Welcome back Saints, Spring 2026 is officially underway! If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time to jump in and secure your schedule. Whether you’re finalizing your plans or making last-minute adjustments, registering now can help you:
Log in and register today – don’t wait until it’s too late!
The Mexican American Visual Arts class with Professor Gonzalez has completed their newest mural, located in the Cafeteria.
Artists include:
Be sure to check it out!
The Computer Information Systems and Security department is celebrating a major academic milestone as 13 students successfully passed the EC-Council Network Defense (NDE) certification exam, achieving an impressive 86.7% pass rate. This industry-recognized credential—valid for three years—demonstrates each student’s mastery of essential defensive cybersecurity skills.
The EC-Council NDE focuses on practical, real-world abilities in areas such as network hardening, secure infrastructure design, incident response, vulnerability mitigation, and foundational threat analysis. Earning this certification signals that students are well-prepared to work in security operations environments, support enterprise defense strategies, and contribute to organizational cyber resilience from day one.
“This accomplishment reflects the hard work, discipline, and growing talent of our students,” said Assistant Professor Kelly “RC” Roberts-Cooper. “Certifications like the EC-Council Network Defense credential give our graduates a competitive edge in the cybersecurity workforce.”
With cybersecurity professionals in high demand nationwide, certifications such as this play a vital role in helping students transition into meaningful careers. The newly certified student now carry valuable proof of their abilities—an asset they will take with them into internships, job interviews, and future advanced studies.
The CISS and Security department congratulates all 13 students on their outstanding achievement and looks forward to seeing their continued success in the cybersecurity field.
The Computer Information Systems and Security (CISS) Cyber Saints Student Organization recently put their skills to the test in a high-energy Capture the Flag (CTF) cybersecurity competition—an experience designed to replicate the intensity, urgency, and problem-solving demands of real-world cyber defense and ethical hacking.
CTF competitions are a cornerstone of cybersecurity education, blending learning with competition. In these fast-paced, game-based challenges, teams race against the clock to uncover hidden strings of text known as “flags.” Each captured flag signifies the successful completion of a security task, earning points and propelling teams up the leaderboard.
Working collaboratively under pressure, the Cyber Saints tackled complex challenges, shared insights, and executed strategic solutions—demonstrating the teamwork and adaptability essential to today’s cyber professionals.
CISS faculty advisor and Assistant Professor Kelly “RC” Roberts-Cooper applauded the students’ commitment and collaboration, emphasizing the value of hands-on learning experiences. “Competitions like CTFs allow students to practice real-world offensive and defensive cyber skills in a controlled, ethical environment,” Roberts-Cooper said.
For the Cyber Saints, the competition was more than a technical challenge—it was an opportunity to build camaraderie, sharpen their expertise, and spark excitement for future events. Their participation reflects the organization’s dedication to experiential learning and to preparing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
As digital threats continue to evolve, experiences like these ensure students are doing more than studying cybersecurity—they are actively preparing to defend the digital world with confidence and skill.
Our Lady of the Lake University proudly celebrates alumna Byanka Ramos, LCSW (BSW ’18), whose passion for advocacy, healing, and representation is making a meaningful impact in the field of social work.
Byanka began her journey at OLLU, earning her Bachelor of Social Work in 2018. She credits her time on our campus—and the faculty who guided her—for shaping both her professional path and personal mission. One mentor in particular, former OLLU professor Cynthia Medina, played a transformative role. In her newly published book chapter, Byanka honors Professor Medina as “a catalyst” who inspired her to believe in her voice, her potential, and the power of culturally rooted social work.
After completing her BSW, Byanka continued her education at the University of Texas at San Antonio, earning a Master of Social Work degree. She has since achieved her clinical social work license, expanding her ability to serve individuals, families, and communities through therapeutic practice.
This year, Byanka reached an exciting new milestone: the publication of her chapter in Latinx/e in Social Work, Volume 3, a recognized anthology highlighting the stories, struggles, and triumphs of Latinx professionals in the field. Her contribution uplifts the lived experiences of Latinx communities while inspiring the next generation of social workers to share their stories without fear or hesitation.
By using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices—and by honoring those who mentored her along the way—Byanka exemplifies the OLLU spirit of service, leadership, and community commitment.
Congratulations, Byanka! You continue to make OLLU proud.
Get ready to travel the world — without ever leaving campus! 🌎✨
Join us as we celebrate International Education Week with two fun-filled events that showcase the incredible diversity, culture, and global spirit of our Saints community.
🎊 INTERNATIONAL FAIR 2025
📅 Wednesday, November 12
🕛 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Mall Area
Discover vibrant displays, traditional music, and cultural presentations from OLLU’s international students representing countries across the globe. Come explore, learn, and celebrate our shared world!
⚽ INTERNATIONAL SOCCER MATCH
📅 Thursday, November 13
🕓 4:00 p.m.
📍 OLLU Soccer Field
Cheer on your favorite team as international students take the field for a friendly match — a global showdown of skill, sportsmanship, and Saints pride!
Let’s come together as one global OLLU family to honor our diversity, learn from one another, and celebrate what makes our community truly international.
💌 For more information, contact the International Student Services Office at undergradinternational@ollusa.edu.
See you there, world travelers! 🌍💙
— Office of International Student Services
Our Lady of the Lake University
In celebration of Cyber Awareness Month, the Cyber Saints Organization kicked off its annual programming with the first of two events — a “Tech Dump” held on October 23 at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU).
The event offered a smart, safe, and secure way for members of the OLLU community to dispose of outdated or unwanted technology devices responsibly. The initiative aimed to promote digital sustainability and cybersecurity awareness by reducing risks associated with improper disposal of electronics.
As part of the day’s activities, attendees were also invited to take trial spins of the upcoming Premier Tech Takeover experience — scheduled for November 18, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., in the Sueltenfuss Library Community Room. The Tech Takeover will feature VR Boxing, VR Golf , Painting, and mocktails. Free photo both and music.
Below are photos highlighting some of the top virtual boxers who tested the demo during the Tech Dump event, offering a glimpse into the engaging experiences ahead.
For more information, please refer to the event flyers or contact the Cyber Saints Organization.
Email: cybersaints@ollusa.edu
Cyber Saints Faculty Advisor: Assistant Professor Kelly ‘RC” Roberts-Cooper
President: Alexandria Heaton
The Visual and New Media Arts program at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) proudly hosted its All Student Juried Exhibition, an event that highlights the extraordinary creativity, innovation, and passion of OLLU’s student artists. The exhibition, juried by Dr. Candace Zepeda, Dean of Academics, will open on November 6, 2025, in the Main Building 3rd Floor Gallery, welcoming the campus community to experience the transformative power of student art.
The All Student Juried Exhibition is more than a showcase—it is a celebration of imagination, perseverance, and storytelling. Through paint, digital media, photography, sculpture, and mixed media, students explore identity, culture, faith, and the world around them. Each piece reflects the individuality of its creator while echoing the collective voice of a university that values creativity as an essential part of learning and leading.
The arts at OLLU serve as a bridge between knowledge and expression. Our students use their talents not only to create, but to communicate—about who they are, where they come from, and what they envision for the future.
Events like this remind the OLLU community of the university’s commitment to holistic education—one that nurtures both intellect and imagination. The exhibition underscores that art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about empathy, inquiry, and reflection—values that are deeply rooted in the OLLU mission to lead, learn, and serve.
Visitors to the gallery will experience thought-provoking works on display and the professionalism of the artists. For many students, this is their first opportunity to present their work in a formal exhibition, marking an important milestone in their academic and creative journeys.
Each piece stands as a reminder that creativity is at the heart of progress, and that through art, OLLU students continue to shape and share the world in meaningful ways.
“At OLLU, the arts don’t just decorate our walls—they define our spirit.”
Counseling & Wellness Services invites students with Wellfleet Student Health Insurance to take advantage of Dental Day on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in UWAC 112.
Students can receive a free teeth cleaning and checkup at no out-of-pocket cost. Appointments are required — check your @ollusa.edu email on Tuesday, Nov. 4 for a short survey to register and secure your appointment time.
For questions or to join the waitlist, contact Counseling & Wellness Services at counselingandwellness@ollusa.edu or call 210-431-5520.
In celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the Cyber Saints Organization launched its annual programming event — a “Tech Dump” held on October 23 at Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU).
The event provided a safe, secure, and environmentally responsible way for the OLLU community to dispose of outdated or unwanted technology devices. By encouraging responsible e-waste practices, the initiative promoted both digital sustainability and cybersecurity awareness, helping reduce risks tied to improper disposal of electronics.
The Cyber Saints continued their Cyber Awareness Month celebrations with a Halloween Gathering on October 30 during Community Hour in the Main Parlor. The event brought together students, faculty, and staff for a festive afternoon celebrating creativity, community, and Saints spirit.
As part of the day’s activities, attendees also got a sneak peek at the upcoming Premier Tech Takeover event, scheduled for November 18, from 5–8 p.m. in the Sueltenfuss Library Community Room. The Tech Takeover will feature VR Boxing, VR Golf, digital painting, mocktails, a free photo booth, and music — combining innovation with entertainment for a one-of-a-kind tech experience.
For more information, view the event flyer below or contact the Cyber Saints Organization at 📧 cybersaints@ollusa.edu.
