David L. Archer President | Christian Brothers University website

CBU senior Karla Mendoza has shown a strong commitment to her academic goals and community service. "While in high school, I knew I wanted to pursue higher education, for sure, and I wanted to make a wise choice for college," said Karla, who will graduate in May. Her aim is to become a psychologist, requiring both a bachelor's and a graduate degree.

The small class sizes at CBU appealed to her after attending a large high school. She joined the Honors Program and co-chaired the student-led Catholic Relief Services chapter. "I had a really good offer, and I really liked the psychology program," she explained about choosing CBU. Building strong academic relationships and gaining research experience were key factors for her decision.

Karla plans to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology after graduation. She aims to develop culturally sensitive mental health practices for immigrants and refugees, addressing language barriers and stigma around mental health in minority communities.

Service plays an important role in her life. She contributes to the Buc Stop food pantry on campus and helps with the Sister-Supply project for free feminine hygiene products. "Karla is a person built with quiet strength that allows for her actions to speak louder than words," said Brother Christian Camacho from the McLaughlin Social Justice Institute of Lasallian Practice.

As a freshman, Karla aspired to be among the Lasallian Fellows displayed on campus murals. This year she achieved that honor unexpectedly. Alongside her campus activities, she maintains high academic standards by presenting research at conferences like the American Psychological Association (APA) Convention.

She received the Summer Undergraduate Psychology Experience in Research Fellowship through APA and volunteers with Dr. Jeff Sable's Cognitive Neuroscience lab on EEG studies. "Karla Mendoza is a rock star," said Dr. Maureen E. O'Brien, one of Karla’s mentors.

Reflecting on her time at CBU, Karla appreciates the opportunities it provided academically and personally: "I have made lifelong friends, have met and worked with amazing faculty and colleagues... CBU has truly provided me with so many opportunities both academically and personally."