Menlo College Names Leading Changemaker Ian Simmons as 2024 Commencement Speaker Posted on April 23, 2024April 8, 2025 by Kayla Stuart Menlo College proudly announces Ian Simmons, a pioneering changemaker in business, education, and democracy, as the speaker for the College’s 96th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Simmons has made a significant impact across various industries, including education technology, renewable energy, financial services, affordable housing, healthcare, combating misinformation, and reducing student debt. His efforts align with Menlo College’s mission to develop students with the skills, integrity, and passion needed to contribute meaningfully to the innovation economy. Since 2012, Simmons and his wife, Liesel Pritzker Simmons, have led Blue Haven Initiative as co-founders and principals. The initiative invests globally in businesses offering solutions to social and environmental challenges. In 2018, Blue Haven received the global industry award for GSG Impact Asset Owner of the Year. “Ian Simmons embodies the spirit of Menlo College, where innovation meets purpose,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. “His leadership in driving progress and making impactful contributions across industries will serve as a powerful inspiration for our graduates as they embark on their next chapter.” Ian Simmons has also initiated research, civic learning, and policy projects to improve higher education in the United States. His research is used by over 1,200 colleges and universities to measure student outcomes, while his civic learning projects have partnered with over 1,000 institutions. His policy projects have unlocked $1.2 billion, enabling more students to engage in public service across America. Additionally, Ian co-founded Democracy House and serves on the boards of Freedom House, U.S. Impact Investing Alliance, Social Finance, Issue One, and Scholars Strategy Network. Simmons’ dedication to impactful change and his ability to inspire will provide the graduating class of 2024 with valuable insights as they begin their journeys toward shaping a better future. Learn more about 2024 Commencement Read More: Menlo College Names Leading Changemaker Ian Simmons as 2024 Commencement Speaker Menlo College and LSB for 1+1 MIM + MSIS Menlo College Wins NAIOP Silicon Valley University Challenge About Menlo College Menlo College, established in 1927, is a small, private, non-profit, and accredited residential college located in Atherton, California. It offers four-year undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Located in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative regions, Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.
Menlo College and LSB for 1+1 MIM + MSIS Posted on April 15, 2024April 8, 2025 by Kayla Stuart Menlo College Partners with Luxembourg School of Business to Launch Innovative Master’s Degree Program Menlo College is delighted to announce a strategic educational partnership with the Luxembourg School of Business (LSB). The alliance marks a significant development in international higher education collaboration. The Master’s degree program, a unique and pioneering educational model, offers students the opportunity to start their post-baccalaureate graduate studies in the LSB Master’s in Management (MIM) program at LSB, followed by a year of specialization in the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program at Menlo College. Upon successful completion, participants will be awarded two master’s degrees, one from each institution, a testament to their academic dedication and global perspective. Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College, emphasized the program’s alignment with the College’s international strategy, stating, “This groundbreaking partnership with Luxembourg School of Business exemplifies Menlo College’s commitment to expanding global educational opportunities. It cultivates an academic environment where students acquire essential skills for success in an interconnected world. This collaboration promises exceptional opportunities for global learning and professional advancement.“ The partnership between LSB and Menlo College reflects the institutions’ meticulous planning and dedication to crafting a comprehensive, internationally-focused educational experience. The two schools are proud to offer this unique academic pathway, which aims for international academic and professional excellence. Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the School of Business, and Founder of the MSIS Program at Menlo College, reflected on the significance of this collaboration: “This transformative educational partnership leverages our respective program models to not only facilitate academic exchanges, but more essentially, to substantially enrich our students’ educational experiences. It underscores our shared commitment to delivering innovative, globally-minded education that prepares students to thrive in the international business arena.“ About Menlo College Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” A residential college in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology and masters degrees in sport and performance psychology and information systems. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Students Lobby at the State Capitol Posted on March 7, 2024April 8, 2025 by Kayla Stuart Menlo College students demonstrated their dedication to accessible higher education by participating in the AICCU 2024 Day at the Capitol in Sacramento on February 27, 2024. Representing Menlo were students Sophia Umanzor ’25, Brandy Ix Dzib ’26, and Jaedyn Tillis ’25. This premier annual gathering brought together nearly 100 institutional staff and students from various California colleges and universities, converging in Sacramento to amplify the unified voice of independent higher education institutions. AICCU comprises over 80 colleges and universities throughout California. Their goal is to be a positive influence on the California higher education system and strengthen institutions to help serve students and communities. Through policymakers, business, and community leaders, AICCU hopes to make college more accessible and effective for students. During the event, Jaedyn, Brandy, and Sophia engaged in discussions with California Legislature members and staff, addressing critical policy and budget priorities for AICCU institutions including advocating tirelessly for the continuation of support for the Cal Grant. The Cal Grant, a vital resource for over 300,000 students across California, is of particular importance to Menlo College students. It not only aids in accessing higher education but also opens doors to transformative experiences and numerous opportunities. Reflecting on the experience, Brandy remarked, “As a first-generation Latinx student who has benefited from the Cal Grant to pursue my education, participating in these discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration in shaping policies that support students like myself in achieving their academic goals.” The AICCU 2024 Day at the Capitol highlighted the steadfast commitment of Menlo College students to drive positive change. It celebrated empowerment, community engagement, and the boundless opportunities afforded by higher education. About Menlo College Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” A residential college in the heart of Silicon Valley just outside San Francisco, Menlo College offers four-year undergraduate degrees in business and psychology and two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Wins NAIOP Silicon Valley University Challenge Posted on March 7, 2024January 27, 2025 by Kayla Stuart The Menlo Oaks team, composed of Charles Williams, Tracey Hatch, and Jayden Sanders, has clinched victory in the highly competitive NAIOP Silicon Valley University Challenge. Hosted annually by NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, this renowned Real Estate Competition attracts top talent from leading universities. This year, the Menlo Oaks rose to the occasion, emerging triumphant against formidable opponents from Stanford University, Santa Clara University, San Jose State University, and UC Berkeley. The NAIOP Silicon Valley University Challenge serves as a platform for undergraduate students to showcase their skills in real estate development. Teams are tasked with crafting innovative proposals for a selected piece of real estate and presenting them to a panel of judges. The fierce competition demands creativity, strategic thinking, and industry knowledge. The success of the Menlo Oaks team reflects the college’s commitment to providing students with opportunities for experiential learning and professional development in the field of real estate. Those interested in learning more about the real estate program at Menlo College are encouraged to contact the Office of Admission for further information. The Real Estate Symposium for 2024, hosted by The Real Estate Center (TREC) at Menlo College, is scheduled for March 13, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, with a reception to follow from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. This symposium promises to be an enriching event for industry professionals, students, and enthusiasts alike, offering insights into the latest trends and developments in the real estate sector. Our Menlo students’ victory will be commemorated on the prestigious NAIOP Silicon Valley University Challenge trophy, proudly displayed at Menlo College for the next year. As the reigning champions, the team looks forward to defending their title in the upcoming competition. Read more: Menlo College Joins Niche Direct Admissions Program for 2024 4 More Students Named University Innovation Fellows at Menlo College Menlo College Receives U.S. Department of Education Grant to Support International Education About Menlo College Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” A residential college in the heart of Silicon Valley just outside San Francisco, Menlo College offers four-year undergraduate degrees in business and psychology and two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
