Empowering students to serve the world has been at the heart of Seattle Pacific University s mission since its founding. Senior Lainey Mendoza ’25, recently recognized for her servant leadership, is another example of SPU students making the world a better place
In her junior year, Mendoza was unanimously nominated by her honors cohort for the Erin Rahel Kimminau Servanthood Scholarship Award. The award, which is redeemed during the recipient’s senior year, honors the memory of Erin Kimminau, a junior who tragically passed away in a 2016 car accident. To honor her legacy of deep faith, advocacy, and service, Erin’s parents, Patricia and Jon Kimminau, established the Erin Rahel Kimminau Servant Heart Endowment to encourage Seattle Pacific students to positively impact others with servant leadership.
Mendoza, who was surprised to receive the scholarship, expressed deep gratitude not only for the recognition of her community work but also for the financial relief it provides. The award serves as a powerful affirmation of her efforts, motivating her to continue making a difference.
“It felt very nice and freeing, where people noticed those impacts and the things I’m doing. I feel like I’m making a difference,” she said. “Maybe I’m not helping one person directly, but that person at least sees me and can walk away with the knowledge that someone out there is trying to do better. I’m happy to be that person.”
Mendoza, an honors student studying ecology and data analytics, is deeply involved on campus. She is a member of the Undergraduate Admissions welcome team, an honors program assistant, and a BioCORE program mentor. Mendoza also actively participates in campus events, supporting everything from theatre productions to women’s and men’s basketball.
Passionate about social justice, Mendoza engages in current event discussions and contributes to causes she believes in.
“The fight will continue to exist, and even if I don’t feel like I’m doing enough, at least I am there,” she said. “It always gives me more of a sense of community because the culture at SPU encourages students to engage in those activities. It’s really nice to see that and be reminded of it. It gives me joy and spurs me to keep going.”
Beyond her time at SPU, Mendoza hopes to pursue a career in conservation biology or environmental sciences. No matter what she decides to take on, she hopes to be a leader in scientific advancements to protect the environment.
