Class of 2026: Showing Up for the World
CLA students learn about the world, and show up for it. Through active citizenship and community engagement, our students develop a strong sense of their role in the communities they’re a part of. Then, they put that understanding into action — contributing and making a difference where it matters the most.
Emily Schulz
BA '26, human physiology BA; minor in public health
In my time at the U, I have been a part of CESP (Community Engaged Scholars Program), which has greatly influenced my path and encouraged me to be actively engaged within the campus and greater twin cities community.
I have gained the opportunity to volunteer at several free and sliding-scale community-based clinics; which has helped me understand what I have been learning in my public health courses on a real-world level. I have also had the opportunity to engage with several clinical and literature review studies within the University.
What courses would you recommend to other students in your major? I would highly recommend taking any public health courses in addition to the physiology major- but specifically Health Psychology or Medical Anthropology. These courses give a different perspective on health and medicine, specifically relevant for students who are looking to practice in the medical field later on.
Hannah Hebert
BA '26, sociology
CLA has fostered cultural appreciation and career readiness through its commitment to social justice. This is why I work as the HR Marketing and Engagement Intern at the Department of Human Services to make an impact serving Minnesota's most vulnerable residents.
In this role, I have compiled comprehensive resources for the Diversity, Recruitment, and Retention Team’s 40+ page Annual Report, capturing strategic insights and key milestones. This report is going to shape our recruitment efforts in the coming years to be more equitable and reach out to new communities that are underserved.
How did you connect your learning to the wider world? Studying abroad in Florence, Italy, helped connect my learning to the wider world. I worked as a Social Media Marketing Intern, working on creating social media content through Instagram to promote the brand and gain more followers. In this work environment, I learned more about international marketing strategies, the importance of work-life balance, and respect for different cultures.
Anna Overall
BA '26, political science, minor in Spanish
Throughout my time here at CLA I have been a research assistant under Anoop Sarbai in his project "Environmental Stress, Political Institutions and Social Conflict in South Asia."
I also traveled to the US-Mexico border with Kathleen Ganley (under the BorderLinks program), volunteered as a citizenship tutor, worked as a Spanish translation specialist at Agate housing and services, and worked at Justicia Law as a legal intern/assistant/translator.
These experiences have all brought a passion for immigration, colonial histories, and cross-cultural study. None of these experiences would have been possible without CLA.
What course would you recommend to other students in your major? Islamist Politics, or really any class with Kathleen Collins. I would recommend this because it was the hardest one I took. I love school, I'm fascinated by politics and I love a challenge. This class had more reading, more changes on a constant basis and more study time than I have had anywhere else. It taught me about my study patterns, challenged me and opened doors for learning growth.
Atanairy Carrillo Montes
BA '26, psychology
Beyond campus, my work in the community as a mental health technician has also been meaningful. It has allowed me to give back while working with diverse populations and understanding the importance of culturally responsive care. In addition, I am taking PSY 3896: Internship in Psychology alongside my work, which has helped me reflect on my experiences and connect them more deeply to what I am learning in my coursework.
Overall, these experiences have shaped how I view community not just as a support system, but as something I actively contribute to. They have helped me grow personally, strengthened my identity, and reinforced my passion for working in a helping profession.
What's next? After I finish my undergraduate degree, I plan to continue my education by starting my graduate program in Fall 2026. I will be attending the Master of Social Work program at the University of Minnesota, located on the St. Paul campus within the College of Education and Human Development. I am really looking forward to continuing my education at the University of Minnesota and building on the knowledge and skills I developed during my undergraduate studies. This next step will help me further prepare for a career in a helping profession, especially in areas related to clinical mental health and counseling.
Alejandro (Alex) Nuñez
BA '26, human physiology; minors in Chicano/Latino Studies and German
When I began studying at the U, I thought my path would be a direct path to med school, but as I began exploring my interests and my reasons for wanting to become a doctor, I discovered how many more opportunities there are for me that actually feel right…
Now, because of the CLA and the classes that have shaped my perspective, I know how my strengths and skills can be utilized in so many different ways that will lead to the impact that I have always dreamed of making. I still want to become a doctor, but specifically, I want to become a Midwest Chicano physician and public health advocate.
What's next? I am currently in the process of interviewing for a CDC Lewis Scholars summer internship at UCLA. From there I will be taking a gap year where I will move to California to work in healthcare and with other Latine organizers focused on improving healthcare. During that gap year I will be applying to a ton of MPH programs including the one here at the U and ones that offer a dual masters program in public health and Latin American Studies.
Meet the Class of 2026
CLA prepares students to become thoughtful citizens, innovative problem-solvers, and leaders in every sector of society. From healthcare and education to business, public service, media, science, and the arts, CLA graduates strengthen Minnesota’s workforce and communities.
These stories from the Class of 2026 reflect the many ways liberal arts students are preparing to make a difference — in their professions and in the lives of the people around them.
