Our Lady of the Lake University Plans Expansion

by Tony Vindell/LFN

Our Lady of the Lake University in La Feria is one of the main centers of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley.

Since relocating from Harlingen to this centrally located city, the two entities have been partners since day one.

Under a 20-year agreement, OLLU leases land from the municipality and the city keeps supporting the institution by finding alternative ways of funding.

Two new buildings are in the works as OLLU plans to expand its operation here.

The university offers bachelor, master and doctoral degrees.

On Tuesday, April 9, La Feria City Council heard a report about the university’s expansion plans from Sam Garcia, an architect working on the project.

“It was basically a presentation informing the city how it’s going to pursue different sources of state and federal grants for economic and community development,” he said. “As a preview of what is to come.”

No action was taken during the meeting.

Patricia Blanco, the university director, said the council was updated about phases two and three of their expansion plans.

“They are trying to identify funding sources,” she said. “We have a wonderful partnership with the city and are very glad to be here in La Feria.”

The university reached a milestone in May by graduating 36 students, the highest number since the San Antonio-based school opened a campus in the Rio Grande Valley 10 years ago.

It has a current enrollment of 158 students.

Our Lady of the Lake University is located at 1650 S. Main St. in La Feria.