Our Lady of the Lake University proudly celebrated the remarkable leadership, service, scholarship, and campus impact of students, student organizations, and advisors during the 2026 Student Leadership Awards Ceremony. The annual event recognized individuals and groups whose dedication has strengthened the OLLU community and reflected the University’s mission and values.
This year’s honorees represent the very best of OLLU through their commitment to leadership, involvement, academic excellence, service, and community building. Awards presented throughout the evening recognized contributions across student life, residence life, service, ministry, athletics, and student organizations.
2026 Student Leadership Awards Honorees
Senior Wings Up Achievement Award: An honor for a senior student leader who has made an overall impact in academic, co-curricular, and experiential opportunities. This student lives and represents the Core Values of Our Lady of the Lake University.
• Bethany Garr
Providence Award: Presented to a student who carries the charism and values of the Sisters of Divine Providence.
• Anna Mayorga
St. Catherine’s Medal: Presented to a student who demonstrates the high ideals of a Catholic college education through leadership and service to the campus community.
• Amaris Rivera
Student Organization Academic Excellence Award: This award honors the student organization with the highest cumulative GPA, an organization that has truly modeled what it means to balance involvement and academics with excellence.
• vOLLUnteer Unity Council
Unsung Hero Award: Recognizes students who have positively influenced a program, team, or organization through behind-the-scenes efforts.
• Celia Vera, Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc.
• Joshua Mendez, Environmental Science and Sustainability Program
Bridge Builder Award: Recognizes students who have worked to establish or support connections between students’ groups or individuals. The areas of collaboration can include collaborative events, exploration of diverse cultures, education about issues that have challenged the campus, or other multicultural offerings.
• Katherine Delgadillo, Saints Programming Board
Rising Star Leader Award: Awarded to a student leader who has shown exceptional potential and actively contributed to their team, organization, or leadership role.
• Briana De La Cruz, Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc.
• Jorge Sisnero, TExAS FAST
• Maria Sofia Lundy, Saints Programming Board
Champion of Character Award: Presented to a student athlete who exemplifies exceptional character and has made significant contributions to their athletic team both on the field and in the classroom.
• Bethany Garr, Women’s Soccer and Women’s Track & Field
• Sean Lin, Men’s Track & Field and Drumline
Student Leader Excellence Award: Awarded to a student leader who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and leadership in their role.
• Briana Mata, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
• Bethany Garr, Student Government Association
• Monzerrate Calvillo, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
• Celia Vera, Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc.
OLLU Achievement Award: Distinction of leadership and integrity award presented to students who demonstrate a willingness to volunteer and take leadership initiative in multiple roles within the campus community.
• Alessandra Solorzano, Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc.
• Katherine Delgadillo, Saints Programming Board
• Cesar Reyes, Cyber Saints
Student Organization Advisor of the Year: The Advisor of the Year Award recognizes a faculty or staff member who goes above and beyond in guiding, supporting, and empowering student leaders and student organizations.
• Dr. Chloe Lash, OLLU Audubon Chapter
Student Organization Star of Blue Nation: This award honors an organization that creates meaningful opportunities for students, fosters community, and contributes to the holistic development of its members while supporting the mission and values of the University.
• Cyber Saints
Outstanding Service Organization Award
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
Outstanding Student Volunteer Award
Victoria Ramirez
Saints Service Award
Victoria Ramirez and Leilah Gaitan
Rookie Resident Assistant of the Year
Viviana Connolly
Resident Assistant of the Year
Viviana Connolly
Residence Life Program of the Year – Spring Cleaning with Meaning
Caleb Saenz, Viviana Connolly, and Robert Flores
Residence Life Program of the Year – Battle of the Dorms
Jaiyden Cabrera and Viviana Connolly
Residence Life Bulletin Board of the Year – Fantastic 4
Monique Jimenez
Residence Life Bulletin Board of the Year – Ghostbusters
Mia Hernandez
The Student Leadership Awards serve as an important reminder of the many ways OLLU students lead — whether through visible leadership roles, academic achievement, service to others, mentorship, advocacy, or quiet dedication behind the scenes. This year’s recipients have each made a meaningful mark on the University community, and OLLU is proud to celebrate their accomplishments.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 Student Leadership Awards winners for their outstanding contributions and continued commitment to living out the spirit of OLLU.
