year, Our Lady of the Lake University’s Office of Student Employment leads the call to honor and celebrate the contributions of student employees. Student Employee Appreciation Week is designed to recognize the academic importance of the student work experience. Through career-enhancing opportunities, student employees develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully enter the job market. The Center for Women in Church and Society recognizes the essential contribution student employees make to the Center’s operational effectiveness and actively supports student employees through professional development programming and mentorship to supplement and enrich their academic experience. During Student Employee Appreciation Week, the Center also contributes prizes and promotional items for campus wide activities.
Student Moms Organization
The Student Moms Organization provides multiple opportunities for OLLU students who are mothers to meet, socialize and support each other. Outings are also provided for mothers and their children. Scholarship and grant opportunities are available in the spring for the following academic year.
Traveling Red Tent
The Traveling Red Tent is a series of lunchtime gatherings for staff women on campus facilitated by three different OLLU women, Dr. Teresita Aguilar, Sr. Isabel Ball and Dr. Jane Grovijahn. The series is a follow-up to the annual Red Tent Retreat, and serves as a way to continue the connections and relationships created at the spring retreat. Issues of spirituality, leadership and education are discussed From the Red Tent, the women have formed a Sisterhood of the Yurt group in order to continue gathering and sharing their experiences. Traveling Red Tent sessions are held at Center for Women in Church & Society, Convent Community Room, and the Library Community Room.
Week of Silence
In April, OLLU Lady of the Lake University’s Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism hosts a Week of Silence. The event coincides with the National Day of Silence. The National Day of Silence gives representation to victims silenced by hate crimes. The Lake event addresses many forms of oppression and struggle, to include undocumented immigration, domestic violence, and the femicides of Juarez, Mexico. The Women’s Center works closely with the Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism in addressing issues of social justice at both the national and international level. The Center for Women actively participates in Week of Silence events. For more information on Center for Women in Church and Society 2009 Week of Silence events, click here.
Women's Center Walking Club
The Women's Center Walking Club is one of the Center's newest initiatives. Designed to promote holistic women's wellness, the walking club promotes the health of the mind, body, and spirit through both collaborative and meditative walking, mindful eating, and periodic health assessments and exercises that address high blood pressure, diabetes care management, and reducing risk factors for coronary heart disease. The Walking Club fosters a supportive environment that facilitates healthful conditions and healthful behaviors. The Club walks weekdays at 4:30pm, Tuesday-Thursday during the academic year, Oct 1-April 31. For more information on women's wellness programs, contact Roxanne Ramon at 210-434-6711, ex. 2163, or the OLLU Office of Health Services, a joint sponsor of the 2009 Women's Center Walking Club.
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month! In the United States National Women’s History Month dates back to March 8, 1857, when women in New York factories protested working conditions; however, it wasn’t until 1981 that Congress established National Women’s History Week, which in 1987 was expanded to a month. During March, The Center for Women in Church and Society recognizes womens’ achievements throughout history and hosts academic and social programs and events that inspire the next generation of leaders. Programming options include panel presentations and guest speakers; cross cultural awareness, spirituality, and social justice venues; history and heritage events; community and service learning activities and events; women’s holistic health initiatives; and more.Click here to see the full Center for Women in Church and Society calendar of events for Women’s History Month 2009.
Writers of the Lake
This writing group is open to any student who has the desire to write recreationally, academically or professionally. The group meets twice a month and enrollment is open.