LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM
INAUGURAL ALUMNI AWARDS
Founded in 1972 as North Harris County College, Lone Star College has grown into a major multi-campus system in the Houston area, officially adopting its current name in 2007. Today, the Lone Star College System operates 8 campuses, 14 centers and 200+ programs, serving more than 97,000 students just this Spring alone, the largest semester enrollment in its history. The Spring Class of '26 welcomes 15,000 graduates, bringing the total number of alumni to more than 165,000 individuals!
In a milestone long in the making, Chancellor Mario K. Castillo established the Alumni Relations & Engagement Office in October 2025. On May 2, 2026, the Inaugural Alumni Awards were presented, honoring four exceptional graduates whose achievements reflect the very best of Lone Star College.
ALUMNI ON THE RISE
Recognizes an individual who demonstrates significant potential for future leadership, while making early-career contributions within a specific profession, organization, or community.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Recognizes an individual for significant contributions to their field or community, demonstrating leadership and excellence, and inspiring others through their accomplishments.
MAREEHA JANGDA, A.S. '22, B.A.T. '24
ALUMNI ON THE RISE AWARD
With resilience and purpose, success is often built through both achievement and service to others. Mareeha has distinguished herself early in her career while remaining deeply committed to uplifting those around her.
Mareeha began her academic journey at Lone Star College, earning an Honors associate degree before becoming one of the inaugural students in the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity program. Along the way, she faced significant personal loss during the pandemic, yet remained focused on her education and professional goals, leading to achieving an internship with NASA.
In 2023, she joined the team at United Airlines as an IT Analyst. Since that time she has earned two promotions, landing her in the role of Cybersecurity Engineer where she contributes to the protection of critical systems within the entire organization.
Even as her career has advanced, Mareeha has remained dedicated to supporting others. She actively mentors students interested in STEM careers, speaks at honors conferences on the power of networking, and serves on panels for Lone Star College-University Park"s Computer and Engineering Technology Division. Through these efforts, she helps students better understand the field of cybersecurity and what it takes to succeed.
Her impact extends beyond campus into the greater Houston community. Mareeha has served as a panelist for Wings Over Houston Community Day, engaging high school students in conversations about STEM opportunities, and participates in organizations like CyberCircle to support individuals transitioning into cybersecurity careers.
A Jack Kent Cooke Semi-Finalist in 2020, Mareeha has leveraged her education to build an impressive early career while remaining a strong advocate for access and opportunity in higher education. She credits Lone Star College for supporting her during a pivotal time in her life and continues to share that experience to encourage others.
Mareeha's story is defined by perseverance, service, and commitment to community. As her influence continues to grow, she remains a powerful example of how professional success and meaningful impact can go hand in hand.
BRETT SHRYOCK, A.S. '22, B.A.S. '24
ALUMNI ON THE RISE AWARD
With determination and heart, there are many varied roads that can lead to success. Brett Shryock followed the scenic route, leaving his mark at each stop along the journey.
While in high school, Brett entered the Fire Academy, quickly learning the value of brotherhood through shared experiences responding to calls and keeping the community safe. As members of Fayette County EMS, Brett and his team were recognized with the 2013 EMS for Children Crew of the Year Award for their heroic rescue of a mother and newborn. Brett's selfless service to others continued through his role with Texas Life & Fire Safety Organization, where he was recognized as an Educator of the Year for his dedication to public safety education. While in the greater Austin area, he led the "Stop the Bleed" initiative throughout 13 counties, empowering individuals to act quickly and save lives.
Hailing from a family of Texas Aggies, Brett was eager to further his education while balancing his career and family commitments. This quest led him to complete his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science at Lone Star College. Propelled by this achievement and the encouragement of a co-worker, he enrolled in the first cohort of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Emergency Management. Both courses of study serve him well as the Manager of Logistics for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Brett works to prepare the County for a myriad of disasters, determining the necessary supplies, negotiating costs, and creating distribution channels. He actively deploys during natural or man-made disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, the 2021 Arctic Blast, and the ITC Tank fire, as well as during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
A dedicated husband and father of two very active young girls, Brett is on his way to earning an executive master's degree in public service administration from the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M, and, of course, that coveted Aggie Ring. Brett credits Lone Star College's professors and advising team for meeting him during a pivotal moment in his life and creating a path for him to balance his education, career, and, most importantly, his family.
MEAGHANNE ILENE LOGAN RUIZ, AA '15
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Meaghanne has built a life and career defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others.
Her journey with Lone Star College began in 2013 under difficult circumstances, as she made the decision to leave her family home due to domestic violence. While navigating these challenges, she remained focused on her education, working in the financial aid office at Lone Star College - Montgomery before transferring to Lone Star College - North Harris as an Honors College scholar. She completed her associate degree and continued her studies at the University of Houston, where she served as a research lead with the Air Force Research Laboratory, focusing on infrastructural cyber threats and policy.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2017, Meaghanne commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. She quickly took on critical responsibilities, serving as a Regional Air Movement Planner from 2017 to 2018. In this role, she coordinated airlift operations during Hurricanes Harvey and Maria, helping lead large-scale relief efforts across two combatant commands. Under her leadership, operations expanded across six simultaneous airfields, executing thousands of missions, delivering vital supplies, and transporting thousands of passengers in support of disaster response.
From 2019 to 2023, Meaghanne served at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany, as an Air Weapons Officer. There, she was an instructor and evaluator in the formal training unit, an assistant flight commander, and the deputy chief of standardization and evaluation. During this time, she also earned a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Policy from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Her leadership continued at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, where she served from 2023 to 2025 as a flight commander, training chief, and Director of Innovations. In 2024, she was selected as the Pacific Air Forces' representative for the inaugural NATO Innovation Conference, reflecting her growing influence in advancing defense strategy and technology.
In May 2025, Meaghanne transitioned to the Air National Guard while continuing to expand her impact beyond active duty. She deployed in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve while simultaneously working toward a PhD in Technology at Purdue University. She is also the Founder and CEO of Praxis Innovation Group, a defense innovation advisory firm focused on bridging the gap between industry and national security.
Known for her commitment to those she leads and her ability to bridge ideas across sectors, Meaghanne continues to shape the future of defense and innovation, serving as a powerful example of what is possible for the next generation of women leaders.
JOHN FISHER, A.A '14
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
With a deep sense of service and community, John Fisher has built a life defined by giving back and leading by example.
John's journey with Lone Star College began in 2006 at LSC - Kingwood, where he balanced his academic pursuits with meaningful campus involvement. He served as a campus ambassador and worked in the College Relations Office before transitioning to Student Services and later joining the advising team for LSC - Online. Through these experiences, he developed the professional foundation that would shape his career, gaining both technical knowledge and the interpersonal skills essential for long-term success.
In 2014, John transitioned from Lone Star College into the oil and gas industry, working in learning and development. Following the industry downturn in 2018, he redirected his talents toward public service, joining the Houston Police Department. He has continued to advance his education along the way, earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Houston - Downtown in winter 2024.
That commitment to service extends beyond his profession. For nearly two decades, John has been a lead volunteer for the StarGala and a consistent supporter of the Lone Star College Foundation. As a member of the Celebration Circle, he contributes annually to both the StarGala and the Drive for Scholarships Golf Tournament. In 2023, he further extended his impact by establishing the John M. Fisher Endowment, which provides annual food scholarships to students across the Lone Star College System.
John credits Lone Star College with helping shape both his personal and professional path and remains inspired by the impact the Foundation has on students and the broader community. His ongoing engagement as a volunteer, advocate, and donor reflects a genuine commitment to expanding opportunity and supporting student success.
John's story is one of consistency, generosity, and service. As he continues to invest in both his community and his alma mater, he stands as a strong example of how dedication to others can create a lasting impact.
Let's Connect!
For more information, contact Alumni Relations and Engagement at Alumni@LoneStar.Edu
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