OAKtoberFest 2025 On October 18, Menlo College’s largest annual event will bring together students, alumni, families, and the community for a day full of live music, food trucks, sports, competitions, and fun activities. Reconnect, explore campus, and celebrate with us. Register Now More Information Schedule of Events The Menlo College Campus Store will be open from 8:00am until 4:00pm Friday, October 17, 2025 TimeEventLocation 6:30 pmOaks Squad Men's and Women's Wrestling IntrasquadHaynes-Prim Pavilion 6:30 pmOaks Squad Men's and Women's Taekwondo IntrasquadHaynes-Prim Pavilion Saturday, October 18, 2025 TimeEventLocation 8:00 am - 10:15 amMen's and Women's Wrestling IntrasquadHaynes-Prim Pavilion 8:00 am - 9:45 amSoftball Alumni EventWunderlich Field 9:00 am - 11:00 amOaks Squad Men's and Women's Weightlifting ExhibitionSports Pavilion 9:00 am - 11:00 amTennis IntrasquadCartan Tennis Courts 10:00 am - 12:00 pmAlumni Brunch at the President's House - For Alumni and their guests onlyPresident's House Backyard 11:15 am - 12:00 pmAlumni Brunch Awards - Outstanding Oak, Volunteer Oak, Class of 1945 & 1955President's House Backyard 10:45 am - 12:00 pmWomen's Basketball Alumni GameHaynes-Prim Pavilion 11:00 am - 2:00 pmBaseball Intrasquad/AlumniCartan Baseball Field 11:00 am - 1:00 pmWomen's Soccer vs Fresno PacificWunderlich Field 11:30 am - 4:30 pmFood trucks open; beer and drinks availableMenlo Quad 12:00 pm - 1:15 pmLIVE music - POP FICTIONMenlo Quad Stage 12:30 pm - 1:45 pmMen's Basketball Alumni GameHaynes-Prim Pavilion 1:15 pm - 2:00 pmStudent PerformancesMenlo Quad Stage 2:00 pm - 3:15 pmLIVE music - POP FICTIONMenlo Quad Stage 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmMen's Soccer vs Fresno PacificWunderlich Field 2:45 pm - 4:15 pmMen's Volleyball Intrasquad/AlumniHaynes-Prim Pavilion 3:30 pm - 3:45 pmStudent PerformancesMenlo Quad Stage 3:45pm - 5:00 pmDJ- Thank you for coming!Menlo Quad Stage 7:00 pm - 9:00 pmWomen's Volleyball vs Simpson UniversityHaynes-Prim Pavilion Save the date for next year - Saturday, October 17, 2026
TEDxMenlo College – Admissions Campus Visit Day Join us for a special day at Menlo College! Take part in admissions activities including the opportunity for an instant admissions decision. Full schedule coming soon. Then, stay for TEDxMenlo College, featuring this year’s theme: Beyond The Obvious. Be inspired by bold ideas and powerful stories while getting a glimpse of the Menlo experience. Register
Senior Toast SAVE THE DATE- Toast the class of 2026! Join us for light refreshments and bubbly as we toast the graduates of the Class of 2026.
Admissions Fall Open House Join us at our Fall Open House and annual OAKtoberFest event. Your day will be filled with campus tours, informative panels, free food, live music, and sports games. We can’t wait to see you! Register Now
Athletics Banquet Menlo College Athletics is thrilled to invite all student-athletes to the Menlo Athletics Awards Banquet on Friday, May 8th, as we come together to celebrate an unforgettable year of achievement, transition, and triumph. Awards will highlight academic achievements, leadership, athletic scholarship, all-around athleticism, and will culminate with the announcement of Coach of the Year and Athletes of the Year. This is an exclusive event for Menlo student-athletes and Athletics staff, but we invite the broader community to join us via livestream on the PacWest Network. Details to come.
Career Connect Day 2026 Every spring, Menlo College’s Career Connect Day brings together students, alumni, and industry professionals for a day of networking and career exploration. With no classes held that day, students can focus entirely on their career development. Students will hear from industry experts on topics like navigating the job search and leveraging AI, followed by a Career Fair connecting them with employers offering internships, part-time, and full-time opportunities. Career Connect Day is the perfect chance to gain new skills, make connections, and advance your career journey. Student Registration Agenda 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM – Check-In & Breakfast (Dining Hall) 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM – Breakfast Keynote w/ Christina “CJ” Jefferson, Senior Director Inclusion & Culture, San Francisco 49ers (Dining Hall) 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Breakout Sessions (Florence Moore Hall) 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Lunch (Dining Hall) 12:00 – 1:00 PM Keynote Presentation w/ Lasse Palomaki, Founder & CEO of The Strategic Student (Dining Hall) 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Career Fair (Haynes-Prim Pavilion) Keynote Speakers Breakfast Keynote with Christina Jefferson Christina “CJ” Jefferson Senior Director of Inclusion and Culture at the San Francisco 49ers Christina is the first Senior Director of Inclusion and Culture at the San Francisco 49ers. She leads diversity efforts and oversees recruitment, hiring, and internship programs across the organization. Lunch Keynote with Lasse Palomaki College by Design: Building Direction in a World That Keeps Changing College today comes with a lot of uncertainty. The job market is shifting, AI is changing how work gets done, and the rules students are trying to play by keep evolving. Many students stay busy and get involved—yet still feel unsure how their time, decisions, and experiences connect to what comes after graduation. In this keynote, students are challenged to rethink college as something they actively design, not just something they passively drift through. As a first-generation college student and international student-athlete who had to completely rebuild after a career-ending injury, Lasse Palomaki learned how to build direction without a roadmap—thinking beyond the next step to ask not just “what should I do now?” but “where does this take me?” In this session, he shares how students can do the same: make decisions that compound, build skills that transfer, and create clarity even when the future feels uncertain. Students will learn: Why direction and ownership matter more than staying busy—and how effort compounds only when it’s pointed somewhere How to evaluate opportunities based on long-term alignment, not just short-term comfort or familiarity How to build a foundation of transferable skills that hold value across majors, industries, and an AI-shaped workforce How setbacks, pivots, and uncertainty can become sources of insight when you know what questions to ask How small, everyday decisions quietly compound into post-graduation opportunities Students will leave with a clearer sense of ownership over their college experience, a practical lens for evaluating opportunities, and a stronger understanding of how to build direction in a world that keeps changing. Lasse Palomaki Founder – The Strategic Student LLC Lasse Palomaki knows what it feels like to rebuild—and to figure things out without a blueprint. As a first-generation college student and international student-athlete, he had his college journey completely redirected after a set of injuries ended his soccer career and forced him to rethink who he was and what came next. With no roadmap for navigating college or career decisions, he had to learn how to build direction in real time—thinking beyond the next step to ask not just ‘what should I do now?’ but ‘where does this take me?’. That experience became the foundation for his work helping students do the same. Today, as the founder of The Strategic Student LLC, Lasse has worked with over 5,000 students at nearly 40 universities, including Cornell, UCLA, and UT Dallas, helping them approach college and career development with strategy, clarity, and return on investment. His background spans higher education, the military, and nonprofit sectors, and he’s known for designing practical, no-fluff sessions that help students make decisions with confidence—even when the future feels uncertain. Certified in Instructional Design by the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and Design Thinking by IDEO, Lasse also shares weekly career strategy insights with 30,000+ students and young professionals on LinkedIn. Breakout Sessions Utilizing AI In The Job SearchFlorence Moore Hall 315 In this interactive workshop, students will learn how to use AI to support every stage of their job search- from identifying roles that align with their skills and values to strengthening resumes, cover letters, and interview preparation. Participants will practice using AI prompts in real time and leave with a curated prompt guide to continue refining their job search strategy. Kaela Quinto Founder – Career Coach / Talent Development Coordinator | Nova Career Coaching/ Stanford University Kaela Quinto is an HR professional with a passion for developing people and fostering organizational growth. She currently serves as a Talent Development Coordinator at Stanford University, where she designs and delivers training programs that enhance leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, and professional development across her department. Beyond her HR work at Stanford, Kaela is the founder of Nova Career Coaching, a coaching practice dedicated to empowering first-generation, early-career professionals to navigate their career journeys with confidence. Through personalized coaching and strategic guidance, she helps clients strengthen their professional branding, job search strategies, and leadership skills to achieve meaningful career growth. Kaela received her B.S. in Business Management at Santa Clara University and holds multiple certifications, including SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Senior Professional Career Coach (SPCC), and Certified HR Generalist. Building High-Impact Client Relationships: Skills That Drive Sales SuccessFlorence Moore Hall 303 AI can handle data, automate tasks, and even make predictions—but it can’t replace real human connection. This workshop focuses on the skills that truly matter: de-escalating tough situations, building trust, and creating authentic relationships with clients. In a world of AI, these human skills are what set us apart. Timmy Duong Sales Account Manager | Sigona’s Fruit For Thought Timmy Duong is an experienced Account Manager with a diverse background spanning SaaS, hardware, and consumer packaged goods (CPG). He takes a relationship-first approach to sales and account management, focused on building long-term, results-driven partnerships with both national and local clients. Timmy has a strong track record of driving revenue growth by owning the full sales lifecycle—from prospecting and onboarding to cost negotiation, renewals, and account expansion. He specializes in growing and retaining accounts through strategic up-selling and cross-selling initiatives, while leveraging data and insights to identify opportunities, anticipate customer needs, and deliver solutions aligned with business objectives. Known for his collaborative, consultative sales style, Timmy works closely with customers and internal teams to navigate pricing, supply chain logistics, and operational challenges. His cross-industry experience enables him to connect technology, operations, and CPG insights to close deals, expand relationships, and deliver sustainable, long-term value. Level Up Your Professional Game: Skills for Nonprofit & TechFlorence Moore Hall 307 Level up your professional game with practical, career-ready skills tailored to the nonprofit and tech worlds. In this final session, you’ll learn strategies for communication, collaboration, and standing out in fast-moving, mission-driven environments. Walk away with tools you can apply immediately to your next role or internship. Steph Valenzuela Technical Lead Recruiter | Xona Space Steph Valenzuela is a people-first professional with a career spanning mental health, recruiting, nonprofits, and high-growth tech. She began her career as a mental health counselor, where she developed a deep understanding of human behavior, motivation, and resilience skills that continue to shape her work today. Stephanie has since spent 6 years in the tech industry as a recruiter and talent partner, helping organizations build strong, mission-driven teams while guiding candidates through pivotal career transitions. With a background in psychology and hands-on experience across startups and nonprofits, Steph is passionate about helping students navigate nonlinear career paths, advocate for themselves, and build careers aligned with their values. Outside of work, she loves traveling, yoga, hiking, and spending time with her pup, Santo. She brings a grounded, relatable perspective to career conversations one rooted in curiosity, growth, and real-world experience. How to Be Investable: Lessons from Founders & VCsFlorence Moore Hall 305 By bringing together founders and VCs in one conversation, students will gain practical insights into both sides of the investment process, including how to pitch ideas, recognize high-potential opportunities, and understand what makes a startup compelling to investors. Chinara Askerzade CEO | Future Makers Foundation/PocketVC Venture Studio Chinara Askerzade is an early-stage investor and founder. A former investment banker who has raised millions for high-growth startups, she currently runs PocketVC, a Palo Alto-based venture studio focused on seed-stage investing. At PocketVC, she acts as a co-builder, actively co-founding and co-launching companies alongside talented entrepreneurs. In parallel, Chinara leads the Future Makers Foundation, an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between the classroom and real-world projects. Through the foundation, she organizes hackathons and project-based learning initiatives, providing students with the hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the digital world. Unfireable: How to Thrive Across Multiple IndustriesFlorence Moore Hall 316 In an AI-driven world, the most resilient careers aren’t built on a single industry or technical skill, but on human judgment, adaptability, and purpose. In this session, Holly Roland, founder of Rebel GTM and AI instructor at Stanford, shares how she built a cross-industry career by pairing emerging technology with distinctly human strengths. Students will leave inspired to design future-ready careers that use AI to expand impact, not limit possibility. Holly Roland Founder and CEO | Rebel GTM Holly Roland is the founder of Rebel GTM, a go-to-market advisory focused on helping organizations grow with AI-powered strategy. She is an instructor at Stanford University, where she teaches applied AI for business leaders, and has built a career spanning marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship across multiple industries. Holly is known for helping non-technical leaders harness AI to drive impact, adaptability, and purpose-driven innovation. The Rise of the LVAS: How Lean Vertical AI Startups Are Redefining InnovationFlorence Moore Hall 319 I’m excited about the chance to share my perspective after building alongside over 100+ AI companies since the February 2025 of, who are redefining the future. The way companies are being built, operated, and scaled is shifting rapidly, and these lean vertical AI teams are rewriting the rules in real-time. I’ll break down our perspective on what this new model means for founders, enterprises, and investors, and why capital efficiency, combined with a deep vertical focus, is becoming the winning formula for 2026 and beyond. Hans Sandhu Chief Business Officer (CBO) | TheAgentic Hans Sandhu is the Chief Business Officer at TheAgentic, where he leads the go-to-market and business strategy. He oversees the company’s Launchpad program and collaborates directly with organizations to help AI companies transition from idea to revenue, utilizing a global team of over 100 AI engineers in customer delivery and research and development. A native of Silicon Valley, Hans has spent more than a decade in foundational go-to-market roles at venture capital-backed startups and high-growth SaaS companies. He has a proven track record of building repeatable sales engines, entering new markets, and driving millions in annual recurring revenue (ARR) from the Series A stage through to acquisition. His career is defined by a core belief: it is not technology that wins, but execution. Hans possesses a unique operator’s perspective on AI, blending a deep understanding of large language models (LLMs), agentic architectures, and vertical AI with practical experience in capital efficiency, enterprise adoption, and commercialization. He is also an active angel investor and limited partner in the venture capital ecosystem. As a keynote speaker, Hans provides candid insights into what truly works in AI, how to avoid overbuilt organizations, validate real demand, and construct vertical AI companies that scale from demonstrations into sustainable, revenue-generating businesses. Launch Your Career EffectivelyFlorence Moore Hall 321 To prepare for the age of AI, this session offers practical tools to leverage your background and cultivate an “operator mindset” essential for career success. You will learn how to bridge the gap between academic theory and corporate execution by mastering universal professional skills, including process optimization, cross-functional communication, and strategic project management. Anjanei Dhayalan Associate Director, MSAT | Synthego Anjanei Dhayalan is a Life Sciences professional with eight years of experience bridging technical innovation and operational strategy. His expertise spans DNA/RNA oligonucleotide synthesis, LNP gene delivery, and GMP process engineering, alongside regulatory, compliance, market analysis, and due diligence. A strong proponent of the scientific method, Anjanei is passionate about the cell and gene, health tech, and technology sectors. He specializes in high-impact cross-functional roles, and is known for his ability to shorten learning curves and translate complex challenges into viable solutions. Anjanei is dedicated to driving efficiency and bringing fresh, innovative perspectives to the ever-changing biotechnology landscape. Not All Banks Are the Same: Benefits of Cooperative Finance & Fine Dining Etiquette 101Florence Moore Hall 304 What is fine dining etiquette? Dining etiquette is more than just table manners; it’s also the proper use of tools. Anita Roshannahad Community & Business Development Representative | Star One Credit Union Anita Roshannahad holds a degree in Business Economics from Shiraz University and has served as the Community & Business Development Professional at Star One Credit Union since 2018. In her role, she elevates the organization’s profile, advances financial empowerment initiatives, and cultivates influential partnerships throughout the corporate and community sectors. She currently serves as a member of the Financial Review Committee for the Star One Community Involvement Committee, is a board member of the Lockheed Martin Leadership Association, and is a 2025 Leadership Palo Alto graduate. Anita is also a Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP). Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and exploring new cuisines. Not All Banks Are the Same: Benefits of Cooperative Finance & Fine Dining Etiquette 101Florence Moore Hall 304 Foundation of Financial Wellness: Financial wellness is built through everyday habits that support stability, confidence, and resilience. Rashad Wiley Community & Business Development Representative | Star One Credit Union Rashad Wiley is a Community and Business Development professional at Star One Credit Union, where he has contributed since 2018. He focuses on strengthening brand visibility, expanding financial wellness initiatives, and cultivating partnerships across the corporate and community landscape. Rashad earned his B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from San José State University. During his time at SJSU, he was actively involved with the Center for Banking and Financial Services, the Banking and Investment Association, and the Financial Management Association. He currently serves as President of the SJSU Alumni Association Board of Directors, Treasurer of the SJSU Black Alumni Network, and Vice President of Community Services for the Lockheed Martin Leadership Association. Beyond his professional and leadership roles, Rashad is a committed health equity advocate and an active CERT volunteer. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and exploring the natural beauty of California.
Spring New Student Orientation We look forward to welcoming our incoming students at Menlo College’s New Student Orientation. In order to fully prepare for your time at Menlo College, all new students are required to attend our New Student Orientation program on campus. Orientation is designed to introduce incoming students to the academic and co-curricular services and programs vital to their successful transition to the Menlo community. Orientation is an important beginning step for students that provides opportunities for personal growth, meaningful connections and future academic success. We can’t wait to see you there! Event Schedule
Commencement 2026 Menlo College’s 98th Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. on the Quad at Menlo College. For more information, please visit our Commencement Hub at: www.menlo.edu/commencement Commencement Hub
36th Annual Lūʻau Menlo College Lūʻau: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Aloha Spirit Join us for one of Menlo College’s most cherished traditions—the 36th annual Menlo Lūʻau! Hosted by the Pacific Islander Club, this special event brings together the Menlo community and the public to celebrate the spirit and traditions of the Pacific Islands. Whether you call the islands home or simply want to experience the warmth, hospitality, and joy of Polynesian culture, this lūʻau is for you. This event is FREE to attend and open to Menlo students, families, alumni, and the public. Enjoy: Live Student Performances & Music Traditional Polynesian Food Polynesian Vendor Market Raffle Prizes & Games Since welcoming our first student from Hawai‘i in 1941, Menlo College has maintained a strong connection to the islands. Today, nearly 10% of our domestic student body hails from Hawai‘i, and we proudly hold the designation of an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). The Menlo College Lūʻau is believed to be the longest-running lūʻau on the continent, a point of pride for our community and a lasting tribute to the cultural heritage of our Pacific Islander students.
Saint Michael Trio The Saint Michael Trio are considered California’s premiere piano trio and Silicon Valley’s update to the classical music scene. About Saint Michael Trio
