OLLUNewsletter

OLLU’s MS in Cybersecurity Ranked No. 2 in Texas for 2026

Our Lady of the Lake University continues to gain recognition for excellence in cybersecurity education.

OLLU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity has been ranked No. 2 in Texas in Cybersecurity Guide’s 2026 Best Cybersecurity Master’s Programs in Texas rankings.

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 Alum Sarai Bejarano Publishes Op-Ed on the Life-Changing Impact of Hispanic-Serving Institutions

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.

READ the full op-ed in the san antonio report

CISS Launches New Networking Lab

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

Worden School of Social Service Celebrates National Social Work Month with “Social Work Heroes” Event

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.

For more information, contact eflores@ollusa.edu.

Volunteers Needed: Service Day at Enchanted Rock

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.

Spots are limited – 15 available

Saints Capture Crusaders Cup Title

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.

Litterio Repeats As RRAC Pitcher Of The Week

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.

Late Shift in Momentum Edges Saints in Tight Contest

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.

Business Students Recognized by FEI San Antonio

The San Antonio Chapter of Financial Executives International (FEI) continued the Dr. Keith Russell Memorial Awards for Academic Excellence this year, recognizing outstanding finance and accounting students from local colleges and universities.

FEI San Antonio presented a $1,000 award to each 4-year university recipient and a $500 award to each Community College recipient.

We are proud to recognize our nominees:

Mario Salazar – BBA, Accounting
Jacoby Turner – Double Major, BBA Finance & Accounting; Minor in Environmental Science & Sustainability

The Academic Awards Dinner was held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the San Antonio Country Club. Dr. Harrison Watts and Professor Roger Johnson represented our University at the event.

Please join us in congratulating Mario and Jacoby on this well-deserved recognition of their academic excellence!

“Becoming & Belonging” Exhibition Opens March 5 at Sueltenfuss Library

The Visual & New Media Arts program is collaborating with the Sueltenfuss Library to host the Women’s Caucus for Art’s group exhibition, “Becoming & Belonging.” Curator, Paola Nunez Solorio, will announce artist awards and moderate a panel talk with artists. Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month with this art exhibition on March 5th from 6:00:8:00pm.

Becoming & Belonging is a visual arts exhibition exploring the evolving identities of individuals and communities within society and across history. It reflects on the tensions and harmonies between selfhood and society, migration and rootedness, memory and transformation.

In a world shaped by movement and change, identity is never fixed. It unfolds through relationships, environments, and lived experience. This exhibition invites viewers to consider how we shape ourselves—and how we are shaped by others. How does identity evolve over time? Where, and how, do we find spaces of belonging? Do we inhabit existing structures, or do we create new ones?

Through diverse artistic perspectives, Becoming & Belonging speaks to personal journeys of growth, migration, and self-discovery while also engaging collective narratives of heritage, displacement, resilience, and the longing for home. The works on view celebrate multiplicity and transformation, embracing identity as an ongoing act of becoming.

Together, these artists offer a powerful meditation on what it means to belong—reminding us that belonging is not simply a place, but a process.