ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College honored the Class of 2026 during its 98th Commencement ceremony on May 16, when graduates were celebrated alongside family, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters for their academic achievements and personal growth.
Serving as Grand Marshal for the ceremony was Charles “Chop” Keenan III, who addressed graduates 60 years after earning his own Menlo College degree in 1966. “In my day we were preparing to enter the workforce, in your day, you’re preparing to reinvent it,” said Keenan.
The ceremony opened with a beautiful performance of the National Anthem by Menlo School student Vivian Sun, whose rendition set the tone for the celebration.
This year’s Commencement address was delivered by five-time author, serial founder, and trusted strategic advisor to Fortune 500 companies, Christoph Burkhardt, who challenged graduates to embrace the qualities that will distinguish them in a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence. Burkhardt encouraged students to think beyond traditional career paths and embrace innovation. “Your job will be to let go of the games we played in the past, and invent the new games,” said Burkhardt.
Menlo College President Steven Weiner reflected on the community students built during their time on campus and encouraged graduates to lean on one another as they face the challenges ahead. “Everyone will tell you that these are the years to find yourself,” said Weiner. “You’ve already done better than that, you’ve found each other.”
Valedictorian Marc Hegele spoke to the same theme, encouraging classmates to show gratitude, stay connected, and carry joy into the future. “We learned how to show up… for each other,” said Hegele.
Menlo College Student Government President Dheryl Guerrero-Sy reflected on the distinctive opportunity graduates had to learn and grow in Silicon Valley, and on their readiness for what comes next. “It’s on us now, and honestly, we’re ready,” said Guerrero-Sy. “We’re surrounded by millionaires, billionaires, startups, and the most creative minds out there. And we get to be a part of that too. We get to learn here, grow here, and now step into whatever comes next.
As the Class of 2026 crossed the stage and officially joined the Menlo College alumni community, the ceremony served as both a celebration of achievement and a reflection of the relationships and experiences that shaped their time on campus.
The College’s graduating class now moves forward into careers, graduate programs, entrepreneurship, public service, and other pursuits equipped with the values, perspectives, and skills that will continue to define their success long after graduation.
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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 and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
