honoring faculty
l e a d e r s h i p s ta r ts h e r e SPRING 2014
Bernard Osher, recipient of an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Menlo College, President James J. Kelly, and Keynote Speaker John Pritzker ‘76.
A Very Special Thank You to the Lisa and John Pritzker Family Fund for their generous grant of
$250,000 for general operating support at MENLO COLLEGE
Menlo College Earns AACSB Accreditation The Hallmark of Excellence in Business Education
Menlo College has earned AACSB accreditation (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), a distinction earned by less than five percent of the world’s business schools. Menlo College is proud to be among the elite schools across the globe that have earned this accolade. Recognition by AACSB is the culmination of a multi-year, rigorous process of internal review and external evaluation. In 2009, Menlo College Provost and soon-to-be President James Kelly, and the Board of Trustees began the process of applying for accreditation from AACSB. AACSB International is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools that offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate degrees in business and accounting. Kelly emphasized that for “Menlo College to be a destination school for present and future students, accreditation from AACSB was an essential part of our strategic plan.” The first step towards accreditation was recruiting qualified faculty. Kelly made the recruitment of 17 new faculty members his priority and sought “professional educators who were committed to engaging students in the classroom, and who were dedicated to being first-rate scholars in their respective disciplines.“ Provost James Woolever guided and assisted the Menlo College faculty during the journey towards accreditation. Dean Dale Hockstra, served as Menlo College’s liaison officer with AACSB. In February, the College learned that the AACSB Board of Directors ratified the initial accreditation committee’s decision that Menlo College’s School of Business should receive accreditation. President Kelly’s vision for Menlo College had been realized: a globally-recognized business school to serve as a destination college for students.
MENLO COLLEGE
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1929 Stephanie Bedwell 1920s Anna Kuchel Rabinowitz
1927 Stefanie Sylvester 1928 Michael Pauker
1930s Diane Murphy Eagle
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Celebrating Our 85th Anniversary
n 1927, Menlo College was founded as a two-year program for young men to complete their lower division coursework before transferring to an upper division college or university. In 1949, Menlo introduced its four-year School of Business Administration (SBA), offering a premiere bachelor’s degree in business.
1930 Priscilla Otani
The School of Business Administration held its first classes in Fall 1949, with James Brainerd assuming the directorship as well as continuing as head of development.
1931 Darcy Blake
1933 Flannon Jackson
Menlo College is celebrating great success with the 85 Years, 85 Artists art show. The exhibit looks at the past 85 years through the eyes of artists, each randomly assigned a year to illustrate. The examples of art start in 1927 and continue through 2012. We hope you enjoy this reflection in honor of Menlo College: 85 years of success and counting. 1936 Alisan Andrews
1937 Nanette Wylde
1935 Erik Bakke
Since 1986, Menlo College has been exclusively a four-year institution. With an enrollment of approximately 730 students from around the world, and a faculty devoted to undergraduate teaching and advising, Menlo College offers a unique, relevant, and very personalized educational experience. In 2009-2013, the College received reaffirmation of WASC accreditation, Best in the West designation by The Princeton Review, and a Best Colleges ranking from US News & World Report. In 2014, the College received the AACSB distinction that sets it among the top 5% of business schools in the world.
85 85
1932 Dotti Chicon
1934 Jamila Rufaro
During the decade from 1952 to 1962, under the leadership of Dr. William Kratt, the College was admitted to the College Entrance Examination Board, a first for a two-year college. Fall 1969 saw the opening of the new School of Business Administration building, now called Brawner Hall.
YEA RS
A RTISTS
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1938 Mara Zoltners
1940 Rose Camastro-Pritchett
1939 Susan R. Mendelsohn 1940s Rob Browne
MANAGING EDITOR Darcy Blake
Health Tip of the Day–Annatude was the slogan on the balloons that floated over a special tree planting on campus for Anna Greenberg ‘07, a loved and respected campus leader who passed away from cancer last year.
Table of Contents 1
COVER STORY | Menlo College Earns AACSB Accreditation
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Celebrating Our 85th Anniversary
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Table of Contents
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Thank You, President Kelly! | Provost James Woolever
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Proclamation | SBA Advisory Board
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85th Anniversary Remembrances
8 ACADEMICS | Faculty/Staff Notes
SENIOR EDITOR Judy Seitelman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS James J. Kelly, James Woolever, Darcy Blake, Judy Seitelman, Tina Fairbairn, Erik Bakke, Allan Chen, Soumendra De, Deborah Brown McCabe, Angela Schmiede, Jack Klingler, Donna Little, Kathi Lovelace, Aaron Gillespie, Sharyn Moore, Keith Spataro, Vicky Schultz ‘14, Marilyn Thomas DESIGN Darcy Blake PHOTOGRAPHY & GRAPHICS Darcy Blake, Andrey Poliakov, Allen Tan Max Hoster ‘15, Douglas Peck Photography David C. Livingston
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ACADEMICS | The Rigors of Publishing Academic Research
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ACADEMICS | Honoring Dr. Marilyn Thomas
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ACADEMICS | Faculty Notes
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ACADEMICS | Internships Underway
EDITOR Linda Teutschel
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STUDENT AFFAIRS | LeaderShape
CONTRIBUTORS
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STUDENT AFFAIRS | VITA Program | Vicky Schultz '14
Adam Montez
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT | Katrina Ford's Sustainability Program
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ALUMNI | Class Notes
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ALUMNI | Memoriams
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ALUMNI | President's Medal Awarded to Tang Wee Sung, SBA '74
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ALUMNI | President's Medal Awarded to John Henry Felix, SBA '49
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT | The Annual Hawai’ian Lu’au
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ALUMNI | Cruise wtih Alumni on the Cuban Discovery Trip
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ATHLETICS | Keith Spataro and Shannon Osborne , Award Recipients
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ATHLETICS | Kathy Imwalle Retire
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ATHLETICS | Department Successes Honored at Annual Awards Banquet
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STUDENT GOVERNMENT | Apollo Night
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ALUMNI | Scholarship Recipients Write to Donors
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STUDENT AFFAIRS | Pascaline’s Courage
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ACADEMICS | Academic Success
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COMMENCEMENT | Confetti Drop
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COMMENCEMENT | The Honorable Anna Eshoo Receives President's Medal
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COMMENCEMENT | Bernard Osher Receives Honorary Degree
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COMMENCEMENT | Commencement Speaker John Pritzker's speech
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85 Artists 85 Years
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COMMENCEMENT | Parting Commencement photo
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Finding the Words | Dean of Arts and Sciences, Marilyn Thomas
COLLEGE PRESIDENT James J. Kelly, Ph.D. BOARD OF TRUSTEES Julie Filizetti, Chair Thor Geir Ramleth, ‘87, Vice Chair David Chien Howard Dallmar ‘74 David C. Irmer ‘58 Micah Kane ‘91 Charles “Chop” J. Keenan III ’66 Harry W. Kellogg, Jr. ‘63 Suzanne Dworak-Peck James T. Rea ‘67 Tom Scannell John C. Shenk ‘69 Kristine Thagard ’77 The Menlo Advantage, published by the Menlo College Office of the President brings news of the College and its community to alumni, parents and friends. 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, California 94027-4301 Tel: 800.55.MENLO Fax: 650.543.4102 dblake@menlo.edu, www.menlo.edu
Front cover: Menlo College faculty Opposite page: Photos from 85 Years 85 Artists art exhibit. MENLO COLLEGE 3
Thank You, President Kelly by James Woolever, Provost
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For his first two years, Kelly galvanized the faculty and staff to reenergize their commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom. This process began with a self-study of all aspects of the College’s life. Every program was thoroughly scrutinized. Painful decisions were made to downsize the degree offerings and to reorganize personnel. A strategic plan was developed to guide and unite all units in improving educational outcomes. The tireless efforts of Provost Kelly were rewarded when WASC notified the College in February 2009 that Menlo had received reaffirmation of accreditation for another seven years. With an assessment system firmly in place, Kelly was ready to continue shaping the College as a destination school for future students. For this to happen, Menlo needed to demonstrate that its rejuvenated business curriculum was worthy of accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Because AACSB accreditation is awarded to less than 5% of business schools globally, and represents the highest quality of faculty, curriculum, and learning experience, Kelly believed that the value of a Menlo College degree would be greatly enhanced by this accomplishment. Initially, as Provost and then as President, Kelly took the first steps towards accreditation by recruiting highly-qualified faculty, making the recruitment of 17 new business faculty members his priority. He sought professional educators who were committed to engaging the students in the classroom, and who were dedicated to being first-rate scholars in their respective disciplines. Since entering AACSB candidacy in 2009, Menlo’s business faculty has authored over 90 peer-reviewed journal articles. Concurrent with bringing in a diverse group of scholarteachers—in 2007, there was 0% full-time faculty of color and international; in 2014, there is 38%—the business curriculum underwent a complete overhaul. New majors in accounting, finance, and marketing were introduced, and the management major started up additional options in real estate and business entrepreneurship. 4
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PHOTO: DARCY BLAKE
uring the past seven years I have had the opportunity to introduce President James Kelly to a number of audiences. Now it is my distinct honor to say “thank you” to this visionary educator for all he has done to make Menlo College a premier global business college and a widely recognized center of higher education. The journey of Menlo’s renaissance has not been an easy one, but the results are most impressive. Today it is flourishing anew with record student enrollment and retention, as well as a graduation rate that has nearly doubled since 2007, thanks in large part to Jim Kelly’s tenacity and commitment to educational excellence.
President James J. Kelly
The College instituted the First Year Experience program which includes an off-site orientation weekend, a common book reading, and a one-unit course. Additionally, all new students are required to take Personal Finance for College, an offshoot of Menlo’s partnership with Citi Community Development. To increase the College’s academic profile and to contribute to scholarly dialog on timely topics, Kelly oversaw two national conferences, the most recent being “Financial Literacy and College Persistence.” Representatives from over 20 colleges and universities around the country and 25 non-profits, funders, and community organizations attended to learn about and share the latest research from experts, perspectives on literacy programs from funders, and best practices for curriculum and program design. Beyond bringing the institution up to the highest academic standards, Kelly felt that the College needed a cornerstone program that would draw students to its doors. Developed with the faculty over a 3-year period, this all-important offering is the Menlo College Internship program, a six-unit, academicallysupervised requirement with an interdisciplinary seminar designed to help students bridge classroom-to-workplace learning. The program, instituted beginning with the Class of 2011, has a Director and Associate Director of Internships. This spring, students are working in companies throughout the Silicon Valley, and this summer will see the College’s largest group of internship placements since program inception.
PHOTO: ANDREY POLIAKOV
SBA Advisory Board members John Schott '14, President James J. Kelly, Loretta Doon, Simon Glinsky, Carolyn Amster, S. Tyler Edelstein, Michael Tomars '87, Ben Knopf '79
During Kelly’s tenure, key campus facilities were renovated including the School of Business building, the Student Union, the Library, and residence halls. He secured funding for campuswide technology infrastructure and services including state of-the-art wireless, faculty training to enhance learning, and development of a new website. On February 3, 2014, President Kelly received official notification from the AACSB Board of Directors that Menlo College’s School of Business was fully accredited. On May 10, Menlo College held its 85th Commencement ceremony and celebrated that its commitment to academic excellence has been affirmed and ratified by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. President Kelly’s vision for Menlo College has been realized: Menlo College is a globally recognized business school and a destination college for present and future students. Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, stated that effective leaders must have four distinctive characteristics: “Energy”, be able to “Energize” their followers, have an “Edge” to make the difficult decisions, and be able to “Execute” their strategic plan. These four “E” characteristics must be enfolded with the “P” for Passion! For the past seven years, Jim Kelly has truly personified Welch’s definition of an outstanding leader. Truthfully, President Kelly’s real passion has always been the Menlo students. Every new program and new faculty hire was initiated to guarantee that Menlo students would have a benchmark educational experience. No one has been prouder than he when our investment club ranked 4th internationally in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Commodity Trading Challenge, or when each student group has competed in the annual Mini Business Plan Competition pitching ideas to Silicon Valley funders and executives, or when individual students have contacted him about their new jobs or start-ups made possible by what they learned as Menlo College students. During his tenure Jim Kelly has instilled a sense of pride among faculty, staff, alumni and students, that we are all important members of the Menlo family. This will be his abiding legacy and we, the members of the Menlo family, wish to express our deepest thanks and lasting gratitude for all his efforts on our behalf. Thank you, President Kelly!
Brawner Hall, Ramleth Board Room, Menlo College RESOLVED, the Menlo College School of Business Administration Advisory Board congratulates President James J. Kelly, Dean Dale Hockstra, faculty and staff for their guidance and dedication in attaining AACSB accreditation for Menlo College. This multi-year process required perseverance, confidence and a willingness to champion change. RESOLVED, the Advisory Board expresses special appreciation to Jim Kelly for his encouragement and for investing his wisdom and faith in helping to develop and guide this board, founded during his tenure as President. President Kelly sponsored or advised several key programs that allowed Advisors to contribute to the success of Menlo College, including SBA Day, the 85th Anniversary Celebration, the Alumni Council, and the internship program. President Kelly helped Advisors feel comfortable and welcome during their visits to campus and the President’s home, facilitated the introduction of Advisors to faculty and students, and assisted Advisors to better understand how to support the College. RESOLVED, the Advisory Board recognizes President Kelly’s wisdom and ability to lead among diverse constituencies. We recognize his particular responsiveness to student needs, including student life and personal developement. The Advisory Board recognizes the significant improvements at Menlo College championed by President Kelly including the ongoing development of faculty and curriculum standards, improvement of campus facilities and quality of student life, implementation of outreach programs to the local business community and alumni, increased awareness and marketing position of Menlo College, and increased fundraising. RESOLVED, the Advisory Board congratulates President Kelly on his tenure as President. We are grateful to have worked with him. We appreciate and admire his leadership skills and significant contributions to Menlo College and the SBA Advisory Board. MENLO COLLEGE
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1941 Gabriel Ortiz 1942 Donna McCullough
1945 Candida Pagan
1943 Linda Stinchfield
1944 Margaret Lindsey
Menlo Alumni Through the Decades Wilfred B. Fletcher ‘42 When I enrolled at Menlo College in 1940, the campus had a very pastoral setting - almost like being on a farm. I had come from Los Angeles at a time when Hollywood was really booming, and now I was out in the country, surrounded by big estates, quiet roads, and some very beautiful landscapes. It was quite a change. 1946 Sandra Ginter
Carl Marcoux ‘48 I joined Menlo College at 19 years old in their first post WW II class. In those days it was a men’s college. Most of the classes were veterans of WW II. As a result we were concentrating on our studies and did not have much time to party. Sometimes we patronized good restaurants in nearby towns, Menlo Park, Atherton and Palo Alto.
1947 Lauren Faulkenberry
1949 Julia Nelson-Gal
1950 Allison Welch
John Henry Felix ‘49 When I first encountered Menlo’s bucolic campus I was a wide-eyed 16-year-old in an all-male, all-white student body, attending classes and participating in sports with very mature returning Veterans of WWII. Menlo is now coed and has a more diverse student body, ethnically and geographically. Certain things remain the same, however: the safe, park-like campus, and the caring, nurturing faculty, who work tirelessly to help every student reach their full potential. Menlo prepared me well for my journey in business, community causes, public service, the U.S. military, and education. Thank you, Menlo College, for making it possible for me to lead a meaningful life. Joe Gannon ’56 So long ago – Sept of 1954. Small cafeteria downstairs. Detroit Lions, pro football team, practices. I was familiar with Menlo as I flew airplanes out of Moffett Field for 2 1/2 years. Went to Juba J.C. on a total free ride scholarship. When I got to Menlo with a good friend (Rad King) I thought I had gone to heaven. I loved everything about Menlo Business School. Loved the funkie dorm. I had a ball. Met some fellow students who changed my life. Entered the music business because of Menlo. Still in it (producing) at the ripe old age of 82.
1948 Richard Newton
1950s Jessica Singerman
1951 Elizabeth Munger
6 1953 S P RStephanie I N G 2 0 Peters 14
1955 Laura Allen 1954 Sandra C. Fernández
1956 Salma Aratsu
1952 Eva DeCarlo
1957 Rachel Livedalen
1960s Barbara McPhail
1959 Anne Covell
1958 Alison Moncrieff
1960 Garet Martin
Celebrating Our 85th Anniversary
1963 Russell Cook
1965 Jennifer Jastrab
1962 Matthew Hall
1961 Marelyn Johnson
Robert A. Eck ‘69 My times at Menlo College were happy, exciting times! We experienced the sixties near San Francisco, HaightAshbury and Berkeley near the center of it all. A lot has changed! After Menlo I traveled a lot and lived overseas. I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya in the 70s. I lived over 8 years in Saudi Arabia and spent shorter periods of time in Egypt, Liberia, West Africa and Afghanistan. I have 3 boys who are multi-cultural. I now reside on the Navajo Reservation in Northern Arizona working for the Indian Health Service. Protect Mother Earth...Peace. Duncan H. Newell III ’75 Most favorite Menlo memories: The Ocean, Laguna Seca and how ‘The Judge’ reached out and helped turn my life in the right direction with his interest in my welfare and words of guiding wisdom. The result was a Business Degree and a realized sense of accomplishment. These memories I have shared with my sons as they make their own individual paths in life. Thanks to Menlo and the Judge for opening the doors! Larry López ‘84 We lived in Michael’s Hall in the 60’s and 70’s when my father was an RA. Water balloon fights, soccer games, blaring rock music, funny smelling cigarettes, the luau at the old pool, basketball games in the Oak Pit and characters like Dan Ogg, Jorge Boza, Benjy Toda, Al Waleed, Bouchaib, Tom Hurley, all the Grasty, the Henderson brothers (Palote & Palito), Bob Lindsey, Pirrin, Eddy, Duncan, and many others enriched our family’s life. I also have my father’s personal Menlo College Soccer Hall of Fame memento.
1964 Karen Chew
Wally Funk ‘94 One of the the greatest memories I have is Saturday afternoons in the fall walking out to the “Oak Dome” before a game. The pre-game feeling comes back even now when I go back to campus to watch a football game. GO OAKS!
1966 S.J. Poole
1968 Lisa Wicka
Lindsay Amber Green ‘03 Menlo College was a great environment to grow and learn. I miss the good old days playing basketball for the Menlo Lady Oaks in Haynes-Prim Pavilion and hanging out late nights in the student lounge.
1969 Amy Hibbs
1970s Ernest Regua
1967 Judy Wasmann
1970 Juliet Mevi MENLO COLLEGE
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Faculty/Staff Notes Donna Little Associate Professor, Accounting When a leading personal finance outlet WalletHub.com asked, “What should the federal government do to improve financial literacy?” Donna Little was quoted as stating, “Yes we need to educate our citizens, but I see the government as a protector. The federal and state governments need to provide protections from predatory lending and that includes credit cards with APRs that have been normalized, but are exorbitant. Student loan debt needs to be refinanced also because many people are saddled with high fixed rates. Payday loans and other short term instruments need to be made illegal in the states where they are now flourishing. Reprinted from personal finance website, WalletHub.com
Linda Smith, Associate Dean, Library Services
Assistant Professors Kathi Lovelace (above) and Jan Jindra, (page 9) received Faculty Service Awards at Commencement 2014 for their effort towards achieving AACSB accreditation.
Bowman Library’s online Research Skills Tutorial (http://www.menlo.edu/library/research/tutorial/), authored by the Menlo College librarians, was awarded the PRIMO Site of the Month from the Association of College & Research Libraries division of the American Library Association in 2013. In April, Anne Linvill, Access and Information Services Librarian, and Linda K. Smith presented a poster session at the First National Personal Librarian and First Year Experience Library Conference at Case Western Reserve University. Their poster was titled, “Personal Librarianship: Supporting Psychology Thesis Students from Topic Conception Through Citation.”
Middle, Dr. Kelly was the invited speaker for First International Forum for the Program of Educational Graduate Studies: Professional Teacher in the Third Millenium, King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, KSA. Below, Dr. Thomas R. Mattair, Executive Director of the Middle East Policy Council, Dr. Kelly, Khaled Juffali, father of Lulwa Al Juffali '12, Amr M. Khashoggi '77, Chairman of the Board, Business Disability Network, Ambassador Ford M. Fraker, President, Middle East Policy Council in Jeddah, KSA. 8
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PHOTO: ANDREY POLIAKOV
The Rigors of Publishing Academic Research
Dr. Jan Jindra, Assistant Professor of Finance and Dr. Soumen De, Professor of Finance
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o be successful at research, you not only have to use robust methodology and study an important topic that makes a contribution to the field but you also have to be able to hook your reviewers by telling a good story, explained Dr. Jan Jindra, Assistant Professor of Finance. “Otherwise, you might lose the reader’s interest.” Dr. Jindra and Dr. Soumen De, Professor of Finance were discussing the challenges of getting published. “It takes two years from inception to get a finance paper published,” explained De. “It is three to four months to hear if you’ve made it to the “revise and resubmit” stage, a challenging aspect of the process,” added Jindra. Professors must determine how to respond to the anonymous referees (those who review and critique their papers), and to make their papers more acceptable to a particular journal when they resubmit their research. You may have to resubmit your paper three or four rounds before it is finally accepted. Getting published is a requirement for every full-time professor at Menlo College. In order for the College to maintain AACSB accreditation, Menlo College professors must publish 2 papers every 5 years. If the College were to establish an MBA Program, the professors who teach in it would need to publish 4 papers every 5 years. The journals must be Cabell listed. Cabell Publishing, Inc. is a professional organization that was founded to help professors, graduate students, and researchers publish their manuscripts in rated academic journals. A professor at Menlo must teach at least 4 courses a semester. If he/she publishes a paper, the professor is allowed to reduce the course-load by one class per semester. Both professors agreed that a reduction in teaching load by one course hardly matches the time and effort that goes into publishing a paper in a reputable academic journal.
Faculty use many resources to increase the likelihood of publishing a paper. For example, presentations at conferences where wide audiences offer comments are very helpful: “Thanks to the support of Menlo College, I was able to present my banking paper at the Financial Management Association and not only received great suggestions on improving the paper but the paper was also recognized as the Best Paper in Financial Institutions Research at that conference,” notes Jindra. Feedback from colleagues during Menlo College Seminar Series, presenting at other institutions, and having an objective colleague carefully review your paper are indispensable resources as well. “After all of this help, a professor still has to apply his/her best editorial and authoring skills to get published,” said De. After the paper is submitted to a journal, a faculty member waits for a reply: • Accept. • Accept with revision: “Just make some minor changes.” • Revise and resubmit: “They’re still interested in you!” • Reject and resubmit: Though not as good as revise and resubmit, “they still want the paper!” • Reject: Time to regroup and revise the paper for submission to another journal. Jindra published five articles since 2012 in the following journals: Financial Management, The Quarterly Journal of Finance, American Politics Research, and two articles in the Journal of Banking and Finance. De published four articles since 2012 in the following journals: International Journal of Finance, Contemporary Studies in Economic and Financial Analysis, and two articles in the Journal of Banking and Finance. “Who has time to celebrate?” the two professors laughed. “We’re both focused on what to publish next year!” MENLO COLLEGE
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PHOTO: DARCY BLAKE
A Tribute to Dr. Marilyn Thomas on Her 28 Years at Menlo
By Dr. James Kelly, President, Menlo College
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arilyn Thomas, Dean of Arts and Sciences, spent 25 years in a convent in the Midwest becoming a valued teacher. “As part of my religious life, I went to school all the time,” she told me. “People in religious life are drawn to education.” But at age forty, she decided to leave the convent and take her passion for education into the wider world. After teaching at the University of Minnesota and a small Midwestern liberal arts school, Marilyn had an opportunity to move west and become a technical writer for a private company in Silicon Valley. While she loved writing, she missed teaching and to our good fortune applied for a position at Menlo College teaching English, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking and Memoir Writing. As with any new position, you never know how it will work out. After 28 years, I think it worked out just fine. I am so grateful that Marilyn has been a part of Menlo all these years. She has been one of the most uplifting faculty members on this campus. She always has something good to say, maintains high standards, and challenges our students. In my travels around the globe, alumni remember her in glowing terms. I was delighted when Marilyn accepted my request that she
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become the College’s Dean of Arts and Sciences. At every meeting she had a story of something good that had happened at Menlo with our students. She gives 100% effort, and carried off her responsibilities with quality, class, and kindness. Throughout the years, Dr. Marilyn Thomas has been Menlo College's biggest cheerleader and inspiration. On top of all of her contributions, she never neglected her own research. When I arrived at Menlo, I never thought I would be reading about Victorian clergy and dark secrets, but once I started Marilyn Thomas’s work, The Diary: Sex, Death, and God in the Affairs of a Victorian Cleric (Author House, 2008), I couldn’t put it down. At first I thought I was reading a novel akin to The Da Vinci Code. Then I realized this was a true story of Dr. Thomas’s hunt for an historic manuscript. What impressed me most was the depth and quality of her research, as well as the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding the leading male character, clergyman Frederick W. Robertson. Her other books— including a memoir of life in the convent and a critical literary study of Bronte, Dickens, Hardy and Butor—show her thoroughness, curiosity, and inventiveness, the very skills that Menlo College seeks to instill in its graduates.
Dr. Pauline Fatien Diochon Co-Hosts International Conference on Graduate Coaching Education
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enlo College hosted an International Conference on Coaching Education organized by GSAEC in March. The conference was designed for coach educators and researchers to share leading education theories and practices for the development of executive and organizational coaches.
Dr. Deborah Brown McCabe Leads 2014 Marketing Educators’ Association Conference
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r. Deborah Brown McCabe, professor and 39th President of the Marketing Educators’ Association, led the organization’s 2014 conference in Silicon Valley. The event brought together marketing faculty from across the U.S. and ten other countries to discuss cutting-edge topics, such as teaching the millennial student, enhancing educational and business partnerships, and teaching marketing metrics and social media.
The Graduate School Alliance of Executive Coaching (GSAEC) is an alliance of academic institutions. Members work collaboratively to support continuous improvement of graduate-level education in executive and organizational coaching. GSAEC offers resources to academic institutions enabling them to develop and deliver executive and organizational coaching programs. The event started with an evening reception followed by one day of presentations that ended with a “World Café.” Presenters and participants debated on some of the following issues: the similarities and differences between coaching education and training; the impact of societal, technological and cultural changes on
Dr. Terrence Maltbia, center, and Dr. Pauline Fatien Diochon, right, at the International Conference on Coaching Education organized by GSAEC.
the practice of and education in coaching; the role of techniques in coaching. A selection of the papers presented will be published in a forthcoming issue of the peer-reviewed “Journal of Psychological Issues in Organizational Culture”. Linda Pennington, from the University of Pennsylvania concluded, “it was a wonderful experience: a warm bath for ideas and meeting new friends, in a beautiful setting.”
MEA is the premiere international organization for faculty development of the marketing professoriate. The organization provides worldwide leadership in promoting the development and sharing of scholarship that enhances marketing education and advances marketing knowledge and practice. Dr. McCabe said, “I accepted the invitation to participate in MEA’s four-year leadership track because the MEA’s mission is in synch with Menlo College’s School of Business mission. Both institutions emphasize the importance of quality teaching, preparing our students for the knowledge economy, and building partnerships between the academy and the business community. My involvement in MEA not only makes me a better teacher, it helps me facilitate the College’s mission,” continued Dr. McCabe. “That’s a win-win.”
Participants in the International Conference on Coaching Education organized by GSAEC. Nine countries were represented at the conference: Canada, China, France, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, The United States of America. The Conference Committee members were Dr. Pauline Fatien Diochon, Associate Professor, Menlo College, and IAE Lyon, France; Dr Mark Federman, Adler, Canada; Dr. Irene Stein, University of the Rockies, USA. MENLO COLLEGE
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Dr. William Walters, Dean, Library Services and the Bowman Library Associate Professor, Social Sciences by James Woolever, Provost Seven years ago the Office of Academic Affairs, under the leadership of Provost Jim Kelly, was tasked with hiring a Dean of Library Services for Bowman Library. After an extensive search and interview process, the position was offered to Dr. William Walters, whose extensive background in higher education made him an ideal candidate to oversee our library staff and its facilities. Since arriving at Menlo, Bill Walters and his outstanding library staff have enhanced the level of scholarly research for faculty and staff by their commitment and dedication to academic excellence. Consistently and without fanfare, they go the “extra mile” to provide superb service to everyone seeking their assistance. Their expertise in helping our faculty and students use the library’s databases and resources is commendable. Without doubt our librarians, under the direction of Dean Walters, are the “Best in the West!” This is the universal consensus of the Menlo College community and our local neighbors. Thus, it is with a real sense of sadness that we learned that our colleague and friend, Bill Walters will be leaving Menlo College at the end of the spring semester. Dr. Walters has recently accepted the position of Executive Director of the O’Malley Library at Manhattan College in New York City. Truly, Manhattan College’s gain is our great loss. Speaking for the entire Menlo College community, I wish to thank Bill Walters for his outstanding work as Dean of Bowman Library and extend to him our very best wishes in all his future endeavors. While Bill may relocate to the Bronx, in our hearts, he will always be a member of the Menlo family.
Professor Michelson talked with Yuepeng Yu '18, Gilmar Galindo '18, and Tory Conley '15.
Melissa Michelson, Professor, Political Science Melissa Michelson was one of a handful of invited scholars at the Russell Sage Foundation conference on Latino immigrants whose proceedings will be published in the Russell Sage Foundation Journal as a symposium. For the past 20 years, Dr. Michelson has published widely in her central area of expertise: Latino Politics. She is presenting a paper called Healthy Skepticism or Corrosive Cynicism? New Insights into the Roots and Results of Latino Political Cynicism. It compares Latino attitudes about the U.S. government in 2006 and 2012, using two large national surveys. One of the oldest American foundations, the Russell Sage Foundation was established by Mrs. Margaret Olivia Sage in 1907 for “the improvement of social and living conditions in the United States.” In its early years the Foundation undertook major projects in low-income housing, urban planning, social work, and labor reform. The Foundation now dedicates itself exclusively to strengthening the methods, data, and theoretical core of the social sciences as a means of diagnosing social problems and improving social policies. Dr. Michelson’s other published works, often cited by other scholars, include: • Lavariega Monforti, Jessica and Melissa R. Michelson. 2014. “Multiple Paths to Cynicism: Social Networks, Identity, and Linked Fate among Latinos.” In Tony Affigne, Evelyn Hu-DeHart and Marion Orr, Latino Politics en Ciencia Política, New York: New York University Press, pp. 92-112.
Dr. William Walters, Dean of the Library, shared a favorite passage with Professor Emeritus Jan Dykstra.
• Melissa Michelson. R. 2007. “All Roads Lead to Rust: How Acculturation Erodes Latino Immigrant Trust in Government.” Aztlán: A Journal of Chicano Studies 32, 2 (Fall): 21-46. In September her book on DREAMers and Obama’s shifting policies regarding deportation will be released by Paradigm Press (paperback may be out as early as November).
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Mark J. Hager, Associate Professor, Psychology Dr. Mark J. Hager and Dr. Frances Turner presented their case study, “It made all the difference in the world: psychological & social support in the professional doctorate,” at the 4th International Conference on Professional Doctorates in Cardiff, Wales, UK. Their research emphasizes the importance of multiple intersecting developmental networks of support – peers, family, colleagues and faculty advisors. They also explore the element of socialization into professional discourse as these students craft new identities of doctoral level qualification and participation in communities of both practice and theory.
Harold Justman, Adjunct Professor, Real Estate Harold Justman recently coauthored an article in the California Real Property Journal, the official publication of the real property law section of the State Bar of California. The article is entitled “Foreclosure Law In California.” It is a review of recent foreclosure cases and the impact of the Homeowner’s Bill of Rights.
What’s Up
with IT?
by Allan Chen, Chief Information Officer
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he Office of Information Technology (OIT) has been hard at work on a number of major projects over the last 6 months. Our focus has never been about the technology – it is all about the user, and everything we have worked on is about making things faster, easier, and more effective for faculty, staff, and students. Our network upgrade is the most significant, as it will improve services to the entire community. Virtually every wire and device from closet to wireless access points is being replaced. We are upgrading to the fastest protocols, and soon we will have as fast of a wireless network as any college in the country. We are improving coverage in the residences, classrooms, and even open spaces. The system is on pace to be live by end of June. We’re quite busy with many other projects, too. We continue to upgrade our core infrastructure, and we can now withstand power outages, server crashes, and even major network problems with a minimum of downtime for users. People can keep getting work done, even if major issues arise. Classrooms are upgraded every year, and we look for the latest technologies to allow faculty to innovate. And of course we work with other departments, from Admissions to the Business Office to Advancement, to help streamline processes through technology. Keep an eye out for more exciting news from OIT.
Dr. Leslie E. Sekerka, Professor, Management Taking her research to a global level, Professor Sekerka traveled to the Middle East this year, working with other scholars in Istanbul, Turkey, and Abu Dhabi, UAE to advance international business ethics. Partnering with Menlo colleagues (Drs. Marar and Stimel), she produced research to examine Western and Middle Eastern perspectives and the economic importance of recognizing similarities and differences in ethical decisionmaking processes. Sekerka met with His Holiness the Dali Lama when he visited the Silicon Valley. Working with a group of local business leaders and invited scholars, they discussed how to cultivate compassion in the workplace. Dr. Sekerka’s publications in 2014 have appeared in multiple venues. The book volume she edited and coauthored is entitled, Ethics Training in Action: An Examination of Issues, Techniques, and Development. She had an impressive number of peer-reviewed journal publications accepted and/or appearing in press (seven), to include top tier journals in her field such as the Journal of Applied Behavioral Sciences and the Journal of Business Ethics. Dr. Sekerka’s work is cross-disciplinary in nature, weaving the fields of management, marketing, and economics with business ethics. She is especially proud of establishing a novel domain, one that offers a unique platform for other scholars to foster additional research in Positive Organizational Ethics (POE). After many years of effort, her Special Issue on POE made its debut, complemented by her feature article to describe the challenge, define the field, and outline the intriguing domain of POE. In keeping with Menlo’s institutional goals, Dr. Sekerka invited students to join her in pursuit of scholarship via the Ethics in Action Research and Education Center. Helping budding scholars understand the value and importance of research is very important to her. So much so, that she now sponsors alumni graduate students as they pursue their continuing education. Her commitment to long-term learning not only promotes Menlo as an institution, it offers an extended “hand” to the next generation of leaders.
Dr. Craig Medlen, Professor, Economics
Professor Craig Medlen at Commencement 2014 PHOTO: DOUG PECK PHOTOGRAPHY
Dr. Medlen presented his paper, “Veblen’s Rabbit Hole: Make-Believe Capital Valuations, Legitimations and Bailouts” at the Center For Scholastic Inquiry’s International Academic Research Conference in San Francisco in April. He maintains that Veblen’s understanding of the “discounted streams” conception of capital illuminates a variety of recent corporate scandals. MENLO COLLEGE
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Virginia Spinelli Retires
PHOTO: ANDREY POLIAKOV
by Erik Bakke, Director of International Student Experience
Intensive English Program Receives Accreditation
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The Intensive English Program (IEP) approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) “in good standing”
he Menlo College Intensive English Program (IEP) has recently been approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in its “in good standing” accreditation of Menlo College. The IEP is now recognized as being wholly managed and run by Menlo College staff and faculty with all classes being held on the Menlo College campus. It is an immersive English learning experience for students who need English language training before pursuing a degree in business or psychology. As of 2014, the IEP is open to both students who are seeking a degree at Menlo College and those who are non-degree seeking students. Intermediate and upper-intermediate English language learners can spend one to two semesters developing their English language skills while participating in college life. Class sizes are small. Students live on campus and take five distinct English courses in written communication, oral
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communication, reading, grammar, and academic writing for 21 hours of class time a week. As part of the program, students have the benefit of on-campus tutoring, use of the College’s writing center, and access to other activities. Over 30 countries are represented among the College’s students. To enhance and facilitate the international student’s college experience, in addition to support staff in Student Affairs and Residential Life, the College has two full-time staff members devoted to International Student Services. Erik Bakke, Director of International Student Experience said, “The Menlo College Intensive English Program makes it possible for international students to gain the level of English they need to engage fully in their academic, professional and social experiences.” For information about the Menlo College Intensive English Program, please contact Erik Bakke, Director of English as a Second Language Program and Director of International Student Experience. Office: 650543-3904. Email: erik.bakke@menlo.edu
Virginia Spinelli, the much loved International Student Advisor, is retiring after ten years at Menlo College. As Menlo’s PDSO (Principal Designated School Official) she is the liaison between the international students and Homeland Security. For the Menlo family she has been much more. Virginia has excellent rapport with the students, and they feel as comfortable coming to her with an I-20 to sign as they do sharing a seemingly intractable problem (for example, accidentally having registered with the Selective Service). Virginia—having a background in psychology and a humanist bent— invariably puts things in perspective and solves the problem. Upon learning of Virginia’s retirement, an administrator from a Canadian educational organization penned a note, “I’ve communicated with many people within different colleges and I must say you were not only the most helpful but the most knowledgeable. To top it off you were definitely the friendliest. Those characteristics are priceless in any organization; I’ve valued your help, and I’ve enjoyed our communications.” Students and parents have also been expressing gratitude. One Menlo parent wrote, “I could learn from your professionalism, charisma, human touch, diligence, excellency, and humble honesty.” I have been fortunate to work with Virginia and must add, as that same parent expresses, “a million times THANK YOU for everything you have done for us.”
Internships Underway
"50% of Menlo's Spring Interns Have Permanent Job Offers!" Dr. Angela Schmiede, Director of Internships Spring 2014 interns discuss their experiences in the interdisciplinary internship seminar with Dr. Angela Schmiede.
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t’s not often that someone gets the opportunity to create and pitch a monetization model for a new app startup. It’s even rarer if that someone is an intern, but that’s exactly what Seena Amidi did during his internship this spring with a video search engine start-up called Baarzo. Seena recently joined the ranks of half of the Menlo College spring internship class in securing a permanent job offer from their internship organization. Menlo marked the official launch of the College Internship Program in 2014, and it comes as no surprise that students in the inaugural internship class were outstanding representatives of Menlo in the community. Teodor Vacav ’04 was so impressed with Casey Quan’s performance as an intern that he offered her a full-time position at Marcus & Millichap in Palo Alto when she graduated in May. During her internship, Casey was able to apply her finance skills to assisting with pro forma analyses on commercial properties as well as gain new skills such as creating marketing materials for real estate listings.
Courtney Calicdan, a marketing intern with Appsurdity, earned a job offer based on the excellent work she did managing campus ambassadors for Appsurdity’s Quad app and leveraging social media to build brand awareness. As a junior, she has time to weigh that job offer, while she takes on another internship in event planning at Devil’s Canyon Brewery with brewery owner Chris Garrett ‘05 this summer. Although Bank of America Intern Narek Ghazaryan has the opportunity to accept a full-time position with Bank of America affiliate, Merrill Lynch, in London, his internship has helped him realize that his real passion lies in international development. Narek has been accepted to the University of San Francisco’s M.A. program in International Studies this fall. Tim Lopez spent the past nine months interning with Knock Twice, a hybrid creative agency in San Francisco, where his accomplishments include successfully pitching an article that was published in The Huffington Post. After graduation, Tim joined the agency as an account executive, where he
works with Managing Partner Colin Crook ’89, to co-manage PR and brand accounts for clients across the tech sector. We look forward to sharing more internship success stories as 65 Menlo students start their internships this summer. Interns in the summer program will earn 6 academic credits for working 400 hours and participating in a weekly interdisciplinary internship seminar on campus with a faculty member. Associate Director of Internships Zach Osborne and Director of Internships Angela Schmiede have met with over 135 organizations throughout the Bay Area to develop internship opportunities for Menlo students and create stronger ties between the College and Silicon Valley. For more information about the internship program visit: www.menlo. edu/internships. If you would like to share contacts you have with Bay Area organizations that might be good learning environments for our students, please send an email to zach.osborne@menlo.edu or call 650.543.4097. MENLO COLLEGE
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STUDENT AFFAIRS
Alyssa Rodeheaver-Nojima '14
The Sky's the Limit by Deborah Brown McCabe, Associate Professor One of Menlo College’s core competencies is the richness of opportunities it provides for its students. Key among these is Menlo’s participation in the LeaderShape Institute, an intensive sixday-long workshop in which students from numerous colleges come together to identify and grow their leadership abilities. I believe so strongly in LeaderShape that I am on the lookout in the classes I teach, the clubs I advise, and the campus events I attend for potential participants. Sometimes the LeaderShape nominees come to Menlo with leadership experience. Just as often, they are individuals with nascent potential. LeaderShape graduates return to campus committed to a vision of what it means to be an leader and with the skills to bring their vision into focus, to capitalize on the capabilities of others, and with a “healthy disregard for the impossible,” all while being committed to living and working with integrity. As Google founder Larry Page, a graduate of the program, once stated, “I was taught how to make dreams real . . . That is what I learned in LeaderShape.” Menlo’s LeaderShapers make an imprint on their classmates and on the College. In the many roles they take on at Menlo, they utilize and grow the competencies they developed at LeaderShape, skills they will carry with them upon graduation. For them, the sky truly is the limit. 16
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Taylor Morrow '16
LeaderShape
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n 2008, Dean of Student Affairs Yasmin Lambie-Simpson was approached by a colleague at Dominican University about joining a consortium of local colleges and universities to expand an organization called LeaderShape Summer Institute. The LeaderShape Institution originated in Illinois and is an advanced, six-day and night, on-campus residential, ethicsbased leadership development experience for young adults. “I thought that this was a very worthy project because it was a means of teaching our students to lead from their strengths. It was a chance for us outside of the classroom to help students to develop their leadership abilities and to broaden their network in the company of a group of outstanding local students.” The original consortium included College of the Holy Names, Notre Dame de Namur University, University of San Francisco, CSU Monterey and Dominican University. Since the first year, other schools such as Mills College, UC Merced and Samuel Merritt have joined the group. Students at Menlo are funded by the Athletics Department, Student Affairs, Menlo Student Government and Dominican University. In the past five years, 31 Menlo College students have attended the summer program. Each year, faculty nominate students to attend. The winners are announced at Leadership Appreciation Dinner in the spring. Alyssa Rodeheaver-Nojima '14 “I found my passion at LeaderShape. I want to help high school students get motivated for higher education in
Xavier Davis '15
Hawai`i. Being from Hawai`i, I relate to their desire for a culture-based education, and I understand the strength of their ties to the Hawaiian community.” She was referred to the LeaderShape Institute by Judy Wasmann, Tutor/Testing Coordinator/Advisor, Student Affairs who nominated her for the program in 2013. “Although Alyssa had been very involved in the Hawaii Club since she arrived on campus, I always felt she had a great deal more to offer to the Menlo community. I nominated Alyssa for LeaderShape because I saw in her leadership qualities that could be expanded.” During the program, students take part in experiences and relationships that build leadership concepts and abilities. “Seven of us piled into a van, and we drove to Dominican together,” said Alyssa. When the students arrive at LeaderShape, they are placed in groups of ten people that they call “families.” Alyssa was the only one from her Menlo group who was not placed in a group with someone from her own school. “I didn’t have a familiar face in my family, so I had to rely completely on myself to form new relationships,” said Alyssa. The LeaderShape families discussed ways to work as a team and addressed the qualities of leadership. “We learned that leadership is not just about your own voice, it is about leading by example. Progress is made by working together.” Taylor Morrow '16 “LeaderShape made me realize how many kinds of leaders there are,” said Taylor Morrow. Dr. “D” (Deborah McCabe) suggested that Taylor check out
STUDENT AFFAIRS
Amber Lane '15
LeaderShape. Dr. McCabe said, “I thought LeaderShape would be a great opportunity for Taylor to utilize her existing leadership skills and, more importantly, to tap into nascent skills that the retreat program is designed to foster.” Taylor, a marketing communications sophomore, hopes to eventually intern for a publishing company. “You don’t have to be an extroverted individual in order to lead.” On the last day of the retreat, she appreciated how each family member was asked to share how they thought their individual group members had grown and how they could improve. Xavier Davis '15 Xavier is a junior majoring in entrepreneurship who explained, “Everyone comes in with a mind-set that they can be a leader, but everyone’s different. Being quiet might not be considered to be a leader’s attribute, but different personalities bring new things to the conversation. Together, we can lead each other.” “The retreat helped me think about what I want to do,” said Xavier. I realized that I want to help other people, and educating myself is the main way for me to achieve it.” Amber Lane '15 Amber was recommended to LeaderShape by her basketball coach, Shannon Osborne. Shannon said, “Amber is a special young lady, she is smart, hardworking and a natural leader. I recommended her for LeaderShape because it was a great opportunity for her to further develop her leadership skills and I knew she would bring what she learned back to Menlo where it would benefit the entire college community.”
Dylan Severson '16
Terrah Yevilov '15
Travis Gorzalka '14
“The best part for me was meeting other people and gaining connections,” said Amber Lane a junior majoring in marketing. At LeaderShape, I was able to work on formulating my passion. I want to work on getting kids out of the house more. They need to spend more time with people and less time with tech. A leader isn’t always the person who directs; often, it’s the person who observes,” said Amber.
talks helped her realize that she wants to work in a non-profit organization that helps children stay in school. She was recommended by Assistant Professor Kathi Lovelace who said, “I met Terrah as a freshman and even at this early stage in her college career she demonstrated her willingness to take a leadership role. I greatly appreciate this quality in her and note how she actively applies what she is learning to her experiences.”
Dylan Severson '16 Dylan, a double finance and marketing sophomore said, “ It was funny because Amber and I were in a family that opened up with each other slowly, but by the last night, we stayed talking with each other until midnight. I liked the trust that we formed. I play basketball and hope I can use some of the skills I learned to teach sports to underprivileged kids.”
Travis Gorzalka ‘14 Travis, a senior majoring in accounting, said that LeaderShape “opened my eyes to a broader perspective.” I appreciated the chance to interact with like-minded people my age. He said, “This week showed us what type of leaders we are and what type of leaders others are. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who is fortunate enough to be nominated,” Travis said.
Dylan’s basketball coach, Jon Surface recommended him to the program. “Dylan is one of our hardest working players and shows a true passion for Menlo College and the basketball program. He led by example in his first two years in the program and I see Dylan expanding his roll as a leader on this team. I thought the LeaderShape program would be a great resource in aiding in developing his leadership qualities.” Terrah Yevilov '15 Terrah, a junior majoring in finance liked LeaderShape because she learned “a different way of leading.” She said she didn’t “expect connections to be as quick and real” as they turned out to be. She remembers a lot about her family, whom she shared with Travis. Through talking about their visions for the future, their
Professors Little and Fatien nominated him. Professor Fatien said, “I nominated Travis Gorzalka because of his positive/ constructive attitude in class and towards learning. It was so obvious that he was eager to learn, to improve, he was open to new/alternative ideas. He values his education.” Professor Little said, “Travis has been an active leader in the accounting program, setting a great example in class and serving as our official tutor in the ASC. His interviews with the Big 4 firms resulted in multiple offers, and he has chosen to start with KPMG in the fall. We look forward to his continued success.”
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Devin Gaines '15 on Becoming an RA– Resident Assistant
Devin’s gradepoint average of 3.8 and his governance skills from being a former Boys State student became a great asset when he decided to apply to be a Menlo College Resident Assistant (RA). In his first year at Menlo, when it came time to nominate RA’s for the following year, Devin’s RA, Jace Weaver, asked Devin if he would like to apply for a position. Devin passed the RA interview process with a glowing review and arrived at Menlo two weeks before school started for training. Devin was assigned with Mikhail Stanich to oversee the second floor at Kratt Hall. The two RA’s are responsible for about 50 male freshmen. “As an RA, I have learned to work with different people and their problems, such as roommate troubles or difficulty with girlfriends,” said Devin. “I have learned how to be creative and to communicate to get people to attend events. Being shy won’t work for this job,” he said.
PHOTO: ANDREY POLIAKOV
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he summer before his junior year of high school, Devin Gaines ‘15 was one of 800 students who participated in the nationwide Boys State program. Students attend legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, and learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of citizens. They also meet their state representatives at the capitol.
VITA Program volunteers Tylar Clarke '14 and Catherine Gonzales '14 with Professor Jack Klingler
Professor Jack Klingler’s VITA Program– a Great Success By Vicky Schultz ’14
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n April, the Menlo College Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) ended its second year of operations with impressive results. Sponsored by the United Way and the IRS, the program allowed the preparation of over 100 tax returns, resulting in over $53,000 of refunds for clients from the local area.
This year, the number of Menlo’s student volunteers doubled from eleven to twentytwo, including all eleven participants from last year’s program, enabling the group to double the amount of tax preparation sessions offered and increase the number of tax returns prepared. The twenty-two accounting and finance majors who offered their time went through extensive training as well as a series of exams in order to take part in the program. Supporting them was Marketing major Alyssa Holland to help advertise the program’s services in neighboring Redwood City and the local area. “A great amount of effort was required on the part of all volunteers to handle a pretty steady workload of clients during all eight sessions,” said Professor Jack Klingler. “Everyone worked hard and had fun along the way. This experience will greatly benefit them as many of them head off to work or intern at some of the larger accounting firms in the area. It was my pleasure to work alongside them.” “I decided to volunteer for the VITA program to be a resource for my classmates,” said junior volunteer Haley Heryford, who was recently elected as Menlo’s next Student Body President. “It was fun being able to take what I've learned in accounting courses beyond the classroom. Our advisor, Professor Klingler, did a great job of keeping us working hard while having fun." “VITA was a fun learning experience for me,” added senior Tylar Clarke '14 (pictured above), who was part of the program last year. “I encourage all accounting students to do it. I not only gained valuable work experience from VITA, but I also enjoyed being able to help people from the community, as well as fellow classmates.” The VITA program hopes to continue its success and will be returning to Menlo for next year’s tax season. The student volunteers were:
Devin Gaines bravely prepares to be a target for a pie throwing contest.
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Vanessa Angeles | Corona Beck | Ansje Bol | Alex Cabrera | Jessica Campbell Max Carpenter | Tylar Clarke | Monica Fein | Jake Fohn | Devin Gaines | Robert Gehre Catherine Gonzales | Elizabeth Guzman | Ann Hansen | Haley Heryford Alyssa Holland | Devante Hooker | Nicole Larson | Patrick McNamara Casey Showalter | Cameron York | Qiao Yuan
everything she did so Katrina decided to take up her sister’s passion, the cause of sustainability. When she returned to Menlo College in the fall, she began to work on her newfound intention. The campus had an electric charging station for electric cars, and Zip cars to help students avoid owning cars, but there wasn’t a program to monitor plastic bottle usage and recycling. To initiate her cause, Katrina spoke at the President’s Council meeting on the importance of sustainability.
PHOTO: ANDREY POLIAKOV
Her first goal was to ban the use of plastic bottles on campus. Her next project was to organize a group of students to refurbish a squadron of recycling bins. The fitness center has recently installed a new water system so that people can easily fill their own bottles on campus. Her group showed the documentary, “Tapped,” on campus that shows why plastic bottles are detrimental to health and the environment. For Earth Day, the group had a “Going Green” fair to support their cause.
Katrina Ford’s Tribute to Her Sister Brings Sustainability to Menlo College
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ecember 27, 2012 is a day Katrina Ford, ‘15 remembers with sadness. It was the day her sister, Brianna was killed in a car accident in Oakland, CA. Of the 5 people in the car, her sister was the only one to die. The man who was fleeing from the police when he ran into them is in jail. Brianna was a student leader and role model at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta. She was president of the Living Green Club, and brought the concept of sustainability to their campus. She introduced recycling to the college community, planted a garden, collected plastic water bottles from the dorms, and brought awareness to the local elementary schools by teaching them the importance of going green.
Katrina is also President of the Black Student Union. The BSU presented a documentary, “Hidden Colors,” about Black History, and a motivational speaker, Glenn Pair, who shared what it was like growing up in the streets of Washington, D.C., and how he made a pivotal decision to become an inspirational speaker for youth. For Black History month in February, the Black Student Union hosted a movie night, as well as other events on the Quad. They also organized Apollo night, where students and professors entertained the Menlo community with performance acts, including dancing, singing and other talents. In addition to her sustainability efforts and her work for the Black Student Union, Katrina also volunteers as a tutor at the Boy’s and Girl’s Club in East Palo Alto. “One day, I’d really like to help underprivileged students with an after-school program where mentors can enrich their lives by directing them to resources for college, jobs, and everyday life,” said Katrina, who is an entrepreneur major. Her community-based volunteer work is paving the way for her to realize her dream, and to pay tribute to her sister with a meaningful gift for the College and the environment.
Katrina took a leave of absence from Menlo College last spring to deal with her grief over losing her sister. While she was away from college, she realized that she could deal with her loss better if she could honor her sister and keep her legacy alive. Her sister was her number one fan and encouraged her in
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Michael Tomars’ ’87 SEC outreach initiative to students of local high schools - helping youth understand the financial markets and providing an understanding relative to the role of regulation.
Class Notes Compiled by Tina Fairbairn, Director of Alumni & Community Relations
1949 John Henry Felix was recently honored by President Kelly and the College at a reception in Honolulu’s Pacific Club, where he was awarded the prestigious President’s Medal. The President cited John Henry’s long history of service to the community, combined with his loyalty and generosity to Menlo College. When Menlo received AACSB accreditation, John Henry wrote: “Jim, Your leadership has made the difference. Congratulations!”
1951 Robert Mills Davis fondly remembers his dear friend, John E. Turco ‘51, who recently passed away. (See his tribute in the In Memoriam section.) Bob lives in Portola Valley, where he spends time with his grandson Andrew Huysmans ’11.
1967 Edwin “Jim” Hannay writes, “Congratulations on receiving AACSB accreditation. I know many hours of hard work and dedication were put in to attain this goal. Thank you for your commitment to Menlo College. Best wishes, P.S. Catherine continues to love Menlo 20
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College!” Jim is a former Menlo College Trustee and father of student, Catherine Hannay.
1968 Mark Maloney sent a note from Scotts Valley, “Congratulations on the AACSB accreditation accomplishment. Menlo College continues to climb the ladder of success, and I am certain that all alumni are proud of everything that Menlo College stands for.” Mark is retired from Intel and is a former Chairman of the Menlo College Board of Trustees.
1974 Alfredo Mena Lagos said, "Menlo’s AACSB accreditation is a gift from years of hard work and dedication by your team to all of us who love Menlo and are grateful for all it has given us. It is going to be part of your legacy for which we will be forever grateful.” Alfredo is father of Jorge ’13 and 2 Menlo students, Victor and Alfredo.
1976 Frances Mann-Craik writes: “Last year was my first Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The SF group raised over $4 million for local breast cancer screenings and research. I have a team, The Coasters. On July 12 and 13, we’ll walk 39.3 miles, in two days, from San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge to
Corte Madera, and back again. If you’d like to walk with us, email me at: manncraik@gmail.com. If you can’t join us on the walk, will you join us in “spirit?” Send a check to me, made out to “Avon Walk for Breast Cancer” at 11885 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA 95033.
vice president. Mr. MacWilliams (Hunt) is a son of the late Lee MacWilliams Boucher and the late John J. MacWiliams Sr., who lived in Old Lyme, Conn.
Peter Huntington MacWilliams and Daniel Frederick Masch were married Saturday afternoon at their home in Redwood City, Calif. Retired Judge Patricia Bresee, from the San Mateo County Superior Court in San Mateo, Calif., officiated.
daily newspaper, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, in an online column called Small Talk. In 2013 Diane was selected from a competitive field to join The Pacific Century Fellows, a prestigious, year-long Hawaii fellowship modeled after the White House Fellows program. “It is an incredible experience,” she reflects. “Congratulations, Menlo College, on turning 85! Menlo College provides good education and life experiences
1987
Michael Tomars, Branch Chief at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission men1984 tioned that he drove a student Bill Lynch, Vice President, mentoring initiative by the SEC ProFinance Associates, Inc. for local high school students. dropped by and made some great reconnections on campus. “A great experience for all involved!” Michael is also a He writes: “Happily married to member of the School of my Menlo sweetheart, Anne Bowers...a 32 year fun date and Business Advisory Board at Menlo College. (See picture counting! Our daughter plans to get an M.A. in Architecture. above.) 'Attawaytogo' on your 85th 1992 Anniversary and continued Diane Ako Hansen, freeacademic excellence that deliv- lancer & blogger, Honolulu ers talented minds and builders HI, is working on projects for each year to industry and our various media and business world. Looking forward to your clients. Since 2009 she has Centennial, Menlo College.” blogged for the state’s largest
The couple operate Huntington House Interior Design, a residential and commercial design firm owned by Mr. MacWilliams, president and senior designer; and managed by Mr. Masch,
for young adults. My college years provided an excellent foundation for a career and a life that I’m happy to have.”
1993 Carol Argüero Hague is Head of Field Marketing at Box. She has 20 years of marketing and communications experience in the high-tech industries. She develops highly effective global programs that combine direct marketing with social media and Web presence.
1994 Susan Bond Ross lives in Salt Lake City, Utah and has been a real estate investor since 2002. She trains people on how to effectively utilize real estate and other diverse tools to quickly grow a sound financial portfolio and prepare for retirement. She is a proud mother and entrepreneur – running her own business. Her experience and relationships have recently earned her the privilege of coauthoring a book with Barbara Corcoran, celebrity real estate mogul and star of television’s hit show “Shark Tank”, to be published this spring. Susan’s business continues to grow daily and is poised for recordbreaking earnings in 2014.
1997 Colin Desmond Crook is a Partner with KnockTwice. com. He describes his work as a “connector of people and information in the capacity of public relations. I work in the technology industry. The most satisfying part of my day to day job is to identify disparate parties who mutually benefit from being brought together by my ideas and thoughts.” Colin has a commitment to helping Menlo
students, offering his expertise to several interns, Nadia Le`i ‘13, Joel Lomotan ‘14 and Tim Lopez ‘14. Tim will begin working full-time after his 2014 graduation!
1998 Bob Uttenreuther works as a New Business Lead for DoubleClick, a division of Google. Bob is also an advisory board member of the Menlo College Marketing Advisory Board. He is married to Aslaug Naterstad, Senior Accountant at Green Briar Community Homes in Fremont, CA.
2000 Amit Khatwani lives with his family in Singapore, and is the Founder and Director of Optim Group. He wrote, “I work for a financial services firm in Singapore that provides a short-term cash flow solution known as ‘invoice discounting,’ also referred to as ‘spot factoring,’ to small growing companies. Small businesses are an integral part of any economy. I enjoyed celebrating Menlo’s AACSB accreditation with Dr. Kelly and fellow alums in Singapore. Dr. Kelly, thank you for your commitment to Menlo. The terrific milestones achieved during your tenure are a testament to your passion for excellence, vision and exceptional leadership.”
2001 Nathan Ross Jackson has published his first book, a highly-regarded NFL memoir Slow Getting Up: A Story of NFL Survival from the Bottom of the Pile. Jackson’s first published book provides an insightful look into his six-year career in the NFL and has received rave reviews from national media including: the New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine and
NPR. Nate visited campus to speak in Dr. Doug Carroll’s class, “Ethics in Sports Management.” Nate also marched with the graduates as the 2014 Alumni Standard Bearer at Commencement. Robert Rius is Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Robert leads the team’s financial planning practice and has extensive experience in retirement, estate, education, philanthropic, income planning and analysis. Robert helps create a family’s wealth plan through coordination with his client’s advisors, including CPA’s, estate attorneys, business attorneys and trustees. Robert also works on the asset allocation models, tactical investment selection and oversees a wide range of investment vehicles incorporated within client portfolios. He has been involved in the financial services sector for over 10 years, including the “dot com bubble” and the “Great Recession.” “I enjoy my work because helping my clients find solutions and gain traction on financial freedom is a rewarding part of my role.”
2001 Jeff Aguilar is an associate at CB Richard Ellis Silicon Valley Land Services Group. “I focus exclusively on selling land development and redevelopment opportunities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. One of the best aspects about my job is having the opportunity to work with the various land owners and municipalities throughout the region. I have the job I do today because of Menlo College. Professor McDonough, a now retired professor, put me
in touch with a broker at CBRE (James Lees) and arranged an interview with his team in Foster City while I was a junior at Menlo. I’ve been with the company since. In addition, Menlo did a great job in preparing me for the work world. In just about every class I recall having to put together business plans, presentations, pitches, etc. which helped immensely with my career. “ Amy Marie (Castillo) Barron “I am a special education teacher at Patterson High School. I teach a variety of students with multiple learning disabilities in special day classes (math this year), and I am also a resource specialist for those students in general education classes. I also work with the severely handicapped students. When the good shines though, it is worth it. I also work a home and hospital case for an orthopedically impaired 8 year old boy. He is an inspiration. I coach volleyball at UC Merced (which is hard when we have to play against my alma mater, Menlo), and am the head swim coach for Patterson High School. I love making a difference, and that is why I work hard at my job.” Keith Marin is a Business Operations Analyst with the San Jose State Athletics. Keith commented, “Menlo has prepared me to create relationships and understand business operations. The small class size and multi-culture curriculum gave me an edge to get ahead. Menlo also helped me achieve my goal of getting into grad school. Also, I made friendships that will last a lifetime!” Vincent van Dillen resides in Annapolis, Maryland and enMENLO COLLEGE
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joys tennis/squash, and golf. “I am very passionate about business development and thrive off growing the spirit of competition.”
2009 Elizabeth Cardona now works for CBRE as a Client Services Assistant in Southern California. She has joined the Alumni Council, a leadership group committed to increasing outreach to Menlo alums. Liz wrote: “As far as connecting to alumni I do think we need to plan more events for local alumni in regions that have large alumni populations -- like hosting alumni mixers/networking events or happy hours at local places that are an easy commute for alumni. Of course before hosting things like this we need to reach out to the alumni to see what sort of things they may be interested in." Amy Cusick is Executive Assistant to a partner at Khosla Ventures in Menlo Park, CA. “We focus on advising young and exciting entrepreneurs with unique visions so my
job is to manage calendars & lives of the people giving and receiving advice on a daily basis. I love that we work with the premier minds of Silicon Valley & are constantly challenged to be more creative and weird/think outside the box. I have work/life balance and am challenged at the same time. I feel like I work for the best administrative team in the valley!” Amy has been a supporter of women’s soccer at Menlo, and is an engaged alum who wants to help students and other alums with their career goals.
2010 Katelyn Guild, Corporate Sales Manager at Myrtle Beach Pelicans said,“Hope you're rocking it out there. Give everyone my hellos! “
2011 Adrien Marie Jean Ghis de Savye has moved to Paris, France. He formerly worked as a Customer Service Manager for Porsche, France, and is now a delivery experience specialist for Tesla Motors.
Thomas M. Forbes wrote: “After graduating from Menlo in 2011, I travelled to South Korea for 2 years (I taught English to Korean elementary students for 1 year in Busan; and in the 2nd year I studied the Korean language at Yonsei University in Seoul). It was an incredibly enriching experience. I was recently hired at Northwestern Mutual as a financial representative in Los Angeles!” Alicia Pratt is the Stadium Operations Coordinator at the San Francisco 49ers Headquarters in Santa Clara. She wrote: “What a whirl-wind of an experience my life has been to say the least. I did my MBA in HR and Marketing in a short year and half at Notre Dame de Namur University. I’ve been working in Santa Clara since the 2013 season, on all signage that is going in and around Levi’s, every piece of furniture, fixtures, and equipment that is going into the stadium, and populating our Computer Maintenance Management Systems CMMS
ISS 24/7. It's certainly a big and vital part of running an organization. I’m also racking up my hours to take the PMP-Project Management certification.“
2012 Hanna Malak graduated from Notre Dame De Namur with a Masters of Business Administration in May. Hanna has been enjoying his role as an Account Manager for the American Red Cross and a board member for Okizu, a non-profit that offers support to Northern California families affected by childhood cancer.
2013 Nadia Le`i is working at Little House, Roslyn G. Morris Activity Center in Menlo Park, which offers a wide variety of health and wellness activities to the community. Besides her full-time work, she is attending the Art Institute in San Francisco to broaden her background in design. She recently helped out with the annual Hawai`i Club luau and had a great time with both alums and students.
ALUMNI C ALENDAR SUMMER / WINTER 2014 JUN 16–24 JULY 24–30 SEP 16–28 OCT 11 NOV 1
European Mosaic, Alumni Travel Alaskan Adventures, Alumni Travel Canada & New England Fall Foliage, Alumni Travel Homecoming/Alumni Reunion, Cartan Field Señor Carlos López Memorial Soccer Tournament Menlo College will host its 6th Annual Carlos López Memorial Soccer tournament in honor of Señor López, our beloved Coach and Professor. The day's event includes a double header home game for both men’s and women’s soccer teams, a BBQ and an alumni game at 3:00pm. A men’s soccer alumni dinner will also be held, time TBA.
NOV 1–9 Cuban Discovery, Alumni Travel SBA Day NOV 10 Menlo College’s honored tradition of School of Business Administration Day 22
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IN MEMORIAM James P De Veuve ‘41, Phoenix AZ died on April 4, 2013, at the age of 91. His wife, Barbara Jean De Veuve wrote, “…he had really good memories of Menlo. One great photo on the wall of our den shows Jim on the motorcycle he rode from his home in San Francisco to Menlo College, one year as a commuter, and one year as a boarder. He kept in touch with some classmates over the years. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps after Pearl Harbor and flew B-24 bombers, with tours both in North Africa and in the South Pacific. His flying career continued with 31 years of commercial flying with Trans World Airlines, retiring in 1982. Jim had three sons, three daughters and ten grandchildren. He was given a long and happy life. With thanks for all the wonderful publications, Barbara Jean de Veuve.” Roberto Quinonez ’45 passed away Sunday, February 2, 2014 in San Salvador, El Salvador. Alfredo Mena Lagos ’70 wrote, “Our friendship with Don Roberto dates back to his college friendship with my father at Menlo, and later, my father at Berkeley and Roberto at Stanford. With Don Roberto, we founded the Salvadorian American Foundation when we lived in Miami. I was the only kid in the group since all members were his age! After we returned to El Salvador we both became members of a mini think tank, twelve people who call ourselves 'The Quixotes' after that famous Spanish character who fought mythic battles.” Carl H. Marcoux ’48, passed peacefully on November 20, 2013 at the age of 86. A native of San Francisco, resident of Newport Beach, Carl retired from the insurance industry after attaining the executive vice presidency of Transamerica Insurance Company. A WWII veteran of the US Merchant Marine, Carl sailed in the South Pacific and ultimately made a world cruise. He also served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He later published two novels based on his years with the Merchant Marine during WWII. He also wrote historical articles for World War II Magazine and other publications. He was married to Ana Virginia Marcoux for 46 years. Carl remembered Menlo College with his philanthropic gifts for over 20 years. Leland Charles Scheu ’48, business and community leader, passed away in his home on May 6, 2014. He attended Menlo College during 1947-48, and remained close friends with Wayne Williams ’48. After college Leland joined Scheu Manufacturing, ushering in a third generation orchard heater company founded by his grandfather. From the age of 14 Leland learned all aspects of the business. When his father died, Leland went on to become Chairman of the Board. The company expanded into construction and space heaters. Scheu Manufacturing operated out of warehouses in Upland employing 350 people. The company had distributors in major cities in the United States, Australia, Europe, Israel and New Zealand. He and his brother Allyn partnered in steel, citrus farming and commercial real estate companies. Leland was also a founding member and Chairman of the Board of Upland National Bank, now Pacific Western Bank. He was married to Julia Walker Smith. They raised two daughters, and they were married 50 years until Julie’s passing in 2007. Leland was an avid fisherman who fished all over the world and once landed a 400 pound Marlin. John Evarist Turco ‘51 SBA, passed away peacefully in San Jose on January 13, 2014. John had the ability to make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. John attended Bellarmine College Preparatory and Menlo College. He began his career with Sanders and Sullivan Insurance Agency and concentrated on agricultural business ventures in his later years. John served on the board of many companies; he was a trustee of Menlo College. John also served on active duty in the United States Marines and continued serving as a Colonel in the Marine Reserve. Bob Mills Davis ’51 wrote, “After 64 years of friendship, it is very difficult to lose sight of one of your closest buddies. I can still feel John in my heart and I will never forget all the things we did together. He sold me insurance and I sold him real estate. I remember our days together at Menlo as there were only 15 students in our class. Discussions were lively and friendships grew in each of the two years in the SBA. A member of the first graduating class of the School of Business Administration (not many left), John loved Menlo. John also loved the Marine Corps, the insurance business, and working on his orange groves and date farms. Turco Farms became the one of the largest orange shippers. Andreas Hauer ’64, passed away in New York City on December 24, 2013. His wife, Kitty Hauer-Haines wrote that Andreas, 67, died suddenly at his home in New York City. Born in Norway, “Andy” was the son of Karl and Ellen Hauer and grew up in the San Francisco Bay area. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War on the hospital ship USS Repose. Andy was well known for his expertise in the compensation and benefits field, and as a Director with RenaissanceRe in Bermuda. Andy was always known for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, love of great wines and the best restaurants. MENLO COLLEGE
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President’s Medal Awarded to Tang Wee Sung, SBA ’74 in Singapore
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enlo College is pleased to award the President’s Medal to Tang Wee Sung for his support of the College, his facilitation in renewing and building alumni connections in Singapore, and for his achievements in business. Tang Wee Sung, a 1974 graduate in business administration from Menlo College, is Chairman of TANGS, a department store that is considered a world-class and iconic shopping destination in Singapore. Tang Wee Sung is the second son of Mr. Tang Choon Keng (C.K. Tang), the founder of TANGS. Wee Sung joined TANGS in 1975, and became Chairman in September 1995. Wee Sung oversaw the rebranding of TANGS for a more modern audience, bringing TANGS from a business built on Chinese curios to today’s one-stop
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PHOTOS: ALLEN TAN
Tang Wee Sung was awarded the President’s Medal. The following remarks were given by President Kelly before a gathering of alumni and friends.
Superstore and ensuring its relevance for the next generation. He was also credited with conceptualizing Tangs Studio in 1988, Singapore’s first curated fashion and lifestyle station which was known for its fashion-forward merchandising mix and innovative communications concepts. He has overseen the business grow internationally to include stores in Malaysia. Mr. Tang was instrumental in bringing together fellow Singapore retailers in the creation of the island wide campaign, The Great Singapore Sale in 1994, which is now one of the biggest annual attractions for both international and local shoppers, and a big promotion for the tourism industry. In the course of celebrating the College’s 85th anniversary, it has been my pleasure to meet with Mr. Tang. He generously sponsored a get-together for our Singapore alumni, and was a welcoming host
and supporter of the great progress the College has experienced in the last few years. TANGS was founded by C.K. Tang with the goal of providing good value and superior customer service from friendly, well-trained employees. Throughout his business career, Tang Wee Sung has held true to his father’s principles while demonstrating the entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking that our faculty strive to develop in our current students. For his business accomplishments that demonstrate the power of creativity and a forward-thinking approach, and for his commitment to the Menlo College community, Menlo College hereby bestows on Mr. Tang Wee Sung the President’s Medal with all the rights, duties, privileges and opportunities pertaining thereto.
PHOTOS: DAVID C. LIVINGSTON
Presidential Medal for John Henry Felix '49
Special Assistant to the President, University of Hawai`i Sylvia Yuen, President Jim Kelly, Hawai`i Pacific University President Geoffrey Bannister, and John Henry Felix '49
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enlo College has an outstanding group of successful alumni, many of whom are distinguished business leaders, but few have worked as diligently and thoughtfully to support our College, its student recruitment, alumni connections, and faculty development as has Dr. John Henry Felix '49. Dr. Felix’s achievement have made a profound impact in numerous fields. He is executive chairman and CEO of Hawai`i Medical Assurance Association (HMAA), one of Hawai`i's largest insurers. He has had a distinguished career in business, government, labor-management relations, community service, diplomacy and education spanning over five decades. Dr. Felix served as Chief of Staff to the first Governor of the State of Hawai`i primarily responsible for reorganizing Hawai`i’s government from Territorial to Statehood status (1959-62). President Reagan appointed him U.S. Representative to the South Pacific Commission. He has chaired state and county boards and commissions and served for 16 years on the Honolulu City Council. A Menlo College alumnus (’49), he holds two Oxford M.A. degrees (Harris Manchester College). At Oxford, he is Fellow, Vice President, and a member of Congregation and the Chancellor’s Court, is a retired business faculty member, and is a Life Member of the Oxford Union.
Dr. Felix holds a doctorate in Public Policy and Administration and has written six books and numerous articles on governance and volunteer development.” An Eagle Scout, he has headed the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Red Cross (internationally, nationally and locally), Boy Scouts’ Aloha Council, March of Dimes (nationally and locally), Consular Corps of Hawai`i, Hawai`i Public Radio (founder), Young Presidents Organization, Civil Air Patrol (Hawai`i Wing Commander), Junior Achievement, and Academy of the Pacific; he is currently Chair-CEO of Abilities Unlimited. He is the Honorary Consul of Portugal and Honorary Vice Consul of Spain and has served as Chair of the Plaza Club. A decorated veteran of the Korean War, he became a Wing Commander. After his distinguished military service, for twenty years he served the International Red Cross as its only “permanent” volunteer delegate rendering humanitarian aid to refugees, wounded soldiers and prisoners of war in Africa and Southeast Asia in spite of danger to his life. On two of his Red Cross assignments, he was briefly taken captive by hostile forces. In 1976, he orchestrated the largest repatriation of Vietnamese refugees, safely transporting over 4,000 refugees to Vietnam. In 1982, John Henry was assigned by the International Red Cross to assist with the reestablishment of the Chinese National Red Cross
honoring
John Henry Felix L to R, The President's Medal, Malcom Tajori ‘84 and his wife Cathy, and Debie Shimizu, Policy Analyst, on behalf of Governor Neil Abercrombie, Coralie Chu Matayoshi, Board of Regents, University of Hawai`i, and Sylvia Yuen, Special Assistant to the President, University of Hawai`i.
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Presidential Medal Recipient John Henry Felix '49
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Aloha Aku, Aloha Mai
Love outward, and love inward; love everyone and everything Saturday, April 5, 2014 Gabe Amey ‘63, and his wife with John Henry Felix '49
Society which had been dismantled during the reign of the “Gang of Four.” In 1983, the International Red Cross awarded John Henry its Medal of Honor (the Dunant Medal), the first American to be so honored. From 1995 through 2004, he served as a member of the Menlo College Board of Trustees, with his final year as an international advisory trustee. He has been our College’s unofficial ambassador in Hawai`i, hosting our Hawai`i send-off. New students, parents, and alumni have been encouraged to pursue higher education. He hosted a wonderful 85th anniversary celebration. For several years, he has funded a faculty development program whereby a faculty member spends a mini-sabbatical at Harris Manchester College in Oxford, England. Faculty members compete for this experience, and those selected have found it a professional and personal highlight. To say that Menlo College is a special workplace for faculty is one thing, to have an Oxford program for faculty development is quite another. The benefits gained by faculty are then shared with students and colleagues. John Henry Felix has been a business exemplar. He started with $100 in his pocket, the leadership skills gained as an Eagle Scout, a sharp and creative mind, a care and concern for the people of the State of Hawai`i , and an absolutely incredible work ethic. Every student at Menlo College can learn from Dr. Felix’s extraordinary life journey and should be inspired and informed by it. With his help, Menlo College has maintained a bond with Hawai`ian families and schools, and our annual luau is evidence of this tradition.
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PHOTOS: MAX HOSTER ‘15
For his love of learning, commitment to the students, families, faculty, and staff of Menlo College, devotion to good works and public service, Menlo College bestowed on Dr. John Henry Felix '49 the President’s Medal, the highest award that a president can bestow, with all the rights, duties, privileges and opportunities pertaining thereto. Top, Michael Kukahiwa-Haruno ’14, Hawai`i Club President and Jennifer Wright, Manager of Advancement Services and Hawai`i Club advisor. Middle and below, student dancers performed at the Lu`au.
MENLO ALUMNI, TRAVEL WITH US!
Featuring CUBAN DISCOVERY Land Only Trip November 1-9, 2014, 8 nights
Price: From $4,999 per person, double occupancy/$900 single supplement (round trip airfare to Miami is additional) Cuba’s turbulent economic and political past and vibrant, culturally rich present unfold on this rare, enriching journey developed for Menlo College. The exclusive opportunity to explore Cuba is organized and operated by Go Next, Inc., which has been issued a People-to-People license by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that authorizes registered travelers of this educational exchange program to visit Cuba. Uncover Cuba’s beauty, paradoxes and remarkable intrigue-a country where 1950s-era automobiles still dominate the roads edged by beautifully preserved Spanish colonial buildings-on this unforgettable journey. During your visits to Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santa Clara, you will meet with diverse locals from dancers and teachers to visual artists and entrepreneurs, to discover the fascinating history and realities of this captivating nation.
SPACE IS LIMITED. BOOK NOW! 800.842.9023 or 952.918.8950 | www.gonext.com
CANADA & NEW ENGLAND FALL FOLIAGE CRUISE Sept 16–28, 2014 DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS JUNE 6
New York | Newport | Boston | Portland | Bar Harbor | Saint John | Halifax | Sydney | Corner Brook| Quebec City | Montreal
Relax, unwind and enjoy the benefits of an Oceania Cruise experience. • only 684 guests • museum-quality art • casual attire - no formal nights • heated pool and 3 whirlpool spas • finest cuisine
• 4 distinctive restaurants • staff-to-guest-ratio: 1 to 1.7 • award-winning Canyon Ranch SpaClub • enrichment programs
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Director of Athletics Keith Spataro Named
2013-14 NAIA Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year by Aaron Gillespie, Sports Information Director
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he Menlo College Athletics Department has seen tremendous growth and success over the last six years, a great deal of which can be attributed to the leadership and dedication from Director of Athletics Keith Spataro. His commitment to bringing in high-achieving student-athletes and providing them with an unmatched experience through knowledgeable coaches and staff has netted the department continual growth and notoriety on the national level. Spataro’s efforts during his tenure have not gone unnoticed as he was recently named a 2013-14 NAIA Under Armour AD of the Year Winner. The award, annually given to four Athletic Directors in each of the seven divisions of collegiate athletics, honors intercollegiate directors of athletics for their commitment and administrative excellence within a campus and/or college community environment.
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Menlo’s on-field success has also been remarkable during the Spataro reign. 25 teams have qualified for national postseason tournaments in the last six years, with student-athletes garnering
He becomes just the second Athletic Director in California Pacific Conference history to earn this award and just the sixth Athletic Director at an NAIA institution in the State of California to achieve this honor. Spataro will be presented his award at the National Association of College Athletic Directors’ (NACDA) 49th Annual Convention during the James J. Corbett Awards Luncheon at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando on June 11.
Head Women’s Basketball Coach Shannon Osborne Chosen as 2014 California Pacific Conference Coach of Character
ead Women’s Basketball Coach Shannon Osborne was recently chosen as the 2013 NAIA Coach of the Character Award winner representing the California Pacific Conference as announced by the NAIA National Office earlier this month. This award is given annually to an NAIA head coach from each conference who has embraced the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program, demonstrated character through sport 28
Committed to grooming well-rounded, service-minded student-athletes, Spataro has spearheaded the Oaks’ community service efforts, building relationships with numerous local entities, all yielding 30 hours of community service per year, per athlete.
77 All-American honors, 64 Academic All-American honors and 249 conference honors, including: 12 players of the year, nine defensive players of the year, 11 newcomers of the year, four freshman of the year, and six coach of the year honors. Menlo College has been named an NAIA Champions of Character Institution for four-straight years. At the culmination of the 2009-10 school year, Spataro was named the California Pacific Conference’s Athletic Director of the Year.
and instilled a culture of community leadership through volunteering or service. Osborne, who just completed her sixth season at the helm of the women’s basketball program, also serves as the Campus Character Liaison for the department and has made it a priority to spread the five core values - integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership - throughout the department. Additionally, a mainstay in her character-driven coaching methods are the team’s family covenants. The covenants were created to emphasize a culture of inclusiveness and belonging, in which teammates recognize one another for instances in which they exhibit one of the core covenants within their daily lives.
By doing so, the covenants remain fresh in everyone’s mind and they encourage those who are upholding the team’s standards. “Coaching character is one of my favorite aspects of coaching and I firmly believe that teaching character through basketball is the most important part of my job,” said Coach Osborne. Through her efforts in this capacity and the work of the department at-large, Menlo College Athletics has been named a Champions of Character Five Star Institution in each of the last four years. She is heralded by her coworkers, players and friends alike for a coaching style which focuses on positive reinforcement.
Kathy Imwalle, Instrumental to the Growth and Success of Menlo College Athletics by Aaron Gillespie, Sports Information Director
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staple in the Menlo College Athletic Department for over 12 years, Assistant Athletic Director Kathy Imwalle has made a long-lasting impact on the department and the lives of those she has interacted with during her impressive tenure at Menlo College. Kathy was hired in February 2002 and has served in a trio of roles during her dedicated tenure with the Athletic Department. She began as the Events and Operations Manager of Athletics under then Athletic Director Keith Larsen and later Caitlin Collier. She served in that role for six years before she transitioned into a role as Administrative Manager of Athletics under current Director of Athletics Keith Spataro. A diligent worker, instrumental to the growth and success the department has seen in recent years, Kathy was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director & Business Manager in 2011, a role she will retire from in July 2014. “Kathy has been a constant through each of the transitions and has been instrumental in the growth and success we see
today,” said Director of Athletics Keith Spataro. “She is a tireless worker that has shown great loyalty and commitment to Menlo College Athletics.” “When I first arrived on campus, Kathy was my next door neighbor. She brought me chocolate chip cookies, and we’ve been friends ever since. Possessing extraordinary organizational and people skills, Kathy is the glue that has held Athletics together. I cannot thank her enough for what she has done for Menlo College and the Oaks,” said President James J. Kelly. Since Kathy became the Administrative Manager of Athletics in 2008, the department has seen student-athletes receive: 67 All-American honors, 58 Academic All-American honors, 240 All-Conference awards, eight Coach of the Year awards and 25 teams have qualified for national postseason tournaments. Currently 51% of all student-athletes maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher; 10 of 15 resident assistants and 9 of 13 members of student government are student-athletes. Dedicated to the wellness of the entire campus, Kathy actively served on homecoming, commencement, student success and calendar committees and was a member of the President’s Council. A liaison for athletics across the campus, Kathy has worked with numerous faculty and staff members in various capacities. Having worked with Kathy since August, 2005, Ali has been impressed with Kathy’s dedication to the athletic department’s needs and her strong accounting and administrative ability.
“She was a great contributor and her superior abilities as a budget manager are commendable. We will greatly miss her as a friend and a colleague!” After retiring, Kathy plans to move to Lake Shasta with her husband, Menlo College Athletics Hall of Fame Volleyball Coach Bill Imwalle. She will hand over the reigns of her job as Assistant Athletic Director to Jacki Codiga, shown at right.
“I never had to worry about Athletics accounting,” said Director of Business and Financial Affairs Raagini Ali. “She kept everything up to date which helped me to review and approve everything quickly.” Kathy and her husband, Menlo College Athletics Hall of Fame Volleyball Coach Bill Imwalle at the Menlo College Lu`au. MENLO COLLEGE
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Department Successes Honored at Annual Awards Banquet by Aaron Gillespie, Sports Information Director
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pril had a festive atmosphere as student-athletes, coaches and staff of the Athletic Department were honored at the annual end of the year awards ceremony. It was another banner year for the department and over 300 student-athletes who earned numerous awards for both their athletic and academic prowess during 2013-14. “Our student-athletes have proven time and time again that they are incredible students and great competitors on the field of play,” said Director of Athletics Keith Spataro. “Their ability to consistently achieve at such a high level in all areas of their lives is commendable and we can be proud of their commitment in representing Menlo College.” The night began with each coach awarding a special member of their team with the annual “Coaches’ Award.” This award is given to a member of their respective team who has proved irreplaceable and, through their actions on and off the field of play, has made a long-lasting impact on the program. 2013-14 Coaches’ Award recipients were: Men’s Basketball – Keith Bowman Cross Country – Jessica Marso Women’s Basketball – Amber Lane Cheerleading – Annalyse Cordon Football – Robert Gehre Volleyball – Courtney Calicdan Men’s Golf – Kyle Lubke Women’s Golf – Natalie Leesakul Baseball – Derek Rodrigues Men’s Soccer – Andrew Cota Men’s Wrestling – Edgar Paez Women’s Wrestling – Karen Perez-Torres Women’s Soccer – Jocelyn Aguilar-Lira Softball – Jordy Pascual
Eight individual awards were also distributed to impactful members of the athletic department:
Glen E. Dorst Award Presented to a student-athlete who most personifies the standards of sportsman30
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ship in each phase of their life. The award originated in 1957 under the sponsorship of Glen E. Dorst, who took an active interest in the development of young athletes. Michele Canali –Football | Michele is known by his coaches and teammates as a great all-around competitor who shows tremendous sportsmanship to his opponents. Head Coach Mark Grieb said, “Michele is a great competitor, teammate, and leader. He set the example of how to practice hard every day, focus in meetings, mentor younger players and excel in the classroom.” Rachel Hammack– Softball | "Unable to play in her senior season due to injury, Rachel remained a crucial and selfless member of the softball team this season. Actively involved in youth camps and charitable endeavors, Hammack truly embodied the principles of sportsmanship and made a lasting impact on the softball program," said Head Coach Michell Vlahos.
F. Philler Curtis Award Presented each year to a senior female student-athlete who by scholarship, leadership and athletic ability has made an outstanding contribution to campus life at Menlo College. Jessica Soliai – Softball | A four-year starter on the softball team, Soliai batted .273 with 70 RBIs in 142 career games. Off the field she was actively involved in numerous clubs and committees on campus and has made the Dean’s List in each semester of her first three years.
Don W. Baer Award The Don W. Baer Award is presented to a student-athlete who shows the greatest qualities of all-around leadership. This award originated in 1954 in memory of the former manager of the football team. Bryce Nelson – Men’s Soccer | A senior men’s soccer player, Bryce Nelson was a team leader on a Menlo team which won 23 games during his two seasons on the field. Actively involved in his church, Nelson spent the summer between his
junior and senior years volunteering in Haiti where he aided numerous people who were still recovering from the massive earthquake that struck the area in 2010. He was also the 2012-13 Coaches’ Award winner.
Don Baike Male Athlete of the Year Award Eric Lopez – Men’s Wrestling | A twotime All-American at 165 pounds, Eric posted an impressive 24-7 record in arguably the toughest weight class in the nation. He was ranked No. 1 nationally in six of the eight NAIA Coaches’ Polls released this year and finished eighth in the nation at the National Tournament, marking his second year placing.
Don Baike Female Athlete of the Year Award Jolise Limcaco – Women’s Basketball | A two-time third team All-American and two-time Cal Pac Player of the Year, Jolise Limcaco helped lead the Lady Oaks to a 25-6 record and its third-straight Cal Pac title last season. She finished the season ranked sixth in the nation in total assists, seventh in assists per game and led the team in scoring with 15.6 points per game. She also broke the Menlo College all-time assists record in her junior year.
Athletic Department Service Award Presented to a student whose contribution to the athletic department by way of sports information, game operations or as a team manager are immeasurable. Chris Countryman | A senior at Menlo College, Chris Countryman has been a tremendous asset to the Athletics Department during the 2013-14 year. Serving as the official scorer for football, volleyball and baseball, Countryman also proved a valuable daily asset in the office through projects and marketing initiatives to help grow the department's reach. The Athletic Department would like to thank its student-athletes, coaches and staff members for helping to make the 2013-14 year a tremendous success.
Andy Camarillo, Jacob Fohn, Regina Hernandez, and Luamata Tagaloa won first place as Oakapella, an a cappella performance group.
by Vicky Schultz ‘14
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t the annual Apollo Night, a display of talents were organized by the Black Student Union (BSU) marking the conclusion of Black History month. Menlo students, faculty, and staff took to the stage to perform in various acts that included dancing, a capella singing, deejaying, rapping, and yo-yoing. Professors Craig Medlen, and Frances Turner, were both highlights of the evening, with Professor Turner getting the audience to sing along to an energetic rendition of Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” At the end of the night a panel of judges voted on the best student performance. This year, Oakapella, Menlo’s a cappella performance group made up of Jacob Fohn, Regina Hernandez, Luamata Tagaloa, and Andy Camarillo, won the first place prize and a cash reward of $100. In second place were Savannah Dunaway and siblings Samantha and Cameron McLeod with a dance medley, and third place went to yo-yoers Demetrius Tipton and Khoo Kian Chew.
“This is one of the many events we look forward to each year,” added Vice President Jessica Mumford, who has been a member of the club all four years while here at Menlo. “It’s great to be able to showcase the many talents of the Menlo community. This is what the BSU was created for... to unite the black community and to educate our peers on the history of our people. We are already looking forward to next year’s Apollo Night!” Apollo Night was the last of an array of events held throughout February to celebrate the important people and events that are a part of the African-American history. The BSU, in coordination with the Student Government Association and the Student Affairs Office, also hosted an informational event “My Black is Beautiful,” a Cupcake Give-A-Way, and the BSU Potluck.
PHOTOS: MAX HOSTER ‘15
“The BSU worked hard to make Apollo Night what it was last night, and it was a huge success,” said Club President Katrina Ford. “We all had a great time planning and being a part of the fun and talented night!”
Professor Frances Turner, and BSU Vice President Jessica Mumford
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Scholarship Recipients Ask Donors to Help Students Ignite Their Dreams
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Devin Gaines ‘15 Through my current accounting professor I have a paid summer internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). Without scholarships, I would not have the intern opportunity at PWC. Your support helps students receive scholarship money in our quest for success. Please think of the opportunities you will open up for many students by making a donation. To quote my grandfather, "The only two things you cannot do are walk on water and fly." Please donate funds to Menlo College and help students ignite their dreams. Jordan Williams ‘17 My favorite sports are baseball and basketball. I would like to thank you for your prior donations because they have helped me and I would like to encourage you continue to donate to Annual Fund Scholarships so that other students can receive this incredible opportunity.
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Maile Raymond ‘16 I am majoring in Sports Management and Marketing. Caring for one another and becoming a part of the College community has made my adjustment to city life a lot easier. I am a member of the Allocation Board, and an Ambassador tour guide for prospective students. I would like to thank you for your generous donations that have allowed me to attend Menlo. I encourage you to donate to allow other students to be part of this incredible school with opportunities. Jordan Hakuole ‘15 I am a humble person searching for the perfect opportunities in life. My passion is to help people and give back to my community. I will take my skills and education to Hawaii to help students in need of guidance. I am majoring in Human Resources and I’m a member of the Hawaii Club. Thank you for your support, and I hope you will continue to support Menlo’s scholarship fund.
Brenda Rivera ‘16 I am from Pittsburg, CA. I am majoring in Accounting. As an Admissions Ambassador, I give tours to prospective students and create Menlo College visitor packets. I am an Allocation Board member allocating funds for campus clubs, and I also help the Advancement Office develop stronger communication with alumni. Your support has helped many Menlo students obtain a remarkable education. Frank Ru ‘16 I am an international student from Shanghai, China. I am vice president of the Asian Club, helping students from different countries get to know each other and have fun together. I would like to continue my studies after Menlo, earning a graduate degree to help with my career plans. It is people like you that have helped students like me gain an outstanding education and be part of an incredible school with unlimited opportunities.
PHOTO: ANDREY POLIAKOV
inety-three percent of Menlo College students or over 650 students receive financial assistance. Every student has a unique story with a dream or a goal for their future – and these dreams were ignited by a scholarship. Student Annual Fund team members have each written their personal story with thanks for your ongoing support of Menlo. For all of them, scholarships have been the door to opportunity to gain the Menlo College Advantage. Thank you for your gift to the Annual Fund Scholarships.
Maile Raymond ‘16, Devin Gaines ‘15, and Frank Ru ‘16 thank donors for donating to Menlo’s scholarship fund.
Mikey KakuhiwaHaruno ‘14 I have had the opportunity to serve as the Student Union Manager, President of the Hawai`i Club, and Gay Straight Alliance Club. I have interned as a Peer Counselor on campus and at a non-profit in Hawai`i called Creative Connections Foundation, where I worked with autistic youth. I am the oldest of four children, and money was the deciding factor for me when choosing a college. I will be the first college graduate in my family thanks to generous people like you. With your gift toward our Annual Fund Scholarship, more students can achieve their dreams just as I was able to do at Menlo.
Junjie (Stan) Liu ‘15 I am from China and I am majoring in Accounting and Finance. Menlo is a big family whom I enjoy. I am planning to start my internship with an accounting firm this fall. I have also received a President’s Scholarship. But all of these opportunities would not be possible without your generous support of Menlo College. With my thanks, I would appreciate your continued donations to help students pursue their dreams and receive the best education at Menlo.
PHOTO: ANDREY POLIAKOV
Pascaline Ujeneza’s Courage Brings Her from Rwanda to Menlo College
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ourage—the ability and willingness to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation—is a word often used to describe the character of a leader. Pascaline Ujeneza’s story is about her courage and strength, and what it has taken for her to get where she is today. A Management Information Systems (MIS) major at Menlo College, Pascaline transferred in this spring from San Francisco City College. How does she remember her childhood? “We were always hiding,” she said softly. During her young life, she has experienced profound tragedy and turmoil. One of seven children, her dad, great-grandfather, most of her aunts and uncles, and her two best friends died in the Rwandan genocide twenty years ago. Her family was a blend of Hutu and Tutsi, two of the Rwandan factions that have been at odds since the mid-eighteenth century. Civil war flared in the 1990s followed by a genocide in 1994 in which extremists killed an estimated 1 million people. Today, many schools in Rwanda, such as Murambi Technical School, are memorial museums for the people who lost their lives in the war, their bodies having been dumped in mass graves. The war disrupted school for Pascaline and her siblings, but eventually they all returned and finished. One sister became a nurse, another is a clinical psychologist in Rwanda, her selfemployed brother works in telecommunications, and her youngest sister works in hospitality. Pascaline wasn’t happy with her limited choices for education in Rwanda. “The unrest in Rwanda caused me to move from my family, although it was very difficult to leave them behind,” she said. She emigrated to the United States in 2010. Her journey was a long one. She flew from Rwanda to attend La Rouche College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After a short time, the cold winter drove her to Virginia, followed by North Carolina, and later, Ohio in search of a new beginning. Aided only by friends and acquaintances she had or met along the
way, she struggled to find a life plan that she could call her own. “In Rwanda, friends are like family and we help each other,” she said. Humid, hot summers followed the cold winters on the east coast; she knew she needed to find a climate she could live in. After she received her permanent visa, she moved west and started attending San Francisco City College. To earn money for tuition, Pascaline worked as a nurse assistant, and thought she would become a surgeon. Through her experience in taking care of others, she began to question if she was perhaps “too emotional” to face the human suffering involved in the medical profession. In her search for a “smart school,” as she terms it, she found Menlo College and decided that a degree in business was the best launch for a career. “I was reading a newspaper in a doctor’s office when I saw an intriguing ad for Menlo College. It spoke to me,” she said. Later she noticed Menlo College in a college catalog and remembered the ad she had previously seen. Pascaline is considering a career in computer engineering and possibly developing a small business. She hopes to intern at a Silicon Valley company such as Google, NASA, or GE. “I enjoy math and physics and now I have to put it all together with computers,” she said. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot.” In addition to school, she is a lifestyle model for City Model Management in San Francisco, and interested in photography and video. Through classes and student life programs, such as the MLK Day movie night, she began to make friends. “I like the United States, because we have freedom of speech here which we don’t have in my country,” explained Pascaline. “Now that the troubles have subsided, all Rwandans are supposed to be the same, but opportunities are still scattered as the country rebuilds itself. Rwanda is a beautiful country, but I realize that my future is in the United States.”
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HONORS CONVOCATION 2014
Academic Excellence It was a real honor to have John in our classes. From the first days of his freshman year, he stood out as a student who is bright, hard working, serious about his future, helpful to others and respectful of everyone. For every advantage we tried to give him here at Menlo, he has already paid it forward, many times over, by helping his fellow classmates and our program.” Klingler, Leong, Little and Zaima The Accounting Professors
Board of Trustees Award
Through the outstanding demonstration of scholarship, leadership, and service, the graduating senior who receives this award truly embodies the mission of the College. This is the highest honor that a student can receive at Menlo College.
John Schott ’14
Board of Trustees Award Recipient Associate Professor Donna Little stuck with me the whole way through my education at Menlo College. She was a huge part of my success. She used her magic to reach out in my freshman personal finance class, and she took me under her wing,” said John Schott ’14, recipient of the Menlo College Board of Trustees Award. John, from Peoria, Arizona, is an accounting major. His uncle and cousin, both accountants, also encouraged him to consider a major in accounting. In his four years at Menlo, John has been Menlo College’s first CalCPA ambassador, vice president for the Accounting Club since 2011, and a baseball right-hand pitcher, in spite of some elbow injuries along the way. "What I like best about Menlo College is the faculty who drove me to be the best all-round person I could be. This put me at a great advantage. My advice to in-coming students is to get involved and get out of your comfort zone,” concluded John. “Good things will happen.” John completed an internship past summer at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited in San Jose. The big four accounting firm has offered him a full-time position in Arizona after he graduates.
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HONORS CONVOCATION 2014
It has been my pleasure to get to know Jace during his stay here at Menlo. His engaging personality, “gogetter” attitude and friendly smile always made it fun to either have him in class or just run into him on campus. All of these attributes will do him very well throughout his career.” Jack Klingler Accounting Professor
Adam Montez, Sara Duran, Gabriela Velazquez, O’Brien Award recipient, Jace Weaver with his Golden Oak Service Award and Jessie Guillot at Honors Convocation 2014.
Jace Weaver ’14
Golden Oak Service Award Recipient Jace Weaver is an accounting major from Auburn, California. His internship with Frank Rimerman & Co., LLP, Certified Public Accountants in Palo Alto has resulted in a job after he graduates. Jace has had a busy life of extracurricular service since he arrived as a transfer student from Sierra College in Rockland. His activities have included the “Razor” fundraiser where he cut off his hair to raise money to help out his dear friend Al Kinslow, who was undergoing cancer treatment. He participated in “The Silence” where students vowed not to talk for 24 hours to raise money for the Philippines Disaster Fund. He has donned cupid costumes and tossed gold candy coins in a leprechaun costume to raise spirits for campus activities. I will forever be thankful to Menlo College for the support they have given me through opportunities, “ said Jace. He praised Professors Klingler and Leong, and said, “All of the people here have been supportive role-models who have impacted my time at Menlo College is so many ways. “
Golden Oak Service Award This award is presented to the student who has exemplified the true spirit of scholarship and volunteerism through his or her service to the Menlo College community.
Jace has worked for facilities since he arrived on campus and considers Bob Talbott, Director of Facilities & Operations, to be his “go to.” His best friend is new alumni, Grieg O’Connor ‘13 who won the Golden Oak Service Award last year. Greig attended Honors Convocation to support Jace. “It was a big honor knowing that Greig was at the ceremony to see me receive the award,” said Jace.
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HONORS CONVOCATION 2014
Andrew Vargas’ family was present to see him receive The Menlo Spirit Award presented at Honor’s Convocation.
Menlo Spirit Award This award is given to a graduating senior who has given generously of his/her time, both inside and outside the classroom during their four years at Menlo College. Andrew’s exuberance and enthusiasm was evident from the first day he walked into my MGT 101 class in the fall of his freshman year four years ago. If it’s happening at Menlo College, you can bet he is leading or participating in it in some manner.” Frances Turner, Assistant Professor, Marketing
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Andrew Vargas ’14
Menlo Spirit Award Recipient Andrew Vargas, an International Management and Marketing major from Fremont, California, was the team captain for two years on the cheer team, President of the Ethics Club, member of the cross country team, and a Resident Assistant for three years. When he graduates from Menlo he hopes to find a job abroad. “I learned a lot from my involvement as an RA at Menlo by serving outside my comfort zone, and helping new students connect,” said Andrew. “Menlo has been the right fit for me. My brother and sister went to larger universities, but I prefer a smaller environment. Everyone is recognized and utilized to their full potential and no one falls through the cracks. This positive atmosphere allows for growth.”
HONORS CONVOCATION 2014 PHOTO: DOUG PECK PHOTOGRAPHY
WALL STREE T JOURNAL AWARD Given annually to a Management Program student who demonstrates outstanding scholarship.
Casey Quan, Valedictorian
Finance Professor Soumendra De presented the Wall Street Journal Award to Casey Quan and Michele Canali at Honors Convocation. Below, Michele with his family from Parma, Italy at Commencement.
Casey Quan and Michele Canali Wall Street Journal Awards
Casey Quan is known for her preciseness and exactitude in both her verbal responses and written assignments. She is one of those students who provide faculty the reassuring but not-so-common feeling as they read her written works that she has the innate ability to synthesize eloquently and yet succinctly what was lectured in the classroom. Her peers consider her extremely smart and compassionate and the faculty would have no hesitation in ranking her as one of the best that has crossed their path. Michele Canali is a dedicated scholar who always aspires to go beyond himself, does his work diligently and does not hesitate to point out a professorial error when it does occur in those rarest of moments. He is described by his peers as playful but deadly serious and the faculty in his major field of study rates him as one who is most likely to join their ranks. Michele’s scholarly ambitions and meticulous attention to detail should stand him in good stead in the years ahead."
Soumendra De Professor, Finance
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Casey Quan, a finance major from Belmont, CA started a job after Commencement with Marcus & Millichap, a real estate investment firm. They provide sales, research information and advisory services for multifamily, retail, office, single-tenant net-lease, self-storage, seniors housing, manufactured homes, hospitality, land and special assets. "There's small and there's smaller," she grinned as she talked about the size of Menlo College. At a small school like Menlo, I could make an impact." Menlo College is a great for taking a very challenging major such as accounting or finance, because of the experience of the teachers. They give you great transferable skills and awesome internships." Michele Canali, from Parma, Italy has an internship lined up this summer with First Republic Private Wealth Management, an investment management branch at First Republic Bank. A finance major, he said, "I liked my relationship with my classmates because I could count on them for help. This was valuable in our hardest finance class, derivatives." MENLO COLLEGE
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HONORS CONVOCATION 2014
Athletic Director Keith Spataro presented Collis Steere Awards to Michele Canali and Erica Hunting, (pictured above) and adjunct professor Lowell Pratt presented the Don Jordan Award to Ashley Delgadillo at Honors Convocation.
Michele Canali and Erica Hunting, Collis Steere Awards
COLLIS STEERE AWARDS
Michele Canali has been a mainstay both on the field and in the classroom for Menlo during his three-year tenure on campus. A standout defensive lineman, Canali also excelled in the classroom and maintained the highest cumulative GPA of any male student-athlete with a 3.893 as a Finance major. The Parma, Italy native has earned numerous awards for his athletic and academic prowess including his selection as a Capital One/CoSIDA First Team Academic All-American, making him the first studentathlete in Menlo College history to earn this honor. Keith Spataro, Director of Athletics
Originated by a retired Palo Alto businessman, these awards are presented each year to one male and to one female senior athlete who achieve the highest cumulative grade point average.
Erica Hunting’s skill on the soccer field has led the Lady Oaks to its winning two year stretch in nearly 10 seasons and her commitment in the classroom has netted her the Collis Steere Award as the senior female athlete with the highest cumulative GPA. A Psychology major, Hunting possesses a 3.75 GPA. Hunting was named a DaktronicsNAIA Scholar-Athlete at the conclusion of this season, one of 18 student-athletes to earn this award. Keith Spataro, Director of Athletics
DON JORDAN AWARD
Ashley Delgadillo Don Jordan Award The Don Jordan Scholarship is given annually to the student who exemplifies the greatest leadership, character, and service to the liberal arts program. This year’s recipient, Ashley Rodriguez-Delgadillo, is an outstanding psychology major with a G.P.A. of 3.79. Ashley is passionate about her studies and, as one of her professors describes her, passionate about social justice. Her chief goal at Menlo is be the best student she can be and to fulfill her parents’ dream of being the first college graduate in the family. Lowell Pratt, Instructor
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Don Jordan was a Professor of History and Humanities for 18 years and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Menlo College. This award goes to a Liberal Arts major student with high academic and leadership potential.
HONORS CONVOCATION 2014 Aleema Iqbal ’14
Judge Russell Award Recipient This year’s recipient, Aleema Iqbal, is particularly strong in scholarship, leadership, character and service to the Business Management Program. Her academic scholarship is superior. Faculty members agree that she produces high quality work, is always prepared, and is well respected by her classmates. She is a member of the business honor society, Delta Mu Delta and is graduating Cum Laude. In addition, Aleema has held a number of leadership roles. For example, she served as an elected officer for Student Government and was the President of the Women’s Empowerment Club. She has also completed a competitive internship and was offered a full time position with the same firm. She works in Menlo's Business Office. Her strong character and service to Menlo makes her a very deserving recipient of the Judge Russell Award.
The Al Jacobs Award was presented to Shalika Caldwell '14 by Assistant Professor Marianne Marar Yacobian The Psychology Award was presented to Emily Tonascia by Sharyn Moore.
PS YCHOLOG Y AWARD This award is given annually to a Psychology student who demonstrates outstanding scholarship, leadership, and character.
AL JACOBS AWARD Al Jacobs was a Professor of English and Mass Communication at Menlo for 35 years. This award goes to a student with outstanding abilities in writing, literature, film and communications.
Kathi Lovelace, Assistant Professor
Emily Tonascia ’14
Psychology Award Recipient
Left, Jace Weaver, Golden Oak recipient, and Aleema Iqbal, The Judge Russell Award recipient.
THE JUDGE RUSSELL AWARD This award is given annually to the student who exemplifies the greatest scholarship, leadership, character, and service to the Business Management Program.
Originally from Hollister, California, Emily transferred to Menlo during her Junior year, where she has excelled in her studies. A major area of academic interest includes autism, and her hope is to eventually work with children who have special needs. Emily thoughtfully explored this subject in her senior thesis research project entitled “Having a Sibling with Autism: The Importance of Family Dynamics and the Benefits of Training.” An avid volleyball player, Emily has greatly enjoyed her opportunity to play for the Menlo College team. She has also been an active member of the Menlo Venture Christian Club.
Shakila Caldwell ’14
Al Jacobs Award Recipient Shakila Caldwell, first place victor in the 2013 Human Rights Essay Competition, wrote an emotional essay about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender movement and how it has directly impacted her family. Shakila, a Student Ambassador from Oakland, CA who enjoys cheerleading, basketball, and volleyball, said that her most awesome moment at Menlo was "meeting friends and starting the dance club." Shalika will be at LeaderShape this summer, and she will be an orientation leader in the fall.
Marianne Marar Yacobian, Assistant Professor
Sharyn Moore, Assistant Dean
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HONORS CONVOCATION 2014 RICHARD F. O ’BRIEN AWARDS Classes of 2014–2017
Garrett Spangler’16
The Richard F. O’Brien awards are given annually to two students from each class who best exemplify the true spirit of the Menlo campus through all-around excellence. Recipients are recognized as classroom leaders and active contributors to the campus learning community.
Richard F. O’Brien Award Recipient
Kailinda Moreno ’16 Richard F. O’Brien Award presented by Judy Wasmann
Devin Gaines ’15 Richard F. O’Brien Award Recipient
Gabriel Velazquez ’14 Richard F. O’Brien Award presented by Associate Professor Donna Little
Mathew Ganibi ’17 Richard F. O’Brien Award presented by Associate Professor Deborah Brown McCabe
Donovan Bonner ’14
Nicole Larson ’15
Richard F. O’Brien Award presented by Associate Professor Donna Little
Richard F. O’Brien Award Presented by Professor Jack Klingler
Aaliyah Sowards ’17 Richard F. O’Brien Award presented by Associate Professor Deborah Brown McCabe 40
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COMMENCEMENT 2014
Donovan Bonner, Ryan Canlapan, and Travis Gorzalka react to becoming Menlo College graduates. PHOTO ABOVE: ANDREY POLIAKOV, PHOTO BELOW: DARCY BLAKE
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The Honorable Anna Eshoo Receives the President's Medal College in the maintenance of Menlo’s participation in the Cal Grants program.
PHOTOS: DOUG PECK PHOTOGRAPHY
Congresswoman Eshoo said, “As I look out, I see the future of our nation. Look at the diversity of the graduating class of 2014. You’re beautiful. You’re the face of America. You are the face of the world. You’re the hope of our future. You are the apostles of change and innovation. More than anything else, I see hope. Your degree is also a ticket to the future. It’s going to be up to you to shape that future not only for yourselves but for the country that has given so much.”
The Honorable Anna Eshoo received the President’s Medal.
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he Honorable Anna Eshoo received the Menlo College President’s Medal awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves by their actions and deeds and in their careers and for their communities, reflecting onMenlo College’s educational efforts, values and principles. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo was recognized for her distinguished public service and her recent assistance to the
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The Honorable Anna G. Eshoo is U.S. Representative for California’s 18th congressional district, serving in Congress since 1993. Her district includes the cities of San Jose, Redwood City, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Palo Alto. She served as Chiefof-Staff to Speaker pro tempore Leo McCarthy of the California State Assembly between 1981 and 1982. She was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 1982 and served until 1992. She served as President of the Board of Supervisors in 1986. During Congresswoman Eshoo’s service in Congress, she has defended consumers, promoted American competitiveness and innovation, advanced the need for health care for families and children, and encouraged development of clean energy technology. In recognition of her efforts, she has earned many awards from diverse groups such as the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and the Science Coalition. The San Jose Mercury News named her one of the Ten Most Powerful Women in Silicon Valley, and in March, she was first on the list of Fedscoop’s list of D.C.’s Top 50 Women in Tech: “Congresswoman Anna Eshoo has consistently been a strong voice in Congress on technology-related issues. She is a hard-working woman and an innovative leader on the Hill.” Congresswoman Eshoo is the mother of two grown children, Karen and Paul, who are both committed educators.
Bernard Osher Receives Honorary Degree– Doctor of Humane Letters from Menlo College ““Truly we are a premiere center of education that is now globally recognized,” James J. Kelly, referring to the College’s AACSB accreditation.
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PHOTO: DOUG PECK PHOTOGRAPHY
resident James J. Kelly thanked Bernard Osher for his magnanimous generosity, and presented him with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at Commencement 2014, stating, ”To date, over 160 Menlo College students have received scholarships from The Bernard Osher Foundation.”
Khamyl Morente celebrated with her classmates.
PHOTO: DARCY BLAKE
PHOTO: DOUG PECK PHOTOGRAPHY
President James J. Kelly, Bernard Osher, and Keynote Speaker John Pritzker ‘76
Bernard Osher received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from Menlo College.
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DOUG PECK PHOTO Top row, left to right, Jace Weaver-Miller '14, Recipient of the Faculty Service Award, Professor Jan Jindra, Camyar S. Meshkaty '14, Coach of the Year Award Recipient, Atlee Hubbard, Chair, Board of Trustees, Dr. Julie Filizetti. Middle row, left to right, Board of Trustee Members Kristine Thagard '77, David Chien, James T. Rea '67, Charles "Chop" Keenan III '66, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, Class of 2014 Greeter, Timothy Lopez, Speaker on behalf of International Students, Michele Canali '14, Valedictorian for Transfer Students, Casey Quan '14, Valedictorian for Traditional Day Students, Daniel Macias '14, President James J. Kelly. Bottom row, Professional Studies Program Banner, John Joseph Buhr, Jr., Business Management Banner, Christopher Countryman '14, Psychology Banner, Erica Hunting '14, Alumni Banner, Nathan Ross Jackson '01, inset, MCSGA President, Joel Veloni, Color Guard, US Army Junior ROTC, William C. Overfelt High School, National Anthem performer, Monica Juan PHOTOS: DARCY BLAKE 4 4 S PR I N G 2014
John Pritzker Speaks on the Nobility of Being a Servant Leader received its first Michelin star in 1948, its second in 1953. There is no environment in the world that makes me feel shorter, fatter, or more like a bleacher bum in Wrigley Field than a fancy restaurant in Paris. We were seated, and the sommelier comes to the table with his morning suit, gray hair and glasses perched on the end of his nose, dripping with attitude. Think Anton Ego, from the movie Ratatouille. In fact, let’s call him Monsieur Ego. Lacking any confidence in my choice, I ordered a bottle of wine. Monsieur Ego turned to our 11-year-old Sam and asked what he’d like to drink. Sam politely asked for a Coca-Cola.
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ohn Pritzker ’76 spoke about the nobility of service and being a Servant/Leader at Commencement 2014. Pritzker, a 25-year veteran of the hospitality industry, is the founder and managing partner of Geolo Capital, a private equity firm. He began his speech paying tribute to his professor and mentor Carlos López recalling how, “I valued him as a teacher, mentor and an all-round good guy.” Pritzker suggested that students try to, “Identify somebody you admire and cultivate a relationship because a mentor will change and enhance your life in incalculable ways. One day I hope you will consciously make a decision to become someone’s mentor. The time and effort you spend mentoring can be impactful through generations.” Pritzker said, “I can’t quote Chaucer, I recently learned Einstein was not a bagel maker, and thirty-eight years later, I still don’t have a clue who Flo Mo is. My roots are in hospitality and what I do know is how to make people feel welcome, and how to create experiences that will stay with our guests, and have them talking about them long after they’ve left. For me, there’s nothing more fulfilling or exciting. James Carville, Bill Clinton’s campaign manager in the 1992 campaign, made the famous observation, ‘It’s the economy stupid.’ He was of course, referring to what moved the electorate. In my industry, it’s the people. Think about your last hotel stay or your dining experience. I’m willing to bet it wasn’t the furniture, the china or décor that you remember as vividly as your interactions with the staff. Not to say the physical product isn’t important, but it’s truly the people who animate a physical plant and are the heart of what makes the service establishment special.” Pritzker told a story about an experience that stunned and delighted him and reinforced the power of human interaction: “About ten years ago, my wife Lisa and I took our kids to Paris and we booked a restaurant called Taillevent. Taillevent is famous, and defines Parisian insouciance and arrogance. It
Monsieur Ego returned to our table with our wine for the ceremonial uncorking and swirling and tasting of the wine. He then took the bottle of Coke over to Sam, he bent down and gently held the bottle as though it was a ‘59 Lafite and announced to Sam, “Monsieur, an excellent choice. It’s our best bottle!” He uncapped the bottle, poured a taste in the cup around his neck to ensure its goodness and then poured a taste in Sam’s glass. When Sam, with a huge grin on his face approved the bottle, the sommelier poured half in Sam’s glass and deposited the Coke bottle in its own wine bucket and gently draped a napkin over it, like he had with our wine. With a gesture that was thoughtful, whimsical, and heartfelt, Monsieur Ego totally and absolutely turned my expectations 180 degrees. He became my hero, and from that moment on, Taillevent was etched in stone as my favorite restaurant ever. That gesture showed his willingness to sublimate his ego in service of creating an unforgettable moment for us. It showed respect for our eleven-year-old. In the end, he created a lifetime memory for all of us. You can’t train people to behave that way. That comes from the heart. One small off-the-cuff act, and ten years later, I’m telling this story. I’ve probably told 500 people. That’s the power of human interaction.” Pritzker told the audience, “Starting tomorrow, I expect you to think less about you and a little more about the others around you. Try being a little less “selfie” and a little more selfless. A servant leader is a leader who understands the importance of sharing his/her power and puts the needs of others before his/ herself. They help people perform to the peak of their abilities. Bernard Osher, through his quiet concern for people, has enriched more lives than I can tell you. He’s the walking definition of a servant leader and mentorship at its finest. Señor López and Barney are two of my mentors.” Pritzker quoted from a speech NY Times columnist David Brooks gave, “Live your life for your eulogy, not for your resume.” He concluded with a final word from Dr. Seuss, “Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”
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1974 Yasmin Lambie-Simpson 1971 Colleen Sullivan
1972 Gale Kiniry
1973 D. L. McNamara
1977 Ann Haight
1979 Joan Harvey
1976 Dora Aldworth Grinnell
1980s Dami Onifade
1982 M. M. Dupay 1983 Greg Motch
1986 Joan Schulze
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1987 Michael Steddum
1978 Daniel Mendoza
1980 Olaitan Callender-Scott
1984 George Woodward
1988 Lyall F. Harris
1981 Claire Brees
1985 Raven Victoria Erebus
1989 Julie Leonard
1990s Dorothea Osborn
1975 Mary Lou Daury
1990 Janet Brugos 1994 Sarah Elbeck 1992 Servane Briand
1991 Joyce Savre
1993 Inga Infante
1995 Mary Shisler 1999 Okamura
2001 Zoey Abbott Wagner
1997 Laurie Szujewska
2000 Mary Loughran
1998 Marilyn Host
2004 Aron G. Johnston
2002 Peter Foley
2009 Rafael J. Canizares-Yunez
1996 Mary-Ellen Campbell
2003 Thomas Sturgill
2005 Craig B. Kincaid 2007 Paula Jull
2008 Stephanie Erskin
2006 Sonja Greentree Rosssow
2010 Max Heller 2010 –2020 Kim Barnes
85 85
YEARS
ARTISTS
2011 Michael Hornyak 2012 Kyle McKenzie
The Menlo College Art Committee is pleased to have presented you with the images from the 85 Years, 85 Artists art show. The show, reviewed by Kenneth Baker at the San Francisco Chronicle, was a huge success, drawing over 200 visitors on opening night. Thirteen works of art were sold on the first night of the show. With the success of this show, we hope to produce many more art exhibits in the future.
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PHOTO: DOUG PECK PHOTOGRAPHY
“As I look out, I see the future of our nation.” Congresswoman Anna Eshoo
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Finding the Words
I
by Marilyn Thomas, Dean of Arts and Sciences
was visiting my niece one day when her twoyear-old came to her whining about something. “Use your words,” she said. I smiled to myself. She waited while he struggled to put into words what was bothering him. After a half century of teaching, I find myself sitting here struggling with the same dilemma.. What words can I use to express my gratitude to you, my Menlo family, for the past 28 years of my teaching career? This campus has been as much a home as a place of work. I’m retiring, but not before I assure you that if you were ever one of my students, you were my life for that period of time. Before and after class, while I was driving or cleaning my house, I saw your faces in my mind, and pondered how I might be a better teacher for you personally, not how to be a better teacher in general, but better for you individually. I admired some of you because you were such devoted athletes or musicians, or because you had such winning and/or caring personalities, or maybe because of the grace with which I saw you handle pain and loss in your lives. In short, your lives were my chief concern, not just how you did academically in my class, which certainly mattered, but how you were doing in life, and how I might make yours at least a bit more enjoyable or fulfilling because I was in it. To borrow a metaphor, a kite needs a strong breeze to soar. At Menlo, I was the kite and you were that strong breeze. You filled my soul with laughter sometimes, sometimes with pride in your achievements. Often you challenged me to find a better way to present material. In short, you’re the ones who made teaching such a joy for me. I used to tease President Jim Kelly that I would leave Menlo when he did. Call it a coincidence, but he is leaving and so am I. Serving under his leadership has been one of the highlights of my career. He’s a gentleman from sole to crown, always looking out for the welfare of others before himself. Menlo will miss him, and so will I.
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW! www.menlo.edu/through-the-gates Enjoy 150 images and alumni reminiscences chronicling Menlo College’s transformation from a 2-year school to a 4-year college.