Menlo College Named an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classification Posted on April 24, 2025April 24, 2025 by Tess Rewick A new Student Access and Earnings Classification recognizes institutions that foster opportunities for student success Atherton, CA – April, 24 2025 – Menlo College has been designated as an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, recognizing Menlo as an institution that can serve as a model for how campuses can foster student success. The Opportunity Colleges and Universities designation is part of a newly developed Student Access and Earnings Classification published this month by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. This new classification examines the extent to which institutions foster opportunities for student success by measuring whether institutions are enrolling students reflective of the communities they serve and how the earnings of those students compare to peers in their area. In 2025, 479 institutions were identified as Opportunity Colleges and Universities, which is about 16% of all U.S. colleges and universities that are in the Student Access and Earnings Classification. “We are proud that Menlo College is being recognized as a model institution for access and upward mobility,” said Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College. “Our mission is rooted in opening doors for students from all backgrounds and ensuring they leave Menlo with not just a degree, but the skills and support to thrive economically and professionally. This designation affirms our focus on real-world outcomes and inclusive opportunity.” Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, private, nonprofit institution founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Menlo offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology, and a newly launched Master of Science in Financial Technology. With a student body that includes many first-generation college students, Menlo emphasizes experiential learning, requiring internships as part of the curriculum to ensure students graduate career-ready. The College is also proud to be designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Menlo has been classified as a Special Focus: Business institution in the 2025 Institutional Classification and was named an Opportunity College and University for its success in enrolling underrepresented students and fostering strong post-attendance earnings. These recognitions are based on publicly available data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, and the U.S. Census Bureau. The methodology for the new Student Access and Earnings Classification uses multidimensional groupings of the 2025 Institutional Classification to evaluate student access and earnings between similar colleges and universities. More information about 2025 Student Earnings and Access Classifications, including the methodology, can be found here. About the Carnegie Classification The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education. The Carnegie Commission on Higher Education developed the classification in 1973 to support its program of research and policy analysis, and it was updated in 1976, 1987, 1994, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2025 to reflect changes among colleges and universities. It will next be updated in 2028, with subsequent updates every three years. About the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching The mission of the Carnegie Foundation is to catalyze transformational change in education so that every student has the opportunity to live a healthy, dignified, and fulfilling life. Enacted by an act of Congress in 1906, the Foundation has a rich history of driving transformational change in the education sector, including the establishment of TIAA-CREF and the creation of the Education Testing Service, the GRE, Pell Grants, and the Carnegie Classifications for Higher Education. About the American Council on Education ACE unites and leads higher education institutions toward a shared vision for the future. With more than 1,600 member colleges, universities, and associations, ACE designs solutions for today’s challenges and advances public policy to support a diverse and dynamic higher education sector. Learn more at www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on X (formerly Twitter) @ACEducation and LinkedIn american-council-on-education. Media Contacts Tess Rewickpr@menlo.edu Jon Riskind (ACE)202-697-0741jriskind@acenet.edu Kito Cetrulo (Carnegie Foundation)650-566-5100kcetrulo@carnegiefoundation.org
Menlo College Welcomes Simone Stolzoff, Author and Work-Life Thought Leader, as 2025 Commencement Speaker Posted on April 19, 2025April 24, 2025 by Tess Rewick Atherton, CA – April 2025 – Menlo College is honored to welcome Simone Stolzoff, acclaimed author, journalist, and leading voice on the future of work and well-being, as the keynote speaker for its 97th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025. A San Francisco native, Stolzoff has emerged as a prominent thought leader at the intersection of work, identity, and personal fulfillment. His groundbreaking book, The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work, published by Penguin Random House, became a national bestseller and earned the #1 spot in the work-life balance category. Drawing on his background in journalism and design thinking, Stolzoff challenges outdated workplace norms and advocates for more sustainable, human-centered definitions of success. “Simone Stolzoff’s work resonates deeply with the values we hope to instill in our students,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. “As our graduates take their next steps, his message about purpose and balance in professional life will offer both inspiration and practical wisdom.” Stolzoff’s writing has appeared in leading publications, including The New York Times and The Atlantic. As a former design lead at the renowned innovation firm IDEO, he collaborated with influential leaders from the U.S. Surgeon General to executives at Google, to foster more thoughtful and human-centered work environments. With degrees from both Stanford University and The University of Pennsylvania, Stolzoff uniquely blends academic rigor with practical experience. His keynote promises to deliver an inspiring and timely message as Menlo College’s Class of 2025 gathers to celebrate this milestone on the College’s Atherton campus. For more information about Menlo College’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony, please visit: https://menlo.edu/commencement/ 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 Takes First Place in Prestigious Global Scaling Challenge Posted on April 15, 2025April 19, 2025 by Tess Rewick Atherton, CA – April 2025 – Menlo College is excited to announce that a team of its business students has won first place in the 2025 Global Scaling Challenge, a globally recognized competition hosted by the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico. In recognition of their achievement, the team earned a total of $8,000 in prize money, including $7,500 for winning first place overall, and an additional $500 for earning silver in the first round. This year’s challenge featured 46 teams from leading universities around the world, all tasked with solving real-world growth and scaling issues for live entrepreneurial firms. Representing Menlo College were students Marc Hegele (Team Lead), Carlotta Stern, Lars Faessler, and Martin Fiala, supported by Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, Mikael Hilmersson. The Global Scaling Challenge is a one-of-a-kind competition that pairs student teams with real companies seeking to grow in complex, diverse markets. Over the course of the event, students assess the challenges these companies face and develop both short-term and long-term strategies to help them scale. The experience culminates in a high-stakes, live virtual pitch to company leaders and a panel of expert judges—an intense and highly practical application of global business strategy. “Winning this competition is a powerful reflection of the caliber of our students and the excellence of the business education they receive at Menlo,” said Mouwafac Siddaoui, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business. “Their success in a global arena highlights not only their talent and dedication, but also the outstanding guidance of faculty like Professor Mikael Hilmersson, whose mentorship played a key role in this achievement. We are incredibly proud of our team.” The Global Scaling Challenge offers over $35,000 in awards and provides both students and participating firms with meaningful, innovative experiences that span industries and continents. Menlo’s victory demonstrates the strength of its hands-on, globally-minded business education and reflects its ongoing commitment to preparing students to thrive in real-world environments. Congratulations to our Menlo College winners on this well-deserved victory! Read more about the Global Scaling Challenge here. Contact Information: Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Reimagining Business Analytics: Menlo College Introduces Enhanced AI & Analytics Major Posted on April 12, 2025April 17, 2025 by Tess Rewick Atherton, CA – April 2025: Menlo College School of Business is proud to announce the launch of its newly enhanced academic program: the Artificial Intelligence & Analytics (AIA) major. This cutting-edge offering is the first undergraduate major of its kind among business schools in Northern California. Formerly known as Business Analytics, this future-focused program positions Menlo College at the forefront of innovation in business education, responding to accelerating demand for professionals who can navigate the convergence of business, data, and emerging technologies. “At Menlo College, we are committed to preparing our students for the future of business,” said President Steven Weiner. “The AI & Analytics major reinforces our mission to deliver innovative, market-responsive education that equips students with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in a digitally-driven economy.” Designed with a future-focused curriculum, the AIA major integrates applied artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and ethical decision-making in business settings. Students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms and tools, preparing them to become leaders in data-intensive and AI-enabled environments. “This major represents Menlo College’s bold step forward in reimagining business education,” said Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business. “We are deeply grateful to our faculty for their vision and commitment in shaping a program that ensures our students are not only career-ready, but future-ready.” With this enhanced program launch, Menlo College continues to raise the bar for academic excellence, aligning its programs with industry trends and delivering education that empowers the next generation of business and technology leaders. Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College’s Innovation Center Hosts 2025 Entrepreneurship Socratic Salon Speaker Series Posted on April 10, 2025April 15, 2025 by Avery Stump Atherton, CA – April 2025: Menlo College is excited about our Innovation Center’s Socratic Salon speaker series continuing into Spring 2025. These events are designed to create open, engaging conversations between students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals. The Socratic Salon format encourages interactive dialogue instead of traditional lectures, allowing participants to engage directly with thought leaders and explore new ideas together. The Socratic Salon centers around entrepreneurship and innovation, and provides a unique opportunity for students to discuss innovation and creativity across various industries, from business and technology to psychology and the arts. These sessions invite participants to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn from each other in a relaxed, discussion-based setting. Upcoming Sessions: April 11, 2025Elizabeth Lewis – Commercial Real Estate & Public Service Professional, Mayor of AthertonJoin Elizabeth Lewis, a 40-year veteran of commercial real estate and the current Mayor of Atherton, for a conversation on leadership, real estate, and public service. With over 25 years as the Owner/CEO of Orchard Commercial, Inc., she brings valuable insights into how innovation shapes both business and governance. April 25, 2025Dr. Mark Hager – Psychologist, Mentor, & SpyDr. Mark Hager, Professor Emeritus at Menlo College, will explore the intersection of psychology and innovation. Drawing from his diverse career in business, art, medicine, and psychology, Dr. Hager will discuss how psychology shapes creativity, careers, and community impact. May 9, 2025Richard Maldonado – Director of Product & Engineering, AI Experiences at ServiceNowRichard Maldonado, Menlo College alum and AI product leader, will discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence and product management. With over 25 years of experience, Richard will share his entrepreneurial journey and insights into how AI is transforming industries. Time and Location:6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Innovation Center (Florence Moore 319)Menlo College, 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA 94027 RSVP and Attendance:Attendance is free and open to Menlo College students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. Seating is limited, so please RSVP in advance to secure your spot. For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.menlo.edu/innovationcenter. Media Inquiries: For media inquiries, please contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
Menlo College Names TJ Curry as Inaugural Director of Taekwondo Posted on April 4, 2025April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick By: Ally Salzwedel Atherton, CA – April 4, 2025: Menlo College Athletics is proud to announce the hiring of world-renowned taekwondo athlete and coach TJ Curry as the program’s first Director and Head Coach for Taekwondo. A decorated competitor and experienced international coach, Curry brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the Oaks as they launch this historic new program. A World-Class Leader to Build a Historic Program “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome TJ to the Menlo Athletics family,” said Tim Ghormley, Assistant Athletic Director for Non-NCAA Sports. “His elite experience as both an athlete and a coach makes him the perfect leader to establish and build our Taekwondo program. We are confident that under his guidance, Menlo College will become a premier destination for taekwondo athletes looking to compete at the highest levels.” A Legacy of Excellence: Curry’s Competitive & Coaching Achievements Curry’s career as an elite taekwondo competitor spans over a decade, earning him national and international recognition. His achievements include: 2012 Olympic Alternate Multiple appearances on the U.S. National Team Gold Medalist at the U.S. Open, President’s Cup, National Championships, and more! World Cup & Pan American Games team member As a coach, Curry has been instrumental in developing top-tier athletes through his leadership at Precision Taekwondo and as a member of the USA Taekwondo coaching staff. His coaching accomplishments include: Developing multiple national champions and national team members Leading U.S. athletes in major international tournaments, including the World Championships Coaching Olympic-bound athletes through high-performance training camps With Curry at the helm, Menlo College is poised to become a powerhouse in collegiate taekwondo, fostering a program built on skill development, mental toughness, and a winning culture. For more information on Menlo College Athletics and the new Taekwondo program, click HERE. 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 Wins Gold at the 40th Annual Educational Advertising Awards Posted on March 29, 2025April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Atherton, CA – March, 2025: Menlo College is proud to announce its recognition in the 40th Annual Educational Advertising Awards, one of the largest and most prestigious educational marketing competitions in the country. This year, over 2,000 entries were submitted from more than 1,000 colleges, universities, and secondary schools across the United States and beyond. The competition saw standout winners across multiple categories, and Menlo College is honored to be among them. Menlo College was awarded a Gold Award in the Newsletter category for the June 2024 edition of the “What to KnOAK Campus Newsletter”. The publication, which highlights key campus events, student achievements, and updates for the Menlo College community, was praised by judges for its creative design and engaging content. In addition, Menlo also earned a Merit Award in the Special Video category for its “Welcome to Menlo College” video. The Educational Advertising Awards is the largest of its kind, with entries reviewed by a national panel of higher education marketers, advertising professionals, and creative directors. This year, Menlo College was among the 432 institutions that received a Gold Award. “These awards are a testament to the dedication and creativity of our marketing team,” said Tess Rewick, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. “We take pride in creating content that celebrates our students, faculty, and the transformative impact of higher education.” For more information, please visit the Educational Advertising Awards website. 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 Marketing Professor Lan Jiang, Ph.D., Featured in WalletHub Article on Amica Insurance Posted on March 6, 2025March 7, 2025 by Avery Stump Atherton, CA – March, 2025: Menlo College is pleased to announce that Dr. Lan Jiang, Professor of Marketing, was recently featured in a WalletHub article on Amica Insurance. Professor Jiang shared valuable insights on evaluating car insurance companies, emphasizing the growing importance of online reviews and social media in consumer decision-making. “Consumers are increasingly relying on customer reviews from sources like Reddit to conduct their research,” said Jiang, referring to the concept of ZMOT (Zero Moment of Truth). She also offered advice for those considering Amica, recommending thorough research to gather insights from multiple perspectives. Professor Jiang commented on Amica’s tagline, “Empathy is our best policy,” stating that empathy can build trust, but must be genuine to be effective. She also credited Amica’s high auto insurance claims satisfaction to their consistent service quality, backed by unbiased consumer reviews. Professor Jiang’s expertise continues to be recognized in the industry, and Menlo College is proud to have such a distinguished faculty member. Read the full WalletHub article here: https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/amica-car-insurance-review/62600#expert=Lan_Jiang 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 Finance Professor Dima Leshchinskii, Ph.D., Featured in WalletHub Article Posted on February 26, 2025March 7, 2025 by Avery Stump Atherton, CA – February, 2025: Menlo College is proud to announce that Dr. Dima Leshchinskii, Professor of Finance, was recently featured as an expert contributor in a WalletHub article discussing the best (and worst) options for same-day loans and alternatives to payday lending. With the allure of quick cash, same-day loans and no-credit-check options can be tempting, but Dr. Leshchinskii cautions consumers to proceed with extreme caution. In his insightful commentary, he advises, “Avoid it unless you have an established relationship with the lender! If someone is ready to give you money without checking who you are, either you will be charged exorbitant fees or, even worse, you will get yourself into a dangerous situation.” The WalletHub piece delves into the often-hidden costs of payday loans, with Dr. Leshchinskii illustrating how seemingly small fees can translate into triple-digit APRs. He then offers practical alternatives, including employer cash advances, loans or lines of credit from banks or credit unions, and even careful use of credit card cash advances. Dr. Leshchinskii emphasizes the importance of research and comparison, urging consumers to “explore all options available to you.” He recommends using online comparison tools and creating a detailed comparison table that includes interest rates, loan amounts, maturity dates, fees, and any fine print like prepayment penalties or other loan covenants. His advice empowers consumers to make informed financial decisions and avoid the pitfalls of predatory lending practices. Read the full WalletHub article here: https://wallethub.com/best-no-credit-check-loans-same-day#expert=Dr._Dima_Leshchinskii 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 Raises $10.7 Million in Record-Breaking Matching Campaign Posted on February 25, 2025March 7, 2025 by Tess Rewick Atherton, CA – February, 2025: Menlo College is proud to announce the successful completion of its $5 million matching campaign, a bold fundraising initiative that exceeded expectations and raised $10.7 million in just a little more than six months. Set in motion by a transformative $5 million donation from a grateful alumnus in late May 2024, the challenge inspired trustees, alumni, and community members to rally behind the College in unprecedented ways. With a pledge to match all donations dollar for dollar through the end of 2024, the campaign motivated many donors to double or even triple their annual contributions, demonstrating a deep commitment to Menlo’s mission and future. Key contributions included: $1.7 million future bequest from a generous alumnus and his wife $1.1 million from two foundations to expand student scholarships $1 million from current trustees to fund targeted initiatives $334,000 from a foundation to cover the cost of new bleachers for the Haynes-Prim Pavilion “This campaign was a testament to the incredible generosity of our donor community,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. “Not only did we meet our original goal, we surpassed it. The challenge inspired a level of giving that will have a lasting impact on our students and campus.” While many contributions were designated for scholarships and campus enhancements, the campaign also underscored the need for continued investment in Menlo’s operational sustainability. With its centennial approaching in 2027, the College remains committed to expanding educational access, strengthening student support, and preparing future leaders in business and psychology. For more information or to contribute to future initiatives, visit the Menlo College Giving Page. 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.
