Jennifer Morales Mendoza has been selected as the recipient of the Leroy E. Bynum, Jr. Endowed Scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year.
Established in honor of Leroy E. Bynum, Jr., DMA, the current dean of the College of the Arts, this $5,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a high-achieving student majoring in one of the fields of study belonging to the College of the Arts and minoring or double majoring in a second discipline outside of the arts. The award is funded by the Eichholz Foundation and Michael Davisdon, a trustee of the foundation.
Jennifer Morales Mendoza is a senior majoring in Graphic Design and Sociology at PSU, where she set about exploring the interactions between design, accessibility and the systemic barriers that pervade many aspects of society. During her academic experience at PSU, she has combined her dual interests in design and sociology in her branding and programming work with the Pacific Islander, Asian and Asian American Student Center, in her social media design work for the Transfer and Returning Student Resource Center, and as a student in the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design’s creative studio, Rodeo.
With a keen interest in fields such as branding, design systems, infographics and production design, Jennifer hopes to make instructive visual content for nonprofits such as OPB, PBS Kids, state transportation agencies, and other community-focused organizations once she graduates.
“Through her work at the intersection of graphic design and sociology, Jennifer demonstrates how the arts can directly connect with critical social issues to foster greater accessibility and understanding in our communities,” said Dean Bynum. “I am proud to see her efforts recognized in this way."
To support students like Jennifer, make a gift to the College of the Arts Dean's Fund for Opportunities and Excellence by contacting Kailin Mooney, Director of Development, PSU Foundation, at mooneyk@psuf.org or 503-725-5031.