Menlo College Welcomes Simone Stolzoff, Author and Work-Life Thought Leader, as 2025 Commencement Speaker Posted on April 19, 2025April 19, 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 Drawing on his background in journalism and design thinking, Stolzoff challenges outdated workplace norms and advocates for more sustainable, human-centered definitions of success.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.
Saint Michael Trio Appointed to Artistic Residency at Menlo College Posted on August 22, 2023January 27, 2025 by Tess Rewick The Saint Michael Trio has been named Artists in Residence at Menlo College, President Steven Weiner announced today. The appointment, initially to last for a period of five years, establishes a slate of new musical offerings for the Menlo College community and beyond. Established in 2007, the Saint Michael Trio (www.saintmichaeltrio.org) is considered California’s premiere piano trio. Though branded as a trio, the ensemble draws on the talents of multiple musicians, principally including violinists Daniel Cher and Robin Sharp, cellist Michel Flexer, and pianist Russell Hancock. In every combination, the ensemble is praised for their vivid interpretations of the classic chamber literature and hailed for the way they make their concerts accessible and informative. They also perform jazz and lighter fare. Their recordings have won accolades in the national press, and are heard on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Amazon, and FM stations nation-wide. President Weiner observed how the appointment marks a return engagement for the Trio. “Saint Michael cut its teeth at Menlo College in 2008 and quickly outgrew the auditorium. Now, after their many travels, they feel a particular nostalgia for the intimate musical experiences our campus can provide.” Though classically trained and highly experienced on the concert stage, three of the members hail from the private sector. Violinist Daniel Cher is a medical doctor who leads clinical trials and regulatory affairs for breakthrough medical devices; cellist Michel Flexer is a software architect and entrepreneur, most recently the founder of Duck Duck Moose (a subsidiary of Khan Academy); and pianist Russell Hancock is president and CEO of Joint Venture Silicon Valley, an influential group of business and government leaders tackling regional issues. The group’s final member, violinist Robin Sharp, is on the music faculty at Stanford University. “All of these musicians model the success and multi-dimensionality we intend for our graduates,” continued President Weiner. “They bring an enterprise approach to their music-making, and they will add significantly to the intellectual life of the College.” In addition to regular campus concerts, the Trio will conduct master classes, hold open rehearsals, and offer collaborative performance opportunities. They will also present “informances” (programs featuring commentary and demonstrations of compositional techniques), a format they made popular during their first appointment at the College. “Saint Mike began its musical life on this campus, and we’re excited to return,” said Russell Hancock, speaking for the Trio. “We’re especially pleased to do it in an environment where artistic excellence and business achievement are viewed as complementary and mutually reinforcing.” The Trio’s appointment is effective as of August 1, and their kick-off concert will take place September 30, 2023 in Florence Moore Auditorium on the Menlo College campus. Read more: Empowering Student Voices: A Q&A with Dean Melissa Michelson Opening with Artistry: Menlo College Reopens Campus with a New Sculpture Donation See more Menlo College Events! About Menlo College Menlo College was established in 1927. It is a small, private, non-profit, undergraduate and graduate, accredited, residential college located in Atherton, California, designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American, Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), a dual designation achieved by only 1% of all colleges and universities. 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 the Saint Michael Trio The Saint Michael Trio is Silicon Valley’s update to the chamber music scene, making the form fresh and accessible for the rising generation.
