Students studying cybersecurity and similar programs at Shenandoah University have a new space in which to train to become the world’s next digital security experts, courtesy of a generous gift from the Lingam Foundation.
Shenandoah’s Cybersecurity Range and Outreach Lab – located on Shenandoah’s main campus in Hazel-Pruitt Armory, home of the Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs (HIVE) – opened with all of its upgrades shortly after the start of the 2025 Fall Term, providing students and faculty in the cybersecurity program with a high-tech space fully equipped for in-person instruction.
Shenandoah celebrated the support of Raj and Neeraja Lingam in February, welcoming them into the cyber lab that they helped create and providing them an opportunity to meet with several cybersecurity students who are already benefitting from the university’s new equipment.
Neeraja and Raj Lingam
These resources give us the opportunity for hands-on experience implementing cybersecurity principles in a controlled environment among peers. Typically the only other way people can get this kind of opportunity is either in their own home lab, or on the job. The Lingams have created opportunities for cybersecurity students that are exceedingly rare. Because of their support, we can now model real-world cyber threats and practice network defense, without the real-world risk if we make mistakes. They are effectively creating an experienced cohort of cybersecurity professionals that will make the technology of tomorrow even more secure.”
Dustin Delgross ’26, Shenandoah University computer science student
Shenandoah University Associate Professor Fadi Abuamara, Ph.D., led the development of the improved cyber lab alongside Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity Michael Fagan, Ph.D., and cybersecurity students Abigail Keene ’26 and Spencer Leeman ’28. Though the cyber lab technically debuted in the 2024-25 academic year with the opening of Hazel-Pruitt Armory – a renovated former national guard building – the space initially lacked the technology to serve as a truly viable educational space for Shenandoah’s cybersecurity programs.
When the Lingams visited Shenandoah University in 2025, Dr. Abuamara stated the need for support of the cyber lab. The Lingams, who have over 30 years of experience in the information technology industry, including government contract work, said they’ve noticed an “immense shortage” of cybersecurity and IT professional talent across the nation, and they were impressed with the work of Shenandoah University and its support of veterans through the HIVE.
All of the dots were connecting, and Shenandoah University has very deep roots with the local community here. But more importantly, we visited the HIVE, we went around, we saw the programs, and we were very impressed that there was a lot of focus on enabling the students to learn real practical skills that would actually prepare you to go and get started with real-world jobs. We are very happy to do this, and we’re fortunate to be involved with the university. We’re very confident that this cyber lab is going to be a stepping stone and it’s going to make you real professionals.”
Raj Lingam
Associate Professor Fadi Abuamara (right) speaks during his ethical hacking course in the cyber lab as Shenandoah University recognizes Neeraja and Raj Lingam. Andy Ferrari, a longtime university supporter who introduced the Lingams to Shenandoah, stands at left.
The Lingam Foundation’s financial support allowed Shenandoah to acquire servers, a network device license, dedicated internet (a critical component that allows cybersecurity students to perform their work outside of the university’s main network), and other critical infrastructure to create individual workspaces within the lab. The space features 15 computers, each dedicated to one of two roles – attacking, or ethical hacking, and defending – that are central to cybersecurity instruction.
Additionally, Abuamara said the Cybersecurity Range and Outreach Lab will support the community by allowing Shenandoah to provide penetration testing, a simulated cyber attack used to find and exploit potential weaknesses in a computer system. He added that the university will eventually host events in the space as well, including capture the flag competitions.
The Cybersecurity Range and Outreach Lab reflects what’s possible when philanthropy, education, and community align around a shared vision. It gives students hands-on, real-world cybersecurity experience while expanding our ability to support local businesses, veterans, and entrepreneurs. Through the Lingam Foundation’s investment, we’re building a strong pipeline of professionals who will help strengthen our region’s digital future.”
Patricia Young, executive director of Hazel-Pruitt Armory/HIVE
Shenandoah offers a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity, a fully online Master of Science in cybersecurity, and a cybersecurity management concentration in its Master of Business Administration degree program.
