Menlo College Takes First Place in Prestigious Global Scaling Challenge Posted on April 15, 2025April 17, 2025 by Tess Rewick ATHERTON, CA – Menlo College is excited to announce that a team of its business students has won first place in the 2025 Global Scaling Challenge, a globally recognized competition hosted by the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico. In recognition of their achievement, the team earned a total of $8,000 in prize money, including $7,500 for winning first place overall, and an additional $500 for earning silver in the first round. This year’s challenge featured 46 teams from leading universities around the world, all tasked with solving real-world growth and scaling issues for live entrepreneurial firms. Representing Menlo College were students Marc Hegele (Team Lead), Carlotta Stern, Lars Faessler, and Martin Fiala, supported by Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, Mikael Hilmersson. The Global Scaling Challenge is a one-of-a-kind competition that pairs student teams with real companies seeking to grow in complex, diverse markets. Over the course of the event, students assess the challenges these companies face and develop both short-term and long-term strategies to help them scale. The experience culminates in a high-stakes, live virtual pitch to company leaders and a panel of expert judges—an intense and highly practical application of global business strategy. “Winning this competition is a powerful reflection of the caliber of our students and the excellence of the business education they receive at Menlo,” said Mouwafac Siddaoui, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business. “Their success in a global arena highlights not only their talent and dedication, but also the outstanding guidance of faculty like Professor Mikael Hilmersson, whose mentorship played a key role in this achievement. We are incredibly proud of our team.” The Global Scaling Challenge offers over $35,000 in awards and provides both students and participating firms with meaningful, innovative experiences that span industries and continents. Menlo’s victory demonstrates the strength of its hands-on, globally-minded business education and reflects its ongoing commitment to preparing students to thrive in real-world environments. Congratulations to our Menlo College winners on this well-deserved victory! Read more about the Global Scaling Challenge here. Contact Information: Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu 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.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers 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. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Reimagining Business Analytics: Menlo College Introduces Enhanced AI & Analytics Major Posted on April 12, 2025April 17, 2025 by Tess Rewick Atherton, CA – April 2025: Menlo College School of Business is proud to announce the launch of its newly enhanced academic program: the Artificial Intelligence & Analytics (AIA) major. This cutting-edge offering is the first undergraduate major of its kind among business schools in Northern California. Formerly known as Business Analytics, this future-focused program positions Menlo College at the forefront of innovation in business education, responding to accelerating demand for professionals who can navigate the convergence of business, data, and emerging technologies. “At Menlo College, we are committed to preparing our students for the future of business,” said President Steven Weiner. “The AI & Analytics major reinforces our mission to deliver innovative, market-responsive education that equips students with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in a digitally-driven economy.” Designed with a future-focused curriculum, the AIA major integrates applied artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and ethical decision-making in business settings. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms and tools, preparing them to become leaders in data-intensive and AI-enabled environments. “This major represents Menlo College’s bold step forward in reimagining business education,” said Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business. “We are deeply grateful to our faculty for their vision and commitment in shaping a program that ensures our students are not only career-ready, but future-ready.” With this enhanced program launch, Menlo College continues to raise the bar for academic excellence, aligning its programs with industry trends and delivering education that empowers the next generation of business and technology leaders. Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu 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.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers 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. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College’s Innovation Center Hosts 2025 Entrepreneurship Socratic Salon Speaker Series Posted on April 10, 2025April 15, 2025 by Avery Stump Atherton, CA – April 2025: Menlo College is excited about our Innovation Center’s Socratic Salon speaker series continuing into Spring 2025. These events are designed to create open, engaging conversations between students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals. The Socratic Salon format encourages interactive dialogue instead of traditional lectures, allowing participants to engage directly with thought leaders and explore new ideas together. The Socratic Salon centers around entrepreneurship and innovation, and provides a unique opportunity for students to discuss innovation and creativity across various industries, from business and technology to psychology and the arts. These sessions invite participants to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn from each other in a relaxed, discussion-based setting. Upcoming Sessions: April 11, 2025Elizabeth Lewis – Commercial Real Estate & Public Service Professional, Mayor of AthertonJoin Elizabeth Lewis, a 40-year veteran of commercial real estate and the current Mayor of Atherton, for a conversation on leadership, real estate, and public service. With over 25 years as the Owner/CEO of Orchard Commercial, Inc., she brings valuable insights into how innovation shapes both business and governance. April 25, 2025Dr. Mark Hager – Psychologist, Mentor, & SpyDr. Mark Hager, Professor Emeritus at Menlo College, will explore the intersection of psychology and innovation. Drawing from his diverse career in business, art, medicine, and psychology, Dr. Hager will discuss how psychology shapes creativity, careers, and community impact. May 9, 2025Richard Maldonado – Director of Product & Engineering, AI Experiences at ServiceNowRichard Maldonado, Menlo College alum and AI product leader, will discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and product management. With over 25 years of experience, Richard will share his entrepreneurial journey and insights into how AI is transforming industries. Time and Location:6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Innovation Center (Florence Moore 319)Menlo College, 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA 94027 RSVP and Attendance:Attendance is free and open to Menlo College students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. Seating is limited, so please RSVP in advance to secure your spot. For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.menlo.edu/innovationcenter. Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu 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.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers 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. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Finance Professor Dima Leshchinskii, Ph.D., Featured in MoneyGeek Articles Posted on November 15, 2024January 27, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College Finance Professor Dima Leshchinskii, Ph.D., Featured in MoneyGeek Articles Menlo College’s own Dr. Dima Leshchinskii, Professor of Finance, has been featured as an expert in a series of MoneyGeek articles, offering valuable insights into critical topics such as FHA loans, behavioral finance, and California’s housing market In his contributions, Dr. Leshchinskii shares expertise on:• FHA Loans and Homebuying: Discussing how FHA loans can help first-time homebuyers, Dr. Leshchinskii highlights their lower down payment requirements and higher debt-to-income ratio allowances, making homeownership more accessible to those with limited income or credit scores. He also explains the factors determining loan eligibility, such as local loan limits and borrower financials.• Behavioral Finance: Dr. Leshchinskii explores how psychological and emotional factors influence financial decisions, delving into concepts like herd instinct, where individuals make choices based on others’ actions, and confirmation bias, the tendency to favor information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and awareness to avoid costly financial mistakes.• Navigating California’s Housing Market: In a guide for homebuyers, Dr. Leshchinskii provides advice on overcoming challenges in one of the nation’s most competitive housing markets. He shares tips on preparing finances, understanding local market trends, and working with real estate professionals. Through these articles, Dr. Leshchinskii’s insights underscore Menlo College’s dedication to equipping students and the community with knowledge that drives informed decision-making in today’s financial landscape. Read the full MoneyGeek articles featuring Dr. Leshchinskii:• Understanding Herd Instinct• What is Confirmation Bias?• Behavioral Finance Explained• How to Buy a House in California Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu 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 College Welcomes Dr. Simmie Raiford to Board of Trustees Posted on October 30, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College Welcomes Dr. Simmie Raiford to Board of Trustees FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Atherton, California, October 31, 2024 – Menlo College proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Simmie Raiford to its Board of Trustees. Dr. Raiford, the Executive Director of the Schultz Center for Teaching and Leadership, brings over 40 years of experience in educational leadership and policy to Menlo College, furthering the institution’s commitment to innovative, data-driven educational practices. Since 2017, Dr. Raiford has led the Schultz Center in Jacksonville, Florida, overseeing regional initiatives that enhance educational effectiveness. Her work includes coaching school principals and teachers in transforming underperforming schools through instructional development, collaborative planning, and curriculum alignment. Her efforts as an educational policy analyst for the Florida legislature and a consultant for MGT Consulting Group and Cambridge Education underscore her dedication to academic and operational improvement in the educational sector. Dr. Raiford’s insights are well-regarded in the educational community, with her podcast for Apple’s “One Big Idea” series, Build a Child, Build a Nation, inspiring educators and policymakers to prioritize holistic skill development. In her role as a trustee, she will bring this progressive vision to Menlo College, supporting its mission of preparing students for success in a dynamic, interconnected world. Dr. Raiford holds a B.S. and M.A.T. from Jacksonville University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Florida State University. Her background includes teaching, school administration, and faculty positions at Florida State University and Valdosta State University, where she continues to teach part-time. Menlo College Board Chair Micah Kāne ’91 said that “Menlo is honored to welcome Dr. Raiford to the Board of Trustees. We anticipate benefitting enormously from her vision and experience as we work together to positively shape the College community.” Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu 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 College Wins Handshake’s 2024 Career Spark Award for Outstanding Student Engagement Posted on October 18, 2024April 15, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College Wins Handshake’s 2024 Career Spark Award for Outstanding Student Engagement FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Menlo College among top 2% of institutions recognized for student engagement by Handshake Atherton, California, October 15, 2024 – Menlo College is proud to announce that its Office of Internships & Career Services (ICS) has been honored with Handshake’s prestigious 2024 Career Spark Award for exceptional student engagement. This award places Menlo College among the top 2% of higher education institutions using Handshake, the leading early talent network in the U.S. Over 1,500 schools were evaluated, with Menlo College standing out for its innovative and effective approach to career readiness. The Career Spark Awards recognize institutions excelling in three key areas: student engagement, employer engagement, and reporting and analytics. Menlo College earned recognition in the student engagement category for its outstanding efforts to connect students with meaningful career opportunities through initiatives like personalized career advising, workshops, and major events such as Career Connect Day and its award-winning Internship Program. As part of Menlo College’s commitment to career readiness, all business majors are required to complete at least one internship before graduation, providing real-world experience that sets them apart in the competitive job market. Career Connect Day, a hallmark event at Menlo College, unites students with alumni and industry leaders for career exploration and networking, culminating in a Career Fair where students connect directly with employers for internships and full-time positions. “We are thrilled to receive this honor from Handshake,” said Jocylen Ashton, Executive Director of Internships & Career Services at Menlo College. “This recognition reflects our commitment to equipping students with the tools they need for career success—through hands-on internships, personalized advising, and strong partnerships with employers. It’s a validation of our efforts to create a supportive and engaging environment for our students as they transition into the workforce.” Maria Mendoza, Associate Director of Employer Relations & Career Services, added, “by leveraging Handshake’s powerful marketing tools, we’ve not only amplified student engagement but also strengthened our relationships with employers. This award highlights how our strategic use of Handshake has created new opportunities for students and deepened connections with organizations eager to recruit them.” Handshake connects 75% of all U.S. college students with over 950,000 employers, serving as a critical bridge between students and potential career opportunities. This award underscores Menlo College’s leadership in student engagement and opens doors for future collaborations on thought leadership projects, speaking engagements, and new opportunities for enhancing career services. For more information on Menlo College’s Internships & Career Services, please visit www.menlo.edu/career-services. Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu 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. About Handshake Handshake’s mission is to democratize access to opportunity, and Handshake is the best place to start or accelerate a career—no connections, experience, or luck required. Our community includes 15 million+ students and young alumni from 1,500+ educational institutions, including four-year colleges, community colleges, boot camps, and 300+ minority-serving institutions. We connect emerging talent with 950K+ employers—from Fortune 500 companies to thousands of public school districts, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and more. Handshake is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Denver, New York, London, and Berlin and teammates working globally.
Menlo College Receives Record-Breaking U.S. Department of Education Grant to Support Student Success Posted on October 1, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College Receives Record-Breaking U.S. Department of Education Grant to Support Student Success FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Atherton, California, October 1, 2024 – Menlo College has been awarded $2,979,409 from the U.S. Department of Education for its “From Hispanic-Enrolling to Hispanic-Serving: Improving Outcomes for Hispanic and Low-Income Students at Menlo College” project under the Department of Education Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program. This award represents the largest grant that the College has ever received in its nearly 100-year history. This grant marks an important milestone in the College’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts, as the campus has evolved from a predominantly white men’s college at its founding, to becoming co-educational in the 1970s, and now serving as one of a handful of US universities designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution. Menlo College is grateful to enter its next century well positioned to offer innovative and holistic student services that address the needs of a diverse student population. Menlo College provides a variety of residence hall options, from traditional dormitories to suite-style living, all designed to offer a comfortable and supportive environment that encourages academic achievement and personal development. Funds for the five-year project will be used to shape a comprehensive life-cycle approach to student services, emphasizing academic, mental health, and basic needs support. The project aims to open doors for people who may face hurdles and barriers to completing higher education. Proposed grant activities will include:• Creating student advising services specifically targeted to support the unique needs of transfer students• Implementing a peer success coaching program to provide 1:1 peer support to students• Expanding and improving mental health and basic needs student services, including engagement programming to enhance belonging; and• Focusing and improving student communications through technology and programming. The U.S. Department of Education will fund 74% percent of the cost of the project. The remainder will be supported by Menlo College. “This transformative grant from the U.S. Department of Education will have a profound impact on our students’ lives,” said Devin Carr, Dean of Student Affairs at Menlo College. “We are committed to creating a campus environment where all students can thrive. This funding will enable us to strengthen our existing support systems and provide essential resources that empower our evolving student body to achieve their academic and career goals.” Contact Information: Angela Schmiede, Ph.D.Project Director & Vice President for Student Successangela.schmiede@menlo.edu 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 College Celebrates 15 Years as a “Best in the West” College Posted on September 10, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College Celebrates 15 Years as a “Best in the West” College Atherton, CA – September, 2024 – Menlo College is thrilled to announce its inclusion in The Princeton Review’s 2025 college guide, which recognizes it as one of the top 79 schools designated as “Best in the West.” This accolade, announced in a news release on August 27, 2024, places Menlo College among the top 25% of more than 2,500 U.S.-based four-year colleges. “We always appreciate being recognized for the value of a Menlo College education,” said Menlo President Steven Weiner. “The Princeton Review ranking tells prospective students that they can expect to receive an outstanding education here at Menlo.” The Princeton Review’s rankings are based on student feedback collected through an extensive 85-question survey of over 160,000 students. Menlo College has been featured in every edition of The Princeton Review’s college guide for the past 15 years. This continued recognition underscores the College’s commitment to a hands-on, leadership-oriented education that significantly contributes to the success of its graduates. Media Inquiries For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu 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.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers 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. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution. About The Princeton Review The Princeton Review is a leading tutoring, test prep, and college admissions services company that helps millions of students and professionals achieve their educational and career goals. Established in 1981, the company offers a range of services, including online and in-person courses, resources, and publications. Its Tutor.com brand is one of the largest online tutoring services in the U.S. For more information, visit PrincetonReview.com and follow them on X (@ThePrincetonRev) and Instagram (@theprincetonreview).
Menlo College and Abu Dhabi University Posted on July 31, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College Partners with Abu Dhabi University to Launch Innovative Agreement for 3+1 Undergraduate Business and 4+1 Master of Science in Information Systems Degrees Atherton, CA – July, 2024 – Menlo College is delighted to announce a strategic educational partnership with Abu Dhabi University (ADU). This alliance introduces a groundbreaking degree program, marking a significant advancement in international higher education collaboration. This innovative education model offers a unique opportunity for ADU students who complete three years of their business program at ADU to then transfer to Menlo College for their senior year. Moreover, students who earn their bachelor’s degree in business at ADU can further their education by enrolling in the Menlo College Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Menlo College President Steven Weiner emphasized the program’s alignment with the College’s international strategy, stating, “This partnership with Abu Dhabi University demonstrates Menlo College’s commitment to global education. Together, ADU and Menlo College will provide students with essential skills for success in an interconnected world, opening up promising exceptional opportunities for global learning and professional advancement.” The partnership between ADU 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 partnership enriches students’ educational experiences and underscores our commitment to innovative, globally-focused education that prepares graduates for success in the world of international business.” Please visit the Menlo College website for additional information about the MSIS program and other global initiatives. Read More: Menlo College Launches $5 Million Matching Campaign Following Major Donation Menlo College Wins NAIOP Silicon Valley University Challenge Menlo College Joins Niche Direct Admissions Program for 2024 Contact Information Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu 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.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers 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. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Excels in Global Scaling Challenge, Securing 2nd Place Posted on May 13, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College proudly secured 2nd place in the recent Global Scaling Challenge hosted by the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico on April 26-27, 2024. This competition provided a platform for student teams worldwide to address real-world scaling needs in an immersive online format. Participants, focused on consulting for three innovative space-tech startups, were tasked with devising strategies to propel their operations to a global scale. Menlo College’s team diligently crafted tailored recommendations, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and technological advancement within the space sector. Under the exceptional leadership of Professor Fabian Eggers, Menlo’s dedicated business students showcased remarkable talent and strategic acumen, maintaining the institution’s tradition of success in national competitions. Among 29+ competing universities globally, Menlo distinguished itself through innovative solutions and collaborative teamwork. Javier Banson (Finance Major), Chloe Schnepf (Marketing Major), Julius Stiemer (Finance Major), and Sabrina Yahi (Accounting Major) demonstrated exceptional leadership and ingenuity throughout the challenge, earning accolades for their remarkable achievements. Each student will receive approximately $820 in cash prizes from the Global Scaling Challenge committee. Reflecting on their experience, Chloe Schnepf stated, “The Global Scaling Challenge is a renowned international competition, and I’m ecstatic to have been given this opportunity! After countless hours of dedicated work and impassioned discussions, our team successfully achieved our objectives.” Julius Stiemer added, “What lingers most vividly in my mind is the spirited debates we engaged in and our unwavering unity in achieving our goals. Our team brilliantly secured second place in this global scaling challenge, showcasing our dedication and teamwork.” Menlo College extends its sincere congratulations to the winning team and expresses gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the success of the Global Scaling 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.
