OLLU’s Best in the West Festivities

In celebration and union with the city of San Antonio’s Tricentennial celebration Our Lady of the Lake University held its “Best in the West” event on May 3, 2018.  This event celebrated the history, culture, music and food of San Antonio’s West Side.  The opening ceremony started with a danza by the Kalpulli Ayolopaktzin community and a special blessing led by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of San Antonio and former OLLU President, Sister Jane Ann Slater, CDP.

OLLU President, Dr. Diane Melby, welcomed everyone and Sister Pearl Ceasar, Superior General of the Congregation of Divine Providence (CDP), shared the history of the bond between the Sisters and the West Side.  She spoke about how the people of the West Side have always been central to the Congregation of Divine Providence’s efforts. The Sisters established the Stella Maris Clinic, the Madonna Neighborhood Center, and the Providence Home for Children with AIDS.

Sister Pearl was one of the first organizers of COPS, Communities Organized for Public Service. Since 1973 COPS has brought significant change to the West and South sides of the city. COPS’ work led to billions of dollars in improvements for drainage, housing, streets, parks, healthcare, and job training.

The CDP has gone through many changes in more than 150 years in Texas. Its commitment to the West Side, the city and indeed the world remains the same.

The evening festivities featured a reading by the 2018 – 2020 San Antonio Poet Laureate  and OLLU Professor, Dr. Octavio Quintanilla, music by The Westside HORNS, a display of vintage cars –  courtesy of The Bomb Squad Car Club, a performance by Pachuco Boogie Dance Company, arts and crafts.  Truly a toast to the richness of the West Side of San Antonio.