Volunteerism and service are at the heart of the Menlo College community. 

Academic Achievers Give Back to the Community

This academic year, led by Accounting Professor Ruixue Du, Menlo relaunched its participation in the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. 

One of Menlo’s standout Accounting students, Moncerrat Barriga Villalobos ’22 undertook five training sessions followed by a VITA exam. After passing her exam, Moncerrat subsequently volunteered five Saturdays in a row to help prepare tax filings for low-income residents in San Mateo County.

“Participating in VITA was a wonderful experience and it was an honor to put my skills to use. I appreciated the opportunity to help these residents complete their tax filings while also honing my accounting skills,” said Moncerrat.

What’s more, Menlo College also relaunched its Alpha Chi program this year. The program is reserved for Menlo students who have secured a spot among the top 10% of academic performers in the College. After earning their place in the program, Alpha Chi participants then hosted students from local Sequoia High School to share the benefits of a college education with prospective students.

“This program helps high school students develop critical social skills and encourages their academic achievement,” Dean of the School of Business and Professor of Business Analytics Mouwafac Sidaoui related. “It helps them discover their sense of belonging in a college community and broadens their perspectives for future career and academic opportunities. Menlo College students have an important role to play in helping high school students envision themselves on their way to success.”

Supporting One Another on Campus

In addition to volunteerism with the local community through academics, Menlo formally launched its Community Refrigerator and Food Pantry in the 2021-22 academic year. Since then, in addition to the support from seed funding from the Menlo Park Rotary Foundation, the Basic Needs Task Force raises funds from those on campus as well as secures volunteers to go food shopping, to keep the provisions plenished.

“Our goal on the Basic Needs Task Force is to ensure that no one goes to class hungry,” said Student Government Association President and Basic Needs Task Force Chair Rasmia Shuman ’22. “Thanks to an amazing team of volunteers, the refrigerator and pantry are constantly replenished, keeping our community fed and strong. The team has plans to expand into other areas of identified need, like health and hygiene supplies, and professional clothing, too.”

Service to others is also reflected in alumni involvement on campus. For example, at the most recent Career Connect Day, a record number of more than 20 alumni volunteered to share their insights and wisdom into achieving professional success with current students.

“I was a full-tuition room and board scholarship student. I would never have had the opportunity for a successful career without the education, skills, knowledge I gained at Menlo. I never would’ve had this beautiful network of Menlo friends to get jobs from and give jobs to. I owe my career to Menlo College, and so what I owe, I pay back. … Being involved at Menlo post-graduation has enriched me in a million ways,” Frances Mann-Craik ’76 said.

Menlo Athletics Consistently Earn National Recognition in Volunteerism

The Menlo Athletics program is another area of the College that excels in volunteerism. For more than 10 years (with a pandemic interruption), Menlo Athletics was named a “Champions of Character” institution by the NAIA. Part of the recognition is due to the program’s dedication to service. For example, the Athletics Department runs a drive every year for a local organization to provide gifts for underserved youth in the San Francisco Bay Area. A complete list of recent activities by team is available on the Menlo Athletics website.

“Service is very important to Menlo Athletics. It is our aim that our student-athletes become leaders, and part of learning to be a leader is to be in service to others. It’s a cornerstone of athletic programming that reinforces the role athletics can play in molding the leaders of tomorrow,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management and Athletics Keith Spataro.

A History of Service at Menlo College

Beyond the volunteer programming embedded in the Menlo curricula, Menlo also serves as a physical host for various civic and cultural events. During election time, Menlo transforms into a community polling station. The College also co-hosts the annual sculpture show, bringing larger-than-life art from around the world to campus for the Bay Area to enjoy.

“Menlo’s mission is for its graduates to make meaningful contributions to the innovation economy. The students of today are interested in doing so, as well as creating a more just, equitable, and harmonious world. Their passion is reflected in the time and dedication they – and our whole community – put into serving those around them,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. 

Read more:

• Applying to Menlo College
• Opening with Artistry: Menlo College Reopens Campus with a New Sculpture Donation
• Menlo College Named NAIA Five Star Champions of Character Institution for 10th Consecutive Year

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.