Menlo College Opens Center Dedicated for Veterans on Campus Posted on November 11, 2022January 27, 2025 by Chieri Abe To better serve Menlo College’s veteran community, the Center of Excellence for Veterans was recently opened on campus in Florence Moore Hall. “Menlo College values the opportunity to assist veterans and their families as they pursue a college degree, and I am proud of the fact that we have steadily increased their presence on our campus over the years,” Menlo College President Steven Weiner said. “I tip my hat to Dean of the School of Business Mouwafac Sidaoui, who played a leadership role in designating a Veterans Center for Menlo College.” Veterans Jaccob Vargas ‘24, Spencer D. Maes ‘25, and Leland Placheta ‘17 were in attendance for the opening on Monday, November 7, 2022. Center Underscores Menlo’s Commitment to Veterans’ Success “I’m very appreciative of Menlo, and everything the College has done for me,” Jaccob Vargas ‘24 said. “When I got out of the Navy last year, I really didn’t know what was going to go on. When I got accepted to Menlo, it’s something that I never personally thought I could achieve. To come to a good school, that was big for me.” “Sometimes, veterans do feel a little bit out of place with all of the experience we have coming into undergrad,” Professor Ryan Cahill said. “Having a place where we can convene and chat and have those offhand conversations in a safe environment I think is super valuable. I think this center is a great achievement and perfect timing.” Are you a veteran? Click here to learn more about veteran benefits. Read more: Students Move into New John Arrillaga Residence Hall at Menlo CollegeHonoring Outstanding Oaks at 3,000+ In-Person OAKtoberFest 2022Menlo College Exploring NCAA Division II Membership 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.
The Mercury News Covers the Opening of the John Arrillaga Residence Hall Posted on October 26, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege The Mercury News published a story on Menlo College’s new John Arrillaga Residence Hall in the October 19, 2022 edition of the publication. The article noted that the College’s “first new building project in nearly half a century” will serve as a “home for hundreds of bachelor’s degree-seeking students on the college’s leafy green, residential campus.” The story also referenced the College’s commitment to ensuring that each student “persists to graduation and achieves the positive career and life trajectory that comes with a college degree, and this residence hall is a welcome addition to the demonstration of that commitment.” Read more about this affordable housing and the opportunities the John Arrillaga Residence Hall provides students in this article from The Mercury News. Learn more about the John Arrillaga Residence Hall: Students Move into New John Arrillaga Residence Hall at Menlo CollegeTake the Video Tour!From 2021: Menlo College Breaks Ground on New Residence Hall
Honoring Outstanding Oaks at 3,000+ In-Person OAKtoberFest 2022 Posted on October 18, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College was thrilled to award Maya Payne-Sewald ’73 (pictured left) as this year’s Outstanding Oak for her commitment and service to the College in the years since her graduation. Maya made history at Menlo by being in the first cohort of women to attend the College, and ever since graduating, she has devoted her time and efforts to philanthropy, mentoring the Menlo College community, and serving on the Board of Trustees, to name a few of her efforts on campus. Every year at OAKtoberFest, the College recognizes one alumnus for their unwavering service to Menlo, strength of character, professional excellence, and selfless guidance of Menlo students. The alumnus is presented with the Outstanding Oak Award as a symbol of their dedication to Menlo and the larger community. Mrs. Payne-Sewald was presented her Outstanding Oak award at this past weekend’s OAKtoberFest celebration, the first time the event was celebrated in person since the start of the pandemic. Speaking at the presentation, Mrs. Payne-Sewald said, “I am deeply honored to be awarded the Outstanding Oak Award by the Alumni Council! However, the award doesn’t really belong to me. It belongs to generations of Menlo Alums who have contributed their time, treasure, and talents to make Menlo College the success it is today.” She continued, “The dedication of alums coming back to help out by working on committees, giving talks on their careers, serving as mentors, or in whatever way the College needs them – they are to be recognized and honored. Therefore on behalf of all these Menlo alums, I accept this award with great honor and respect.” In addition to her involvement with Menlo College, Mrs. Payne-Sewald has led a successful real estate career, owns a thriving business, is a leader of the Menlo Park Rotary Club and Foundation as well as her church, and is deeply involved with her children and grandchildren. In his comments about Mrs. Payne-Sewald, Menlo College President Steven Weiner said, “She is one of those rare people who carry their warmth and compassion on their sleeve in a way that invites everyone around her to ask where they too can sign on to her causes – whatever they may be! Her many attributes extend to include humor, intelligence, and seemingly boundless energy. I treasure the fact that she leverages her talents to the benefits of Menlo alumni and current students alike.” Celebrating Two Honorees due to Pandemic Delay At Menlo’s largest gathering of the fall semester, Menlo College’s Advancement Office also acknowledged Frances Mann-Craik ’76 as the 2020 winner of the Outstanding Oak Award. Due to Mrs. Mann-Craik receiving the award in a virtual setting two years prior, Menlo was eager to celebrate her as the 2020 Outstanding Oak Award recipient in person and as a community at OAKtoberFest this year. In his remarks during the 2020 award presentation, President Steven Weiner said, “Frances is truly one-of-a-kind. She is known for her warmth and involvement over the decades by students, staff, faculty, and board members alike.” Maya Payne-Sewald ’73 and Frances Mann-Craik ’76 were joined by Menlo Alumni Council members Caitlin Sorensen ’19 and Jessica Carlson ’19. Enjoy more from OAKtoberFest! Watch a video recap of this year’s OAKtoberFest!Menlo College Athletics Hall of Fame AwardeesVisit the OAKtoberFest webpageVisit the Menlo College Alumni Blog! 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.
Students Move into New John Arrillaga Residence Hall at Menlo College Posted on October 4, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College is thrilled to announce that nearly 300 more students can now live on its leafy green, residential campus. Students started moving into the John Arrillaga Residence Hall on September 16, 2022, and more of the College’s students will now find a home on campus as they look to earn their bachelor’s degrees. Take the video tour! Ready to see in Person? Come Visit Menlo! Residence Hall to Serve Students and Energize for Menlo’s Second Century The John Arrillaga Residence Hall is the College’s first new building in nearly 45 years. It features double-occupancy rooms spread over three floors, lounges, and spaces dedicated for quiet study or group collaboration, and others for e-gaming, movies, socializing, and more. Importantly, the hall is also fully ADA compliant. “Menlo College is energizing for the future,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. “Not only are we opening a new building designed to foster student connection and well-being, our College is nimbly adapting our degree programs to meet the demands of students and employers, galvanizing the strength of our athletics programs, and harnessing the commitment of our entire community – on campus and elsewhere – to meet its mission of educating students to make contributions in the innovation economy.” “With our 100-year anniversary on the horizon, this new building marks an important milestone on the way to preparing for our next 100 years,” said Chair of the Board of Trustees Micah Kāne ‘91. Schedule a Tour in Person! New Residence Hall Made Possible By Donor Generosity The College is particularly grateful for the support of the late John Arrillaga Sr. in building this new residence hall. “John Arrillaga was an incredible philanthropist who left his mark across the Bay Area and globally,” said President Weiner. “On behalf of our entire community – particularly the students whose lives he has touched today, and those whose lives he will touch in the future – I am grateful for his investment and his vote of confidence in the value of a Menlo College education.” Read more: Learn more about Scholarships and Financial Aid at MenloFocused on Student Success: Menlo College Earns Three New 2022 Top College RankingsMenlo College Student Internship Program Participants Impress Business LeadersMenlo College Breaks Ground on New Residence Hall 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.
A Message from President Steven Weiner: Launching the 2022-23 Academic Year Posted on September 2, 2022January 27, 2025 by Kauahoa Hermosura Our mission: At Menlo College, we ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy. I am very pleased to extend my welcome to all members of the Menlo College community as we start the 2022-23 academic year at Menlo College. Over the course of these last few days, I have been touched by the joy and enthusiasm of incoming and returning students alike. It promises to be a great year, and I write to share some of the reasons I’m convinced it will be so. Students As our pandemic recovery continues, we’re also celebrating one of the largest entering classes we’ve ever had at Menlo College. Our students come from far and wide, representing 36 countries and 26 states. And our campus continues its trend towards reflecting even more examples of diversity. In addition to geographic diversity, our community includes students of many different racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, gender, and economic backgrounds, as well as students with disabilities. More than one-third of our students are the first in their family to attend college. I recognize that some of our students are overcoming significant obstacles to pursue their college education at Menlo. Our community is committed to every student’s success. With this in mind, I encourage everyone to remember that our diversity is one of the great strengths of Menlo College. In a time when it seems the world is increasingly running toward polar opposites, Menlo gives us all the opportunity to learn the facts, engage in productive debate across diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and most importantly, be considerate of one another. Each of us has an important role to play in our community. If you ever are in need of assistance, reach out to a trusted friend or colleague — we are all here to connect to, and support one another. Academics We’re continuing to refine our academic programs as a part of the ongoing implementation of our strategic plan. Our exploration of the addition of graduate program offerings in Information Systems and Sports Psychology also continues. Our faculty will continue to produce academic scholarship of note, and students will once again have opportunities to engage with faculty on their own independent research projects. In our classes, students will gain a broad worldview and learn practical skills, all while considering immediate and lasting implications. Students will learn how to give voice to their unique perspectives and make important differences on campus and beyond. The campus will once again have students lead the charge to promote innovation here at Menlo, as participants in a program in which they serve as University Innovation Fellows (UIF) and collaborate with UIFs at colleges and universities around the world. Students will also apply their learnings and use their skills as they intern at marquee billion-dollar companies and at fledgling new ventures; they will launch start-ups of their own and secure jobs — and many will obtain those job offers well before graduation. Menlo education in hand, our eventual graduates are guaranteed to impact both more established and emerging ecosystems, as well as those around them. Athletics In Menlo Athletics, men’s and women’s tennis has launched as our newest varsity teams, bringing us to a total of 18 varsity teams. Given the caliber of our student-athletes and our coaching staff, I’m confident that the Oaks will be represented at nationals once again this academic year. Our entire campus will benefit from the character and team-building work our Athletics staff imbue in our student-athletes. Campus Events Amid the day-to-day of classes, club activities, and competitions, other campus events to anticipate this year include: The third annual Silicon Valley Sculpture exhibit, our OAKtoberFest celebration, the return of our annual lūʻau, and entrepreneurial programs such as TEDxMenloCollege and Techstars Startup Weekend. Please plan to participate. Summary Over the course of the last few days, we’ve been welcoming new students, new faculty, and new staff. We’re also launching new programs, and (very soon) a new building. I expect the fencing that surrounds the John Arrillaga Sr. Residence Hall to come down in the next few weeks, and all indications are that we’ll be granted our occupancy permit and students will be able to move in sometime in September. The Menlo College community can look back on 95 years of ever-improving success, exemplified by the stand-out achievements of our alumni and the continued investments from those who believe in the Menlo College education. I look forward to the many ways in which all of you will contribute to making 2022-23 even better than those that came before. Together, we make Menlo the best educational experience and we all commit to this every day — today, tomorrow, and in the years to come. As we start the year I have already seen many new faces on campus. I encourage each of you to engage, connect, and make your presence known. Be proud to be part of the Menlo community – a place to gain experiences and connections that will be invaluable to you as you carve out your path in life. Thank you for being an Oak. My best wishes to all of you for the coming year. Now and evermore: Go Oaks! Steven WeinerPresidentMenlo College
Menlo College Says Farewell to Provost Grande Lum Posted on June 16, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege The entire Menlo College community sends its best wishes to Grande Lum, who has accepted a posting as a Senior Partner with the Rebuild Congress Initiative (RCI). His final day at Menlo College will be June 30, 2022. “It is with reluctance that I accepted Provost Lum’s resignation. Grande has provided critical leadership to many areas of the College, while also serving as a key member of the senior leadership team. He has been essential to the progress our College has realized since he joined Menlo College in June 2018. I will miss the extent to which I have enjoyed his counsel and partnership these last four years, though I can understand, and I fundamentally support his desire to create bridges across political party lines at such a critical juncture in our nation’s history,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. Going forward, Lum’s considerable talents will be dedicated to furthering RCI’s mission. As he shared in a recent LinkedIn post, “Our society desperately needs those who can work through differences and find common ground. While we have made additional steps in this overarching journey, there is much more still to be done.” Lum’s initial areas of focus will include engaging leading Black pastors on strengthening democracy, and engaging key leaders to address election violence and social media’s effects on polarization. Sharing Lum’s Reflections on the Menlo College Community Lum credits his renewed resolve to move democracy forward to Menlo College students: “Just as I challenged Menlo students to make an impact on the world, Menlo students have reciprocated and galvanized me to re-enter this fray, to do what I can, in service of our democracy. … I will profoundly miss seeing student faces light up when they convey to me what they have figured out in the classroom, in their sport, or their post-graduation plans.” Lum also commented, “When I started at Menlo, I was eager to help students explore, discover, and grow. That desire came to fruition, and my time here has been more gratifying than I could have ever hoped. What I was unprepared for, though, was how fundamentally I would be changed. I leave altered by the caring, devotion, and commitment I have seen from colleagues. I leave humbled by the sacrifice, curiosity, and gratitude I have seen from students. They all have my deepest appreciation and thanks. … Menlo has been and will continue to be a special place, inhabited by special people.” Read Lum’s entire message here. Interim Operations and College Progress Among his many contributions to Menlo College, Provost Lum was central to the appointments of Dean of the School of Business Mouwafac Sidaoui and Dean of Arts and Sciences Melissa Michelson. According to President Weiner, “Both deans are proving to be exceptionally adept in fulfilling even the most ambitious of our hopes for their respective roles. Their success gives me the confidence to predict that we will be able to look to them to help guide our academic programs as, together with faculty, we consider the structure of the leadership of academic affairs going forward. In the interim, both deans will report directly to me.” “Further, the recent promotion of Laura Koo, PhD to Chief Advancement Officer, and the appointments of Devin Carr as our new Dean of Student Affairs, and Alexis Lopez as our Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, will ensure that the Menlo College community continues to make important progress,” said Weiner. “Along with the continued leadership of Angela Schmiede, VP of Student Success and Strategic Planning, as well as Keith Spataro, VP of Enrollment Management and Athletics, Menlo College is positioned to go from strength to strength.” “The first person from Menlo I spoke to was Steven Weiner, Menlo’s president. Steven’s burning passion for the school and his unwavering commitment to student excellence was striking. As I met students, faculty, and staff, what became crystal clear was how seemingly every member of the Menlo community was passionate about the College. … While I will no longer be a staff member, I am reassured by the amazing faculty and staff here who will continue to enact its core mission to serve and engage our students so well,” said Lum. Read more: Meet the Menlo College Management TeamFormer Food Bank CEO Kathryn G. Jackson Joins Board of TrusteesOpening with Artistry: Menlo College Reopens Campus with a New Sculpture Donation 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.
From College of San Mateo to a Menlo Bachelor’s Degree: 2+2 Seamless Transfer Pathway Posted on April 19, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College and College of San Mateo (CSM) are proud to announce a new 2+2 transfer agreement offering business graduates of CSM guaranteed admission to complete a bachelor’s degree in business at Menlo with only two additional years of study. “Menlo College and College of San Mateo are thrilled for the students and their families who will benefit from this program,” said President Steven Weiner of Menlo College and President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza of College of San Mateo in a joint statement. “Many CSM graduates have already successfully transferred to, and graduated from, Menlo College and gone on to see career success in Silicon Valley and beyond. It is time to solidify a seamless transition between our two institutions so that even more students can follow this proven path to success.” “Menlo College recognizes that a college education is a major investment for students and their families,” said Dean of School of Business and Professor Mouwafac Sidaoui. “That said, there is a proven ROI to earning a bachelor’s degree and it is with this in mind that Menlo College is committing to these future business leaders and their families. Our College wants to make their student’s journey to earning a top-ranked, ROI-proven, business bachelor’s degree as uncomplicated as possible. This partnership with CSM will do just that.” “This 2+2 transfer partnership is unique to CSM, as it is the only partnership where our accounting and business majors are guaranteed a transfer scholarship and where the articulation of CSM’s accounting and business courses meet Menlo College’s lower division Business Core curriculum and some upper-division subject requirements,” said CSM Dean of Business and Technology Francisco Gamez. “This means that not only is there a financial incentive for our students to attend Menlo College, but academically more course units will transfer and meet key major requirements at Menlo College. This will allow CSM students to seamlessly earn their bachelor’s degree at Menlo College.” With this new agreement, CSM business graduates must complete their associate’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0. They will then work with a Menlo College Academic Advisor to ensure they can complete their bachelor’s degree at Menlo in two years. Students will also be offered a two-year scholarship to Menlo up to $30,000 total ($15,000 per year). “Beginning my college journey at CSM and transferring to Menlo to earn my bachelor’s has worked out so well for me,” says Moncerrat Barriga ‘22. “Thanks to the strong academics and their commitment to my success, I have earned a spot as an incoming audit staff member with EY beginning this summer. I am excited that students will now have a guarantee that they can follow this path to success.” Menlo College is ranked in the top 16% of universities by Forbes. In their list of America’s Top Colleges 2021, Forbes has rethought how to best rank colleges. By considering a college’s financial support of its students, ROI, as well as the top earnings of its graduates, Menlo places among the top colleges in America. Menlo College is also ranked as the 16th most diverse college in America by Niche. If you are interested in transferring to Menlo College, please email transfer@menlo.edu. 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. About College of San Mateo College of San Mateo (CSM) is a community college located at the northern corridor of Silicon Valley and situated on a beautiful 153-acre site in the San Mateo hills that provides a panoramic view of San Francisco Bay. Since 1922, CSM has been a gateway to higher education leading to university transfer, career preparation and advancement, and professional and personal development.
Former Food Bank CEO Kathryn G. Jackson Joins Board of Trustees Posted on March 22, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College is proud to announce that Kathryn G. “Kathy” Jackson, former CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, has joined its Board of Trustees. “I am so excited to be a part of the Menlo College community and to get involved with the students of Menlo College. As a diverse, non-profit, business-focused college with a proven formula for ROI, I think Menlo is uniquely positioned to help students achieve their aims and go on to great success,” said Jackson. “My interest in joining the Menlo community has come from my career journey of leading organizations on a mission of delivering social good, as well as my deep experience in the business world.” “Menlo’s diverse, driven students go on to be the business leaders of Silicon Valley and beyond, and Kathy’s involvement will ensure that the college is well-positioned to reach and support even more students desiring a life-trajectory changing college education,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. “Her expertise is sure to yield tangible, impactful results for our students and their families, the Bay Area, and the globe.” Jumping In with Students Though her tenure on the Board begins in October 2022, Jackson is already set to participate in one of Menlo’s signature events, Career Connect Day, taking place on April 5, 2022. Organized by the student-led WILD (Women in Leadership Development) club with the Alumni Office, she will join alumnae Brenda Flores-Reyes ‘20, Victoria Schultz ’14, and fellow Trustee Fran Schulz ‘85 on a panel discussion about women’s resilience. As the College celebrates 50 years since female students were admitted to the college, the panel will inspire current students to overcome challenges and dream big. About Kathy Jackson Jackson, an Atherton-resident, has extensive corporate and nonprofit career experience. She currently serves as Board Chair of Cilker Orchards Management Corporation. Most recently she served as a Director for CAI International, Inc. (NYSE: CAI) and was a co-founder of Magnify Community, a philanthropy innovation lab focused on prioritizing increased giving to Silicon Valley nonprofits. Jackson previously served as CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, a $130 million organization that, during her tenure, provided more than one million meals per week to Silicon Valley residents. She also served on the Board of Feeding America, the nation’s second largest charity. Prior to joining Second Harvest, Jackson served as Board President of the Foundation for the Future at public Menlo-Atherton High School; she is delighted to have found M-A alums enrolled at Menlo College. Read more: Applying to Menlo CollegeMenlo College Student Internship Program Participants Impress Business LeadersMenlo College’s Annual Career Connect Day Set for In-Person Return on April 5, 2022 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.
Tenacious Football Legend and Menlo College Alum Mark Speckman Set to Inspire the Class of 2022 Posted on February 15, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Speckman Brings a Relatable Story to the Menlo College Class of 2022 Menlo College is thrilled to announce alumnus Mark Speckman ‘74 as the speaker for the College’s 94th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 21, 2022. As Menlo College students will attest, the pandemic brought on many unforeseen challenges for all: students abruptly adjusted to remote learning, with many in different time zones. In addition, with a student-athlete population of nearly 50%, about half of students had their athletic career interrupted or put on hold entirely during the pandemic. And yet, despite these challenges, Menlo College students persevered. Campus reopened in person in Fall 2021 and sports competitions have safely resumed, rebounding Menlo’s school spirit. It is only fitting that the Class of 2022 receives a commencement speaker that can relate to these struggles and triumphs. “I am thrilled to have Mark Speckman as my 2022 Commencement Speaker. It means a lot to me that Menlo College has chosen an alum who has a personal admiration of and dedication to the school. More importantly, he can relate to the challenges all my peers have faced for the past two years. Speckman is an inspiration, not only to the hundreds of student-athletes on campus, but to all students, including me,” said Michaela Haynes ‘22. With an impressive, 40-year coaching career in professional, college, and high school football, Speckman has excelled throughout with a major physical disability: being born without hands. Overcoming the challenge, Speckman is recognized nationally for his football expertise. In 2008, Speckman was a finalist for the Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year and he was named American Football Coaches Association West Region Coach of the Year. In all, he has been named a conference Coach of the Year 12 times. Speckman has also been inducted into four Athletic Hall of Fames as a player or coach, including the Menlo College Athletics Hall of Fame. In football, Speckman is regarded as a leading developer of the “FLY” offense, a system he pioneered and used nationwide. Speckman is living proof that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Successful Menlo College Alum Returns to his Roots “I am honored to speak at Menlo College’s graduation ceremony this spring,” said Speckman. “This is a special place for me; Menlo took a kid with no hands and gave him a chance to go to college. Menlo educated me, employed me — and housed me. I am fired up to be back to speak to the members of the Class of 2022!” Speckman first joined the Menlo College community as a student himself. In his sophomore year, he beat the odds and earned 2nd team all-league honors for the Oaks in the Coast Conference. After graduating from Menlo, Speckman went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences at Azusa Pacific University. There, he played football as a linebacker and earned an honorable mention of All-American honors. Speckman went on to build a lifelong career in football, coaching at Menlo College, Willamette University, the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes, Lawrence University, and presently with UC Davis. His experiences playing and coaching football with a physical disability also paved the way for Speckman’s accomplished motivational speaking career and his own book: Figure it Out: How I Learned to Live in a Digital World Without Digits. “It will be an honor to host Mark Speckman at this year’s commencement ceremony. As a dynamic, resilient alumnus, Speckman’s perspective on overcoming adversity will be particularly inspiring for our graduates; all of whom have endured the pandemic during the majority of their college experience,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. Mark Speckman ‘74 will join a long list of notable commencement speakers. Learn more here: Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng – Political Peace Builder, Educator, Author – 2021Yasunobu Kyogoku – Venture Capitalist, Innovator, Serial Business Executive- 2019Dr. Mar Hershenson – Business Executive, Entrepreneur, Electrical Engineer – 2018Past Commencement Speakers 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.
Menlo College’s Annual Career Connect Day Set for In-Person Return on April 5, 2022 Posted on January 20, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College is proud to announce that the annual Career Connect Day is officially set for Tuesday, April 5, 2022. Career Connect Day is a flagship, student-focused event that provides career and professional development opportunities to Menlo College students of all majors and class years. After two years of virtual sessions, this year’s Career Connect Day is scheduled to be held in-person with a morning full of guest speakers, panel discussions, and workshops, followed by an afternoon featuring on-campus interviews and a Career Fair event. “Career Connect Day helps students build social capital through networking, and aligns with our mission to guide students on their paths to contributing to an innovation economy,” said Dylan Houle, Executive Director of Internships and Career Services. “This event has consistently served as an excellent opportunity for students to connect with professionals across a variety of industries, and they are excited for its in-person return in 2022.” This year’s theme of “Return To Work?” will explore how companies and workers have adapted to, and been affected by, the pandemic. Conversation topics will include: The shift to remote work, “essential” workers, mental health and wellness, social justice and politics in the workplace, the future of work, and more. The career fair is open to all students across all majors. Employers who come to campus will be recruiting for full-time and part-time jobs, as well as internships, and graduate schools will also participate. Volunteers can submit proposals to lead presentations, panel discussions, or real interviews with students on Career Connect Day by the January 31 deadline. Menlo College alumni engage with students through Career Connect Day Throughout Career Connect Day, alumni and volunteers lead workshops, deliver presentations, host panel discussions, or conduct real interviews with students looking for jobs and internships. In 2021, 13 Menlo College alumni spanning the 2020s, 2010s, 2000s, and 1990s participated in panel discussions, representing a variety of industries that included accounting, business management, finance, human resources, international management, marketing, political sciences, real estate and sports management. “[Hearing] the experience that former students at Menlo College had was a great experience and made me mentally ready for [my] future journey,” said Shomei Kadota ’22. The College is currently seeking volunteers to lead these morning sessions on career, industry, and professional development-related topics, and proposals for presentations can be submitted here. The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2022. 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 in their pursuits of 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 recognizes innovative student internship programs that provide unique opportunities to gain skills and on-the-job-training experiences. With initiatives like Career Connect Day and the student internship program, the Office of Internships & Career Services has recently propelled more than 85% of Menlo College students to employment or graduate programs within six months of their graduation. 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. Read more: Menlo College Receives the 2019 Outstanding College Work Experience and Internship Program AwardFour New Top College Rankings: Menlo College Students see ROIStudent Success at Menlo College
