CHICAGO – Loyola University Chicago Arrupe College student Karina Perez, an associate's degree candidate in business administration, was recognized as a 2026 PNC Achiever during the Jan. 13 Loyola men's basketball game against George Mason.
 
Perez joins a distinguished group of PNC Achievers who, since 2017, have been acknowledged for outstanding academic achievement, community service and student leadership. 
 
"At PNC, we believe that education is a cornerstone of success, and we are proud to celebrate students like Karina who exemplify leadership, academic excellence and a commitment to their community. Our support for student achievement reflects our broader mission to foster thriving individuals and vibrant communities," said Scott Swanson, PNC regional president for Illinois and territory executive for the Midwest region.
 
Maintaining a 3.9 GPA, Perez has been an active contributor to Loyola's Arrupe College community.  She most recently served as a career ambassador with the Arrupe Career Fellowship Program and as co-president of the Arrupe Business Society. Under her leadership, the organization successfully brought back its signature event to campus, drawing strong attendance and positive event feedback.
 
Perez has helped facilitate Arrupe campus tours for prospective students and general visitors and assisted incoming students with applications and online submission steps. Her dedication to supporting peers and promoting campus life sets her apart as an exceptional student leader.
 
Every academic year, a handful of students are selected by the school's staff and recognized during a Loyola Athletics event. Since 2016, more than 40 Loyola students have been recognized with this designation. The alumni honorees were chosen from the Loyola's Quinlan School of Business, Arrupe College and Loyola student-athletes The special ceremony underscores PNC Bank's commitment to supporting Loyola and its students.
 
PNC Achievers is a program dedicated to honoring students at more than a dozen schools and universities across the country. Honorees are selected locally by designated panels at each respective school using a set of criteria which includes the three pillars of academic achievement, community service and student leadership. For more information about PNC, please visit www.pnc.com.