Menlo College Students Exhibit Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Annual Business Showcase Posted on May 13, 2026May 14, 2026 by George Retelas Two years ago, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business, Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, met with faculty members Dr. Fabian Eggers and Dr. Dariush Rafinejad to reimagine what experiential learning should look like for first-year business students at Menlo College. Their goal was to strengthen the connection between classroom learning, hands-on business experience, and the Silicon Valley ecosystem. Through extensive collaboration, planning, and faculty leadership, that vision evolved into a redesigned year-long course sequence: MGT 101 and MGT 102: Entrepreneurship & Management in Action. That transformation culminated in the recent Menlo College Student Business Showcase, where 125 students presented 17 student-led business ventures developed throughout the academic year. Held on May 7, the showcase highlighted Menlo College’s growing emphasis on experiential learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The showcase welcomed students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests for an engaging afternoon centered on innovation, collaboration, and experiential learning. Attendees had the opportunity to meet directly with student entrepreneurs, explore a wide variety of business ventures, and connect with members of the Menlo College community. Throughout the two-semester program, students progressed from developing foundational business concepts to launching and managing their own ventures. Guided by faculty mentorship and hands-on learning, students gained practical experience in leadership, financial planning, marketing, operations, and teamwork while building real-world businesses from the ground up. “This was a great learning experience for students and faculty alike. The year-long course is another building block in making Menlo College a leading entrepreneurship university on the US West Coast,” said Fabian Eggers, Professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship. The Student Business Showcase served as the culminating event for the course, giving teams the opportunity to present their businesses and share the lessons they learned throughout the semester. From product-based concepts to service-oriented ventures, the showcase highlighted the creativity, adaptability, and entrepreneurial mindset that Menlo College students develop through experiential learning. “The ability to showcase my own created school company with my fellow business companions, was an experience I’ll never forget,” said student Anthony Rueff. The annual showcase continues to be a signature example of Menlo College’s emphasis on experiential education, giving students the opportunity to apply academic concepts in meaningful and impactful ways while building confidence as future business leaders. “Experiential learning is the foundation of business education at Menlo College,” said Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business. “Through initiatives like the Student Business Showcase, students are building companies, solving real-world problems, and developing the entrepreneurial mindset needed to lead in Silicon Valley and beyond.” As Menlo College continues to expand opportunities for experiential learning, the Student Business Showcase stands as a powerful example of how students are developing the entrepreneurial mindset, leadership skills, and practical business experience needed to thrive in today’s global economy. 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 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 School of Business Earns AACSB Reaccreditation, Reaffirming Its Global Excellence in Business Education Posted on July 11, 2025July 11, 2025 by menlocollege Atherton, CA – July 9, 2025 — Menlo College is proud to share that its School of Business has once again earned reaccreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a distinction held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide. AACSB accreditation reflects more than just meeting global standards — it represents passion, innovation, and dedication to shaping an academic environment to prepare future business leaders to succeed and make an impact, a commitment shared by faculty, staff, students, and alumni alike. “Earning accreditation from AACSB is a significant milestone,” said Steven A. Weiner, President of Menlo College. “It’s a powerful endorsement of the excellence of our academic programs, the dedication and expertise of our faculty, and the shared vision that drives our entire community. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped and contributed to this achievement.” Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business, echoed that sentiment: “This recognition validates the purpose-driven work we do every day—preparing agile, ethical, and globally minded business leaders. We take pride in building a business school that is both relevant and exceptional in an ever-evolving global landscape. We are also deeply grateful to the members of our Board of Trustees and Dean’s Executive Advisory Council, and the dedicated faculty and staff whose guidance, expertise, and mentorship are essential to our continued success.” The AACSB review team specifically highlighted Menlo’s student-focused learning, hands-on educational approach, and deep connections with the business world. These elements are the foundation of Menlo’s mission and reflect its core belief: that great business education combines academic rigor with real-world relevance. Since first earning AACSB accreditation in 2014, Menlo has consistently evolved to meet the changing needs of students and the global economy. Over the last 18 months, the School of Business introduced two new graduate programs—a Master of Science in Information Systems and a Master of Science in FinTech. And Menlo recently launched an enhanced, forward-looking undergraduate B.S. in AI and Analytics. Menlo’s renewed AACSB accreditation not only reaffirms its place among the world’s leading business schools—it also enhances the value of a Menlo degree for current students, alumni, employers, and academic partners worldwide. To learn more about Menlo College School of Business and its AACSB-accredited programs, visit www.menlo.edu. Contact Information: Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo CollegeLocated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a premier institution dedicated to business education. With a strong focus on personalized learning and hands-on experience, Menlo empowers students to lead, innovate, and excel in today’s dynamic global economy.
Menlo College Excels in Global Scaling Challenge, Securing 2nd Place Posted on May 13, 2024April 8, 2025 by Tess Rewick Menlo College proudly secured 2nd place in the recent Global Scaling Challenge hosted by the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico on April 26-27, 2024. This competition provided a platform for student teams worldwide to address real-world scaling needs in an immersive online format. Participants, focused on consulting for three innovative space-tech startups, were tasked with devising strategies to propel their operations to a global scale. Menlo College’s team diligently crafted tailored recommendations, aimed at fostering sustainable growth and technological advancement within the space sector. Under the exceptional leadership of Professor Fabian Eggers, Menlo’s dedicated business students showcased remarkable talent and strategic acumen, maintaining the institution’s tradition of success in national competitions. Among 29+ competing universities globally, Menlo distinguished itself through innovative solutions and collaborative teamwork. Javier Banson (Finance Major), Chloe Schnepf (Marketing Major), Julius Stiemer (Finance Major), and Sabrina Yahi (Accounting Major) demonstrated exceptional leadership and ingenuity throughout the challenge, earning accolades for their remarkable achievements. Each student will receive approximately $820 in cash prizes from the Global Scaling Challenge committee. Reflecting on their experience, Chloe Schnepf stated, “The Global Scaling Challenge is a renowned international competition, and I’m ecstatic to have been given this opportunity! After countless hours of dedicated work and impassioned discussions, our team successfully achieved our objectives.” Julius Stiemer added, “What lingers most vividly in my mind is the spirited debates we engaged in and our unwavering unity in achieving our goals. Our team brilliantly secured second place in this global scaling challenge, showcasing our dedication and teamwork.” Menlo College extends its sincere congratulations to the winning team and expresses gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to the success of the Global Scaling Challenge. About Menlo College Menlo College, established in 1927, is a small, private, non-profit, and accredited residential college located in Atherton, California. It offers four-year undergraduate degrees in business and psychology, as well as two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Located in Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most entrepreneurial and innovative regions, Menlo College cultivates in its students the skills, integrity, and passion to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy.
