Alexander Santillan Archives

Aaron Santillan ‘03 first joined the Menlo College community as an international student from Mexico and a member of the Men’s Basketball team. Throughout graduate school and his employment at VISA, over the decades Santillan has continued to engage with the College in important ways. Now, Menlo is honored to announce that he continues to strengthen his engagement by joining the Menlo College Board of Trustees.

“I’ve always seen Menlo as a ‘choose your adventure’ place. Students can take advantage of Menlo’s unique faculty-to-student ratio, its location in the heart of Silicon Valley, and a genuine commitment to the Students from everyone, starting with President Weiner,“ said Aaron.

2001-2002 Menlo College Men’s Basketball Team

Staying Connected to Menlo for More Than 20 Years

Since his time as a student, Aaron and his family have remained closely connected to the College. He and his wife, Eda Cano, are heartfelt supporters of Menlo College basketball, Santillan’s sport during his time as an Oak. Aaron and his family frequently attend home and away games, and generously make their home a welcoming place for the teams. As Aaron observed, “As a student, athletics provide discipline, competition, camaraderie, and lifelong friends.”

Aaron also provides guidance as a member of the advisory board for Menlo’s Academic Program in Finance. His valuable reflections on the needs and desires of the industry have led to refinements in Menlo’s curriculum in ways that help students secure internships and jobs.

Choosing Menlo for the Future Generation

Most recently, Santillan became a Menlo College parent, adding to his affinity for the College. His son Alexander (pictured above) joined the Class of 2025 in the fall, and is currently spending his Sophomore year in Japan.

“As a parent, I cannot ask for better. Alexander is not only encouraged to come up with lofty goals, he is encouraged and provided with the tools to pursue them while having faculty and friends that sincerely want him to succeed,” he said.

Santillan Represents the Best of Menlo; College Expands on DEI Commitment

“In many ways, Aaron is a model alumnus and ideal trustee,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. “With his valuable professional experience, his continuous service to our academic and athletic programs, and now as a parent to Alexander, Aaron brings broad and deep knowledge, as well as a vital perspective. His participation will undoubtedly ensure the College is prepared to guide our students to become even more successful as we approach our second century. This important appointment reflects how Menlo College continues to activate its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at all levels and across the community.”

After graduating from Menlo College in 2003, Aaron received a Master’s of Science (MS) degree in Information Systems from the University of San Francisco. And after a couple ventures, he joined VISA in 2006, beginning as a Pricing Analyst. Santillan now serves as Vice President / Head of US Interchange Pricing Strategy.

Eda and Aaron have two children: Alexander (19), who is currently attending Menlo College as a member of the class of 2025, and Luka (3), who attended his first Menlo Oaks’ basketball game at 4 weeks old!

Menlo College is pleased to announce new, flexible international study abroad programs, a dual-degree program, and a transfer program with other institutions! Starting in the fall of 2022, a short-term exchange (one semester to a year) and dual degree program developed by Menlo College and Centre d’Études Franco-Américain de Management (CEFAM) was officially launched. The upcoming exchange and 2+2 programs with Al Ain University (AAU) will begin in Spring 2023.

AAU is an AACSB accredited institution – a recognition afforded to only 5% of the world’s business schools.

France: Study Abroad Semester(s) or Earn Two Degrees in Four Years!

Through the agreement reached with CEFAM, students are eligible to either participate in a short-term exchange or the 3+1 dual-degree program:

Short-Term Exchange: The semester abroad program is built for students who are seeking a study abroad experience lasting one semester to a year. Students are also required to take a language course.
3+1 Dual-Degree Business Program: The 3+1 program is a transfer program tailored for students seeking to earn two degrees. After three years of study at the college of origin, students can transfer to the other for one academic year of study with a scholarship. After finishing a total of four years of college study, students receive diplomas from both CEFAM and Menlo College.

Ready to apply to Menlo? Click here!

United Arab Emirates: Study Abroad or Easily Transfer

In addition to France, students can also easily choose to go to or from the United Arab Emirates. Menlo College and AAU recently signed a cooperation agreement for short-term exchanges and a 2+2 transfer program:

Short-Term Exchange: After completing the first academic year, students of both sides can choose a semester or a year of exchange study and have their courses recognized at their home institution.
2+2 Transfer Business Program: The 2+2 program is a transfer program tailored for students from AAU. After completing two years of study, students can transfer to Menlo College. After finishing a total of four years of college study, students receive a diploma from Menlo College.

Did you know that in 2022-23, international students make up 22% of the student population at Menlo?

Why Study Abroad?

Menlo student Alexander Santillan ’25, who recently completed a semester in Japan, shared:

“My advice is to meet as many local students as possible. It is amazing to see their perspective and how they see the same issue differently and how they see the US from the outside. I can’t stress enough how much it has opened my perspective and opportunities here in Japan. I hope others can do the same and experience a new student life.”

“We see students’ strong desire to increase the flexibility of their studies, as well as their curiosity for global exploration,” said Chief Academic Officer, VP of Academic Affairs, and Dean of the School of Business Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui. “These programs are designed to provide them with a variety of options as well as further enhance Menlo’s nationwide lead in campus diversity.”

Ready to apply to Menlo? Click here!

Broadening Students’ Worldviews Through International Exchange Programs

Henry Miller once wrote in his book Big Sur and the Oranges of Hieronymus Bosch (1957): “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” The experience of studying abroad has various benefits and meanings for everyone, but the purpose is alike in all important essentials, the differences being of a minor nature: for something new, no matter for new people, new environment, or new life.

Menlo College has a mission to educate students for the 21st century, part of which includes cultivating in students a rich worldview. By encouraging the new generation to judge the world objectively, Menlo supports them by involving them in an environment filled with cultural differences. Students develop a broad vision to pursue innovative approaches to solving the world’s problems. As part of the effort for students to experience and celebrate diversified cultures, Menlo College has reached new agreements with CEFAM and AAU.

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.

Tag: Alexander Santillan

Aaron Santillan ’03 Joins the Board of Menlo College