Menlo College Announces Christoph Burkhardt as 98th Commencement Speaker Posted on February 12, 2026February 27, 2026 by Miranda Canniff Atherton, Calif. — Menlo College is pleased to announce that Christoph Burkhardt — five-time author, serial founder, and trusted strategic advisor to Fortune 500 companies — will deliver the keynote address at the College’s 98th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Burkhardt’s selection comes at a pivotal moment for the Class of 2026, as artificial intelligence reshapes nearly every industry graduates are preparing to enter. His most recent book, Don’t Be a Robot: Seven Survival Strategies for the Age of Artificial Intelligence, speaks directly to the anxieties and opportunities facing today’s emerging professionals, offering a human-centered roadmap for relevance, adaptability, and leadership in an AI-driven economy. “At a time when AI is top of mind for students, educators, and employers alike, Christoph Burkhardt brings clarity, credibility, and urgency to the conversation,” said Steven Weiner, President of Menlo College. “His work reminds us that while intelligence may be scalable, judgment, creativity, courage, and values remain profoundly human, and deeply employable.” Based in San Francisco for more than a decade, Burkhardt has built a career at the intersection of academic rigor and entrepreneurial execution. He has coached more than 300 startup teams and served as global CEO of a health-tech company, leading a team of 90 through a high-pressure international product launch. His insights have made him a sought-after advisor to global organizations including BMW, Pfizer, SAP, Allianz, and Aldi. A graduate with distinction from the London School of Economics, where his master’s thesis was produced in partnership with Google, Burkhardt is also a regular faculty member and guest lecturer at leading institutions such as Stanford University, ETH Zurich, the University of St. Gallen, and LMU Munich. Named one of Europe’s Top 100 Speakers, he is widely recognized for cutting through AI hype to focus on what actually drives sustainable innovation and human impact. As Menlo College celebrates its graduates and their readiness to lead in a rapidly changing world, Burkhardt’s message underscores a central truth: the future of work will belong not to robots, but to humans who know how to work alongside them—thoughtfully, ethically, and boldly. 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 three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, 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. Media Contact: pr@menlo.edu
Menlo College Students Gain Global Business Insight Through Academic Global Immersion Program in the UAE Posted on January 27, 2026February 27, 2026 by menlocollege Atherton, CA – January 27, 2026 – Students from Menlo College recently returned from an intensive international learning experience as part of the College’s Academic Global Immersion (AGI) program, a short-term study abroad course designed to prepare students for leadership in an increasingly interconnected global economy. Held from January 3-18, the program took students to the United Arab Emirates, with immersive academic and professional experiences across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Guided by Menlo College Business School faculty, the AGI program blends classroom instruction with hands-on engagement in global business environments. Students explored key topics such as entrepreneurship, innovation, analytics, and financial technology while visiting global companies and engaging directly with leaders from the private, public, academic, and government sectors. The structure allowed students to connect theory with practice while gaining firsthand exposure to international market dynamics. A major highlight of the program was an official reception in Abu Dhabi, during which the student delegation met with His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. He underscored the UAE’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of sustainable development and commended Menlo College’s AGI program as a forward-looking model that integrates academic knowledge with real-world application. Group photo at DP World after a wonderful buffet catered by Emirates. For students, the meeting offered a powerful perspective on values-driven leadership. “My meeting with His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan reinforced a vital truth: leadership is not defined by status, but by a profound sense of responsibility to serve and a relentless commitment to creating meaningful impact,” said Menlo College student Ananyaa Vengurlekar, majoring in AI & Analytics. Reflecting on the broader global significance of the conversation, Menlo College student Kaiqi Yu, a Marketing major, added, “My conversation with His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan left a lasting impression: in an increasingly divided world, unity and shared humanity remain essential to building a better global future.” Throughout the program, students participated in site visits to leading institutions and companies spanning finance, technology, energy, and real estate. These collaborative experiences offered students practical insight into how global organizations operate within fast-growing markets. For many students, the opportunity to combine professional exposure with cultural immersion was especially impactful. “Dubai offered an unparalleled opportunity for cultural immersion alongside direct exposure to the international business landscape,” said Menlo College student Kenzie Finken who is majoring in Finance. “We were welcomed with exceptional hospitality and had the rare chance to engage with industry leaders who generously shared their insights and answered our questions.” She added that she was especially inspired by the UAE’s innovative spirit, noting a palpable sense of ambition, creativity, and forward-thinking energy throughout the region. Kenzie Finken on the 73rd floor of the future Cavalli tower with DAMAC. Beyond business and academics, the AGI program allowed students to broaden their worldviews and build meaningful connections within the Gulf region. By combining rigorous academics and cross-cultural engagement, Menlo College’s Academic Global Immersion program continues to prepare students for success in today’s dynamic business landscape. Learn more about Menlo College’s Academic Global Immersion program. 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 three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, 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 Staff Strengthens Global Ties Through Historic China Visits Posted on January 26, 2026February 27, 2026 by menlocollege George Retelas (right) participating in the WWII Doolittle Raid artifact exchange in Quzhou, China. Retelas presented the original 1942 training footage from the USS Hornet Museum in exchange for a fragment of the B-25 aircraft that crashed in China. The American crew had to bail from their aircraft and were rescued by Chinese locals. Atherton, CA – January 26, 2026 – Menlo College continues to build meaningful international connections through the work of its faculty and staff, exemplified by Director of Media Marketing George Retelas and his recent trips to China in 2025. Through cultural exchange, historical preservation, and student engagement, Retelas’ efforts highlight Menlo’s commitment to global learning and cross-cultural collaboration. Retelas’ first trip took place in April 2025 as part of a cultural exchange between the USS Hornet Museum in the Bay Area and the Doolittle Raid Memorial Hall in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. The exchange commemorated the historic Doolittle Raid, a pivotal moment in China-U.S. wartime cooperation. Representing the American delegation, Retelas helped facilitate the exchange of historical artifacts and fostered relationships that preserved this shared history. “This exchange was about much more than artifacts,” Retelas said. “It was about honoring a shared history and building relationships that continue to matter today.” Accompanying Retelas on the trip was Menlo College student Mathias Durfee, who participated through an internship with the USS Hornet Museum, approved for credit by Menlo College’s Career Services Office. At Menlo, internships are a vital part of students’ education and career preparation, required for business majors and strongly encouraged for psychology majors. Durfee documented the cultural exchange through photography and video, providing a student perspective on the event. His work was later featured by NBC Bay Area. “Being part of this cultural exchange was an incredible experience,” said Durfee, a Marketing major. “It allowed me to apply what I’ve learned at Menlo in a real-world, international setting while documenting history that still resonates today.” Mathias Durfee capturing media coverage for the USS Hornet Museum of the historic exchange and event activities for his Menlo College internship. In December 2025, Retelas returned to China to continue the relationships formed during the initial exchange. He visited sites where American airmen parachuted into China and met with descendants of Chinese civilians who helped rescue and protect the pilots—honoring the bravery and compassion that defined the mission’s legacy. During the visit, Retelas connected with Menlo College students from China who were home for the holidays. China is the second most represented international country on Menlo’s campus, and international students make up nearly a quarter of the student body. These interactions reinforced the College’s welcoming, globally connected culture, ranked #7 Most Diverse Colleges in America by Niche. “Meeting with Mr. Retelas in China meant a great deal to me and my family,” said Ling Ding, a Psychology major from China. “It reminded me that even while studying far from home, Menlo truly cares about its international students and our cultural identities.” Yanxi Zhou, an AI & Analytics major from China, added: “I am extremely grateful there are people at Menlo College, like Mr. Retelas, who take the initiative to learn about my home country and its culture. That care eases my homesickness and makes me feel connected even from far away.” Looking ahead, Retelas will continue supporting Menlo’s international students on campus, including assisting with preparations for the upcoming Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) celebration in February. George Retelas’ international work reflects Menlo College’s mission to link education with real-world impact, offering students unique opportunities to explore history, culture, and global perspectives. 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 three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, 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 Showcases Leadership in AI and Innovation Through Faculty Thought Leadership and Cutting-Edge Programs Posted on November 30, 2025February 26, 2026 by Tess Rewick Atherton, CA — November 30, 2025 — Menlo College is accelerating its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven innovation through academic programs, faculty thought leadership, and the launch of the Institute of AI and Sustainability. The College is preparing students to tackle real‑world challenges at the intersection of technology, ethics, business, and even athletics. Institute of AI and SustainabilityIn August 2025, Menlo College launched the Institute of AI and Sustainability, a pioneering initiative designed to connect students, faculty, and industry leaders. The Institute focuses on ethical AI applications and sustainable innovation through two flagship programs hosted on campus: an annual Summer Accelerator and a year-round Innovation Conference Series. “Menlo College is committed to preparing students for a future shaped by AI,” said Sidaoui. “Through our programs, faculty expertise, and initiatives like the Institute of AI and Sustainability, we are equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to innovate responsibly and lead in the AI-driven economy.” The Institute’s inaugural event, “AI & Sustainability: Innovation for Impact,” took place on October 2, 2025, and featured a panel discussion with faculty and members of the Menlo College community. The conversation explored the question: “Can AI Save the Planet?” and highlighted how students and faculty are engaging with AI to address real-world sustainability challenges. Faculty & Staff Thought Leadership Driving the Conversation on AI Associate Professor Lisa Mendelman, PhD, who teaches English and Digital Humanities at Menlo, spoke at the IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society (ISTAS25) in September 2025, where she participated in a lunchtime roundtable titled “AI and the Power of the Written Word: A Godzilla or Gutenberg Impact?” Drawing on her expertise at the intersection of literature, mental health, and digital culture, Mendelman examined AI not merely as a tool, but as a cultural and ethical force reshaping how we write, read, and understand one another. Her thought leadership highlights the broader implications of AI for communication, creativity, and society. In addition, Assistant Director of Athletics for Non‑NCAA Sports Tim Ghormley represented Menlo College as a panelist at the FITOFAN AI Sport Forum, held during SF Tech Week. He joined industry founders and sports‑tech investors to explore how AI is transforming performance, training, athlete development and engagement. Further underscoring Menlo College’s growing leadership in AI-related scholarship, Assistant Professor Sonia Tahareh, PhD, who teaches AI & Analytics and Information Systems courses at Menlo, recently published a peer-reviewed research article examining how patients perceive AI-enabled diagnostic tools in healthcare. Her study, grounded in Behavioral Reasoning Theory and developed through a sequential mixed-methods design, identifies the key motivations and concerns that shape patient acceptance of AI in medical diagnosis. The research highlights the importance of trust, perceived accuracy, privacy, and the continued desire for human interaction, offering timely insights for healthcare leaders and policymakers working to integrate AI responsibly and effectively into medical practice. AI‑Enabled Recruitment StrategyThis recruiting season, Menlo’s Admissions Office is embracing advanced tools to better engage students and streamline outreach. The College will deploy CollegeVine’s AI Recruiter tool, a next‑generation platform that allows institutions to deliver hyper‑personalized outreach at scale and integrate with CRM systems to target students more effectively. By implementing this AI‑driven recruitment partner, Menlo is enabling its admissions counselors to spend more time on direct interactions with prospective students, while AI handles routine outreach and helps narrow the pool of high‑potential candidates. This approach ensures counselors can focus on the most meaningful connections without sacrificing efficiency. Learn more about Menlo College’s AI-focused programs: AI and Analytics Major, Master of Science in Information Systems, and Master of Science in Financial Technology, and discover how the Institute of AI and Sustainability is driving innovation and ethical leadership. Contact Information: For media inquiries, please 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 three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, 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.
New “Library Oakie” Sculpture Installed in Bowman Library Posted on November 25, 2025November 25, 2025 by menlocollege Atherton, CA — November 24, 2025 — Menlo College is proud to introduce a new addition to the Bowman Library: a handcrafted “Library Oakie” sculpture created by Youth of Suha Suha (YOS), a Bay Area high school art volunteer group led by Menlo instructor and artist Hae Lee Choi. Lee, whose artwork is also displayed in the Administration Building, approached Menlo with the idea of creating a sculptural version of Oakie, inspired by her group’s previous work on public art projects – including projects for the Santa Clara Fire Department. The students spent six months designing and building the piece before presenting it on campus last week. With Menlo College’s 100th anniversary approaching, the sculpture arrives at a meaningful moment. “Since May, our young artists have put their hearts into making Menlo’s Oakie,” said Hae Lee. “Most of my students come from tech-driven, academically competitive families. They’re brilliant and results-oriented, but that’s why projects like this matter so much. When students create something for someone else, they experience a different kind of joy, one you can’t measure with scores or outcomes. And once they feel the joy of giving, it becomes part of who they are.” Lee added that her students “loved creating Oakie and learning more about Menlo College,” noting that they’ve become “unofficial ambassadors” after sharing their experience with friends and family. “We hope Menlo students and faculty enjoy seeing Library Oakie and that it brings a smile whenever someone walks by,” she said. “I even hope it becomes an Insta hotspot for students.” The sculpture is now on display in the Bowman Library, where it welcomes visitors into a space filled with student creativity, community pride, and the Menlo-Oak spirit. Visit the Youth of Suha Suha website and Instagram page for more information about their history and work. 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 three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, 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.
Institute of AI & Sustainability at Menlo College Explores “Organizational Development in the Age of AI” Posted on November 6, 2025November 6, 2025 by menlocollege Atherton, CA — November 6, 2025 — Menlo College’s Institute of AI & Sustainability recently hosted an engaging event, “Organizational Development in the Age of AI,” bringing together over 70 professionals to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way organizations understand and build culture. The event featured keynote speaker Claudia Sundberg, whose groundbreaking presentation on Data Sourced Storytelling introduced attendees to an innovative Swedish approach transforming organizational development. This powerful, AI-driven methodology makes workplace culture measurable, actionable, and directly connected to business outcomes — revealing how culture drives engagement, results, and long-term success. The event also recognized the leadership, guidance, and support of VP for Academic Affairs and Dean Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, Dave Epstein, and Samuele Mian, whose strategic vision and collaboration continue to advance the Institute’s mission of connecting AI innovation with sustainable organizational practices. As AI continues to redefine the future of work, the Institute remains committed to convening thought leaders and practitioners to explore how technology can be harnessed to build stronger, more adaptive, and more human-centered organizations. Visit our website for more information about upcoming events and initiatives with the Institute of AI and Sustainability. 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 three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, 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 Named Among Best Sport Psychology Master’s Programs in the Nation Posted on November 5, 2025November 5, 2025 by menlocollege Atherton, CA — November 5, 2025 — Menlo College’s Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology (MASPP) has been named to Psychology Degree 411’s list of the Best Sport Psychology Master’s Programs for 2025. The list features top not-for-profit institutions that excel in providing accredited, high-quality education for future sport psychology professionals. Psychology Degree 411 evaluates programs based on accreditation status, tuition, delivery format, and credit requirements, helping prospective students make informed decisions about their education and career goals. “We’re proud to see our program highlighted for the strong foundation it provides students in performance psychology, counseling, and applied practice,” said Dr. Carolynn P. Hobbs, Director of the MASPP program. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students to excellence both in and out of the classroom.” Menlo College’s MASPP program prepares students to work with athletes, performers, and teams to enhance mental performance and well-being. With small class sizes, hands-on training, and faculty mentorship, students gain practical experience that sets them apart in the growing field of sport and performance psychology. The acknowledgement also honors the leadership of former Director Dr. Zackary Bryant and Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Melissa Michelson, whose continued support has strengthened the program’s reputation for academic rigor and student success. Visit Psychology Degree 411 to read the full article and learn more about our Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology (MASPP) program on our website. 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 three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, 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 Wins Handshake’s 2025 Career Spark Award for Second Consecutive Year Posted on November 4, 2025November 4, 2025 by menlocollege Atherton, CA – November 4, 2025 – Menlo College is proud to announce that its Office of Internships & Career Services (ICS) has once again been recognized with Handshake’s prestigious Career Spark Award, marking the College’s second consecutive year receiving this national honor. Handshake, the largest and most diverse early talent network in the United States, connects 75% of all U.S. college students through their school’s career centers with more than one million employers actively recruiting on the platform. Each year, the Career Spark Awards celebrate top-performing institutions for excellence in student engagement, employer engagement, and reporting and analytics. Out of more than 1,500 schools using Handshake, only 40 were selected in 2025 — and Menlo College is proud to be one of them. “We’re honored to receive this recognition for the second year in a row,” said LaShonda Kennedy, Executive Director of Career Services and Student Engagement. “It highlights our ongoing commitment to preparing Menlo students for career success through real-world experience, personalized guidance, and strong partnerships with employers.” The ICS team earned recognition for its innovative and student-centered approach to career readiness. Through required internships for all business majors, personalized advising, and signature programs like Career Connect Day, Menlo ensures every student has the opportunity to explore their professional interests, build industry connections, and gain practical experience before graduation. Elijah Valdeolivar, Associate Director of Employer Relations & Career Services, added, “Our Career Services team is committed to bridging meaningful connections between students and employers. We actively use Handshake to help students promote their skills, connect with opportunities, and support employers in finding top talent. This recognition reflects our ongoing dedication to enhance the employment experience for both our student and partner communities.” This back-to-back recognition places Menlo College among the top 2% of career centers nationwide using Handshake, underscoring its continued excellence in student engagement and employer collaboration. Learn more about Handshake’s Career Spark Awards and Menlo College’s Internships & Career Services. Media Inquiries For media inquiries, please 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 three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, 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. About Handshake Handshake’s mission is to democratize access to opportunity, and Handshake is the best place to start or accelerate a career—no connections, experience, or luck required. Our community includes 15 million+ students and young alumni from 1,500+ educational institutions, including four-year colleges, community colleges, boot camps, and 300+ minority-serving institutions. We connect emerging talent with 950K+ employers—from Fortune 500 companies to thousands of public school districts, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and more. Handshake is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Denver, New York, London, and Berlin and teammates working globally.
Menlo College’s Bowman Library Presents “Untitled” (L.A.) by Felix Gonzalez-Torres on Loan; Public Viewing Through January 2026 Posted on October 7, 2025February 26, 2026 by Tess Rewick Atherton, CA – 10/06/2025– Menlo College is honored to currently have on display a work by internationally recognized artist Felix González-Torres. His candy “spill” work “Untitled” (L.A.) of 1991 is installed in the Bowman Library through January 31, 2026. This iconic work is jointly owned by Art Bridges and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which have generously loaned the work to Menlo College. On 18 October 2025, from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, the public is encouraged to view the installation and participate in a series of activities celebrating the artwork and González-Torres. The events will take place in Bowman Library during this year’s OAKtoberFest, also on 18 October; OAKtoberFest is Menlo College’s largest annual event for students, alumni, families, and the community, featuring a day full of live music, food trucks, sports, competitions, and fun activities. “Untitled” (L.A.) made its debut in the library during an opening celebration of the exhibit on May 7, 2025, when students, faculty, staff and community members gathered to engage with the work. In addition to the 18 October celebration of González-Torres’s “Untitled” (L.A.), other programming includes a reception and panel discussion on 3 November 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and an open mic night on 29 January 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. These events allow for further engagement with the work by students (including students of the Menlo College Art Club and students in studio art and art appreciation courses), faculty and staff, and the broader community of the Bay Area. Art Bridges describes the work in the following way. As one of Felix González-Torres’s powerful candy-spill works, “Untitled” (L.A.) finds beauty in the everyday by transforming a bounty of green, cellophane-wrapped candies into a dazzling arrangement of color, form, and texture. Viewers are encouraged to take and taste the candy, activating the work in a way that suggests a wide range of profound meanings. The participation of each viewer creates a moment of engagement that is sensory and personal. The intimate nature and fluctuating structure of González-Torres’s candy works are often interpreted as being related to tragedy in the artist’s private life. “Untitled” (L.A.) was created in 1991, the same year that González-Torres’s beloved partner Ross Laycock lost his life due to an AIDS-related illness. The gradual depletion and replenishment of Gonzáles-Torres’s candy-spills has been seen as metaphoric, seeming to represent the deterioration of a human body ravaged by illness. At the same time, it can also be seen as a type of immortality generated through ritual remembrance and continual recreation. However, González-Torres avoided assigning explicit interpretations to his candy works, preferring them to remain available for all to experience in a personal way. The piece stands alongside other major works on Menlo’s 40-acre Silicon Valley campus, including Impact by Los Gatos-based sculptor David Middlebrook, a monumental outdoor sculpture combining a bronze canoe and a marble column that was commissioned by Menlo College alumnus David Irmer ’58. Impact was installed earlier this year. The College expanded its collection in recent years through initiatives like the Silicon Valley Sculpture exhibitions in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Many of the pieces from those exhibitions remain on display on the College’s campus, including works by Ruth Aizuss Migdal, Foon Sham, Antoinette Prien Schultze, Michael Kesselman, Richard Starks, Giuseppe Palumbo, Mark Knize, and Priyanka Rana. Collectively, they create lasting opportunities for reflection and connection. Other ongoing initiatives include opportunities for Menlo College professors of art and their students to exhibit their work on campus. By placing González-Torres’ installation in the Bowman Library, a space open to all Menlo College community members and the general public, Menlo offers students and other visitors a space where art, learning, and culture intersect. The OAKtoberFest celebration and appreciation event will celebrate “Untitled” (L.A.), while also affirming Menlo’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, creative campus environment as the College looks ahead to its Centennial in 2027. Artist: Felix González-TorresTitle: “Untitled” (L.A.)Date: 1991Medium: Green candies in clear wrappers, endless supplySize: Dimensions vary with installation, original dimensions: approximately 192 x 14 x 1.5 inchesOriginal weight: 50 lbsCredit line: Jointly owned by Art Bridges and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 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 three graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, 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.
City Year Bay Area, Menlo College Partner to Support AmeriCorps Members Posted on September 22, 2025February 26, 2026 by Tess Rewick CITY YEAR BAY AREA AND MENLO COLLEGE ANNOUNCE A NEW PARTNERSHIP TO SUPPORT AMERICORPS MEMBERS’ HIGHER EDUCATION GOALS Menlo College to Offer up to $34,000 in Annual Scholarships for City Year Bay Area Alumni San Jose, CA – September 22, 2025 – City Year Bay Area is proud to announce a new partnership with Menlo College aimed at supporting AmeriCorps members in pursuing their academic and professional goals following their year of service. Through this partnership, Menlo College will offer up to five eligible City Year applicants an annual scholarship of $32,000 toward tuition, along with waived application fees and the option to defer enrollment for those choosing to continue their service. For students planning to live on campus, an additional renewable $2,000 Housing Award will be granted upon receiving an admissions offer. “At City Year, we believe that a year of service should open doors,” said Luke Hostetter, Executive Director of City Year Bay Area. “This partnership with Menlo College reflects that belief and recognizes the value, dedication, and leadership our AmeriCorps members bring to communities—and to college campuses.” The $32,000 tuition scholarship is renewable in subsequent years, provided recipients maintain continuous enrollment and remain in good academic standing, according to Menlo College’s academic policies. “City Year alumni exemplify the kind of purposeful, service-driven leadership we value at Menlo,” said Maria Mendoza, Director of Admissions at Menlo College. “We recognize the resilience and dedication they bring, and we are honored to welcome them into our academic community.” This partnership builds on City Year’s growing network of higher education institutions that invest in the future of service alumni by making college more accessible and affordable. The benefits offered by Menlo College will help ease the financial burden of continuing education and support the transition from national service to career success. Learn more about the partnership here. Media Contact: pr@menlo.edu About City Year Bay Area Since 1994, more than 1,500 City Year Bay Area AmeriCorps members have served thousands of local students. Today, members provide whole-school and individualized support in schools throughout East San José and East Palo Alto. As tutors, mentors, and role models, City Year members help students build the relationships and skills needed for success in school and beyond. About Menlo CollegeLocated in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, Menlo College is a small, private, nonprofit institution founded in 1927 with a mission to “ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.” Menlo offers undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology, and a newly launched Master of Science in Financial Technology. With a student body that includes many first-generation college students, Menlo emphasizes experiential learning, requiring internships as part of the curriculum to ensure students graduate career-ready.
