Our Lady of the Lake University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), a private Catholic university in San Antonio, Texas, boasts a rich history and a commitment to providing education to those with limited access. Founded in 1895 by the Sisters of Divine Providence, OLLU has a long-standing tradition of fostering intellectual curiosity and preparing students for success in various fields. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing the diverse contributions they have made to society.
Notable Alumni in Religious Service
A significant number of OLLU alumni have dedicated their lives to religious service within the Catholic Church. These individuals have served as priests, bishops, and archbishops, making a profound impact on the spiritual lives of countless people.
Robert Barron: An influential figure in contemporary Catholicism, Robert Barron is the founder of the Catholic ministerial organization Word on Fire. He is also known for hosting "Catholicism," a documentary TV series that aired on PBS. Barron served as rector at Mundelein Seminary and as auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles before becoming the bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in 2022.
Wilton Daniel Gregory: As Archbishop of Washington from 2019 to 2025, Wilton Daniel Gregory holds a prominent position in the Catholic Church in the United States. In 2020, Pope Francis elevated him to the cardinalate, making him the first African-American to receive this honor.
Edward Egan: Edward Michael Egan served as Bishop of Bridgeport and as Archbishop of New York. He was elevated to the cardinalate in 2001.
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George Clements: A Black Catholic priest, George Harold Clements became the first Catholic priest in the Chicago area to adopt a child in 1981. He was also a key figure in the Black Catholic Movement, which aimed to integrate African-American culture into the Catholic Church's liturgical and organizational practices.
Thomas J. Paprocki: Thomas John Joseph Paprocki has been serving as bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois since 2010. Previously, he was an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Jerome Edward Listecki: Jerome Edward Listecki served as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Gerald Frederick Kicanas: Gerald Frederick Kicanas served as bishop of the Diocese of Tucson in Arizona. He also served as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Las Cruces in New Mexico.
Edward Braxton: Edward Kenneth Braxton served as Bishop of Belleville. Braxton previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis and Bishop of Lake Charles.
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Edward James Slattery: Edward James Slattery served as bishop of the Diocese of Tulsa in Oklahoma.
Daniel Coughlin: Daniel P. Coughlin served as the Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives. He was the first Roman Catholic priest to serve in that position.
James Sean Wall: James Sean Wall has been serving as bishop of the Diocese of Gallup in New Mexico since 2009.
Joseph Mark Siegel: Joseph Mark Siegel has served as bishop of the Diocese of Evansville in Indiana since 2017. He previously served as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois.
Patrick William Riordan: Patrick William Riordan served as Archbishop of San Francisco. He served during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and he was a prominent figure in the first case submitted to the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
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John Joseph Egan: John Joseph "Jack" Egan was an American Catholic priest and social activist.
Roger Louis Kaffer: Roger Louis Kaffer was the American Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Joliet in Illinois.
John McMullen: John McMullen served as the first bishop of the Diocese of Davenport in Iowa.
Maurice Francis Burke: Maurice Francis Burke served as bishop of the Diocese of Cheyenne in Wyoming and as bishop of the Diocese of Saint Joseph in Missouri.
Edwin Ralph Chess: Edwin Ralph Chess was a major general and Chief of Chaplains of the United States Air Force.
Alumni in Medicine and Healthcare
OLLU has also produced notable alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine and healthcare. These individuals have dedicated their careers to improving the health and well-being of others through their clinical practice, research, and leadership.
- Donna M. Barras-Berry, M.D.: Donna M. Barras-Berry is a physician.
- Kenneth J. Fritch, M.A., Ph.D.: Kenneth J. Fritch is a Physician and Oncologist.
Alumni in Law and Politics
OLLU alumni have also distinguished themselves in the fields of law and politics, serving as judges, lawyers, and elected officials. These individuals have played a vital role in shaping public policy and upholding the principles of justice.
- Michael W. Cooper, D.D.S.: Michael W. Cooper is a Judge.
- Ciro Rodriguez: Ciro Rodriguez is a politician.
Alumni in Academia and Education
OLLU has a strong tradition of producing educators and academics who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. These individuals have served as professors, researchers, and administrators, shaping the minds of future generations.
- John Dominic Crossan: An Irish-American New Testament scholar, John Dominic Crossan is a historian of early Christianity and former Catholic priest. He was a prominent member of the Jesus Seminar and emeritus professor at DePaul University.
- Vivian Cody, Ph.D.: Vivian Cody is an academic.
- Donald E. Hamacheck, Ph.D.: Donald E. Hamacheck is an academic.
- Patricia James, Ph.D.: Patricia James is an academic.
- Edwin C. Peterson, Ed.D.: Edwin C. Peterson is an academic.
- Arcadia Hernandez López: Arcadia Hernandez López is an academic.
Alumni in Arts and Culture
OLLU alumni have also made their mark in the world of arts and culture, working as writers, journalists, and artists. These individuals have used their creative talents to express themselves, inspire others, and contribute to the cultural landscape.
- Dawn Eden: Dawn Eden Goldstein is an American Roman Catholic author, journalist, and songwriter. She was formerly a rock music historian and tabloid newspaper headline writer.
- Julian S. Garcia: Julian S. Garcia is a writer and op-ed writer for the San Antonio Express-News.
- Jonathan Joss: Jonathan Joss is an actor.
- Suzy González: Suzy González is a zine maker.
Alumni in Business and Leadership
OLLU alumni have also achieved success in the world of business and leadership, serving as executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. These individuals have demonstrated their ability to innovate, manage, and inspire others.
- Joseph K. Lumsden: First tribal chairman of Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and President, The Original Bands of Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
- Corydon L. Rideout: President of C.L. Rideout.
Other Notable Alumni
In addition to the individuals mentioned above, OLLU has produced many other notable alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. These include:
- Stuart D. Flynn, M.D.: Stuart D. Flynn is an academic.
- Douglas Schroeder F.A.I.A.: Douglas Schroeder is an architect.
- Joseph A. Mandarino: President of the Mineralogical Association of Canada; received the Leonard G. Berry Medal.
- Robert D. Gaylor: Deputy Director of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.
- David H. Barton: Commanding Officer, Group Soo, Captain of the Port Soo, Sault Ste. Marie.
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