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 Dorms Recognized Among Best in California Posted on September 19, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College Dorms Recognized Among Best in California Atherton, CA – September, 2024 – Menlo College is proud to announce that its residence halls have been recognized as some of the best in California, according to a recent article published by University Magazine on September 17, 2024. The article, titled “The Best College Dorms in California,” highlights 25 college dorms across the state, praising Menlo’s residence halls, including the recently-completed John Arrillaga Hall, for their modern amenities, stunning location, and strong sense of community. John Arrillaga Hall, a 288-bed residence hall, opened in 2022 and was officially dedicated in 2023 in memory of Bay Area developer and philanthropist John Arrillaga Sr., whose support was instrumental to the project’s success. Reflecting on the importance of on-campus living , Menlo College President Steven Weiner said, “The residence halls at Menlo are more than just places to live — they serve as the heart of our student community. They provide an environment where students can thrive academically, build lifelong friendships, and fully immerse themselves in the Menlo experience.” 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. To learn more about our residence halls, please visit our website at Menlo College Housing and Residence Life. 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 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 Selects OculusIT for IT Outsourcing Services Posted on August 23, 2024January 27, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College Selects OculusIT for IT Outsourcing Services Atherton, CA – August 2024 – Menlo College is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with OculusIT, a leading provider of managed IT services and solutions for higher education. This collaboration will see OculusIT play a vital role in advancing Menlo College’s IT infrastructure, security posture, and support systems, reflecting the college’s commitment to providing a cutting-edge technological environment for its students, faculty, and staff. Under this agreement, OculusIT will deliver a comprehensive suite of IT outsourcing services to Menlo College, including network management, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and technical support. By partnering with OculusIT, Menlo College aims to strengthen its technology framework, ensuring that IT operations are secure, efficient, and aligned with the college’s mission of academic excellence and student success. “We are thrilled to partner with Menlo College and contribute to their mission of delivering high-quality education through advanced technology,” said Jim Tandon, Vice President of Client Engagements at OculusIT. “Our team is dedicated to providing Menlo College with innovative and reliable IT solutions that will empower their staff and students and support the college’s continued growth and success.” Menlo College chose OculusIT for its exceptional track record in delivering IT services tailored to the unique needs of educational institutions. By leveraging OculusIT’s expertise, the college is positioned to enhance its IT capabilities and provide an exceptional technological experience across its campus community. “The collaboration with OculusIT underscores our dedication to responsibly managing our financial resources while maintaining top-tier IT infrastructure, which directly contributes to the success of our students, faculty, and staff,” said Kristina Powers, PhD, Vice President for Finance & Administration at Menlo College. This partnership represents a significant step in Menlo College’s ongoing efforts to harness technology for educational advancement. With OculusIT’s support, the college remains at the forefront of technological innovation within the higher education sector. 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. About OculusIT OculusIT is a global and all-inclusive managed IT, security, and cloud services company dedicated to serving the education industry. Our strategy is to offer the most cost-effective and responsive partnership that provides flexibility and nimbleness in response to economic changes and directly contributes to higher education’s ability to provide and maintain the highest quality IT services. Learn more about OculusIT: www.oculusit.com.
Olympian Oak Gulomjon Abdullaev Claims Bronze Medal at 2024 Paris Olympics Posted on August 9, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick By: Ally Salzwedel, Director of Sports Marketing and Communications PARIS, FRANCE – In a thrilling conclusion to his Olympic journey, Uzbekistan’s Gulomjon Abdullaev has secured a Bronze medal in Wrestling at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday. Abdullaev showcased his remarkable skills and resilience, defeating Bekzat Almaz Uulu from Kyrgyzstan with a score of 4-1 in the Bronze medal match. Gulomjon’s path to the podium was marked by impressive victories, beginning with a commanding performance in the Round of 16, where he faced Aliabbas Rzazade of Azerbaijan. Abdullaev set the tone for the rest of his Olympic campaign as he outscored his opponent 11-4. In the quarterfinals, Abdullaev faced off against Arsen Harutyunyan of Armenia. Displaying a dominant performance, he controlled the match and earned his spot in the semifinals. However, the road to Gold was interrupted in the semifinals when Abdullaev faced off against Spence Lee of the United States. Despite a fierce battle, Abdullaev fell by technical fall, sending him to the Bronze medal match. In the pivotal Bronze match against Almaz Uulu, Abdullaev’s experience and determination shone through. He executed a well-crafted game plan which resulted in a 4-1 decision victory to officially title himself a Bronze medal Olympian. Menlo College’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, Keith Spataro, and Head Coach Joey Martinez, are elated by the news of Gulomjon. Martinez mentions, “We are incredibly proud of Gulomjon Abullaev for his remarkable achievement in bringing home the Bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics. His dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship exemplify the spirit of our program and inspire us all at Menlo College. This victory is a testament to his hard work and the unwavering support of our coaching staff and community” Before making his Menlo debut in 2022, Abdullaev built an impressive resume, including a remarkable 7th place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Known for his resilience and competitive spirit, he also achieved 7th place at the World Championships on two separate occasions, proving his ability to consistently perform at the highest level. Gulom would go on to secure his status of National Champion by winning the NAIA National Championship Title with an undefeated record, further cementing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling community. Gulomjon Abdullaev’s remarkable performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics not only highlights his dedication and hard work but also elevates the profile of Uzbek wrestling on the international stage. As the Olympics come to a close, Abdullaev’s achievement will undoubtedly inspire future Oak athletes. To Read More from Menlo Athletics: Click 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. Athletics plays a prominent role at Menlo College, with over 50% of students participating as varsity athletes, and many more engaged in club, intramural, and recreational sports. As a member of the NCAA DII PacWest Conference, the Department of Athletics complements the Menlo College experience by developing future leaders through its intercollegiate athletics program.
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 Posted on July 31, 2024May 5, 2025 by Tess Rewick 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. 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 Launches $5 Million Matching Campaign Following Major Donation Posted on July 17, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College Launches $5 Million Matching Campaign Following Major Donation Atherton, CA – July, 2024 – Menlo College, founded in the heart of Silicon Valley, has embarked on a significant fundraising initiative following a generous $5 million donation announced at its May 17 Board meeting. The campaign aims to match this transformative contribution to further enhance educational opportunities for its diverse student body. Since the campaign’s inception, Menlo College has garnered remarkable support from trustees, alumni, and community members, raising over $2.2 million towards the $5 million goal. Established nearly a century ago, Menlo College remains committed to empowering students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. A recent highlight includes the establishment of a state-of-the-art Public Speaking Center, made possible by a generous gift from distinguished alumnus John Pritzker ’76. During the pandemic, the College also expanded its on-campus housing capacity by 50% through the construction of the John Arrillaga Residence Hall, ensuring students have access to affordable housing amid external challenges. “We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from our community,” stated President Steven Weiner. “This campaign underscores our commitment to providing a transformative educational experience that prepares our graduates for success in today’s competitive landscape.” For those interested in contributing to the campaign, donations can be made online via the Menlo College Giving Page. As Menlo College prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2027, the institution looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence and impact in higher education. 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.
