NFL top pick Fernando Mendoza surprises crowd at UC Berkeley Haas commencement

Fernando Mendoza, BS 25, a quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, walked the stage at UC Berkeley Haas MBA commencement at the Greek Theatre on Saturday, surprising the crowd while receiving his undergraduate diploma.

Haas Dean Jenny Chatman welcomed Mendoza, who missed undergraduate commencement on Wednesday because of his required participation in the Raider’s pre-season training. 

“I hope you don’t mind that I invited this person to our MBA commencement. He actually had a really good excuse for missing commencement,” Chatman said. “He used his Haas skills and coursework to negotiate an excellent job and an excellent comp package, but he wasn’t able to change his start date when he needed to report to his new job. Can you please help me in welcoming Las Vegas Raider, Heisman Trophy winner, Haas graduate and Cal Bear forever, Fernando Mendoza.”

Watch Mendoza accept his diploma at commencement:

Completing a challenging program

Mendoza completed the challenging Haas business administration and management program in just three years while quarterbacking for Cal Football. He transferred to Indiana University last spring as a graduate business student, and completed his final Haas courses last summer. He then led the Hoosiers to an undefeated 16-0 season and a national championship. 

That stellar performance won him the Heisman Trophy—the first in Indiana history and the first for a Cal grad. “To my Cal family, thank you for being the first to believe in my future,” Mendoza said in his Heisman speech. “Thank you for the opportunity, educating me, and giving me the foundation that enabled me to grow into the person I am today.”

Mendoza, who was the No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft, joined the Las Vegas Raiders, and began pre-season Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on May 18—which posed a conflict for his attendance at the May 20 Haas undergraduate commencement. Saturday was his day off, which gave him a window to walk the stage in cap and gown.

Before Saturday’s ceremony, Mendoza caught up with distinguished teaching fellow Alan Ross, who taught him Business Law and Business Ethics, and continuing lecturer Dan Himelstein, who taught Business Communications.  

Mendoza has also maintained close ties with Steve Etter, a continuing professional faculty member who teaches finance and mentors student athletes on financial management. While most students in Etter’s financial literacy classes used Excel to perform functions, Mendoza preferred the handwritten method, using formulas, a pencil, and a piece of paper. 

“Fernando is a formula guy,” Etter told USA Today. “I guess the way I would say it: he’s a throwback.”

(Etter could not attend on Saturday but was honored at undergraduate commencement with a Cheit Award for inclusive teaching and a Berkeley Haas Culture Legend Award, a special recognition for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the school.)

Teamwork and trust

Distinguished Teaching Fellow Cort Worthington recalled Mendoza’s first day in his Improvisational Leadership course at Haas, an elective that calls for authenticity among students to build genuine psychological safety. 

“On the first day, when everyone saw that Cal’s starting quarterback was in the class, there could have been a chilling effect, with students less willing to take risks for fear of embarrassing themselves,” Worthington said. “Fortunately, from that first day Fernando was at the forefront of taking risks himself, of being vulnerable and willing to make the inevitable public ‘mistakes’ inherent to improvisation.” 

That’s typical of Mendoza, who has emphasized the value of teamwork and trust in both finance and football.

“Fernando was well-liked by his peers for his genuine kindness and positive, uplifting attitude,” Etter said. “He also worked hard to develop his leadership skills, which gives him high potential on and off the field.”

Emma Daftary, assistant dean of undergraduate programs, said Mendoza was focused and driven from his first day at Haas, taking challenging electives and keeping pace with classmates while balancing a rigorous football training and travel schedule. Younger students sought him out for guidance and mentorship, and he took the time to be present with them, she added. 

Mendoza, who spent summers interning at investment firms, is now working on his MBA at Indiana. Last month, he accepted a role as Chief Financial Playmaker at U.S. Bank. As an executive and brand ambassador at the bank, he will direct a customized financial empowerment program for NFL players.

“Like so many Berkeley leaders before him, he’s expanding the idea of what’s possible with a Haas degree,” Daftary said. “We’re so proud of the way he’s navigating this chapter—going beyond himself as he sets up a family foundation (the Mendoza Family Fund in partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society) and continuing to stay true to his values as he puts in the work and approaches his new job with determination, with humility, and with quiet confidence.”