It was a big moment for former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza, after going No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft on Thursday. The rising star spent three years at Cal before transferring to Indiana last season, where he won a national championship. Mendoza was drafted No. 1 overall by the Las Vega s Raiders on Thursday. Meanwhile, students took a break from midterms and went to Raleigh’s Pub near the Cal campus to celebrate the former Golden Bear. “Seeing Mendoza go No. 1 overall was an incredible experience for me because I saw him play live at memorial stadium, beat Stanford,” said Nathan Frank, an UC Berkeley student. Mendoza spent three years at Cal, entering as a two-star recruit. Last season, he transferred to Indiana, where he won the Heisman trophy and a national championship. “I think once a Bear, always a Bear, you have to do what you go to do to progress your career forward,” said Shai Grossman, another student. For Frank, Mendoza’s success hits close to home. “I’m from Indiana. My hometown friends kind of took him from me, but I got to see him lead IU to a national championship,” he said. Off the field, Mendoza also stood out. He graduated from Cal’s Haas School of Business in just three years with a focus on financial literacy and investing. He also captured national attention during his Heisman trophy speech, dedicating the award to his mother who battles multiple sclerosis. “Mommy, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light, my why, you’re my biggest supporter,” he said. It’s why he chose to watch the Draft at home, so he could celebrate with her. On Thursday, he’s announced a partnership with the National MS Society, committing $500,000 to research and launching the Mendoza Family Fund. “For most people, multiple sclerosis is something they’ve heard about. For my family, it’s something that’s deeply personal,” he said. Back on the Cal campus, Mendoza’s barber Eric Valdez says he watched the moment on his phone, and calls to see him become the No. 1 pick surreal. “It’s a blessing man, it’s everybody’s dream or goal as a kid. Everybody wants to be a pro, he’s living our dreams,” he said. Students say they’ll be watching closely as Mendoza begins his NFL career. He’ll make his first return to the Bay Area this season when the Raiders face the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. ...read more read less