Our Lady of the Lake University will welcome Dr. Wendi Williams, 2006 President of the American Psychological Association (APA), for a special student-led fireside chat.
This engaging conversation will explore leadership, psychology, wellness and professional elevation through the lens of Dr. Williams’ distinguished career. Facilitated by OLLU students, the event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to hear directly from a nationally recognized leader in the field of psychology and to participate in meaningful dialogue about the profession’s impact today.
All are welcome. OLLU Psychology faculty and students are especially encouraged to attend.
EVENT DETAILS:
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 12:30-1:30 p.m. Main Building, Room 311
This recognition highlights the strength, rigor and industry relevance of OLLU’s graduate cybersecurity program — and reinforces the university’s growing leadership in preparing professionals to protect digital infrastructure in an increasingly complex technological landscape.
Cybersecurity Guide evaluates programs based on academic quality, curriculum depth, industry alignment and overall value to students. Earning a top-two ranking statewide reflects OLLU’s commitment to providing advanced, career-focused education that equips graduates with real-world skills and leadership capabilities.
This latest honor builds on recent recognition of OLLU’s undergraduate Information Systems Security program, demonstrating the university’s strength across both undergraduate and graduate cybersecurity pathways.
Learn more about OLLU’s MS in Cybersecurity program here.
OLLU alumna Sarai Bejarano was recently featured in the San Antonio Report with a powerful op-ed reflecting on how Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) transformed her life and career.
In the piece, Sarai shares her journey as a first-generation college student whose experience at Our Lady of the Lake University — and within the HSI program shaped in part by the late Dr. Antonio Rigual — opened doors to opportunity, leadership and advocacy.
Today, Sarai serves as the Manager of Media Relations and Marketing at LatinoJustice PRLDEF, where she works to defend and protect Hispanic-Serving Institutions and advance equity through legal advocacy.
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Sarai’s story reflects the mission-driven impact of OLLU and the vital role HSIs play in supporting first-generation and Latino students. Her op-ed is both personal and urgent, underscoring why protecting these institutions matters for future generations.
On Thursday, February 19, the CISS program officially opened its new Networking Lab at Walter Student Service Center Room G23.
Led by CyberSaints faculty mentor Prof. Kelly Roberts-Cooper, CyberSaints President Jennifer Vaquera-Luna and Emanuel Francisco, our youngest CyberSaint at just 17 years old, cut the ribbon to mark the opening. The lab was made possible through funding from the NTIA Connecting Minority Communities Grant.
The CISS department would like to thank IT Services, Drum Line, Cheer Squad, the Mariachis, and the CyberSaints for helping make this event a success.
WHY STUDY CISS?
Prepares students for careers in cybersecurity, networking, digital forensics, cloud computing, and information systems management
Provides hands-on learning through real-world simulations in the Network & Cybersecurity Lab
Aligns coursework with industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and EC-Council Network Defense
Supports student engagement through cyber competitions, research, internships, and workforce partnerships
Focuses on high-demand career pathways with strong job growth and competitive entry-level salaries
In honor of National Social Work Appreciation Month, the Worden School of Social Service invites the OLLU community to celebrate Social Work Heroes on March 5 from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. in the Renaissance Parlor.
Meet professionals from clinical, nonprofit, hospital-based, school-based, forensic, CPS and veteran services settings, and learn more about the wide range of careers available in social work. Presenters will stay afterward for networking and conversation.
The Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism invites the OLLU community to join a Service Day at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area on March 8 from 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m., followed by lunch at the campsite.
Volunteers (students, faculty, staff and families ages 14+) will help Texas Parks and Wildlife build new trails, remove fencing and clear an old vineyard area. All tools and supplies will be provided. Participants should dress for outdoor manual labor and bring water and lunch.
No park reservation is required. Driving and parking directions will be shared after registration. For questions, contact Jesse Harasta at joharasta@ollusa.edu.
At Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving, Texas, the women of Our Lady of the Lake University delivered a composed and commanding performance at the Crusaders Cup, capturing the team title against a deep and competitive field. Over 36 holes, OLLU finished at +111, posting rounds of +40 and +71 to secure first place ahead of eight other institutions. With divisional points displayed throughout the event, the Saints consistently saw their name at the top of the team leaderboard.
Individually, OLLU placed four golfers inside the top 11, reinforcing the depth that carried the Saints to victory. Kendall Ward led the way with a runner-up finish at +23, tying for second overall. After an impressive +3 opening round that put her firmly in contention, she battled through a tougher second day (+20) and still held her position among the tournament’s elite. Her performance matched that of Shay West from Hardin-Simmons, trailing only medalist Kinley Pessel of LeTourneau, who claimed individual honors at +16.
Samantha Garcia added another strong finish for OLLU, tying for sixth at +27 with rounds of +13 and +14. Her steady play across both days delivered crucial strokes in the team race, particularly during pivotal stretches on the back nine. Grayson Weiler secured ninth place at +30, following a balanced +13 first round with a +17 second round to remain inside the top 10. Sophia Young tied for 11th at +33, improving her position through disciplined course management and resilience over 36 holes.
Samantha Ziegler rounded out the Saints’ lineup with a tie for 31st at +49. After a challenging first round, she responded with a significantly improved second-round score, exemplifying the perseverance that defines OLLU’s culture. Every contribution mattered, and her determination helped solidify the overall team margin.
While other teams relied heavily on a single standout, the Saints placed multiple players near the top of the leaderboard, limiting volatility and maximizing scoring opportunities. With runner-up individual finish, four top-11 placements, and a decisive team victory, the Saints are trending in the right direction as they head to Kerrville on March 1st.
WACO, Texas (Feb. 23, 2026) – Thirteenth-ranked LSU Alexandria’s Haley Fontenot has been named RRAC Softball Player of the Week, while Our Lady of the Lake’s (Texas) Annika Litterio repeats as Pitcher of the Week for the dates of Feb. 16-22. This is the fifth set of weekly awards.
Senior right-handed pitcher Annika Litterio pitched in each of her team’s five wins last week. She tallied 10 innings in the doubleheader 7-2/9-6 victories over NCAA D2 St. Mary’s. She earned a win and a save as she struck out nine against the Rattlers. In the three-game series win over XULA (17-0/2-1/4-3), Litterio earned all three wins. She pitched 13.1 innings, allowing five hits, no unearned runs, and three walks while striking out 21 batters.
Litterio leads the RRAC with 38.2 innings pitched and 52 strikeouts.
OLLU, ranked 12th in the nation, has tallied 63.2 innings pitched while striking out 78, posting an ERA of 2.97. The Saints are 10-1 overall and 3-0 in conference.
Our Lady of the Lake delivered a strong overall performance but ultimately fell 8–7 to Nelson (Texas) in a tightly contested matchup.
Offensively, the Saints produced 12 hits and seven runs, demonstrating depth and power throughout the lineup. Benjamin Hovda went 2-for-4 with a home run, an RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base, setting the tone early. Jacob Cueva contributed a 3-for-4 performance with a home run and two RBIs, while Jack Kalisky turned in an exceptional day at the plate, finishing 4-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBIs. The Saints’ three home runs and six walks reflected disciplined at-bats and consistent pressure on Nelson’s pitching staff.
Additional contributions came across the lineup. CaliEvan Billela-Barstow reached base twice and scored, Christian Martinez added a hit and a stolen base, and Brett Atkinson chipped in with a hit and a run scored. OLLU consistently created opportunities, though 10 runners left on base proved significant in a one-run game.
On the mound, Ethan Garza provided a solid start, allowing two earned runs over four innings while striking out four. Mason Ruiz and Xavior Salazar combined for three scoreless innings in relief, helping the Saints maintain control through the middle portion of the game. Overall, OLLU pitchers recorded eight strikeouts and limited Nelson to nine hits.
The Saints will be back in action this weekend against Southwest on Friday and Saturday.
As part of OLLU’s continued commitment to Operational Excellence and maintaining a safe university campus, all faculty and staff will be required to visibly wear their employee ID at chest level while on campus.
This requirement will become mandatory on Tuesday, March 17.
Please note:
Name tags may still be worn at campus or external events; however, they will not serve as a substitute for the official employee ID.
Staff who wear OLLU uniforms that already display their names will not be required to wear their employee ID.
If you currently have an outdated ID, you may contact ITS to update your information and receive a new card.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued commitment to campus safety.
Leadership will receive additional details and will be responsible for sharing this information with their respective teams.
