Menlo College Energizes Students’ Professional Journeys at Career Connect Day 2023 Posted on April 24, 2023April 15, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College students were able to learn about ways to pursue potential career paths and make connections for their futures as Menlo College hosted another Career Connect Day on April 4, 2023. More than 300 students and 13 alumni registered for the event, organized by Menlo College’s Office of Internships and Career Services. “We were excited to continue the tradition of Career Connect Day, an event packed with opportunities for Menlo students to expand their understanding of the opportunities available and make connections with alumni and industry leaders who share valuable nuggets about their career journeys to help inform students’ own career searches,” Executive Director of Internships and Career Services Jocylen Ashton said. “It was great to see the students engage and the energy as they spoke with alumni, the presenters, and employers.” Expert panelists, including Menlo College alumni, spoke in five morning breakout sessions highlighting careers in psychology, nonprofit organizations, sports, and sustainability, along with ways to utilize the Meaningful Work Kit. “The speakers were very engaging,” Yamini Prasad ‘24, who attended The Business of Sustainability session, said. “I learned more about the different areas within sustainability and their advice for college students interested in this field was the most useful to me.” Attendees were also able to take advantage of the annual Career Fair featuring employers spanning a variety of industries as students search for internships and full-time opportunities for life after graduation. “I made tons of connections at Career Connect Day, some of whom I have already moved forward in the internship process with,” Thomas Depontes ‘24 said. “I think these connections will help to get me a jump start into my desired career path.” Keynote Speakers Teach Students and Alumni about Using Tech in Job Searches During the breakfast Keynote Speech, attendees learned from Jeremy Schifeling, LinkedIn’s former Education leader and one of the founders of The LinkedIn Guys – a powerful, leading tool to use for personal branding as well as building up network connections. “Menlo College is THE hidden gem of Silicon Valley!” Schifeling wrote on LinkedIn after the event. “Such a powerhouse in opening opportunity to all. Big props to Jocylen Ashton and the whole Menlo team!” At lunch, students heard from Michael Watson, head of Global Customer Evangelism at Eightfold.ai, about navigating the job market in the age of artificial intelligence, and how HR professionals use cutting-edge technologies in their talent acquisition work. “Throughout the day, I learned how easy it is to connect with people in the industry that you want to pursue,” Thomas Depontes ‘24 said. “You also see how much they love to share about their experience and give you tips for you to get in like they did.” Office of Internships & Career Services Continues to Help Students Succeed Career Connect Day is one of many resources the Office of Internships & Career Services offers students to provide unique opportunities to envision and pursue their professional goals. Those efforts contributed to Menlo College’s Outstanding College Work Experience & Internship Award from the California Internship & Work Experience Association in 2019. This award in part recognizes Menlo’s flagship student internship program that provides students with the opportunity to gain on-the-job training experiences while also offering the chance for self-reflection on future career choices. With initiatives like Career Connect Day and the student internship program, the Office of Internships & Career Services has recently propelled more than 75% of Menlo College students to employment or graduate programs within six months of their graduation. “We know that, for our students to be successful, we must help them determine what careers are available, what their interests are, and what skills they have or need to develop,” Ashton said. “Our flagship internship program gives students the chance to gain practical knowledge, develop networks, and allows them an opportunity to explore what they like and do not like about certain careers. Getting students market ready with a focus on matching interest to skills with experiential education helps them come out on top in their job search post-graduation.” 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.
Empowering Student Voices: A Q&A with Dean Melissa Michelson Posted on April 12, 2023January 27, 2025 by Kauahoa Hermosura As the Dean of Arts & Sciences at Menlo College, Professor Melissa Michelson seeks out new ways to involve students in the administration of Menlo College. Read on to learn more about her recent initiative where students participated on faculty hiring committees, as well as other ways she empowers students on and off campus. You have an upcoming presentation entitled “Nothing About Us Without Us: Empowering Student Voices” at the 2023 WSCUC Senior College and University Commission Accreditation Resource Conference – ARC2023. What was the inspiration behind your presentation? When I was a college student, I sometimes got the feeling that campus administrators didn’t care what students thought and that they slowed down decision processes to wait students out. In other words, if students were asking for something, administrators could wait until the summer, or for graduation, to avoid giving students more of a voice. When I went to the WSCUC meeting last year I was reminded of that sentiment when I heard a student representative use the phrase “Nothing about us, without us.” I came back to Menlo determined to make sure I was always giving students a voice, even if it was on behalf of future students. What are some examples of ways that student voices are being incorporated into academic planning in Arts & Sciences and the General Education curricula that fall under your purview? The major ways in which I’ve incorporated this as Dean of Arts & Sciences include hiring a student assistant who is my liaison to student perspectives, asking students in the classes I teach to weigh in on issues I’m making decisions about as dean, and including students in committees and task forces. For example, in the faculty searches conducted this year, I asked faculty to always include a student as a voting member. These students reviewed applications and participated in interviews and decisions of those hiring committees. Most recently, I asked a student (Diana Guardado ‘23) to join a planning meeting for gathering information about our Hispanic students and Asian American/Native American/Pacific Islander students to help determine what might enhance their ability to succeed at Menlo College. “As a student representative [on the faculty hiring committee], I had the privilege of sharing my perspective and advocating for what we value in a professor. Alongside faculty members, I participated in multiple interview rounds and asked questions about the candidates’ professional background and teaching methodology. Additionally, I was invited to observe a teaching presentation, which provided further insight into the candidates’ instructional approach. After thoroughly evaluating each candidate, I provided my individual opinion from a student’s perspective. I am grateful to Menlo College for giving students a way to voice their opinions and contribute to important decisions. I highly recommend that other students take advantage of similar opportunities, such as attending teaching presentations, to ensure that their voices are heard. Ultimately, it is the students who benefit most from quality teaching, and we should take every opportunity to advocate for the best education possible.” – Mali Korn ‘25 In your classroom, how does empowering student voices tie into your political science teachings? The thing about political science is that, while there are some facts that I want to ensure students take away from my classes, there are also unsettled debates. It’s not like math, for example, where 2+2 is always 4. There are always multiple perspectives and multiple players, and in every instance, there are students who agree with those different perspectives. This semester, I’m teaching Civil Liberties and we’re discussing cases about freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the Second Amendment. The diversity of the student body at Menlo College is a huge strength in that it means a diversity of perspectives and opinions are represented in my class. Empowering students to voice their perspectives in discussing these cases makes the classes more vibrant and more effective. Students come away with a better understanding of the issues at play because they’ve heard their peers talk about them in their own voices. You are also active in the public sphere with your research. What are some ways you like to empower students through your research – such as Get out the Vote (GOTV), ALL IN Student Voting, and more? Why do you think it is important that students be involved in the political process? Doing research means recognizing what you don’t know. I know it’s important for everyone to vote and that many students don’t exercise that right, but I don’t know what it’s like to be a student in 2023, or why so many students don’t participate. Because students vote at lower rates than older Americans, they have less power to influence the issues. As the Chair of the Student Vote Research Network (SVRN), a national group I helped found, I’m hoping to generate best practices toward the goal of 100% student voting participation. That means putting student perspectives and experiences front and center so that we can find out what barriers they face and how they can be removed. Those might be logistical barriers like whether students have convenient access to the voting process, or sociocultural barriers such as ensuring that they appreciate the power of their vote and believe that voting will make a difference. Students should vote because voting is power to shape the future. Local issues like pedestrian and bicycle safety, state issues related to housing affordability and food and housing insecurity, and federal issues such as federal student debt relief, access to reproductive care, gun control, climate change – it’s all decided by elected officials. In addition, you were also appointed to the Board of the American Council of Academic Deans. What do you hope to accomplish as a member of this board and how do you hope it will benefit Menlo College students? The American Council of Academic Deans serves multiple roles, but the one that drew me to the group is how it brings deans together to share common challenges and potential solutions. Instead of always reinventing the wheel, members can ask if other deans have had similar challenges, or what their approaches have been. Often these national organizations are dominated by larger schools, and by public institutions. I’m hoping as a board member that I can ensure those conversations more often involve small, private colleges like Menlo College. Menlo College can help other similar institutions learn from our experiences, and we can learn from theirs. Finally, what are some other upcoming projects in your area that you are excited to move forward? I’m working on a number of projects right now: One is about how college students serve as GOTV knowledge brokers, bringing information about how to register and vote back to their families and communities, especially first-generation students. Another is about how drag performers can increase voting participation. I’m also going to be leading sessions at the UC Berkeley Executive Leadership Academy Professional Development Retreat this summer on supporting LGBTQIA+ community. I’ve hosted the second annual SVRN Workshop in Chicago, where we heard updates on the research folks conducted in 2022 and what they have planned for 2023 and 2024. Finally, I’m wrapping up the first draft of my latest book about the Party at the Mailbox project and mobilizing Black voters with celebrations of community. 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: Menlo College’s Dean of Arts and Sciences Expands on Commitment to Engaging Student Voters ahead of 2022 Elections Immersing Yourself in Silicon Valley: Menlo College Students Gain Exposure in New Course Flexible Study Paths and Diversity Enrichment: Menlo College Announces New International Agreements with Other Institutions
Menlo College Career Connect Day 2023 is Officially Set for April 4 Posted on March 9, 2023April 15, 2025 by menlocollege Following the return of the in-person Career Connect Day in 2022, Menlo College’s annual event will continue the tradition of bridging students with industry with this year’s Career Connect Day on April 4, 2023. “Career Connect Day is for all Menlo College students, across all majors and interests,” said Executive Director of Internships and Career Services Jocylen Ashton. “This is a good opportunity for students to immerse themselves in self-understanding as it comes to their career. They will network with trusted alumni and learn from other industry experts on how they might prepare for their futures. Then, the Career Fair gives students the opportunity to apply what they learn as they connect with potential employers.” Exploring Emerging Fields and Developing Self-Understanding Students will have a chance to get in touch with experts from different industries and acquire important professional guidance. Morning panels sessions will be hosted by volunteers (some of whom are alumni), connecting across Menlo’s business and psychology degree programs. As they learn, students can iteratively evaluate the suitability of their majors and eventual career paths. This year’s breakfast Keynote Speaker is Jeremy Schifeling, one of the founders of LinkedIn Guys – a powerful, leading tool to use for personal branding as well as building up network connections. Offered by the Office of Internships and Career Services, Menlo students can register on LinkedIn Guys for free LinkedIn Masterclasses. LinkedIn is an auxiliary tool to use to charge a career search and increase exposure to recruiters. Career Connect Day Highlights the Office of Internships & Career Services’ Commitment to Student Success Career Connect Day is part of the Office of Internships & Career Services’ ongoing efforts to provide students with unique opportunities to envision and pursue their professional goals. Those efforts helped Menlo College earn the Outstanding College Work Experience & Internship Award from the California Internship & Work Experience Association in 2019. This award in part recognizes Menlo’s flagship student internship program that provides students with the opportunity to gain on-the-job training experiences while also offering the chance for self-reflection on future career choices. With initiatives like Career Connect Day and the student internship program, the Office of Internships & Career Services has recently propelled more than 75% of Menlo College students to employment or graduate programs within six months of their graduation. “Our Office aims to provide professional, comprehensive, and practical assistance to our students,” said Ashton. It contributes to Menlo College’s top college rankings by PayScale, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Menlo alumni can be found at countless elite companies like Google, Apple, LinkedIn, and more. Many also go on to start their own businesses. 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.
Flexible Study Paths and Diversity Enrichment: Menlo College Announces New International Agreements with Other Institutions Posted on December 13, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege 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. Read more: Menlo College Students Explore International Business in Inaugural Academic Global Immersion ProgramImmersing Yourself in Silicon Valley: Menlo College Students Gain Exposure in New CourseMenlo College and Silicon Valley Japan University Partnership 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.
Not Your Average Rankings: Job Placement and Personal Growth Lead to Newest Top College Rankings Posted on September 29, 2022January 27, 2025 by Chieri Abe 93% of 2021 graduates were either employed or in graduate school six months after graduation and nearly all of them indicated via survey they are at least “satisfied” in their roles. It is no surprise then that Menlo College continues to achieve top college rankings. By focusing on developing an entrepreneurial, growth mindset in each student, Menlo College continues to position them for their future careers and lifelong success. Forbes – Top 8.0% for low student debt, salaries, and future prospects Forbes selected 500 top colleges to examine among the 5,300 colleges and universities in the U.S. and this year, Menlo College is in the top 8.2% of them all. In their 2022 analysis, Forbes looked at: student debt, salaries after graduation, proven leadership and entrepreneurial success, and high graduation and retention rates. This top 8.0% ranking shows that Menlo College students receive strong financial aid and are educated to achieve lasting career growth, whether in a Fortune 500 company or by starting a business of their own. As a leading business school, Menlo College ensures that: 99% of students receive financial aid;Students are given a 360-degree academic support system while in college; and,All business students participate in a mandatory internship program #17 Most Diverse College – Niche.com Menlo College’s job placement results are even more remarkable when considering the make-up of the campus. Many students come to Menlo facing one or more inequities. Menlo’s unique diversity extends beyond any single definition of the term. Based on socioeconomic, geographic, and ethnic diversity, as well as overall tolerance on campus, Niche.com ranks Menlo College as the #17 most diverse college in America in their 2023 rankings – a top 1% ranking. With 99% of students receiving financial aid, 35% of whom are Pell Grant recipients and 31% of whom are first-generation college students, the College is committed to helping students overcome the inequities they may face to achieve academic and career success. Earlier this year, the Center for Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University also ranked Menlo in the top 8.0% of colleges in America for ROI among its low-income students. Menlo College ranks highly on ensuring Pell Grant recipient students achieve the same career results as their non-Pell Grant recipient peers. This ranking was calculated based on the average price of a degree, graduation rate, and future earnings for this group of students. The Financial Aid office at Menlo College works with all students to meet their financial needs to ensure they can attend Menlo College. With this support, students earn an affordable college degree that reflects a relevant, effective education. Learn more about Scholarships and Financial Aid at Menlo! Princeton Review – Nearly 15 Years as a Best in the West For the 13th year in a row, The Princeton Review recognized Menlo College as a top business school and a “Best in the West.” The College’s commitment to a hands-on, leadership-oriented education contributes to the success of its students after graduation. Faculty members with real-world experience are also highly involved as leaders in academic projects, advisors in student clubs, and lifelong mentors of alumni. In its ranking of the College as a “Best in The West,” The Princeton Review commended Menlo College for its real world grounding. The organization is impressed that “professors [at Menlo] have worked in the field they teach.” Having access to accomplished industry leaders, requiring an internship for its business students, and providing relevant curriculum results in “students [who] are driven and have at least one or more leadership positions.” Not Your Average Rankings: Focus on Student Success Drives Results “Menlo College is proud of these latest rankings. They underscore our focus on the success of each of our students,” Menlo College President Steven Weiner said. “Our opportunity is to help young people understand the world in which we exist and to offer them guidance as they develop the insight and confidence to imagine the world of the future.” “I’m continuously trying to work hard and be a strong representative for Menlo,” Nick Camacho ‘23, Accounting major, Men’s Wrestling Team Captain said. “I’m really glad that I was able to get an internship and Menlo has such strong connections. Post-Menlo, I’m looking forward to working with Ernst & Young in a full-time role. I am really proud of my journey here. Ready to apply to Menlo College? Click here! These rankings add to Menlo’s current standing as: A Five-Star Champions of Character Institution by the NAIA.#45 in the World for Executive Positions at the World’s Largest Companies#11 in Academic Stewardship by Academic Influence Learn more about Menlo’s recognition for focusing on student success: All of Menlo College’s Recent Rankings and ReviewsFour New Top College Rankings: Menlo College Students See ROIHigh ROI for Menlo Students: New Top College RankingsMenlo College Designated as a Minority Serving Institution About Menlo CollegeMenlo 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.
A Message from President Steven Weiner: Launching the 2022-23 Academic Year Posted on September 2, 2022January 27, 2025 by Kauahoa Hermosura Our mission: At Menlo College, we ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy. I am very pleased to extend my welcome to all members of the Menlo College community as we start the 2022-23 academic year at Menlo College. Over the course of these last few days, I have been touched by the joy and enthusiasm of incoming and returning students alike. It promises to be a great year, and I write to share some of the reasons I’m convinced it will be so. Students As our pandemic recovery continues, we’re also celebrating one of the largest entering classes we’ve ever had at Menlo College. Our students come from far and wide, representing 36 countries and 26 states. And our campus continues its trend towards reflecting even more examples of diversity. In addition to geographic diversity, our community includes students of many different racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, gender, and economic backgrounds, as well as students with disabilities. More than one-third of our students are the first in their family to attend college. I recognize that some of our students are overcoming significant obstacles to pursue their college education at Menlo. Our community is committed to every student’s success. With this in mind, I encourage everyone to remember that our diversity is one of the great strengths of Menlo College. In a time when it seems the world is increasingly running toward polar opposites, Menlo gives us all the opportunity to learn the facts, engage in productive debate across diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, and most importantly, be considerate of one another. Each of us has an important role to play in our community. If you ever are in need of assistance, reach out to a trusted friend or colleague — we are all here to connect to, and support one another. Academics We’re continuing to refine our academic programs as a part of the ongoing implementation of our strategic plan. Our exploration of the addition of graduate program offerings in Information Systems and Sports Psychology also continues. Our faculty will continue to produce academic scholarship of note, and students will once again have opportunities to engage with faculty on their own independent research projects. In our classes, students will gain a broad worldview and learn practical skills, all while considering immediate and lasting implications. Students will learn how to give voice to their unique perspectives and make important differences on campus and beyond. The campus will once again have students lead the charge to promote innovation here at Menlo, as participants in a program in which they serve as University Innovation Fellows (UIF) and collaborate with UIFs at colleges and universities around the world. Students will also apply their learnings and use their skills as they intern at marquee billion-dollar companies and at fledgling new ventures; they will launch start-ups of their own and secure jobs — and many will obtain those job offers well before graduation. Menlo education in hand, our eventual graduates are guaranteed to impact both more established and emerging ecosystems, as well as those around them. Athletics In Menlo Athletics, men’s and women’s tennis has launched as our newest varsity teams, bringing us to a total of 18 varsity teams. Given the caliber of our student-athletes and our coaching staff, I’m confident that the Oaks will be represented at nationals once again this academic year. Our entire campus will benefit from the character and team-building work our Athletics staff imbue in our student-athletes. Campus Events Amid the day-to-day of classes, club activities, and competitions, other campus events to anticipate this year include: The third annual Silicon Valley Sculpture exhibit, our OAKtoberFest celebration, the return of our annual lūʻau, and entrepreneurial programs such as TEDxMenloCollege and Techstars Startup Weekend. Please plan to participate. Summary Over the course of the last few days, we’ve been welcoming new students, new faculty, and new staff. We’re also launching new programs, and (very soon) a new building. I expect the fencing that surrounds the John Arrillaga Sr. Residence Hall to come down in the next few weeks, and all indications are that we’ll be granted our occupancy permit and students will be able to move in sometime in September. The Menlo College community can look back on 95 years of ever-improving success, exemplified by the stand-out achievements of our alumni and the continued investments from those who believe in the Menlo College education. I look forward to the many ways in which all of you will contribute to making 2022-23 even better than those that came before. Together, we make Menlo the best educational experience and we all commit to this every day — today, tomorrow, and in the years to come. As we start the year I have already seen many new faces on campus. I encourage each of you to engage, connect, and make your presence known. Be proud to be part of the Menlo community – a place to gain experiences and connections that will be invaluable to you as you carve out your path in life. Thank you for being an Oak. My best wishes to all of you for the coming year. Now and evermore: Go Oaks! Steven WeinerPresidentMenlo College
2021-2022 Year in Review: Menlo College Students Place at Case Competitions and Present Research Posted on July 12, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Menlo College students earned second place in a case competition this year, further distinguished themselves elsewhere, and presented their research findings at conferences. “Much as the College continues to climb through College rankings, our students are evermore making an immediate impact in academia and beyond.” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. “With support from faculty and the broader community, our students are clearly demonstrating their readiness to lead on the frontiers of industry as well as expand our understanding of critical issues.” Student Team Places Second at 2022 UNM Anderson Global Scaling Challenge Menlo students Basil Merk ’23, Calle Helmertz ’22, and Dennis Vanin ’24 won second place at the 2022 UNM Anderson Global Scaling Challenge this past April in New Mexico. They participated as one of 24 colleges and universities to devise business growth strategies for three space-tech companies. The teams presented their findings to a panel of judges, including the companies’ executives. Vanin described the techniques they used as strategies that highlight “different variables including analyzing and evaluating the company’s current offerings, and implementing a marketing and fundraising strategy. We also proposed possible pathways to acquire talent and how to achieve higher success with diverse staffing.” Faculty advisors Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship Fabian Eggers, Professor Emeritus of Management and Innovation Bruce Paton, and Dean of the School of Business and Professor Mouwafac Sidaoui provided important mentorship and support. Learn more about Menlo’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Major! Menlo Real Estate Students Compete at the NAIOP SV University Challenge NAIOP’s – a Commercial Real Estate Development Association – Silicon Valley Chapter held the Inaugural University Challenge Case Study Competition this last academic year. Representing Menlo College was Wiley Gross ’22, Van Wolfgang Lachance ’23, and team captain Michaela Haynes ’22, with the guidance of Team Advisor and The Real Estate Center (TREC) Director Dr. Margaret McFarland. In just three weeks, the students underwent an intensive education in commercial real estate development as they created proposals for a new project in Sunnyvale’s Moffett Park. The team’s final report, PowerPoint, and resumes can be found on the SV NAIOP website. Although the team did not take home the Silicon Valley Sledgehammer this year, these hard-working students impressed hundreds of CRE professionals with their presentation. They also showcased the professionalism and ambition that characterizes Menlo College as a top business school. Learn about Menlo’s Real Estate Major! Menlo Competes in the Annual CFA Institute Research Challenge From September 2021 through February 2022, Menlo College’s team members Fredrik Ingul ’22 (team lead), Christian Ingul ’22, Wendy Mouat ’22, and Cheryl Singh ’22 competed in the annual 2022 Northern California CFA Research Challenge. Under the guidance of Associate Professor of Finance Manish Tewari and CFA San Francisco Society mentor Edmund Neo, the group collaborated to analyze the equity value of PayPal using techniques employed by professionals on Wall Street. With their own rigorous research, the team’s goal was to convince a panel of judges that PayPal’s stock price is currently undervalued and poses an excellent BUY opportunity for investors. The Menlo team gave a compelling presentation, as well as a thorough valuation report, earning praise from the judges. Though intense, the competition was a great learning experience for the students, having been thrown into the deep end in the world of equity research. Learn more about Menlo’s Finance Major! Students Present Research at the Alpha Chi National Honor Convention Alpha Chi members Christian Ingul ’22 and Fredrik Ingul ’22, with the support of Dean of the School of Business Mouwafac Sidaoui, submitted their paper “Psychological Distress on College Students During COVID-19” to the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society conference. Accepted for presentation in March, they showcased their research that evaluated which areas of higher education are most impacted by the pandemic and offered insights on the student psyche as colleges reopen. The Ingul brothers’ presentation was the event’s centerpiece at the Austin, Texas convention, as they were also invited to speak on Menlo’s Alpha Chi chapter’s community engagement. A preview of their speech is currently featured on LinkedIn. The brothers also had the opportunity to present their findings on campus through a Bowman Library Research Colloquium. Alpha Chi is an academic honor society limited to the top 10% of junior and senior students of chapter colleges and universities in the US. Learn more about Menlo’s Business Analytics Major! Learn more about academic achievement at Menlo: 2021-22 Year in Review: Menlo College Students Celebrated with Scholarships and RecognitionBianca Neme-Barros ‘21 Named FEISV Scholarship WinnerMenlo College Students Explore International Business in Inaugural Academic Global Immersion ProgramFour Student Innovators Named to Stanford’s University Innovation Fellows Program
2021-22 Year in Review: Menlo College Students Celebrated with Scholarships and Recognition Posted on June 29, 2022January 27, 2025 by menlocollege Throughout the first year back on campus since the start of the pandemic, students clearly made their mark representing Menlo College. Supported by faculty, staff, and alumni, Menlo College students earned prestigious scholarships and recognition from various organizations. “These students are highly deserving of all of the recognition bestowed upon them. The entire community can be inspired by their recognition, and I am thankful for the continued support our alumni, faculty, and staff show for the next generation of industry leaders,” said Menlo College President Steven Weiner. Five Oaks join Financial Executives International Advisory Board This year, two Menlo College juniors Khalid Shatrat ’23 and Margaux Theol ’23 (pictured above) were each named winners of the 2022 Financial Executives International Silicon Valley (FEISV) scholarship. The Silicon Valley chapter of FEI awards scholarships to approximately a dozen outstanding students in Finance and Accounting from Bay Area colleges. Through a competitive selection process, the scholarship candidates were vetted by FEISV’s faculty and administrative contacts. Menlo College finance and accounting faculty facilitated the scholarship selection process, and former Menlo trustee and alumnus Harry Kellogg ’63 sponsored the scholarships for Menlo College students. Samuele Mian ’22, Mary Felienne Rose Dante ’23, and Jake Tranter ’23 were also nominated for the scholarship. All finalists received an invitation to join the FEI Rising Stars Advisory Board and are eligible to join FEISV as complementary undergraduate members. Learn more about Menlo’s Finance Major! Four Oaks earn CalCPA Scholarships During the CalCPA Awards Night in December 2021, four Menlo students were honored with CalCPA scholarships. Congratulations to (from clockwise, top left) Nick Camacho ‘22, Anjelie Jen Reveche ‘23, Khalid Shatrat ‘23, and Stina Svanlund ‘21! CalCPA is a professional association dedicated to bringing together, and providing continuing education for, certified professional accountants in California. Learn more about Menlo’s Accounting Major! Menlo College Names Fifth Annual Cohort to Stanford’s UIF program This year’s Menlo College University Innovation Fellows cohort of student innovators was represented by Chara Higaki ‘22, Lina Lakoczky-Torres ‘22, Andrea Restrepo ‘23, and Bryan Zaremba ‘23. The UIF group aimed to deepen the connections within the student body, enhance the attractiveness of clubs and events, and foster professional development opportunities for all students. This is the fifth year Menlo has participated in the program, run by Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design. Guided by Professor Emeritus of Management and Innovation Bruce Paton and VP of Student Success and Strategic Planning Angela Schmiede, former fellows launched the Innovation Center, led three TechStars Startup Weekends, and organized the first-ever TEDxMenloCollege event. “I have seen just how these student innovators have created important change at our school,” Professor Paton said. “It’s a privilege to support them and a credit to the work we do in the entrepreneurship and innovation major at Menlo College.” Learn more about the UIF program from Lina’s episode of Menlo Faces or read the article on menlo.edu! First-to-Go College Student Celebrated Rita Abdel-Malek ‘22 was featured as a PCF Scholar at The Peninsula College Fund’s “Empowering a New Generation of Leaders” annual fundraiser. The event is held to support first-generation college students from low income households, and this year honored Rita for her college journey as a PCF Scholar. Rita has amplified community voices with policy making and activism throughout her academic career. She secured three internships, including one in Congresswoman Jackie Speier’s office and one working as Chief of Staff for the Democratic Congressional Campaign for Greg Tanaka. Rita is well-positioned for opportunities after graduation with long-term goals to work in a congressional office as a legislative aide and run for County Board Supervisor in the Bay Area. Find out more about Menlo’s required Internship Program! Learn more about academic achievement at Menlo: Bianca Neme-Barros ‘21 Named FEISV Scholarship WinnerMenlo College Students Explore International Business in Inaugural Academic Global Immersion ProgramFour Student Innovators Named to Stanford’s University Innovation Fellows Program
