The inaugural Lone Star College System Alumni Awards honorees exemplify the college system’s values well beyond their time as students. The winners were announced at Lone Star College Foundation’s StarGala this May.
“These influential alumni set powerful examples for our current and future students,” said Carolyn Donovan, LSCS associate vice chancellor, Alumni Relations & Engagement. “Mareeha, Brett, Meaghanne and John demonstrate what it means to invest in your community with generosity, determination, resilience and leadership.”
Two nominees were selected in each category—the Alumni on the Rise Award for individuals who obtained a degree or certificate between May 1, 2020, and May 31, 2025, and the Distinguished Alumni Award for those who graduated before May 31, 2015.
Alumni on the Rise Award
Mareeha Jangda, A.S. 2022, B.A.T. 2024
Graduated with an associate degree from LSC-Kingwood in 2022 and returned to LSCS after the college system launched its Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity. Her time in the Honors College as a Chancellor’s Fellow taught Jangda all about networking, writing and research—skills she used to become a cybersecurity engineer at United Airlines and will continue to use throughout her career.
Brett Shryock, A.S. 2022, B.A.S. 2024
Enrolled at LSCS while working for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management as a logistics specialist and was among the first students to enroll in the college system’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Emergency Management program immediately after completing his associate degree in fire science. He is now working toward a master’s degree in public service administration from The Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University.
Distinguished Alumni Award
Meaghanne Ilene Logan Ruiz, A.A. 2015
Completed her associate degree at LSC-North Harris as an Honors College Scholar and transferred to the University of Houston to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science. From there, she became an officer in the U.S. Air Force and has since worked across the globe, earned a master’s degree in cybersecurity management and policy, and launched her own defense innovation firm. Ruiz is shaping the future of defense and innovation, but she credits her time at LSCS for giving her opportunities to travel and sparking a curiosity about global affairs.
John Fisher, A.A. 2014
Enrolled at LSC-Kingwood in 2006 and quickly got involved as a campus ambassador and student worker. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Houston-Downtown and has served as an officer with the Houston Police Department since 2019. While attending classes at LSCS, Fisher began volunteering with Lone Star College Foundation, where he continues to invest his time and finances today to support the next generation of students.
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