COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM
MAY 18, 2024
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
African Proverb
Welcome to the Menlo College 2024 Commencement.
As we gather today, the words of the ancient proverb quoted above offer a compelling message for all of us: Embrace unity, progress, and collaboration, for they define success in every facet of our lives.
Today is a remarkable milestone for the members of our Class of 2024. The attainment of a Menlo College degree stands as a testament to resilience and determination. Your accomplishments instill hope for the future, inspiring us all. As you step into the world beyond Menlo College, I am confident that you will continue to strive for excellence. Make a positive impact wherever your path may lead.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who made today possible, most particularly our esteemed faculty, supportive families, dedicated staff, and the many others who have contributed to the journey of today’s graduates. Your support has paved the way for their success.
Forever, go Oaks!
Steven A. Weiner President of Menlo College
CLASS of 2024 COMMENCEMENT
May 18, 2024
PROGRAM OF EVENTS
DECLARATION & WELCOME
Charles “Chop” Keenan, III ’66
Grand Marshal
PERFORMANCE OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM Vivian Sun ’27 - Menlo School
OPENING REMARKS
Steven Weiner
President
THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Micah Ka - ne ’91
CLASS VALEDICTORIANS
Juliette Charpentier ’24
Connor Cormier ’24
STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT
Alessio Leonardi ’24
ACADEMIC PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
Melissa Michelson
Dean of Arts and Sciences
Mouwafac Sidaoui
Vice President and Dean of Business
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Ian Simmons
Co-Founder and Principal of Blue Haven Initiative
PRESENTATION OF DEGREE CANDIDATES
Steven Weiner
President
PHOTOGRAPHY
Drew Barton, Brian Byllesby - Oakssports.com, Erika Greco '24, Kin Lee Photography, George Retalas, Ally Salzwedel, Kayla Stuart, and Lauryn Vogt
2024 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Ian Simmons is a changemaker in business, education, and democracy.
For over twenty years, Ian has partnered with entrepreneurs to advance innovation in education technology, renewable energy, financial services, affordable housing, healthcare, stopping misinformation, and lowering student debt. Since 2012, with his wife Liesel, he has led Blue Haven Initiative as co-founder and principal, investing around the world in businesses with solutions to social and environmental challenges. In 2018, Blue Haven won its global industry award, GSG Impact Asset Owner of the Year.
Ian has initiated research, civic learning, and policy projects to improve higher education in the United States, including research that is now used by over 1,200 colleges and universities to measure student outcomes. Civic learning projects he started partner with over 1,000 colleges and universities; policy projects he created have unlocked $1.2 billion to enable more students to engage in public service for America.
Ian is co-founder of Democracy House and serves on the board of directors of Freedom House, U.S. Impact Investing Alliance, Social Finance, Issue One, and Scholars Strategy Network. He writes occasionally for Forbes on economic growth and political risk.
A favorite book Ian recently read is NorthWoods, by Daniel Mason.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT
Alessio Leonardi ’24
My name is Alessio Leonardi, an international student from Bologna, Italy. My time as a Menlo College student has been the most fulfilling and enjoyable period of my life, filled with enduring memories and remarkable people. The journey has transformed me.
I am graduating with a B.S. in Finance. I will be leaving Menlo with a solid foundation in economics, as well as well-developed analytical skills in finance and data analytics. Outside of the classroom, I have embraced many opportunities, including serving as the 2023-24 Student Government President.
I am deeply grateful to my family, whose support and motivation have always been my driving force. I also want to highlight my great friend Victor Tourbin; I still remember our first meal together on the quad during my freshman year. His friendship has been a pillar of my life.
As I look to the future, I am filled with excitement about the possibilities that await. I am ready to turn the page and step into a new chapter, impatient to explore new areas and continue learning. To my fellow graduates: Do not fear the future, embrace it. Set goals and work diligently towards them. We all possess immense potential, and it’s crucial to fully utilize it.
2024 VALEDICTORIANS
Juliette Charpentier ’24
As a French citizen, I have always dreamed of studying abroad. I embarked on that journey in 2019 by coming to Menlo College at 17 years old. My time at Menlo College has been the greatest adventure of my life, and has been a testament to the power of dreams and determination, as well as the transformative impact of a supportive academic community. I have faced challenges and responsibilities that pushed me out of my comfort zone, and helped me develop resilience, adaptability, and confidence.
Menlo College has provided me with a world-class education and has nurtured my passion for learning, leadership, and community engagement. The academic rigor, personalized faculty guidance, and exposure to cutting-edge Silicon Valley industries have prepared me to excel in my future endeavors. Menlo’s multicultural community afforded me opportunities to interact with people from all across the world, foster global understandings, and build strong and lasting friendships.
I am grateful for my journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment at Menlo. The little French girl who once longed to study abroad has blossomed into a confident, capable, and compassionate individual, ready to make her mark on the world. I have learned not only to dream boldly, but to put in the hard work and heart to make those dreams a reality.
Connor Cormier ’24
I have enjoyed the opportunity at Menlo College to showcase my talent both in academics and athletics – reflecting my embrace of the true scholar-athlete ideal. I strive to make my story one that captivates and inspires. Menlo’s small community has been essential to my success. Whenever I compete on the mat or perform in the classroom I feel my entire school behind me. My commitment to academic excellence has earned me repeated recognition, including being named to the US Bank Academic All-Conference Team and receiving the coveted NWCA Academic All-American designation. Moreover, I have been acknowledged with the CCC Academic All-Conference award and the esteemed NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete honor.
I have also actively pursued opportunities to broaden my education and make a difference in my community. I interned at Stanford's Graduate School of Education, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience in research. In addition, my fellowship with the County of Santa Clara Office of Budget and Analysis allowed me to hone my leadership in the world of public service. Menlo has prepared me for the workforce and my experience here has exposed me to companies all over Silicon Valley and beyond. Following commencement I plan to further my education, eventually attending law school.
HONORS CONVOCATION AWARD RECIPIENTS
Juliette Charpentier ’24
Board of Trustees Award
This is the highest honor that a student can receive at Menlo College. Through the outstanding demonstration of scholarship, leadership, and service, the graduating senior who receives this award truly embodies the mission of the College.
Tatum Hoshino ’25
AlJacobsScholarship
Dr. 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.
Ruby Juballa ’25
DonJordanScholarship
Don Jordan was a professor in History and Humanities for 18 years and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Menlo College. This award goes to a student with high academic and leadership potential.
Andrew Salamon ’24
Wall Street Journal Award
This award is given annually to a Management Program student who demonstrates outstanding scholarship.
Finn Sadler ’24
JudgeRussellAward
John D. “Judge” Russell served Menlo more than 50 years as a business law professor and director of the School of Business Administration. This award is given annually to the student who exemplifies the greatest scholarship, leadership, character, and service to the Business Management Program.
Angielyn Dela Cruz ’24
PsychologyAward
This award is given annually to a Psychology Program student who demonstrates outstanding scholarship, leadership, and character.
Alessio Leonardi ’24
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.
Lilliana Chisler ’23
MenloSpiritAward
This award is given to a graduating senior who has given generously of their time both inside and outside the classroom during their four years at Menlo College.
Jaccob Vargas ’24
Social Justice Award
The Social Justice Award is a merit-based scholarship which recognizes a student who has made significant contributions to enhancing community activism for the Menlo College campus and beyond.
Natsumi Kitagawa ’27 & Carmella Foley ’27
Richard Ekong ’26 & Samantha Carter ’26
Paul Breuer ’25 & Kananimauloa Packer ’25
Liam O’Hara ’24 & Dezmond Frazier ’24
RichardF.O’BrienAwardRecipients
Richard O’Brien served as president of Menlo College from 1970-1987. These awards are given annually to two students from each class who best exemplify the true spirit of the Menlo campus through all-around excellence.
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREES IN PSYCHOLOGY
Alia Abushi San Leandro, CA
Trent Joseph Robert Barnwell Redwood City, CA *
Samantha A. Barragan Hemet, CA *
Shayla Boley Sacramento, CA
Rebecca Gabrielle Camba Mountain View, CA
Madeline Marie Costa Humboldt County, CA
Angielyn Malmonibo Barit Dela Cruz Wahiawā, HI + *
J’ceyonna Raejeam De Soto-Matsumoto Stockton, CA
Sophia Anne Dockus Thousand Oaks, CA
Tavia Heidelberg-Tillotson Sacramento, CA
Paola Andrea Honde Reyes
Bogota D.C., Colombia
Jasmyne Huggins Hayward, CA
Hao Li Mianyang, Sichuan * Ψ
Enrique Raymond Santos Little Fresno, CA
Li Liu
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan * Ψ
Xinhao Harvey Liu Kunming, China
Karen Mayen Redwood City, CA
Diandra Nicole Medina Santa Barbara, CA
Bryanna Mendoza Salinas, CA
Jaquelin Negrete-Morales Soledad, CA
Micah Keanu Tolentino Ortega Honolulu, HI
Daniella Ramirez Arteaga Seaside, CA
Daniela Romo Maldonado San Francisco, CA
Saar Rogovski Rosh HaAyin, Israel *
Ariadna Santiago Almanza San Jose, CA * Ψ
Louisa Brigitte Schwab Plainfield, IL *
Angelika Sidorov Weingarten, Germany *
Laurel Slate Sonora, CA *
Thalia Gracia Thomas Owyhee, NV
Kaito Shakur Williams Sacramento, CA
The symbols used on the following pages are to designate the following:
Double Major
Graduation with Honors X Alpha Chi Honor Society
Ω
Beta Gamma Sigma Society
University Innovation Fellow
Psi Chi Honor Society
Italic = Concentration Ψ +
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREES IN BUSINESS
Jenny Minnat Allah Adam San Francisco, CA
Marketing
Kaila Kawehionalani Aiwohi Mililani, HI
Finance * Ω
Bryan Amaral Elk Grove, CA
Accounting * X
Dominic Anderson-Nakagawa Santa Cruz, CA
Finance *
Oscar Benjamin Armstrong Chicago, IL
Finance
David Arzate Santa Paula, CA
Accounting
Logan Avina-Barajas Clovis, CA
Management * Ω Human Resource Management
Emmanuel Azam Mont-de-Marsan, France
Sports Management
Ethan Scott Baird Fresno, CA
Sports Management *
Javier Luis de Castro Banson San Fransisco, CA
Finance & Business Analytics + * X
Dania Ben Shabat Tucson, AZ
Marketing
Alessandra Melody Birdsall Carnelian Bay, CA
Management * International Management
Jaden Adam Bradshaw Calgary, Alberta Canada
Management * Sports Management
Kiara Hope Brown Tulare, CA
Management Sports Management
Giorgio Caldera Saint Helena, CA
Entrepreneurship & Innovation *
Bernadette Alonzo Castillo Laoag City, Philippines
Marketing & Management + Business Analytics
Mauricio Mateo Castillo Glendora, CA Marketing
Juliette Charpentier Paris, France Finance & Business Analytics + * X Ω
Dylan Harley Cohan Salinas, CA Finance
Connor Cormier San Jose, CA Management * Ω Business Analytics
Robley Corsi III Edmonds, WA Finance
Antonio Joseph DaCosta Torrance, CA Management Business Analytics
Nikan Darren Danaei Aachen, Germany Finance
Thomas Ka’onohiōpu’uwai Kam Depontes
Kailua-Kona, HI Marketing
Jason DeSantis Livermore, CA Management * Sports Management
Nikita Kaur Dhaliwal Fremont, CA Marketing & Sports Management +
Wanglei Du Zhengzhou, China Finance Ryan Echeverria Porter Ranch, CA Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Ryan David Enciso Gilroy, CA Management Sports Management
Joseph Erickson Pasadena, CA Marketing
Ratbek Erkinbekov Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Finance
Jimmy Blake Estrada Selma, CA Marketing
Shane Mackenzie Fernando Lancaster, CA Management * Human Resource Management
Benjamin Fish Wisconsin Dells, WI Marketing
Armand Flamer-Caldera Columbo, Sri Lanka Finance
Jacob Guttormsen Fløgstad Son, Norway Finance
Dezmond Ajani Frazier Redwood City, CA Marketing
Lauren Friedman Clayton, CA Finance * X Ω
Andrew Phillip Fuentes San Jose, CA Management * Sports Management
Rintaro Fukuda Nishinomiya, Hyogo Marketing
Edwin Angel Galicia Redwood City, CA International Business
Adrian Gaona Fort Bragg, CA Sports Management
Raymond Armando Garcia Whittier, CA Marketing
Christopher Raymond Gaxiola Fresno, CA Sports Management
Jesse Gaytan Lemoore, CA Management Sports Management
Mara Giommarini Uriburu Vigo, Spain Marketing *
Brianna Nickcole Gonzalez Bellflower, CA Management Ω Human Resource Management
Maria Estela Gonzalez Redwood City, CA Marketing Ω
Erika Greco Rome, Italy Marketing
Danika Griggs Redwood City, CA Management
Elon Harmon Rocklin, CA Finance
Tracey Michelle Hatch Seattle, WA Real Estate
Ryan Joseph Herrington Dublin, CA Marketing
Alice Huynh San Jose, CA Finance * X
Hunter Zemke James Dundee, OR Management Sports Management
Myles Bailey Janson Leicester, England Accounting
Antonio Jimenez Livermore, CA Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Benjamin Jimenez-Leon East Palo Alto, CA Accounting
Jessica Marie Johnson Livermore, CA Accounting Ω
Jalen La’ikukekoalani Kalama Kaunakakai Molokai, HI Management * Human Resource Management
Deshawn King Fairfield, CA Sports Management *
Dan Kironde Kampala, Uganda Business Analytics *
Jo Krumsvik Bergen, Vestland Norway Business Analytics * Lisa Kurebayashi Emeryville, CA Marketing
Levin Ledergerber Ebnat-Kappel, Switzerland Management * International Management
Alessio Leonardi Bologna, Italy Finance *
Rysan Leong Kailua, HI Management Sports Management
Linhan Li Jiangsu, China * Finance
Mola’emakolukolu Samuel Melvin
Attinimon Liwis Keaukaha, HI Marketing
William Jack Loftus Redwood City, CA
Management & Sports Management + * Finance
Danyelle Ilana Pincaro Lopez Los Angeles, CA Human Resource Management *
Nancy Alondra Lopez Los Angeles, CA Management Human Resource Management
Amalea Faithanne Lovold Marysville, WA
Management & Marketing + * X Ω Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Gabriella Louise MacKenzie Burlington, WA Sports Management
Maleia Rose Herce Manansala Hayward, CA Marketing
Christopher Angel Mayer Los Angeles, CA
Management Sports Management
Brynn McClymond Redwood City, CA Management * Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Ethan McCuen Dublin, CA
Management Sports Management
Mariagiulia Mecacci Poggibonsi, Italy Marketing *
Asilbek Khusanjon Ugli Mirzajonov Kokand, Fergana Uzbekistan Accounting
Jonathan Mongiello-Daher San Mateo, CA Finance *
Madeline Alexandra Moore San Mateo, CA Entrepreneurship & Innovation *
Justin Moriarty Encinitas, CA Management Sports Management *
Karen Motogami Tokyo, Japan Management International Management
David Mulas Zelenskaya Madrid, Spain Marketing
Rubén Muñoz Sánchez Valencia, Spain Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Jahan Naderzad San Jose, CA Management Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Gerardo Alexander Nava Redwood City, CA Management Real Estate
Ian Karl Nguyen Sunnyvale, CA Marketing *
Kelly Marie Nolte Los Altos, CA Sports Management
Thomas Theodore O'Connor Preston, Connecticut International Business *
Otajonov Farrukh Sharifboy Ugli Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Accounting *
Paola Gissel Paz-Zuniga Mountain View, CA Marketing
Rafael Peña Newark, CA
Accounting *
Sage Madison Pera Templeton, CA Entrepreneurship & Innovation *
Erick Luis Perez-Guevara Half Moon Bay, CA Business Analytics
Sean Michael Pettener Hamilton, Ontario Canada Management Business Analytics Anthony Pike Tracy, CA Sports Management * Ω
Valerie Alexandra Poblete Redwood City, CA Management Business Analytics
Yamini Brigit Prasad Belmont, CA Business Analytics *
Braden Kai Proud Orangevale, CA Sports Management
Océane Marine Perrin Annecy, France
Marketing *
Erik Quinzon Stockton, CA
Management & Marketing + Sports Management
Maria Ramirez Quintero Palo Alto, CA
Management Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Enrique Regala San Mateo, CA
Management & Marketing + Business Analytics
Zachary Rhodes Redwood City, CA Marketing
Jordyn Alexis Rosette Elk Grove, CA Marketing & Sports Management + * Management
Eric Christian Roth Menlo Park, CA Management Sports Management
Ayanna Carolina Rubio Eastvale, CA Sports Management
Finn Sadler San Diego, CA Entrepreneurship & Innovation *
Andrew Blake Salamon Morgan Hill, CA Finance * X Ω
Jordan Alexander Salgado Pacifica, CA Sports Management *
William Alexandros Salmeron Richmond, CA International Business
Jayden Elizabeth Sanders Palo Alto, CA Management Real Estate
Amanda Scardino Redwood City, CA Marketing *
Jonah Ray Schwartz
Gabriella Elizabeth Silvestri Redwood City, CA Management Human Resource Management
Giuseppe Solazzo Prague, Czech Republic Business Analytics *
Joshua Spezia Teltow, Brandenburg Germany Management * Ω International Management
Konrad Stoklosinski Kielce, Poland Finance & Business Analytics +
Christian Summers San Jose, CA Business Analytics
Raghauv Taneja Haryana, India
Isaac Tassew Fairfax, VA
Management Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Shawna Lehua Thompson Honolulu, HI
Management International Management
Momoe Tojima Kanazawa, Ishikawa Japan Entrepreneurship & Innovation * Ω
Victor Tourbin Revest-Du-Bion, France Finance * Ω
Valentina Urelli Rinaldi Milano, Italy
Marketing & Sports Management + * X
Vivian Valencia Marina, CA
Management & Psychology + Human Resource Management
Axel V. Valle San Mateo, CA Sports Management
Dennis Vanin Goldach, St. Gallen Switzerland Business Analytics *
Jolena Velasquez Stockton, CA
Sports Management
Alana Tiara Ho’opōmaika’iokalani Vivas Kahuku, HI
Marketing & Management + Human Resource Management
Kenji Vivas Mexico City, Mexico Sports Management *
Sophie-Lauryn Vogt Aachen, Germany
Management & Marketing + * Human Resource Management
Samuel Jonathan Xavier Del Mar, CA Real Estate
Xinyi Xie Guangzhou, China Accounting Da Xu
JiuJiang City, China Management
Human Resource Management
Sabrina Yahi Lucca, Italy
Accounting *
Tianle Ye Hubei, China
Management International Management
Cindy Ruby Zepeda Palm Springs, CA Marketing
Class
