Category: Student News

OLLU Celebrates 2026 Student Leadership Award Winners

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.

Psychology Students Inducted into Psi Chi Honor Society

Twenty-eight undergraduate and graduate Psychology students were inducted into Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, on March 31.

In addition, five graduate students transferred their membership to the OLLU Psi Chi Chapter. The Micheleen Barragy Award for Outstanding Senior in Psychology was also presented to Alessandra Orosco.

Congratulations to these outstanding scholars on this academic achievement.

APA President Dr. Wendi Williams Speaks with OLLU Psychology Students

Dr. Wendi Williams, the 2026 President of the American Psychological Association, visited OLLU on April 7 to meet with Psychology students and discuss the current and future field of psychology.

During the visit, Dr. Williams answered student-generated questions and held a conversation with students Kimberly Hawthorne, Abigail Zavala, and Star Sanchez. The discussion gave students the opportunity to engage directly with a national leader in the field and explore important topics shaping the future of psychology.

OLLU Music Students Attend TMEA Convention in San Antonio

OLLU music students attended the Texas Music Educators Association Convention on Feb. 12, 2026, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio. The convention, one of the nation’s premier music education events, gave students the opportunity to explore new pedagogical tools and gain classroom-ready inspiration through more than 300 clinics and All-State performances.

Students were accompanied by music faculty Dr. Jessica Hajek and Prof. Hector Vera. The visit offered students a valuable chance to engage with current trends in music education while learning from leaders in the field.

The field trip was made possible in part through the support of a Flashman Foundation mini-grant.

From left to right: Jocelyn Balderas, Jalen Bell, Catalina Hernandez, Mason Young
From left to right: Prof. Hector Vera, Ana Carvajal Sanchez, Jocelyn Balderas, Catalina Hernandez, Dr. Jessica Hajek
From left to right: Jasmine Williams, Ivy Torres, Dr. Jessica Hajek, Prof. Hector Vera

OLLU Students and Faculty Represent at Sigma Zeta National Convention

Thirteen OLLU students in Biology and Environmental Science and Sustainability, along with three Biology faculty members, traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, from March 25–29 to attend the 2026 National Convention of the Sigma Zeta Science and Mathematics Honor Society, hosted by Marian University and the University of Indianapolis.

All thirteen students in attendance served on a Sigma Zeta convention committee and eight of the students delivered either poster or oral presentations. The trip gave students the opportunity to share their work, connect with undergraduates and professors from other institutions, and take part in the broader national scientific community.

In addition, Prof Adam Bynum was elected as President of Sigma Zeta and will serve in that role on the Sigma Zeta National Executive Board in 2026-2027.

Students:

  • Adriana Figueroa
  • Alondra Garcia
  • Nevelle Garcia
  • Raquel Velazquez
  • Zulma Juarez
  • Michaela Mendez
  • Bethany Garr
  • Catherine Blood
  • Madison Perez
  • Tracy Cabrera
  • Karis Alcoser
  • Valerie Morales
  • Marlia De Jesus

Professors:

  • Dr. Jim Hall
  • Prof. Adam Bynum
  • Dr. Chloe Lash


McNair Scholar Earns Top Honors at TSHA Convention

McNair Scholar Alessandra (Alice) Orosco presented her research at the 2026 Texas Speech-Language-Hearing Association (TSHA) Convention in Fort Worth, TX. In addition to being accepted to present her work at the state level, Alessandra was also recognized with the Best Student Poster Award.

Orosco is a Communication Sciences and Disorders major and is expected to graduate in Spring 2026.

Her research, “Exploring Teacher Perceptions of Students Receiving Speech Services in Rural, Low-Socioeconomic School Districts,” investigates how K–5 teachers in rural, low-socioeconomic school districts perceive and address the educational and developmental needs of students receiving speech-language services.

Through semi-structured interviews with 3–5 educators, the qualitative study aims to highlight teacher insights, challenges, and strategies used to support these students.

Women, Art, and Legacy: OLLU Students Paint Alongside the Sisters This Women’s History Month

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) continues a meaningful spring tradition that brings art, community, and legacy together. Each year, Painting I students step outside the classroom and into the serene Sisters’ Peace Garden near the CDP buildings, transforming the space into an open-air studio filled with creativity and connection.

This season, the experience takes on even greater significance. As students paint among the flowers and quiet pathways, they are joined—often unexpectedly—by the Sisters themselves, women whose lives reflect a deep commitment to service, education, and artistic expression. Their presence adds a living layer of history and inspiration, creating moments of shared reflection across generations.

Rooted in creativity and community, this experience reflects the power of art to bridge stories, celebrate women’s voices, and bring people together in meaningful ways.

OLLU warmly invites the Sisters and campus community to join Painting I students for outdoor painting sessions in the Sisters’ garden in celebration of Women’s History Month

📅 Dates/Time: Monday, March 23 & Wednesday, March 25 from 1:45 – 3:00 pm.
📍 Location: Sisters’ Garden near the CDP Buildings
🎨 Experience: Live student painting, artistic exchange, and community connection

Come enjoy a peaceful, creative atmosphere and celebrate the artistic spirit and enduring legacy of women at OLLU.

OLLU Students Give Back During Alternative Spring Break

Alternative Spring Break is back at OLLU! Under the leadership of Jesse Harasta, CYCL Director, a group of OLLU students spent their spring break serving alongside Texas Parks and Wildlife rangers at Enchanted Rock State Park.

From March 6–10, students worked with Jesse and TExAS Grant Activities Manager Austin Bergstrom on a variety of conservation projects. Their efforts included building new trails, removing a vineyard from newly acquired park land, and repainting trail markers to improve visitor navigation.

Beyond service, students also had the opportunity to connect with nature and each other—learning how to set up tents, stargazing from the top of Enchanted Rock, hiking scenic trails, and visiting Fredericksburg.

Participating students included Karis Alcoser, Tracy Cabrera, Adriana Figueroa Rodriguez, Bethany Garr, Zulma Juarez, Monica Sanchez, and Keyli Smith. Adrian Alvarez and Angel Santacruz also contributed during the vineyard removal project.

This trip marks a meaningful return of an OLLU tradition—students dedicating their spring break to service, community, and environmental stewardship.

OLLU Biology Students Harvest First Hydroponic Crop

Students in Dr. Chloe Lash’s Vascular Plants Lab recently celebrated an exciting milestone—the first harvest from OLLU’s new hydroponic towers.

After collecting, weighing, and washing their crop of fresh lettuce, students, faculty, and staff marked the occasion by making salads together before donating the remaining harvest to the Salud Center.

This hands-on experience highlights the impact of experiential learning in the classroom, giving students the opportunity to engage directly with plant science from growth to harvest.

A special thank you to Dr. Lash and the OLLU Biology Department for bringing innovative, hands-on learning opportunities to students. We look forward to seeing what they grow next!

Stay tuned for upcoming events on Earth Day, April 22, 2026.

Launch Your Future at the Spring 2026 Career Fair!

Meet employers, explore internship and job opportunities, and start building your career path at the Spring 2026 Career Fair. Connect with organizations looking for talented students, expand your network, and learn about opportunities in a variety of fields.

📅 Wednesday, March 18, 2026
⏰ 11:45 AM – 1:45 PM
📍 Mall Area

Stop by between classes, bring your resume, and enjoy FREE pizza while supplies last!

Hosted by the Office of Career Services. For more information: career@ollusa.edu | (210) 431-3971.

Spring 2026 Career FairDownload