Menlo College Excels in Global Scaling Challenge, Securing 2nd Place Posted on May 13, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College proudly secured 2nd place in the recent Global Scaling Challenge hosted by the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico on April 26-27, 2024. This competition provided a platform for student teams worldwide to address real-world scaling needs in an immersive online format. Participants, focused on consulting for three innovative space-tech startups, were tasked with devising strategies to propel their operations to a global scale. Menlo College’s team diligently crafted tailored recommendations, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and technological advancement within the space sector. Under the exceptional leadership of Professor Fabian Eggers, Menlo’s dedicated business students showcased remarkable talent and strategic acumen, maintaining the institution’s tradition of success in national competitions. Among 29+ competing universities globally, Menlo distinguished itself through innovative solutions and collaborative teamwork. Javier Banson (Finance Major), Chloe Schnepf (Marketing Major), Julius Stiemer (Finance Major), and Sabrina Yahi (Accounting Major) demonstrated exceptional leadership and ingenuity throughout the challenge, earning accolades for their remarkable achievements. Each student will receive approximately $820 in cash prizes from the Global Scaling Challenge committee. Reflecting on their experience, Chloe Schnepf stated, “The Global Scaling Challenge is a renowned international competition, and I’m ecstatic to have been given this opportunity! After countless hours of dedicated work and impassioned discussions, our team successfully achieved our objectives.” Julius Stiemer added, “What lingers most vividly in my mind is the spirited debates we engaged in and our unwavering unity in achieving our goals. Our team brilliantly secured second place in this global scaling challenge, showcasing our dedication and teamwork.” Menlo College extends its sincere congratulations to the winning team and expresses gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the success of the Global Scaling Challenge. About Menlo College Menlo College, established in 1927, is a small, private, non-profit, and accredited residential college located in Atherton, California. It offers four-year 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. Located in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative regions, Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.
Menlo College Wins NAIOP Silicon Valley University Challenge Posted on March 7, 2024January 27, 2025 by Kayla Stuart The Menlo Oaks team, composed of Charles Williams, Tracey Hatch, and Jayden Sanders, has clinched victory in the highly competitive NAIOP Silicon Valley University Challenge. Hosted annually by NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, this renowned Real Estate Competition attracts top talent from leading universities. This year, the Menlo Oaks rose to the occasion, emerging triumphant against formidable opponents from Stanford University, Santa Clara University, San Jose State University, and UC Berkeley. The NAIOP Silicon Valley University Challenge serves as a platform for undergraduate students to showcase their skills in real estate development. Teams are tasked with crafting innovative proposals for a selected piece of real estate and presenting them to a panel of judges. The fierce competition demands creativity, strategic thinking, and industry knowledge. The success of the Menlo Oaks team reflects the college’s commitment to providing students with opportunities for experiential learning and professional development in the field of real estate. Those interested in learning more about the real estate program at Menlo College are encouraged to contact the Office of Admission for further information. The Real Estate Symposium for 2024, hosted by The Real Estate Center (TREC) at Menlo College, is scheduled for March 13, 2024, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, with a reception to follow from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. This symposium promises to be an enriching event for industry professionals, students, and enthusiasts alike, offering insights into the latest trends and developments in the real estate sector. Our Menlo students’ victory will be commemorated on the prestigious NAIOP Silicon Valley University Challenge trophy, proudly displayed at Menlo College for the next year. As the reigning champions, the team looks forward to defending their title in the upcoming competition. Read more: Menlo College Joins Niche Direct Admissions Program for 2024 4 More Students Named University Innovation Fellows at Menlo College Menlo College Receives U.S. Department of Education Grant to Support International Education 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.” A residential college in the heart of Silicon Valley just outside San Francisco, Menlo College offers four-year undergraduate degrees in business and psychology and 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 Shines in Global Bloomberg Trading Challenge, Securing Prominent Rankings Posted on January 10, 2024January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College proudly announces its remarkable achievement in the annual Bloomberg Trading Challenge, attaining significant standings in a highly competitive global arena. This year’s competition saw Menlo College secure an impressive #3 position among North American competitors and a prestigious #7 rank globally, contending with 2,007 teams executing a total of 48,061 trades. Under the leadership of team captain Andrew Salamon ’24, accompanied by Javier Banson ’24, Karla Martinez ’25, and Jan Zuazo ’24, and guided by faculty advisors Manish Tewari and Faten Ben Bouheni, the Menlo College team showcased strategic aptitude and resilience throughout the rigorous competition. “The experience has been incredibly enriching, not just in terms of the financial knowledge gained, but also in seeing the power of a resilient and determined team working toward a common goal. The Bloomberg Trading Challenge was, without a doubt, a defining moment in my educational journey.” – Javier Banson ‘24 The Bloomberg Trading Competition, exclusively conducted within the Bloomberg Terminal, provided a platform for 2,000 teams to maneuver a virtual $1 million dollars across securities from the WLS Index. The competition imposed strict guidelines, including constraints on ETFs, short positions, leverage, and a cap on single-position investments, effectively evaluating the strategic agility and real-time decision-making capabilities of participating teams. Reflecting on the experience, team members acknowledged the challenges faced and highlighted their adaptability, collaboration, and dedication during market fluctuations. Despite varying levels of experience in trading, each member expressed gratitude for the peer support and the valuable insights gained during the competition. Menlo College’s outstanding performance in the Bloomberg Trading Challenge underscores the dedication and collaborative spirit of its students and faculty advisors. “Menlo College’s exceptional rankings in the 2023 Bloomberg Trading Challenge signify the excellence of our students and faculty in a competitive landscape. I congratulate the leadership of team captain Andrew Salamon ’24, and team members Javier Banson ’24, Karla Martinez ’25, and Jan Zuazo ’24, alongside faculty advisors Manish Tewari and Faten Ben Bouheni. Their dedication and collaboration in this rigorous competition exemplify Menlo’s innovation and tenacity. This accomplishment is a proud moment for our institution. It showcases our students’ ability to thrive in real-world challenges. Kudos to the team for their remarkable performance.” – Steven Weiner, Menlo College President Learn more about the Finance degree program at Menlo Read more: Menlo College Joins Niche Direct Admissions Program for 2024 4 More Students Named University Innovation Fellows at Menlo College Menlo College Receives U.S. Department of Education Grant to Support International Education 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.” A residential college in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology and master’s degrees in sport and performance psychology and information systems. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American, Native American and Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
2022-23 Year in Review: Menlo College Students Win at Academic Competitions; Earn Awards Posted on June 8, 2023January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Throughout the past academic year, with the unwavering support of faculty, staff, and alumni, the students of Menlo College showcased their talents in various renowned competitions. They left an indelible mark on experts and professionals across diverse academic and business disciplines. Menlo College students also attained prestigious scholarships as a result of their exceptional performances this year. #1 – Priscilla Perey Ratonel ‘25 wins Mathematics Prize at the Alpha Chi conference Under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Mathematics Jakob Kotas, Priscilla Perey Ratonel ‘25 was awarded the prestigious Joseph E. and Bessie Mae Pryor Prize in Mathematics at the Alpha Chi conference held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in April. Priscilla’s award-winning paper and presentation, titled “COVID Campus Simulation: Predicting and Modeling SIR Populations as Preventative Policies are Implemented Over Time,” stood out among hundreds of academic works presented by student members and alumni to multidisciplinary audiences of peers and faculty advisors. The Joseph E. and Bessie Mae Pryor Prize in Mathematics is one of only 30 discipline-specific prizes awarded during the annual Alpha Chi convention, celebrating excellence in scholarly and creative work. “It was a fulfilling experience to meet like-minded people and feel comfortably prepared that I was on par with some of the greatest students in the nation. … This recognition helped me realize that even though I am from a small school, the spirit, support, and opportunities for growth are no smaller than any other college.” – Priscilla Perey Ratonel ‘25 Apply to Menlo! #1 – Menlo College Student Team Wins First Place in the Global Scaling Challenge With the support of Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship Fabian Eggers, Paul Breuer ‘25, Mary Antonette Reyes ‘25, Anthea Weiland ‘25, and Bryan Zaremba ’23 won the 2023 Global Scaling Challenge and each won a scholarship. This prestigious competition was hosted by The University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management. The Menlo team competed against 35 teams comprising undergraduate and graduate students from 25 universities worldwide. Following last year’s team’s second-place finish, this year’s group’s success can be attributed to their exceptional consultancy services provided to three space-tech startups. Using their knowledge of AI and the space industry, the team conducted thorough research to evaluate the growth potential of each firm. They presented comprehensive scaling objectives encompassing marketing, product development, financing, and expansion strategies. “I am so grateful for this amazing learning experience, and would like to extend my thanks to our mentor, Fabian Eggers, who supported and trusted us throughout the competition. It has undoubtedly been the highlight of my year.” – Mary Antonette Reyes ’25 Learn more about Menlo’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Major! Jaccob Vargas ‘24 Named FEISV Scholarship Winner Veteran student and Accounting major Jaccob Vargas ‘24 has been named this year’s recipient of the Financial Executives International Silicon Valley (FEISV) scholarship. Supported by former trustee, Harry Kellogg ’63, the FEISV Scholarship is awarded to an accounting or finance student from the College each year. Juliette Charpentier ’24, Javier Manson ’24, Liam O’Hara ’24, Andrew Salomon ’24, and Vargas were this year’s five nominated Menlo College students, and all are invited to become members of the FEI Rising Stars program with other students from across the Bay Area. “[The quality of the student presentations] demonstrates the success of Menlo’s faculty and, ultimately, its students in cultivating the critical presentation and communication skills required to advance in business,” Bob Farkas, the FEISV Academic Relations Committee lead, wrote in his feedback to the College. Learn more about Menlo’s Accounting program! Four Oaks Participate in the NorCal Regional CFA Research Challenge Competition Menlo College’s team participated in the NorCal Regional CFA Research Challenge Competition in February. Under the instruction of Adjunct Professor Edmund Neo, Menlo College’s team composed of Samuele Mian ‘22, Zandanbal Arslankhuyag ‘22, Bryan Zaremba ‘23, and Andrez Dayap ‘23 submitted a valuation report that focused on Santa Clara-based technology firm AMD. The report was evaluated by a panel of equity analysts and portfolio managers from the investment sector. Despite not making it to the final round, the Menlo team’s research was highly appreciated by the judges and their coach. “Their recommendation to purchase AMD stock at $83.04 turned out to be a great investment decision as the stock price reached a high of $101.82 on March 23, 2023, resulting in a 23% gain. The competition demonstrates how equity research standards are elevated through such events, and Menlo team’s performance illustrates the importance of thorough research and critical thinking in investing.” – Professor Edmund Neo Learn more about Menlo’s Finance major! Four Oaks Compete in the NAIOP Silicon Valley Real Estate University Challenge Tristan Guerrero ‘22, Tracey Hatch ‘24, Carlos Becerril ‘26, and Enzo Cior ‘26 represented Menlo College and the Real Estate Club at the NAIOP Silicon Valley Real Estate University Challenge. With the leadership of Professor in Residence in Real Estate Sarahann Shapiro, they competed against Santa Clara University and San Jose State University. The team was tasked with “evaluating the site of a previously completed development project to devise a current ground-up development plan based on the current market environment. Learn more about Menlo’s Real Estate major! “The contributions and commitment of professors to our students make Menlo the exceptional place that it is. Our professors cultivate curiosity and passion in their students, who come from all backgrounds to study business and psychology. The fruits of their collaborations are demonstrated in this year’s outstanding achievements – across all our different majors. Congratulations to our students and their professors on all they have achieved this year,” said VP for Academic Affairs, Chief Academic Officer, and Dean School of Business Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui. 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. Read More: 2021-22 Year in Review: Menlo College Students Celebrated with Scholarships and Recognition 2021-22 Year in Review: Menlo College Students Place at Case Competitions and Present Research Student Success at Menlo College All of Menlo College’s Rankings and Reviews
