2022-23 Year in Review: Immersion Programs Provide Students with More Possibilities Posted on June 26, 2023January 27, 2025 by Chieri Abe A college’s measure of success extends beyond academic performance alone. Menlo College recognizes the significance of motivating students to foster their personal growth. The College’s immersion programs enhance students’ creativity and broaden their perspectives, while diminishing prejudice. By focusing on expanding worldviews, Menlo College aims to empower students to thrive. Menlo College Students Explore International Business in Third Cohort of Academic Global Immersion Program Chief Academic Officer, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dean of the School of Business Mouwafac Sidaoui led the third cohort of Menlo College’s Academic Global Immersion (AGI) program this winter. Seventeen students took a trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in January 2023 and earned course credit. AGI exposes students to global companies and environs, with the vision of preparing them for future leadership roles. Students bridge between classroom learning and “the real-world” by engaging with global executives. A college’s measure of success extends beyond academic performance alone. Menlo College recognizes the significance of motivating students to foster their personal growth. The College’s immersion programs enhance students’ creativity and broaden their perspectives, while diminishing prejudice. By focusing on expanding worldviews, Menlo College aims to empower students to thrive. Menlo College Students Explore International Business in Third Cohort of Academic Global Immersion Program Chief Academic Officer, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dean of the School of Business Mouwafac Sidaoui led the third cohort of Menlo College’s Academic Global Immersion (AGI) program this winter. Seventeen students took a trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in January 2023 and earned course credit. AGI exposes students to global companies and environs, with the vision of preparing them for future leadership roles. Students bridge between classroom learning and “the real-world” by engaging with global executives. “I learned much about the local business culture, the corporate landscape and business trends affecting the developing economy. Through this valuable experience and the developed skillset, the AGI facilitates me to thrive efficiently in a global and cosmopolitan setting.” – Paul Breuer ‘25, wrote on LinkedIn. Learn more about the AGI program Immersing Yourself in Silicon Valley: Menlo College Students Gain Exposure in New Course Menlo College launched a new Silicon Valley Immersion (SVI) course this year with the purpose of preparing students for leadership in the tech world capital. Taught by Dean Sidaoui, SVI offered students the opportunity to learn from business practitioners and visit prominent companies in Silicon Valley. The course first ran in the Fall 2022 semester and included visits to Google, Zoom, Colliers, and Crowdz, and featured various industry guest speakers. Learn more about the SVI program Flexible Study Paths and Diversity Enrichment: Menlo College Announces New International Agreements with Other Institutions Menlo College also continued to build pathways for students to increase flexibility in their studies. Starting in the Fall of 2022, Menlo College and Centre d’Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM) jointly introduced a short-term exchange program, designed for a semester or year of immersive study abroad, and the 3+1 dual-degree program, enabling students to earn diplomas from both CEFAM and Menlo College after four years. Moreover, in Spring 2023, Menlo College commenced exchange and 2+2 transfer programs with Al Ain University (AAU) in the United Arab Emirates, opening up even more exciting opportunities for students. The short-term exchange program allows students to have their courses recognized at their home institution, while the 2+2 transfer program provides students from AAU with the opportunity to transfer to Menlo College and receive a diploma after four years. These initiatives expand Menlo College’s global reach and empower students to have diverse educational experiences while broadening their cultural horizons. Learn more about study abroad! Career Connect Day Empowers Students with Career Insights and Networking Opportunities Menlo College’s Career Connect Day on April 4, 2023 proved to be a resounding success as students gained valuable insights and forged connections for their future careers. The event, organized by the Office of Internships and Career Services, attracted more than 300 students and 13 alumni. The morning breakout sessions featured expert panelists, including Menlo College alumni, who shared their experiences in leading fields like psychology, nonprofit organizations, sports, sustainability, and the use of the Meaningful Work Kit. The event also included a Career Fair, where students explored internships and full-time opportunities across various industries. This year’s Career Connect Day featured two keynote speakers. Jeremy Schifeling, LinkedIn’s former Education leader and one of the founders of The Job Insiders, spoke in the morning session, emphasizing the power of personal branding and network connections. In the afternoon, Michael Watson, head of Global Customer Evangelism at Eightfold.ai, discussed navigating the job market in the era of artificial intelligence. The Office of Internships and Career Services at Menlo College continues to play a vital role in helping students succeed. Initiatives such as Career Connect Day and the flagship student internship program have contributed to nearly 80 percent of 2022 Menlo College graduates finding employment or pursuing graduate programs within six months of graduation. By offering unique opportunities for career exploration, practical knowledge, and networking, Menlo College equips its students with the skills and experience necessary to thrive in the job market and lead in business and beyond. Ready to apply? Click here. About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy. Read More: Not Your Average Rankings: Job Placement and Personal Growth Lead to Newest Top College Rankings Menlo College Receives the 2019 Outstanding College Work Experience and Internship Program Award Empowering Student Voices: A Q&A with Dean Melissa Michelson
2022-23 Year in Review: Menlo College Students Create Community and Energize for the Future Posted on June 15, 2023January 27, 2025 by Chieri Abe Throughout the past academic year, Menlo College students came together to create new community groups on campus and advocate for innovation and change. With the College’s support, students pursued betterment through self-guided exploration, as well as betterment for the campus community and the generations to come. Living Learning Community Takes Root A group of Menlo College students formed the Living Learning Community (LLC) this year to expose themselves to new environments and organizations that value innovation. The members became a close-knit community living in the same residence hall, and supported each other personally, academically, and professionally. The LLC offers students opportunities to learn from different perspectives and backgrounds, providing a cohesive view of the many ways to innovate and develop new ideas. This year, the group visited several companies, including the Shark Tank-funded startup Truffle Shuffle, Stanford d. school, the startup accelerator BootUp Venture, and Google. This spring, the LLC met with Mukul Agarwal, the founder, and CEO of BootUp World. During the visit, Agarwal shared his personal story and the mission of his company to empower entrepreneurs and innovators. “To be successful, one must focus on mastering oneself and building positive relationships with others,” he advised the students. Agarwal encouraged them to find clarity on what success means to them, emphasizing that self-awareness is the foundation for everything else. The students described Agarwal’s advice as life-changing. Learn about student activities at Menlo! Civic Activism: Students Advocate on AICCU Day in the Capitol Diana Guardado ‘23 and Sophia Umanzor ‘25 proudly represented Menlo College at the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities Day in the Capitol student advocacy event. It was held this spring in the state capitol, Sacramento. As First-Generation Latinas pursuing their education at a private, non-profit institution, Diana and Sophia shared their inspiring personal stories with the officials present. Additionally, they emphasized the significance of being recipients of Cal Grants and requested the officials to continue support of funding for higher education based on the transformative impact it has had on their journeys. “Everyone’s story is unique and powerful but one thing we all have in common is our hunger and ambition to continue moving forward. We are the future and we are worth the investment.” – Sophia Umanzor ‘25 Learn more about Menlo’s Political Science minor Diana Guardado ’23 Named to 2023 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll With her active participation in generating election voting among her peers this past fall, Diana Guardado ’23 was named to the 2023 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll representing Menlo College! The honor recognizes college students leading nonpartisan voter engagement on their campuses. This year, the Ask Every Student group awarded $5,000 to the Civic Engagement Coalition of Menlo College. Guardado led the proposal with the Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor Melissa Michelson. Coalition co-leaders Diana and Angielyn Dela Cruz ‘24 used the funds to increase nonpartisan civic learning, political participation, and voter registration through celebratory community-based events. Menlo College students, led by co-leaders Angielyn ‘24 and Diana ‘23, also held a candidate forum for the Atherton City Council, in cooperation with the League of Women Voters of South San Mateo. All four candidates joined moderators Guardado and Joshua Villalva ’23, Atherton residents, students, and employees, in conversations about affordable housing, racial profiling, and civic engagement. “Voting enables us to stand up and shape the kind of communities we want to live in. The outcomes of protests, the results of Supreme Court hearings, and the livelihood of our generation are shaped by the leaders we elect. We have the power to enact change that is for and by the people. Fortunately, under the guidance of Dr. Michelson, she enabled me to create a civic engagement coalition on campus for my peers and me to speak directly with elected officials of Atherton about our concerns regarding race-based treatment from law enforcement and the lack of transparency from the city.” – Diana Guardado ‘23 Learn more about how student voices are empowered at Menlo College Sixth Cohort of Innovation Fellows Named Four Menlo College students, Chieri Abe ‘24, Raymond Juballa ‘23, Mali Korn ‘25, and Dennis Vanin ‘24, were designated as University Innovation Fellows this academic year, after completing rigorous training. The University Innovation Fellows program, a global initiative, equips student leaders with the skills and knowledge to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and design thinking on their campuses. By joining this esteemed group, these students had the opportunity to connect with fellows from various universities, and immerse themselves in Menlo’s vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, Menlo’s participation in this program, now in its sixth year, demonstrates the institution’s commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation and empowering its students as change-makers. Learn more about the University Innovation Fellows program About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy. Read More: 2022-23 Year in Review: Menlo College Students Win at Academic Competitions; Earn Awards Four Student Innovators Named to Stanford’s UIF Program All of Menlo College’s Rankings and Reviews
2022-23 Year in Review: Menlo College Students Win at Academic Competitions; Earn Awards Posted on June 8, 2023January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Throughout the past academic year, with the unwavering support of faculty, staff, and alumni, the students of Menlo College showcased their talents in various renowned competitions. They left an indelible mark on experts and professionals across diverse academic and business disciplines. Menlo College students also attained prestigious scholarships as a result of their exceptional performances this year. #1 – Priscilla Perey Ratonel ‘25 wins Mathematics Prize at the Alpha Chi conference Under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Mathematics Jakob Kotas, Priscilla Perey Ratonel ‘25 was awarded the prestigious Joseph E. and Bessie Mae Pryor Prize in Mathematics at the Alpha Chi conference held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in April. Priscilla’s award-winning paper and presentation, titled “COVID Campus Simulation: Predicting and Modeling SIR Populations as Preventative Policies are Implemented Over Time,” stood out among hundreds of academic works presented by student members and alumni to multidisciplinary audiences of peers and faculty advisors. The Joseph E. and Bessie Mae Pryor Prize in Mathematics is one of only 30 discipline-specific prizes awarded during the annual Alpha Chi convention, celebrating excellence in scholarly and creative work. “It was a fulfilling experience to meet like-minded people and feel comfortably prepared that I was on par with some of the greatest students in the nation. … This recognition helped me realize that even though I am from a small school, the spirit, support, and opportunities for growth are no smaller than any other college.” – Priscilla Perey Ratonel ‘25 Apply to Menlo! #1 – Menlo College Student Team Wins First Place in the Global Scaling Challenge With the support of Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship Fabian Eggers, Paul Breuer ‘25, Mary Antonette Reyes ‘25, Anthea Weiland ‘25, and Bryan Zaremba ’23 won the 2023 Global Scaling Challenge and each won a scholarship. This prestigious competition was hosted by The University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management. The Menlo team competed against 35 teams comprising undergraduate and graduate students from 25 universities worldwide. Following last year’s team’s second-place finish, this year’s group’s success can be attributed to their exceptional consultancy services provided to three space-tech startups. Using their knowledge of AI and the space industry, the team conducted thorough research to evaluate the growth potential of each firm. They presented comprehensive scaling objectives encompassing marketing, product development, financing, and expansion strategies. “I am so grateful for this amazing learning experience, and would like to extend my thanks to our mentor, Fabian Eggers, who supported and trusted us throughout the competition. It has undoubtedly been the highlight of my year.” – Mary Antonette Reyes ’25 Learn more about Menlo’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Major! Jaccob Vargas ‘24 Named FEISV Scholarship Winner Veteran student and Accounting major Jaccob Vargas ‘24 has been named this year’s recipient of the Financial Executives International Silicon Valley (FEISV) scholarship. Supported by former trustee, Harry Kellogg ’63, the FEISV Scholarship is awarded to an accounting or finance student from the College each year. Juliette Charpentier ’24, Javier Manson ’24, Liam O’Hara ’24, Andrew Salomon ’24, and Vargas were this year’s five nominated Menlo College students, and all are invited to become members of the FEI Rising Stars program with other students from across the Bay Area. “[The quality of the student presentations] demonstrates the success of Menlo’s faculty and, ultimately, its students in cultivating the critical presentation and communication skills required to advance in business,” Bob Farkas, the FEISV Academic Relations Committee lead, wrote in his feedback to the College. Learn more about Menlo’s Accounting program! Four Oaks Participate in the NorCal Regional CFA Research Challenge Competition Menlo College’s team participated in the NorCal Regional CFA Research Challenge Competition in February. Under the instruction of Adjunct Professor Edmund Neo, Menlo College’s team composed of Samuele Mian ‘22, Zandanbal Arslankhuyag ‘22, Bryan Zaremba ‘23, and Andrez Dayap ‘23 submitted a valuation report that focused on Santa Clara-based technology firm AMD. The report was evaluated by a panel of equity analysts and portfolio managers from the investment sector. Despite not making it to the final round, the Menlo team’s research was highly appreciated by the judges and their coach. “Their recommendation to purchase AMD stock at $83.04 turned out to be a great investment decision as the stock price reached a high of $101.82 on March 23, 2023, resulting in a 23% gain. The competition demonstrates how equity research standards are elevated through such events, and Menlo team’s performance illustrates the importance of thorough research and critical thinking in investing.” – Professor Edmund Neo Learn more about Menlo’s Finance major! Four Oaks Compete in the NAIOP Silicon Valley Real Estate University Challenge Tristan Guerrero ‘22, Tracey Hatch ‘24, Carlos Becerril ‘26, and Enzo Cior ‘26 represented Menlo College and the Real Estate Club at the NAIOP Silicon Valley Real Estate University Challenge. With the leadership of Professor in Residence in Real Estate Sarahann Shapiro, they competed against Santa Clara University and San Jose State University. The team was tasked with “evaluating the site of a previously completed development project to devise a current ground-up development plan based on the current market environment. Learn more about Menlo’s Real Estate major! “The contributions and commitment of professors to our students make Menlo the exceptional place that it is. Our professors cultivate curiosity and passion in their students, who come from all backgrounds to study business and psychology. The fruits of their collaborations are demonstrated in this year’s outstanding achievements – across all our different majors. Congratulations to our students and their professors on all they have achieved this year,” said VP for Academic Affairs, Chief Academic Officer, and Dean School of Business Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui. About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy. Read More: 2021-22 Year in Review: Menlo College Students Celebrated with Scholarships and Recognition 2021-22 Year in Review: Menlo College Students Place at Case Competitions and Present Research Student Success at Menlo College All of Menlo College’s Rankings and Reviews
Menlo College’s 95th Commencement Shines a Light on 2023 Standouts and a Bright Future for All Posted on May 24, 2023January 27, 2025 by Chieri Abe More than 200 graduates from the Class of 2023 had much to celebrate at Menlo College’s 95th commencement on May 20, 2023. All graduates received messages of immense praise as they reached this important milestone. Most of this class started their higher education as part of the largest enrollment wave in Menlo College history. They began on campus in the fall of 2019, only to be faced by the pandemic and in-person campus closure that following spring. Coming through online learning together and returning to campus in the fall of 2021, these graduates overcame this significant barrier as well as others to complete their degrees in business and psychology. Strength, Innovation, and Community: Speakers Touch on Common Themes Hundreds of family members, friends, and alumni joined the graduates on the Quad on a beautiful, sunny Northern California day to celebrate the graduates’ achievements. President Steven Weiner spoke about the Class of 2023 being “strong as Oaks.” He relayed that this class of graduates came back stronger than ever for their final year on campus, building important momentum for themselves and the College. Weiner expressed his confidence that the graduates would have “even better times in years ahead,” and thanked them for including Menlo College on their journey. His parting message was for the new alumni to continue to stay involved, paving the way for future generations of Oaks to follow. Class Valedictorian Samuele Mian ‘22, a FinTech major, congratulated his fellow graduates. He credited Menlo with teaching him “more than [he] could have ever expected,” and reflected on coming to know that Menlo is like family and a home, “a place where you feel loved.” Mian encouraged his fellow graduates to take risks so as to continue their learning journeys and to surround themselves with the right people who encourage them. Raymond Juballa ‘23, president of the Student Government Association, echoed President Weiner’s sentiments, encouraging his classmates to give back to future generations of Menlo College students. He also commended them on maintaining their growth mindset – “Don’t be a complainer. Be an innovator.” – a Menlo College hallmark. Juballa advised that in the face of the pandemic, he saw the Menlo community come together. “We pivoted. We innovated,” Juballa said. “We saw a problem, and instead of just complaining and asking ‘Why me?’, we did something about it, we persisted.” Commencement Speaker Reinforces the Value of Education, Persistence, and Mentorship Victor Nunnemaker, a first-generation college graduate and serial entrepreneur who rose above childhood adversity to become a successful father, business owner, and philanthropist, served as the speaker for the commencement ceremony. Speaking to the group, which was made up of approximately 30% who are the first in their families to attend college, 98% who received financial aid during their studies, and nearly 80% who studied business, Nunnemaker’s story resonated with the graduates in attendance. He expounded on the value of education as a tool for embracing adversity and using it as a superpower for inspiration, learning, resilience, and drive. Nunnemaker congratulated the graduates on “earning” their moment. Like he imbues in his children, Nunnemaker strove to relay to the graduates that adversity can be character-building, leading to “resilience, perseverance, and resolve.” He advised them to take “bold, calculated risks” and their current advantage of health and time, especially important in the face of the “exponential change” that is present with the rise of rapid technological advances, climate change, and the pandemic. Nunnemaker counseled the Class of 2023 to ask themselves, “How do we build resilience, adapt and thrive, when we are suddenly confronted with extreme adversity?” He relayed his own experiences of childhood violence and trauma, and asked the students to reflect on their own moments of suffering to give them resolve. Nunnemaker let the graduates know that “we each get to choose” and that “great things come out of the worst places.” In the next part of his address, Nunnemaker recommended the graduates choose their company wisely and find mentors, sharing the moments of hope and encouragement that those in his life gave to him. He advised that eventually the graduates will find that “success begets success; it builds upon itself like compounding interest.” Nunnemaker pointed to education as “creating opportunity,” and counseled that every failure is an opportunity to learn. Nunnemaker’s speech concluded with a reflection on “four “s”s: struggle, stability, success, and significance.” He advised that the graduates were likely on their way to the third, and then to “be a mentor” and that it was “incumbent upon [them] to pay it forward,” sharing how he created a foundation in his mother’s name. At closing, Nunnemaker shared a Winston Churchill quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” 95th Commencement Shines a Light on 2023 Standouts and a Bright Future for All Other members of the Menlo College community played roles in the proceedings. Trustee Emeritus Charles “Chop” Keenan, III ‘66 gave the Declaration and Welcome, Sofia Costantini ‘23 sang the national anthem, Chair of the Board of Trustees Micah Kāne ‘91 offered congratulations from the board, and Dean of Arts & Sciences and Professor Melissa Michelson and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Chief Academic Officer and Dean of the School of Business Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui offered special commendations to this year’s Honors Convocation awardees. When asked for her reflection on Commencement, new graduate Thea Campbell ‘23 said, “Commencement was a way for me to look back on all of the challenges that I faced personally in the last four years, and what the class has faced together. My family and I were able to get together and celebrate all of the triumphs too. Commencement was a way of knowing that I am done for now. After the confetti went off, I was filled with excitement and felt ready for the next chapter.” Much as the graduates moved their tassels on their mortarboards, one of the steps marking the official conferral of their degrees, the ceremony overall embodied a symbol of change for the more than 200 now-Menlo College alumni. Speaking to the latest graduates of Menlo College, President Weiner summarized a major theme of the day: “Expect bumps in the road, and maybe even the occasional pig that flies, but my hope is that you will be open to learning from your experiences in the years ahead.” Rewatch Commencement here! More Menlo Stories: A Story to Resonate and Inspire: Menlo College Announces 2023 Commencement Speaker Victor Nunnemaker Menlo College Reopens Campus; Reaches Goal of 100% Vaccination Excluding Exemptions Not Your Average Rankings: Job Placement and Personal Growth Lead to Newest Top College Rankings About Menlo CollegeMenlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the College to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy.
A Story to Resonate and Inspire: Menlo College Announces 2023 Commencement Speaker Victor Nunnemaker Posted on May 2, 2023January 27, 2025 by Kauahoa Hermosura Menlo College is honored to announce Victor Nunnemaker, a first-generation college graduate and serial entrepreneur who rose above childhood adversity to become a successful father, business owner, and philanthropist, as the speaker for the College’s 95th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 20, 2023. As approximately 30% of Menlo College students are the first in their families to attend college, 98% receive financial aid, and nearly 80% study business, Nunnemaker’s story is sure to resonate with and motivate the more than 200 graduates at this year’s Commencement. “Victor’s personal narrative will allow him to connect with the Class of 2023. Menlo College students come from exceptionally diverse backgrounds; many of them are overcoming significant barriers to pursue their degrees in business and psychology. Students persisted through the pandemic and as a result, they have an even stronger commitment to success – for themselves and for our community,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. “Nunnemaker’s story illuminates what I know is possible for each and every Menlo College graduate.” Showcasing Education as a Pathway to the Future “I hope to provide the Class of 2023 with a sense that adversity can create resilience, and education leads to opportunity,” said Nunnemaker. “I ran track and worked three jobs to pay for college. I believe I can directly relate to many of this year’s graduates, having overcome a challenging and traumatic childhood to become the first and only person in my family to get both a college and graduate degree,” Nunnemaker continued. “My perseverance and persistence in education and learning changed my life. I gained the perspective and confidence to pursue and realize the life of my dreams and learned the incredible value of having great mentors and also of being one.” Shining a Light on Life Post-Graduation and the Value of Community Today, Nunnemaker has amassed an impressive resume: Serial entrepreneur, investor, mentor, coach, and board member. After his graduation from higher education, Nunnemaker went on to a successful career at Price Waterhouse, Genentech, and Oracle. Then, after taking one tech company public and serving as the CFO of another, Nunnemaker went “rogue.” He founded several successful companies, growing one of them over 12 years to an eight-figure Enterprise and orchestrating several successful exits, e.g. sales of his companies. Nunnemaker believes in the value of community building; serves in several philanthropic and other company board roles, and is the President-elect of the San Francisco Entrepreneurs Organization, the local chapter of 16,000 successful, multi-million dollar company owners. “Looking to graduation comes with excitement, anticipation, and a bit of uncertainty. My classmates and I are set to begin our new adventures. As an entrepreneur and community-builder myself, I am eager to hear Nunnemaker’s speech. I think it will inspire me and all my fellow graduates,” said Kaua Hermosura ‘23. Most recently, Nunnemaker purchased property in Northern California’s wine country. He loves spending time with, and is most proud of, his two children and spouse of 21 years. Together, they divide their time between Silicon Valley and learning how to graft trees, make cider, and tend to their Anderson Valley Apple Farm, called “Poleeko Ranch.” More about Victor Nunnemaker Victor Nunnemaker earned his B.A. in Business Economics and German from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his masters equivalent in International Finance at the Hochschule (University) St Gallen (HSG) in Switzerland after being awarded the prestigious Rotary Foundation Scholarship for graduate studies. He is an advocate of a “healthy body, healthy mind”, working out daily and believes in the merits of meditation, cold plunges and a healthy semi-keto diet. Nunnemaker has many interests and hobbies, including: Cessna airplane pilot, research scuba diver, Cal Eco-Challenge adventure racer, triathlete, abalone diver, and adventurer. He is bilingual German/English, and enthusiastically, mediocre in Spanish (due to lack of practice, but he hopes to rectify that soon with trips to Spain and Latin America). Victor Nunnemaker will join a long list of notable commencement speakers. Learn more here: Mark Speckman ‘74 – Tenacious Football Legend – 2022 Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng – Political Peace Builder, Educator, Author – 2021 Mary Bitterman – President of the Bernard Osher Foundation – 2020 Yasunobu Kyogoku – Venture Capitalist, Innovator, Serial Business Executive- 2019 About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the College to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy.
Menlo College Energizes Students’ Professional Journeys at Career Connect Day 2023 Posted on April 24, 2023April 15, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College students were able to learn about ways to pursue potential career paths and make connections for their futures as Menlo College hosted another Career Connect Day on April 4, 2023. More than 300 students and 13 alumni registered for the event, organized by Menlo College’s Office of Internships and Career Services. “We were excited to continue the tradition of Career Connect Day, an event packed with opportunities for Menlo students to expand their understanding of the opportunities available and make connections with alumni and industry leaders who share valuable nuggets about their career journeys to help inform students’ own career searches,” Executive Director of Internships and Career Services Jocylen Ashton said. “It was great to see the students engage and the energy as they spoke with alumni, the presenters, and employers.” Expert panelists, including Menlo College alumni, spoke in five morning breakout sessions highlighting careers in psychology, nonprofit organizations, sports, and sustainability, along with ways to utilize the Meaningful Work Kit. “The speakers were very engaging,” Yamini Prasad ‘24, who attended The Business of Sustainability session, said. “I learned more about the different areas within sustainability and their advice for college students interested in this field was the most useful to me.” Attendees were also able to take advantage of the annual Career Fair featuring employers spanning a variety of industries as students search for internships and full-time opportunities for life after graduation. “I made tons of connections at Career Connect Day, some of whom I have already moved forward in the internship process with,” Thomas Depontes ‘24 said. “I think these connections will help to get me a jump start into my desired career path.” Keynote Speakers Teach Students and Alumni about Using Tech in Job Searches During the breakfast Keynote Speech, attendees learned from Jeremy Schifeling, LinkedIn’s former Education leader and one of the founders of The LinkedIn Guys – a powerful, leading tool to use for personal branding as well as building up network connections. “Menlo College is THE hidden gem of Silicon Valley!” Schifeling wrote on LinkedIn after the event. “Such a powerhouse in opening opportunity to all. Big props to Jocylen Ashton and the whole Menlo team!” At lunch, students heard from Michael Watson, head of Global Customer Evangelism at Eightfold.ai, about navigating the job market in the age of artificial intelligence, and how HR professionals use cutting-edge technologies in their talent acquisition work. “Throughout the day, I learned how easy it is to connect with people in the industry that you want to pursue,” Thomas Depontes ‘24 said. “You also see how much they love to share about their experience and give you tips for you to get in like they did.” Office of Internships & Career Services Continues to Help Students Succeed Career Connect Day is one of many resources the Office of Internships & Career Services offers students to provide unique opportunities to envision and pursue their professional goals. Those efforts contributed to Menlo College’s Outstanding College Work Experience & Internship Award from the California Internship & Work Experience Association in 2019. This award in part recognizes Menlo’s flagship student internship program that provides students with the opportunity to gain on-the-job training experiences while also offering the chance for self-reflection on future career choices. With initiatives like Career Connect Day and the student internship program, the Office of Internships & Career Services has recently propelled more than 75% of Menlo College students to employment or graduate programs within six months of their graduation. “We know that, for our students to be successful, we must help them determine what careers are available, what their interests are, and what skills they have or need to develop,” Ashton said. “Our flagship internship program gives students the chance to gain practical knowledge, develop networks, and allows them an opportunity to explore what they like and do not like about certain careers. Getting students market ready with a focus on matching interest to skills with experiential education helps them come out on top in their job search post-graduation.” About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy.
Empowering Student Voices: A Q&A with Dean Melissa Michelson Posted on April 12, 2023January 27, 2025 by Kauahoa Hermosura As the Dean of Arts & Sciences at Menlo College, Professor Melissa Michelson seeks out new ways to involve students in the administration of Menlo College. Read on to learn more about her recent initiative where students participated on faculty hiring committees, as well as other ways she empowers students on and off campus. You have an upcoming presentation entitled “Nothing About Us Without Us: Empowering Student Voices” at the 2023 WSCUC Senior College and University Commission Accreditation Resource Conference – ARC2023. What was the inspiration behind your presentation? When I was a college student, I sometimes got the feeling that campus administrators didn’t care what students thought and that they slowed down decision processes to wait students out. In other words, if students were asking for something, administrators could wait until the summer, or for graduation, to avoid giving students more of a voice. When I went to the WSCUC meeting last year I was reminded of that sentiment when I heard a student representative use the phrase “Nothing about us, without us.” I came back to Menlo determined to make sure I was always giving students a voice, even if it was on behalf of future students. What are some examples of ways that student voices are being incorporated into academic planning in Arts & Sciences and the General Education curricula that fall under your purview? The major ways in which I’ve incorporated this as Dean of Arts & Sciences include hiring a student assistant who is my liaison to student perspectives, asking students in the classes I teach to weigh in on issues I’m making decisions about as dean, and including students in committees and task forces. For example, in the faculty searches conducted this year, I asked faculty to always include a student as a voting member. These students reviewed applications and participated in interviews and decisions of those hiring committees. Most recently, I asked a student (Diana Guardado ‘23) to join a planning meeting for gathering information about our Hispanic students and Asian American/Native American/Pacific Islander students to help determine what might enhance their ability to succeed at Menlo College. “As a student representative [on the faculty hiring committee], I had the privilege of sharing my perspective and advocating for what we value in a professor. Alongside faculty members, I participated in multiple interview rounds and asked questions about the candidates’ professional background and teaching methodology. Additionally, I was invited to observe a teaching presentation, which provided further insight into the candidates’ instructional approach. After thoroughly evaluating each candidate, I provided my individual opinion from a student’s perspective. I am grateful to Menlo College for giving students a way to voice their opinions and contribute to important decisions. I highly recommend that other students take advantage of similar opportunities, such as attending teaching presentations, to ensure that their voices are heard. Ultimately, it is the students who benefit most from quality teaching, and we should take every opportunity to advocate for the best education possible.” – Mali Korn ‘25 In your classroom, how does empowering student voices tie into your political science teachings? The thing about political science is that, while there are some facts that I want to ensure students take away from my classes, there are also unsettled debates. It’s not like math, for example, where 2+2 is always 4. There are always multiple perspectives and multiple players, and in every instance, there are students who agree with those different perspectives. This semester, I’m teaching Civil Liberties and we’re discussing cases about freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the Second Amendment. The diversity of the student body at Menlo College is a huge strength in that it means a diversity of perspectives and opinions are represented in my class. Empowering students to voice their perspectives in discussing these cases makes the classes more vibrant and more effective. Students come away with a better understanding of the issues at play because they’ve heard their peers talk about them in their own voices. You are also active in the public sphere with your research. What are some ways you like to empower students through your research – such as Get out the Vote (GOTV), ALL IN Student Voting, and more? Why do you think it is important that students be involved in the political process? Doing research means recognizing what you don’t know. I know it’s important for everyone to vote and that many students don’t exercise that right, but I don’t know what it’s like to be a student in 2023, or why so many students don’t participate. Because students vote at lower rates than older Americans, they have less power to influence the issues. As the Chair of the Student Vote Research Network (SVRN), a national group I helped found, I’m hoping to generate best practices toward the goal of 100% student voting participation. That means putting student perspectives and experiences front and center so that we can find out what barriers they face and how they can be removed. Those might be logistical barriers like whether students have convenient access to the voting process, or sociocultural barriers such as ensuring that they appreciate the power of their vote and believe that voting will make a difference. Students should vote because voting is power to shape the future. Local issues like pedestrian and bicycle safety, state issues related to housing affordability and food and housing insecurity, and federal issues such as federal student debt relief, access to reproductive care, gun control, climate change – it’s all decided by elected officials. In addition, you were also appointed to the Board of the American Council of Academic Deans. What do you hope to accomplish as a member of this board and how do you hope it will benefit Menlo College students? The American Council of Academic Deans serves multiple roles, but the one that drew me to the group is how it brings deans together to share common challenges and potential solutions. Instead of always reinventing the wheel, members can ask if other deans have had similar challenges, or what their approaches have been. Often these national organizations are dominated by larger schools, and by public institutions. I’m hoping as a board member that I can ensure those conversations more often involve small, private colleges like Menlo College. Menlo College can help other similar institutions learn from our experiences, and we can learn from theirs. Finally, what are some other upcoming projects in your area that you are excited to move forward? I’m working on a number of projects right now: One is about how college students serve as GOTV knowledge brokers, bringing information about how to register and vote back to their families and communities, especially first-generation students. Another is about how drag performers can increase voting participation. I’m also going to be leading sessions at the UC Berkeley Executive Leadership Academy Professional Development Retreat this summer on supporting LGBTQIA+ community. I’ve hosted the second annual SVRN Workshop in Chicago, where we heard updates on the research folks conducted in 2022 and what they have planned for 2023 and 2024. Finally, I’m wrapping up the first draft of my latest book about the Party at the Mailbox project and mobilizing Black voters with celebrations of community. About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy. Read more: Menlo College’s Dean of Arts and Sciences Expands on Commitment to Engaging Student Voters ahead of 2022 Elections Immersing Yourself in Silicon Valley: Menlo College Students Gain Exposure in New Course Flexible Study Paths and Diversity Enrichment: Menlo College Announces New International Agreements with Other Institutions
Menlo College Career Connect Day 2023 is Officially Set for April 4 Posted on March 9, 2023April 15, 2025 by menlocollege Following the return of the in-person Career Connect Day in 2022, Menlo College’s annual event will continue the tradition of bridging students with industry with this year’s Career Connect Day on April 4, 2023. “Career Connect Day is for all Menlo College students, across all majors and interests,” said Executive Director of Internships and Career Services Jocylen Ashton. “This is a good opportunity for students to immerse themselves in self-understanding as it comes to their career. They will network with trusted alumni and learn from other industry experts on how they might prepare for their futures. Then, the Career Fair gives students the opportunity to apply what they learn as they connect with potential employers.” Exploring Emerging Fields and Developing Self-Understanding Students will have a chance to get in touch with experts from different industries and acquire important professional guidance. Morning panels sessions will be hosted by volunteers (some of whom are alumni), connecting across Menlo’s business and psychology degree programs. As they learn, students can iteratively evaluate the suitability of their majors and eventual career paths. This year’s breakfast Keynote Speaker is Jeremy Schifeling, one of the founders of LinkedIn Guys – a powerful, leading tool to use for personal branding as well as building up network connections. Offered by the Office of Internships and Career Services, Menlo students can register on LinkedIn Guys for free LinkedIn Masterclasses. LinkedIn is an auxiliary tool to use to charge a career search and increase exposure to recruiters. Career Connect Day Highlights the Office of Internships & Career Services’ Commitment to Student Success Career Connect Day is part of the Office of Internships & Career Services’ ongoing efforts to provide students with unique opportunities to envision and pursue their professional goals. Those efforts helped Menlo College earn the Outstanding College Work Experience & Internship Award from the California Internship & Work Experience Association in 2019. This award in part recognizes Menlo’s flagship student internship program that provides students with the opportunity to gain on-the-job training experiences while also offering the chance for self-reflection on future career choices. With initiatives like Career Connect Day and the student internship program, the Office of Internships & Career Services has recently propelled more than 75% of Menlo College students to employment or graduate programs within six months of their graduation. “Our Office aims to provide professional, comprehensive, and practical assistance to our students,” said Ashton. It contributes to Menlo College’s top college rankings by PayScale, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Menlo alumni can be found at countless elite companies like Google, Apple, LinkedIn, and more. Many also go on to start their own businesses. About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy.
Immersing Yourself in Silicon Valley: Menlo College Students Gain Exposure in New Course Posted on February 20, 2023January 27, 2025 by Kauahoa Hermosura Capitalizing on its unique location and connections in Silicon Valley, Menlo College recently launched a new Silicon Valley Immersion (SVI) course, taught by Chief Academic Officer, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Dean of the School of Business Mouwafac Sidaoui. In this course, which ran in the Fall 2022 semester, students visited various companies in Silicon Valley, including Google, Zoom, Colliers, Crowdz, and more. In addition, the course featured business practitioners as guest speakers to chat with students, share their experiences, and provide professional advice for those looking to enter the tech world. “The Silicon Valley Immersion course challenges me and takes me out of my comfort zone,” Mary Antonette Reyes ‘25 (pictured above), a student enrolled in the inaugural SVI course, wrote on LinkedIn. “It teaches me how to pivot and thrive in a territory I am initially not familiar with or comfortable in.” Keeping Pace with Student Demands and Employer Needs Menlo College has the mission of educating students for the 21st century and the innovation economy. The College is constantly updating the academic curriculum to stay on the leading edge. This allows students to readily adapt in the workplace and feel confident in their areas of expertise once they graduate. Did you know that 93% of 2021 graduates are employed or in graduate school, six months after graduation? “The world needs people of good intent, intelligence, and energy to create, curate, and apply resources to solve intractable problems, such as poverty, war, religious persecution, environmental degradation, and social injustice,” Dean Sidaoui said. “Whether your interests lie in commerce, public policy, or business, at home or around the world, the Menlo College School of Business provides the opportunity to work with others of the same mind and purpose to create value for today and tomorrow.” To learn more about new minor degree offerings available to students to meet their interests, click here. Plug into Silicon Valley! Get an out-and-out feeling of the high-tech atmosphere in Silicon Valley. Have the chance to take a tour of your dream company. Meet face-to-face with the elites in the industry, and listen to the stories and work experience of diverse talents from various companies. [SVI group with Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui; Chris Garrett ‘94, Trustee and Owner, Devil’s Canyon Brewery; and Kenzie Carpenter ‘19, Director of Marketing at Devil’s Canyon Brewery] Apply to Menlo College today! Originally published on November 9, 2022 Read more: Four Student Innovators Named to Stanford’s UIF Program Menlo College Offers Two New In-Demand Degree Programs with Business Analytics Major and Political Science Minor Introducing Menlo College’s Minor in Equity and Justice Studies! Menlo College’s Academic Global Immersion Program About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy.
Flexible Study Paths and Diversity Enrichment: Menlo College Announces New International Agreements with Other Institutions Posted on December 13, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College is pleased to announce new, flexible international study abroad programs, a dual-degree program, and a transfer program with other institutions! Starting in the fall of 2022, a short-term exchange (one semester to a year) and dual degree program developed by Menlo College and Centre d’Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM) was officially launched. The upcoming exchange and 2+2 programs with Al Ain University (AAU) will begin in Spring 2023. AAU is an AACSB accredited institution – a recognition afforded to only 5% of the world’s business schools. France: Study Abroad Semester(s) or Earn Two Degrees in Four Years! Through the agreement reached with CEFAM, students are eligible to either participate in a short-term exchange or the 3+1 dual-degree program: Short-Term Exchange: The semester abroad program is built for students who are seeking a study abroad experience lasting one semester to a year. Students are also required to take a language course. 3+1 Dual-Degree Business Program: The 3+1 program is a transfer program tailored for students seeking to earn two degrees. After three years of study at the college of origin, students can transfer to the other for one academic year of study with a scholarship. After finishing a total of four years of college study, students receive diplomas from both CEFAM and Menlo College. Ready to apply to Menlo? Click here! United Arab Emirates: Study Abroad or Easily Transfer In addition to France, students can also easily choose to go to or from the United Arab Emirates. Menlo College and AAU recently signed a cooperation agreement for short-term exchanges and a 2+2 transfer program: Short-Term Exchange: After completing the first academic year, students of both sides can choose a semester or a year of exchange study and have their courses recognized at their home institution. 2+2 Transfer Business Program: The 2+2 program is a transfer program tailored for students from AAU. After completing two years of study, students can transfer to Menlo College. After finishing a total of four years of college study, students receive a diploma from Menlo College. Did you know that in 2022-23, international students make up 22% of the student population at Menlo? Why Study Abroad? Menlo student Alexander Santillan ’25, who recently completed a semester in Japan, shared: “My advice is to meet as many local students as possible. It is amazing to see their perspective and how they see the same issue differently and how they see the US from the outside. I can’t stress enough how much it has opened my perspective and opportunities here in Japan. I hope others can do the same and experience a new student life.” “We see students’ strong desire to increase the flexibility of their studies, as well as their curiosity for global exploration,” said Chief Academic Officer, VP of Academic Affairs, and Dean of the School of Business Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui. “These programs are designed to provide them with a variety of options as well as further enhance Menlo’s nationwide lead in campus diversity.” Ready to apply to Menlo? Click here! Broadening Students’ Worldviews Through International Exchange Programs Henry Miller once wrote in his book Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch (1957): “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” The experience of studying abroad has various benefits and meanings for everyone, but the purpose is alike in all important essentials, the differences being of a minor nature: for something new, no matter for new people, new environment, or new life. Menlo College has a mission to educate students for the 21st century, part of which includes cultivating in students a rich worldview. By encouraging the new generation to judge the world objectively, Menlo supports them by involving them in an environment filled with cultural differences. Students develop a broad vision to pursue innovative approaches to solving the world’s problems. As part of the effort for students to experience and celebrate diversified cultures, Menlo College has reached new agreements with CEFAM and AAU. Read more: Menlo College Students Explore International Business in Inaugural Academic Global Immersion ProgramImmersing Yourself in Silicon Valley: Menlo College Students Gain Exposure in New CourseMenlo College and Silicon Valley Japan University Partnership About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, four-year, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California. Menlo College’s location in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative geographical areas, has enabled the college to create a valuable market niche for its students locally — as well as globally. Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in an innovation economy.
