Maribel Lárraga, PhD
Professor of Spanish
Spanish Program Coordinator
Director of the Biliterate Certificate Program
Main Building, Room 303E
210-528-7078
mlarraga@ollusa.edu
Areas of Expertise
Spanish language, literature and culture of Latin America, Mexico and the Mexican American people of the U.S. Service-Learning pedagogy in Spanish and language and identities in Spanish-English bilingual, biliterate, bicultural settings.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy is interwoven as a versatile educator with a personal and professional commitment to serve and strengthen community. I share my talents, engage with, and learn from students. I guide them with accountability while carving a safe space where they can ask hard questions. I motivate my young scholars to ascertain their agency. I am intentional about being present and supportive in and outside the classroom. I have found that constant communication with students is key to helping them develop their own voice, explore ideas, and find their calling. My approaches, including traditional lectures to roundtable discussions and reflection, have created powerful learning experiences that keep me grounded. I use Service-Learning pedagogy to help me teach students about community engagement and prepare them for a continual life of service using their skills, creativity, and compassion as they get ready to serve in a multicultural, powerful, wonderful, disruptive world.
Outside Interests
My highest interest is ensuring my daughter is having a good day. I find much joy throwing the ball to my daughter’s yorkie “Einstein,†being around sunrises, sunsets, trees, wildflowers, gardens, my rabbit, parakeets, and friends. I love dancing, smiling, reflecting, and praying. Additionally, my spirit is sustained by staying connected with my young nephews and nieces, my mom, my two brothers, extended family, formal & current students, mentors, CDPs, and Divine Providence. Other fabulous and joyful experiences include drinking hot black coffee, enjoying delicious meals my husband and son prepare, and special drinks my youngest brother spoils me with when he is around.
Certifications and Professional Memberships
- GEMELA: Grupo de Estudio sobre la Mujer en España y las Américas (pre-1800)
- AATSP: The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese
Awards
- 2022 Recipient, the 1895 Commemorative Award for Faculty Excellence
- 2020 Recipient, the Service-Learning Faculty Award
- 2019 Recipient, the Stell-Ball Award from the Department of Education, º«¹úAV
- 2018 Recipient of the Sister Jane Ann Slater Leadership Award
- 2013 Recipient of the Stell-Ball Award from the Department of Education, º«¹úAV
- 2012 Recognized as one of “30 Inspirational Women from the First 30 Years,†º«¹úAV’s Center for Women in Church and Society
- 2011 Recipient of the Francine Fleming Endowed Award for Teaching Excellence, º«¹úAV April 29, 2011
- 2011 Recipient of the Tepeyac Award, º«¹úAV’s Center of Mexican American Studies and Research
- 2006 Appointed Moody Professor of Spanish at º«¹úAV and the University of the Incarnate Word (2006-2007)
- 2003 Selected - National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant - Summer Seminar, “Afro- Hispanic Writers and the Canon." Department of Romance Languages & Literatures at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
- 2002 Most Valuable Advisor, the Student Life Division of º«¹úAV
- 2001 Recognized for supporting the co-curricular educational initiatives, The Student Life Division of º«¹úAV
- 2001 Mentor Spotlight, Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program, º«¹úAV
- 1999 Most Valuable Advisor, the Student Life Division of º«¹úAV
Education
- PhD - Romance Languages, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
- Master of Arts - Spanish, Southwest Hispanic Literature, Langauge and Culture, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
- Bachelor of Arts - Spanish, Our Lady of the Lake University