Menlo College Earns Three 2027 Research.com Awards for Marketing and Finance Posted on September 3, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College has earned three 2027 recognitions from Research.com, highlighting the College’s Marketing and Finance programs for their popularity and value among California degree programs. The honors recognize Menlo College with the Most Popular Marketing in California, Most Valuable Marketing in California, and Most Valuable Finance in California awards. Menlo was also recognized among the 2027 Most Popular Colleges in California by Research.com. The recognitions reflect Menlo’s focus on preparing students to be Future Ready Now through a business education that connects classroom learning with practical experience, internships, professional connections, and opportunities in the heart of Silicon Valley. Menlo College has earned three 2027 Research.com honors, recognizing its Marketing program among the Most Popular and **Most Valuable in California** and its Finance program among the Most Valuable in California. Menlo College’s Bachelor of Science in Marketing earned both the Most Popular Marketing in California and Most Valuable Marketing in California awards. In Research.com’s 2027 Most Popular Marketing Degree Programs Ranking in California, Menlo ranks No. 10 in the state. “I am delighted to see Menlo College’s marketing program receive this recognition. It speaks to the growing interest in our distinctive, forward-looking approach to business education, one that emphasizes humanity, ethics, and social responsibility while rapidly integrating emerging technologies and evolving business practices. We equip students with essential skills in critical thinking and analysis and encourage them to be bold, creative, and innovative. Just as importantly, we foster a deeply supportive culture in which students are known, valued, and supported both inside and outside the classroom.” — Lan Jiang, PhD, Professor of Marketing 2027 Most Popular Marketing Degree Programs Ranking in California 2027 Most Valuable Marketing Degree Programs Ranking in California Menlo’s Finance program also earned the Most Valuable Finance in California award, recognizing a program that combines a foundation in financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and financial decision-making with opportunities for experiential learning. “A strong finance education should give students more than an understanding of financial concepts. It should prepare them to apply those concepts to real decisions and real challenges. At Menlo, our students build analytical skills, gain practical experience, and benefit from our connections to Silicon Valley and the Bay Area business community, preparing them to enter their careers Future Ready Now.” — Manish Tewari, Ph.D., Professor of Finance 2027 Most Valuable Finance Degree Programs Ranking in California Research.com is a university ranking platform designed to help students make informed decisions about their education. Its 2027 rankings draw on data from sources including Peterson, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and College Scorecard, considering factors such as educational quality, affordability, popularity, and time to degree. Together, the recognitions highlight the strength and value of Menlo’s business education and its emphasis on helping students develop the knowledge, practical experience, and professional skills to be Future Ready Now. Media inquiries: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact pr@menlo.edu
Menlo College Recognized Among TIME’s America’s Best Colleges 2026-2027 Posted on August 26, 2026August 26, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College has been recognized in the inaugural TIME – America’s Best Colleges 2026-2027 ranking, developed by TIME and Statista to evaluate colleges based on measurable student outcomes and institutional performance. The new national ranking recognizes 500 colleges across the United States and offers a data-driven perspective on the value institutions deliver for their students. An aerial view of Menlo College’s Atherton campus, where students connect classroom learning with hands-on experiences as part of the College’s Future Ready Now approach to education. Institutions were evaluated across three core areas: Student Outcomes, Learning Environment, and Attractiveness. The ranking draws on objective federal data, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. For Menlo College, the recognition reflects the College’s focus on preparing students to be Future Ready Now by connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences. Through experiential learning opportunities such as internships, hands-on projects, career development, and professional connections, students gain the practical skills and experience to prepare for successful careers. Brawner Hall on the Menlo College campus in Atherton, California, framed by the mature oak trees that reflect Menlo’s mascot moniker, the Oaks. “Menlo’s inclusion in this list is especially meaningful because of its focus on the outcomes colleges create for their students,” said Angela Schmiede, Ph.D., Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success at Menlo College. “Our Future Ready Now approach is about ensuring students don’t have to wait until they are close to graduation to begin preparing for what comes next. Through experiential learning, internships, close faculty mentorship, and opportunities to engage with industry professionals, our students build the knowledge, confidence, and experience to turn their education into meaningful careers and lives.” The recognition adds to Menlo College’s growing list of national distinctions highlighting its commitment to educational access, student success, experiential learning, and career preparation. The complete TIME – America’s Best Colleges 2026-2027 ranking is now available. Media inquiries: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact pr@menlo.edu
Menlo College Students Turn Summer Internships Into Career-Launching Experiences Posted on August 12, 2026August 12, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — From financial planning and artificial intelligence to accounting, sports marketing, public health, entrepreneurship, and luxury real estate, Menlo College students spent the summer putting their education into practice and gaining experience that will help shape their careers after graduation. As Menlo College prepares to welcome students back for the fall semester, a sample of this year’s internship cohort returns to campus with new professional skills, expanded networks, and a clearer understanding of how their academic experiences translate to the workplace. Menlo students have multiple pathways to incorporate internships into their degree programs. Business majors complete a required six-unit internship curriculum, while Psychology majors can apply six elective units toward an internship experience. The Office of Internships & Career Services (OICS) supports students throughout the process with career coaching, internship preparation, and professional development. Elijah Valdeolivar (left), Senior Associate Director of Employer Relations & Career Services, and LaShonda Kennedy (right), Executive Director of Career Services and Student Engagement at Menlo College, support students as they connect their academic experiences with internships, professional development, career opportunities, and meaningful student engagement. Photo by Menlo College / Kayla Stuart. “At Menlo College, internships are where students translate their full experience—from academics, clubs, events, and athletics—into real professional impact,” said Elijah Valdeolivar, Senior Associate Director of Employer Relations & Career Services. “Every internship gives students the opportunity to empower themselves, build meaningful relationships, and create momentum in their chosen field. Watching students return to campus with a greater connection to themselves, the world around them, and their future is one of the most rewarding parts of our work.” This summer’s experiences demonstrate just how many forms that professional preparation can take. Building a Career in Accounting Accounting student Ronielle Bico spent the summer in the Assurance Technology Practice at PwC in San Francisco, working alongside audit professionals supporting quarterly financial reporting. Her responsibilities included reviewing SEC filings such as 10-K and 10-Q reports, verifying financial information, reconciling internal controls, assisting with revenue recognition processes, and maintaining key audit documents. Bico credited Menlo’s accounting faculty—including Professors Du, Yeh, and Harsh—as well as the Accounting Club with helping prepare her for the fast-paced professional environment and giving her the foundational knowledge she needed to contribute from the start. Menlo College accounting student Ronielle Bico outside the PwC office in San Francisco, where she spent the summer interning in the firm’s Assurance Technology Practice and gaining hands-on experience in auditing and financial reporting. Turning Data Into Business Insights As an Analyst Intern at TechEquity AI, Ananyaa Vengurlekar spent the summer transforming complex datasets into information that project managers could use. She gathered, cleaned, and analyzed data while developing dashboards and reports using Tableau, Excel, and Google Sheets, helping make performance metrics more accessible while maintaining data integrity. For Vengurlekar, the process of securing the internship proved valuable in its own right. Working firsthand in Menlo’s Internship and Career Services office gave her a different perspective on navigating a competitive internship search. “By utilizing the career resources Menlo College provides, I learned how to bounce back from the ‘no’s,’ refine my approach, and build the professional confidence needed to secure this role,” she said. Menlo College student Ananyaa Vengurlekar connects with an employer during Career Connect Day 2026 at Menlo College, an event designed to help students build professional relationships and explore career and internship opportunities. Making an Impact Through Public Health Martha Zurita-Ortez served as an intern with the Santa Cruz County Safe Drug Use and Overdose Prevention Program (SUOPP), supporting the county’s harm reduction and public health efforts. Zurita-Ortez conducted community outreach, distributed lifesaving and essential resources including Narcan, wound care supplies, food, water, and tents, provided overdose safety and public health education, and connected participants with local healthcare, housing, and financial resources. The experience reinforced a lesson she had already begun learning through her time at Menlo College. “Being a student-athlete at Menlo showed me that not all things can be taught in a classroom, rather they must be experienced,” Zurita-Ortez said. “You can’t create an experience, you must undergo it.” Menlo College student Martha Zurita-Ortez (left) assists alongside fellow volunteers during her summer internship with the Santa Cruz County Safe Drug Use and Overdose Prevention Program (SUOPP), where she supported community outreach and harm reduction efforts. Bringing an International Perspective to Luxury Real Estate For Juliette Chabrier, an internship in Paris connected experiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Originally from France, Chabrier came to Menlo College for the opportunity to study International Business in Silicon Valley. After completing her first three years at Menlo, she returned to France for the summer and spent nearly three months interning with Coldwell Banker Paris in the city’s luxury real estate market. Chabrier assisted with property valuations, administrative follow-up, property listings, and preparing apartments for client visits. Working with an international clientele also reinforced the importance of discretion and careful listening. “Selling the Parisian dream takes more than a beautiful property. I learned that the real work is in the details, relationships, and trust behind it,” Chabrier said. Returning home also allowed Chabrier to approach France from a new professional perspective, applying three years of International Business education and experiences in Silicon Valley to a French workplace serving clients from around the world. “Menlo College has encouraged me to think globally while gaining the practical experience to turn my goals into a career,” she said. “I’m coming back for my final year with more experience, more confidence, and a clearer idea of where I want to go next. To me, that’s what being Future Ready Now is all about.” Chabrier now returns to Menlo for her final year with plans to complete her International Business degree while working toward earning her California real estate license. Her goal is to combine her roots in France, education in Silicon Valley, and professional experience in Paris to pursue a career in California’s luxury real estate market. Menlo College International Business student Juliette Chabrier at Coldwell Banker Paris, where she spent nearly three months gaining hands-on experience in the city’s luxury real estate market during her summer internship. Marketing a Growing Sports Organization Kiana Lew spent the summer supporting Momentum Sports Facility in South San Francisco and its partnership with Kamikaze Volleyball Club, putting her marketing education to work in a growing sports organization. While Momentum Sports Facility remained in the planning stages, Lew focused much of her work on marketing for Kamikaze Volleyball Club. She developed marketing strategies, created photos and videos, designed promotional materials, and managed content across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and the club’s website. She also helped develop website content, including the homepage, program descriptions, coach biographies, navigation structure, and other elements of the user experience. Lew said Menlo’s marketing coursework gave her a foundation in communication and business strategy while teaching her how to understand audiences, tailor content for different platforms, and use constructive feedback to strengthen her work. Entrepreneurship in Action For Jessica Oseguera Santoyo, an internship with Northwestern Mutual expanded her understanding of what entrepreneurship can look like in practice. As an Entrepreneurship major, Oseguera Santoyo initially associated professional opportunities in her field with startups or launching a company. At Northwestern Mutual, however, she had the opportunity to build her own client base, manage her schedule, and take ownership of growing her business within an established organization. Her work included helping build flexible financial plans for clients with different personal, professional, and financial goals. While working alongside mentors and financial advisors, she also developed experience building client relationships and taking responsibility for her own professional success. “My experience showed me that entrepreneurship can look different,” Oseguera Santoyo said. “Even though I worked with mentors and financial advisors, I also learned what it takes to build relationships with clients and be responsible for my own success. Those are valuable entrepreneurial skills that I can use in any career.” Menlo College student Jessica Oseguera Santoyo at her Northwestern Mutual internship, where she gained hands-on experience in financial planning, client relationship-building, and developing her own book of business. Learning the Business of Financial Planning Fellow Northwestern Mutual intern Andrue Perkins also gained hands-on experience in financial services, applying skills he developed through Menlo’s small classes and close faculty relationships. His responsibilities included meeting with clients, conducting financial fact-finding conversations, learning about risk management and insurance solutions, and strengthening his professional networking and relationship-building skills. “Menlo College has given me the confidence to step into a professional environment and apply what I’m learning in the classroom,” Perkins said. “The small class sizes and supportive professors have helped me strengthen my communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which I use every day during my internship.” For Perkins, the summer provided more than exposure to an industry—it also offered an opportunity to see how those skills translate into serving clients. “The internship has given me real-world exposure to financial planning and client service while helping me grow professionally,” he said. Menlo College student Andrue Perkins (right) at Northwestern Mutual, where he gained hands-on experience in financial planning, client service, and relationship-building during his summer internship. Fellow Menlo students Jessica Oseguera Santoyo (center) and Alexander Gee (left) also interned with Northwestern Mutual. Bringing Experience Back to Menlo The industries, responsibilities, and locations varied, but each internship gave Menlo students something that cannot be replicated entirely in a classroom: the opportunity to put their skills to work in real professional environments. They reviewed financial statements and analyzed datasets. They worked directly with clients and community members. They developed marketing campaigns, helped people navigate financial decisions, supported public health efforts, and learned the intricacies of luxury real estate halfway around the world. Just as importantly, they discovered more about themselves—the kind of work they find meaningful, the skills they still want to develop, and the careers they hope to pursue. Now, they bring those experiences back to Menlo College. As the new academic year begins, the lessons students gained over the summer will become part of what they contribute to classrooms, clubs, teams, and the broader campus community. Their internships represent not only preparation for what comes after college, but another step in becoming Future Ready Now. Media inquiries: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact pr@menlo.edu
Dr. Sonia Tahereh Saheb Appointed Director of Menlo College Graduate Business Programs Posted on July 28, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College has appointed Dr. Sonia (Tahereh) Saheb as Director of the School of Business Graduate Programs, where she will lead the College’s Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) and Master of Science in Financial Technology (MSFT) programs. The appointment recognizes Saheb’s leadership, academic expertise, and commitment to advancing innovative business education since joining Menlo College as assistant professor of Business Analytics and Information Systems. In her new role, she will oversee the continued growth and strategic direction of the College’s graduate business programs while continuing to teach and mentor students. Saheb prepares for Menlo College’s 98th Commencement ceremony on May 16, 2026, overlooking the campus quad as graduates, families, and guests gather to celebrate the Class of 2026. “Dr. Saheb has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to innovation in business education and student success,” said Melissa R. Michelson, interim chief academic officer and dean of Arts & Sciences. “I am confident that under her leadership, our graduate business programs will continue to grow and thrive.” “Our graduate business programs are centered on emerging technologies, with artificial intelligence serving as a foundation for innovation across every industry,” Saheb said. “My vision is to build on Menlo College’s strengths, including our agility, implementing future-ready frameworks, and strong industry partnerships, to make our technology-focused master’s programs a destination where academia, industry, and entrepreneurship come together. By collaborating with students, faculty, and industry leaders, we’ll prepare graduates to lead digital transformation, drive innovation, and thrive in an AI-powered economy.” Menlo College President Steven Weiner (left) and Dr. Sonia Tahereh Saheb (right) present the Graduate Student Excellence Award to Frida Schmidt during Menlo College’s Honors Convocation on April 23, 2026. The annual ceremony recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service. Photo by Menlo College / Kayla Stuart. Saheb brings extensive experience in business analytics, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and information systems to the position. Prior to joining Menlo College, she served as an assistant professor at Tarbiat Modares University, an adjunct lecturer at California State University, East Bay, and a research fellow at Hult International Business School. In 2019, she founded and directed the first Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program in Digital Banking, a specialized doctoral program designed exclusively for banking industry managers and professionals. An accomplished scholar and educator, Saheb has published more than 25 peer-reviewed research papers exploring topics such as ethical AI, digital health adoption, cybersecurity, digital ecosystems, and technology-enabled innovation. Her research has appeared in leading journals including Telematics and Informatics, Information Systems Frontiers, Technology in Society, and Social Science & Medicine. Saheb visits the Atherton City Council Chambers, where she presented on the role of artificial intelligence in local government. Her presentation, “Governing with Intelligence: AI as Your City’s New Ally,” explored how municipalities can responsibly leverage AI to improve public services and decision-making. At Menlo College, Saheb has helped shape the institution’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence education. She founded and chaired the committee that developed the College’s enhanced undergraduate AI and Analytics program, helping prepare students with the technical and strategic skills needed for careers in an increasingly AI-driven economy. Her teaching spans both undergraduate and graduate programs, including courses in artificial intelligence, data analytics, information systems, privacy and cybersecurity, and strategic decision-making. Before entering academia, she advised organizations across the healthcare, banking, and public sectors on digital transformation, enterprise architecture, and technology strategy. As Director of the School of Business Graduate Programs, Saheb will lead the continued evolution of Menlo’s MSIS and MSFT programs, focusing on curriculum innovation, student success, faculty collaboration, and industry partnerships that prepare graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape. Media inquiries: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact pr@menlo.edu
Menlo College Named to Phi Theta Kappa’s 2026 Transfer Honor Roll Posted on July 24, 2026July 24, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College has been named to the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Transfer Honor Roll, earning national recognition for its commitment to helping community college transfer students successfully complete their bachelor’s degrees. This year, only 275 colleges and universities nationwide received the prestigious distinction. Students walk across the Menlo College campus as the College celebrates being named to the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, recognizing institutions that provide exceptional support and success pathways for community college transfer students. The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes four-year institutions that demonstrate excellence in creating transfer pathways and supporting students from admission through graduation. Institutions are evaluated using data from the National Student Clearinghouse and PTK Connect across five key areas: transfer student success outcomes, credit mobility, financial support, recruitment and admissions practices, and campus engagement and support. “Transfer students don’t just want a degree; they want to know that where they land is going to set them up for real success,” said Joslyn Barragán, International & Transfer Admissions Counselor at Menlo College. “That’s something I keep top of mind in every conversation I have with a prospective student. I’m here to be honest with them about what their experience would actually look like here, because at the end of the day, their future matters more than anything else. Transfer students have already put in hard work, and they deserve a place that’s going to be a true launching pad for their careers. At Menlo, I get to be part of that journey: helping them connect the dots between where they’ve been and where they want to go. That’s what makes this work so meaningful to me.” Joslyn Barragán, Menlo College’s International & Transfer Admissions Counselor, helps prospective transfer students navigate the admissions process and connect with the personalized support, scholarships, and academic opportunities available at Menlo College. Menlo College welcomes transfer students from two-year and four-year institutions through a rolling admissions process. Students benefit from personalized admissions counseling, transfer credit evaluations, academic advising, and generous merit-based scholarships designed to help make earning a bachelor’s degree both accessible and affordable. The College also works closely with students to maximize transferable credits and create a clear pathway toward graduation. Prospective transfer students can learn more about admissions requirements, transfer credits, scholarships, and the application process by visiting the College’s Transfer Admissions page. Transfer students become part of Menlo’s close-knit campus community, where small class sizes, experiential learning opportunities, and strong connections with Silicon Valley employers prepare graduates for successful careers in business, technology, psychology, and related fields. According to Phi Theta Kappa, the Transfer Honor Roll has become one of the nation’s most comprehensive benchmarks for transfer excellence. This year, 1,117 colleges and universities completed PTK’s institutional profile, with the top-performing 275 institutions earning Honor Roll recognition. Transfer and undergraduate students connect on the Menlo College campus, where personalized support, small class sizes, and experiential learning help students successfully complete their bachelor’s degrees and prepare for careers in Silicon Valley. “This recognition is about much more than transfer agreements,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa. “Successful transfer happens when institutions intentionally design policies, practices, and campus cultures that help students thrive after they arrive. These colleges have demonstrated that transfer student success is not accidental. It is a strategic priority.” Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is the official honor society for two-year colleges, recognizing academic achievement and helping students develop as scholars and leaders. The organization serves more than 4.5 million members through nearly 1,200 chapters in 11 countries. The 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll recognizes Menlo College as one of just 275 colleges and universities nationwide for excellence in supporting community college transfer students and creating pathways to bachelor’s degree completion. Media inquiries: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact pr@menlo.edu
Lecturer Lakiba Pittman Brings Mindfulness and Experiential Learning to Menlo College Classrooms Posted on June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College Arts & Sciences Lecturer Lakiba Pittman is helping students engage more deeply with learning through mindfulness, creativity, reflection, and community-building. As part of completing the Morning Altars Teacher Training certification program, Pittman recently introduced a nature-based experiential learning project into three Menlo College courses, reaching approximately 60 students. Menlo College Arts & Sciences Lecturer Lakiba Pittman. The project was incorporated into two sections of DEIB in the Workplace (HUM 307) and one section of Cultural Expression in Media (MCM 308). Through guided observation practices, mindful wandering, reflective dialogue, and collaborative outdoor altar-making using natural materials found on campus, students explored how attention, perception, and connection shape the way they understand themselves, others, and their surroundings. In the DEIB courses, students connected the experience to the Iceberg Metaphor and themes of identity, assumptions, and belonging, examining how visible and invisible aspects of identity influence workplace interactions and inclusion efforts. “What we overlook isn’t always unimportant; it’s often just unnoticed,” said student Rachel Brans. “Just like I overlooked parts of my environment, it’s easy to overlook people or make assumptions without really noticing them.” In Cultural Expression in Media, students explored how attention and perspective influence media, storytelling, and representation. Through mindful observation and collaborative creation, they experienced how meaning can emerge through intentional focus. Student Bat-Orgil Yaruukhan described the experience as both creative and connective. “It created a shared rhythm, almost like everyone was participating in the same invisible conversation with the environment,” Yaruukhan said. “Sometimes what seems small or ordinary becomes meaningful when we pay closer attention, finding the extraordinary in the ordinary.” For student Taliyah Thornton, the activity encouraged a different kind of classroom interaction while reinforcing course concepts. “Usually, everyone is focused on schoolwork or just trying to get through class, but this activity allowed people to show more of their personalities,” Thornton said. “Media and society often focus on certain people or stories while overlooking smaller details, just like how we overlook things in everyday life.” The project reflects Pittman’s commitment to experiential and healing-centered education. Her work is informed by her participation as a Fellow in the Acosta Institute’s Healing-Centered Education program and her ongoing studies in compassion and mindfulness education through Stanford University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) and the Compassion Institute. Insights from the Morning Altars project will help inform a Future Forward grant-supported belonging workshop planned for Fall 2026, expanding opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to explore community-centered approaches to learning and engagement. As she prepares to begin her 15th year at Menlo College, Pittman continues to explore innovative ways to integrate mindfulness, reflection, creativity, and belonging into higher education. “I believe these experiences help students develop the awareness, empathy, and adaptability that serve them both during college and throughout their lives and careers,” Pittman said. Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu About Menlo College: Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact 650-543-3753.
Menlo College Celebrates the Class of 2026 at 98th Commencement Ceremony Posted on May 27, 2026May 27, 2026 by George Retelas 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. Christoph Burkhardt delivering the commencement address. 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.” Dheryl Guerrero-Sy. Marc Hegele. 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. Maya Saole-Su’e displays her diploma after leaving the stage. Ian Ramiro Perez celebrates with a classmate at the conclusion of commencement. 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. 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 and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving (AANAPISI) Institution.
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 Build Civic Connections at Society of Heart’s Delight Gala Posted on May 11, 2026May 12, 2026 by George Retelas Menlo College students recently joined civic, business, and community leaders at the inaugural Society of Heart’s Delight Fusion & Future Gala, held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the San Jose Rotary Summit Center. The event brought together elected officials, business executives, nonprofit advocates, LGBTQ+ leaders, and cultural arts influencers, for an evening centered on belonging, civic engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration. Nathan Springer, Jason Galisatus, Dheryl Guerrero-Sy, and Orion Jenkins-Schell. Representing Menlo College at the gala were students Nathan Springer, Dheryl Guerrero-Sy, and Orion Jenkins-Schell. All three are currently interning with Galisatus Public Affairs and attended the event as invited guests. Heartbeat Drum and Face-Changing Opera performance. The evening began with a VIP reception and curated networking session, followed by a Heartbeat Drum and Face-Changing Opera performance that celebrated cultural tradition and artistic expression. The program was emceed by Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong. Featured guests and speakers included U.S. Congressman Sam Liccardo, Society of Heart’s Delight founder and CEO Michelle Zhang, Cayce Hill, Director of the Santa Clara County Office of Sustainability & Resilience, State Senator Josh Becker, and State Assemblymember Alex Lee. The evening concluded with a benefit silent auction and celebration hosted by Ryan Weible. Master of Ceremony by Betty Duong, Santa Clara County Supervisor. The Society of Heart’s Delight (SHD) was founded to support Asian immigrants, particularly Chinese immigrants, in becoming active and engaged participants in Silicon Valley. Through initiatives focused on civic engagement, mental wellness, and leadership development, SHD aims to cultivate emerging community leaders who contribute to regional resilience and shared prosperity. Opening Remarks by Sam Liccardo, U.S. Congressman. The evening featured remarks from community leaders and speakers who emphasized the vital role immigrant communities play in shaping the region’s future. Guest speaker U.S. Congressman Sam Liccardo reflected on the resilience of immigrant communities, sharing messages that resonated deeply with attendees. “We know it’s dark now but it’s been dark before,” Liccardo said. “We know what hate does, the last Chinatown to be burnt down happened not far from here. We will remind everyone how this nation was built… immigrant blood, sweat, tears, and spirit.” Founder’s Speech by Michelle Zhang, CEO for Society of Heart’s Delight. SHD founder Michelle Zhang also spoke about the importance of creating spaces where immigrants feel welcomed and supported. “Patience is incredibly important for immigrant communities as they navigate English-speaking environments,” Zhang said. “Chosen family is even more important for those that are immigrants. Language, cultural, and other barriers can make it harder for immigrants to feel welcome. Society of Heart’s Delight helps to break down those barriers.” For the Menlo students in attendance, the evening offered both inspiration and meaningful connections. “It was such a privilege to be able to come back to my home city of San Jose, from Menlo College and get to experience such an awesome and unique event exemplifying the effort immigrants put into our community and the effect it has,” said Orion Jenkins-Schell. “This is what we need in San Jose, which I hope can continue to inspire the rest of the state, and hopefully the nation.” Dheryl Guerrero-Sy and Michelle Zhang. Dheryl Guerrero-Sy reflected on the event’s impact from a personal perspective. “As a first generation Filipino-Chinese American it’s a privilege to be in a room with innovative minds and to connect with people like Michelle Zhang, founder of Society of Hearts Delight, who are building opportunities and spaces for under-represented communities to thrive,” Guerrero-Sy said. Their internship supervisor, Jason Galisatus, praised the students for their professionalism and dedication. “It’s such an honor and privilege to work with Menlo’s exceptional students through my consulting practice,” Galisatus said. “I’ve been astounded by their talent and work ethic and know they’re well on their way to achieve their goals.” Nathan Springer, Michelle Zhang, Dheryl Guerrero-Sy, and Orion Jenkins-Schell. The gala underscored Menlo College’s ongoing commitment to experiential learning and civic engagement by connecting students with influential leaders and organizations working to strengthen Silicon Valley communities through inclusion, collaboration, and public service. 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 Expands Oak Shack Capacity with New Commercial Refrigerator and Freezer Posted on April 27, 2026April 28, 2026 by George Retelas ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College has received a grant of $6,442.34 from the Raley’s Food For Families Fund that is held with the Sacramento Region Community Foundation (SRCF) to purchase a new commercial-grade refrigerator and freezer for its Basic Needs Pantry, known as the Oak Shack. This critical upgrade will significantly expand the pantry’s ability to serve the campus community. With the addition of this new equipment, the Oak Shack will be able to distribute an additional 68,670 pounds of food annually, more than doubling its current impact and strengthening Menlo College’s commitment to addressing food insecurity among students. Menlo College students Angel Cody, Ellen Helmertz, and Liv Brunzell hold a ‘thank you’ message to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation (SRCF). Coordinated by the Office of Student Affairs, the Oak Shack provides free food and essential items to students, faculty, and staff. The pantry operates through strong community partnerships, including support from the Menlo Park Rotary Club and weekly food donations from Second Harvest of Silicon Valley and Samaritan House. These collaborations ensure a consistent supply of fresh and nutritious food available to those in need. The new refrigeration and freezer units will allow the Oak Shack to safely store larger quantities of perishable items, increasing both the variety and volume of food available to the Menlo community. The new refrigerator units can hold 3x the amount of previous cold storage. “As a student-worker in the Oak Shack, I see firsthand the significant impact our food pantry has on the Menlo community. This new equipment significantly expands our pantry’s capabilities, allowing us to provide fresh, nutritious food while actively fighting food insecurity on campus. We are very grateful to the Sacramento Region Community Foundation for investing in the health and well-being of our students and faculty.” – Liv Brunzell ’26 The new dedicated freezer unit will allow for more frozen items to stay fresh. The project is funded by the 2026 Raley’s Food For Families Fund of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation (SRCF). The Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire philanthropy that leads to a just and vibrant Sacramento region. This grant was made possible by the Raley’s Food For Families Fund of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. The new equipment is currently installed, marking an important milestone in Menlo College’s ongoing efforts to support student well-being and success. To learn more about Health and Wellness services at Menlo College, please visit: https://www.menlo.edu/life-at-menlo/health-wellness/ 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.
