COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM MAY 21, 2022
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Edward Everett Hale, Historian (1822-1909) Edward Everett Hale died over a century ago, but as we reflect on the journey that brought us to this day, his words have resonance even now. As you, the Class of 2022 graduates, look to your future, I hope his words will be your guidepost. Come together, keep together, and work together – that trilogy defines success in every aspect of our lives. Given all the challenges we have faced in recent years, the successful attainment of a college degree speaks to incredible resilience and determination. That fact should give every member of the Class of 2022, and all of us, hope for our future. While we do not yet know the specific ways in which today’s graduates will make their marks in the coming years, I have no doubt that their efforts will make the world a better place for all of us. To all those who made today possible for our students: family, friends, trustees, faculty, coaches, staff, as well as those who are no longer with us but whose memories we honor – thank you for all you contributed as these graduates pursued their dreams here at Menlo College. And to today’s graduates, congratulations on reaching this joyous day. Forever, go Oaks!
Steven A. Weiner President of Menlo College
CLASSof
2022 COMMENCEMENT
May 21, 2022
PROGRAM OF EVENTS —|— DECLARATION & WELCOME Charles “Chop” Keenan, III ‘66 Grand Marshal NATIONAL ANTHEM Maya Debnath Vocalist from Menlo School, class of 2022 OPENING REMARKS Steven Weiner, President PRESENTATION OF HONORARY DEGREES Micah Ka-ne ’91 Board Chair INTRODUCTION OF STUDENT SPEAKERS Grande Lum, Provost VALEDICTORIAN Rufus Pappy ‘22 STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT Rasmia Shuman '22 INTRODUCTION OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Keith Spataro VP for Enrollment Management & Athletics COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS Mark Speckman '74 Menlo Alumnus, Coach and Author PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR’S DEGREES Grande Lum, Provost CONFERRAL OF DEGREES Steven Weiner, President
2 0 2 2 C OM M E N CE M E N T S PEAK ER Menlo College is thrilled to welcome alumnus Mark Speckman ‘74 as the speaker for this years 94th commencement ceremony. With an impressive, 40-year coaching career in professional, college, and high school football, Mark Speckman has persevered throughout with a major physical disability: being born without hands. Overcoming the challenge, Speckman is recognized nationally for his football expertise. In 2008, Speckman was a finalist for the Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year and he was named American Football Coaches Association West Region Coach of the Year. In all, he has been named a conference Coach of the Year 12 times. Speckman has also been inducted into four Athletic Hall of Fames as a player or coach, including the Menlo College Athletics Hall of Fame. In the sport of football, Speckman is regarded as a leading developer of the “FLY” offense, a system he pioneered and used nationwide. Speckman first joined the Menlo College community as a student himself, where he played football for legendary coaches Ray Solari and Don Baikie. In his sophomore year, Mark earned 2nd team all-league honors for the Oaks in the Coast Conference. After graduating from Menlo in 1974 with his Associates of Arts in Liberal Studies, Speckman went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences at Azusa Pacific University. There, he played football as a linebacker and earned an honorable mention of All-American honors.
Mark Speckman '74 Menlo College Alumnus, Coach and Author
Speckman then embarked on a 17-year career as a teacher and coach. Along the way, he earned his Master of Arts in Health and Human Services from Columbia Pacific University. He went on to build a lifelong career in college and professional football coaching at Menlo College, Willamette University, in the Canadian Football League, and Lawrence University. He is currently the assistant head coach and running backs coach at UC Davis, a position he has held since 2017. Speckman’s experiences playing and coaching football with his physical disability have paved the way for his accomplished motivational speaking career, with more than 400 visits to businesses, schools, prisons, athletic teams, and government agencies. He is also a published author. With Jason Niedermeyer, Speckman wrote Figure it Out: How I Learned to Live in a Digital World Without Digits, which is now in its second edition.
2 02 2 VA LEDIC T O RIAN— Rufus Kuzhivila Pappy ‘22
I was born in Visakhapatnam, India, but I grew up both in India as well as in the US. I did my schooling in various places, starting with kindergarten through fifth grade in Wilmore, KY. I then completed sixth through ninth grade in two different states within India. Finally, I wrapped up my schooling at Blair High School in Pasadena, CA. I moved often because my parents serve as Christian Missionaries. When they moved from one place to another with a new assignment, I moved with them. Every time we moved to a new region, we met new people, new cultures, and new languages. All those factors helped me to see the world in which we live from new and different angles. Those experiences shaped me to become who I am today. When the time came to enter the next chapter in my educational journey, Menlo College was my first choice. During my time at Menlo, I have made many new friends from around the world. I learned so much new information from my classes, and I am grateful for all of my professors who are exceptionally qualified in their respective fields! The college truly helps prepare students to become competent and capable individuals in their future careers. Along with my studies at Menlo College, I also expanded my knowledge and opportunities through the Accounting Club and the Finance Club. In addition, working part-time at the Registrar’s Office and in the Admissions Department gave me a chance to develop real-world work experience. Outside of the classroom and the workplace, I had an impact on campus through my service in the Student Government Association and as a University Innovation Fellow. My time at Menlo College has been truly wonderful and productive. At this moment, I would like to thank God for His loving grace and guidance throughout my journey. I am indebted also to all my family and friends who came alongside me with their wholehearted support during my studies. I am ready, and look forward to exploring all the wonderful things the future holds for us, the Menlo College Class of 2022. 1
2 02 2 SA LU TAT ORIAN— Emanuela Stopacholi '22
Hello, I'm Emanuela Stopacholi, an international student from Brazil, double majoring in accounting and finance. I came to this country eight years ago as an au pair with the simple goal of learning the language and experiencing life abroad. Soon, I found myself not only having an affinity for the culture but deeply appreciating the opportunities available in the Bay Area. It wasn't an easy decision to stay in a foreign country and to be the first in my family to attend college, but I cannot emphasize enough that it was all possible thanks to the amazing support of my fiancé, family, and the great community at Menlo College. Menlo provided me with the tools and guidance to learn valuable new skills that allowed me to start my professional career with two fantastic companies. In the summer of 2021, I began my 6-month internship at VMware working with the SOX PMO team. It was a great opportunity to apply and expand on what I learned in my accounting classes. Not long after that, I was able to secure an exciting job with the finance team at Intuitive Surgical. Menlo College helped put me on a career path that I never could have dreamt of when I arrived in the US as an au pair. The Menlo Class of 2022 should feel proud of all their amazing accomplishments, and I wish them nothing but the best as they embark on their careers!
STUDENT G O V E R N M EN T P R E S I D E N T— Rasmia Shuman '22
Hello, my name is Rasmia Shuman. I am graduating with a double major in Psychology and Political Science. I am a proud first-generation college student from a family of seven. I grew up in Redwood City, California. My Menlo College experience has been life-changing. It was a whole new world that changed my reality in so many ways. In the last four years, I have enjoyed many amazing opportunities and met people who have educated me, both in and out of the classroom. I have learned that, if you have a goal, the entire campus will encourage and support you in any way they can, to achieve it and to help you be the best you can be. During my time as a student, I was blessed with the opportunity to serve as the Student Government Association’s Day Student Representative, Student Body Vice President and Student Body President. Apart from student government, I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Alumni Office team, and the Chair of the Basic Needs Task Force. Aside from the honor of being a part of these endeavors, I was able to pursue my dream of becoming a Political Science major with the support of my mentor, Dean Melissa Michelson. I was also fortunate to receive the Golden Oak Service Award at this year’s Honors Convocation, and I have repeatedly earned inclusion on the Dean’s List. Menlo College and its community is the reason I am who I am today. Without the support of my parents Mohammed and Nuha Shuman, older sister Halemah Shuman, Dean Melissa Michelson, Carmen Stockberger, the entire Office of Alumni Engagement and Development, and many other faculty, staff, family, and friends, this journey would have not been possible. Class of 2022: our time together was not long enough, but I am confident that through the bonds we have made as we have grown together at Menlo, we will forever be connected. May your successes keep growing and achievements keep glowing.
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HONORS CONVOCATION AWARD RECIPIENTS Bianca Neme Barros ‘22
Chara Higaki ‘22
Board of Trustees Award
Menlo Spirit 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.
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.
Diana Guardado ‘23
Freshmen – Tatum Hoshino ‘25 and Chieri Abe ‘25 Sophomores – Madison Thompson ‘24 and Felix Welteke ‘24 Juniors – Lina Lakoczky-Torres ‘23 and Ayanda Miti ‘23 Seniors – Wendy Mouat ‘22 and Rufus Kuzhivila Pappy ‘22
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.
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.
Nicholas Abrams ‘22
Lilliana Chisler ‘22
This award is given annually to a Management Program student who demonstrates outstanding scholarship.
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.
Leshi Chen ‘25
Al Jacobs Scholarship
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.
Richard F. O’Brien Award
Don Jordan Scholarship
Social Justice Award
Wall Street Journal Award
Sion Hovsepian ‘22 Psychology Award
This award is given annually to a Psychology Program student who demonstrates outstanding scholarship, leadership, and character.
Cheryl Singh ‘22
The symbols used on the following pages are to designate the following:
Judge Russell Award
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.
* Graduation with Honors X Alpha Chi Honor Society Ω Beta Gamma Sigma Society
Rasmia Shuman ‘22
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.
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CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREES IN PSYCHOLOGY Rita Abdel-Malek Redwood City, CA
Crystal Necole Klingele-Sheehy Half Moon Bay, CA
Ruby Rugama Gardea Sacramento, CA
Michelle Carino Foster City, CA
Jorgina Lazcano Fresno, CA
Laura Saldarriaga Bogota, Columbia*
Sheniah R. Castex Sacramento, CA*
Joanne Lee Sacramento, CA
Emily Marie Sandoval Hayward, CA
Lucy Chambers Portola Valley, CA*
Cristal Guadalupe Ciqueiros Loaiza San Jose, CA
Xerena Alexis Sarria Daly City, CA*
Katherine Mirabela Colton San Carlos, CA
Abigail Mendez Redwood City, CA
Briana Lashelle Shepard San Mateo, CA
Salomé Cordinier Carros, France*
Alejandro Mendoza Menlo Park, CA
Rasmia Shuman Redwood City, CA
Shady Cruz Redwood City, CA
Sariah Mokuahi Wailua, HI
Priscila Talavera Flores Guanajuato, Mexico*
Yuanchun Guo Shanghai, China*
Katrina Elena Moreno San Mateo, CA
Elizabeth Marie Wilson Lakewood, CA*
Chara Elle Higaki Honolulu, HI*
Erin E. Murphy Oakland, CA*
Courtney Kanani Yamaguchi Hilo, HI
Sion Hovsepian Hamburg, Germany*
Megan Sabrina Robinson Sacramento, CA
Lizette Raquel Young Daly City, CA
CANDIDATES FOR DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS David C. Irmer Sr. '58 President, The Innisfree Companies Menlo College Trustee
James Davlin V Board Director & Advisor, Torreya Partners Menlo College Trustee
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CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREES IN BUSINESS Nicholas S. Abrams Thousand Oaks, CA Accounting & Finance*
Alan Antonio Arreola San Jose, CA International Management*
Scott Besteman Madison, Wisconsin Finance
Sophia Raquel Acosta Menlo Park, CA Accounting
Esmeralda Alexys Arroyo Sacramento, CA Human Resource Management
Daniel Marcos Borrego Pacifica, CA Entrepreneurship
Abhishruti Adhikari Kathmandu, Nepal Entrepreneurship*X Ω
Deanna Avery San Jose, CA Entrepreneurship
Christopher T. Bowden East Palo Alto, CA Business Management
Devin Lindsay Alton Elk Grove, CA Business Management
Moncerrat Barriga Villalobos Redwood City, CA Accounting*
William Andrew Bruns Madison, Indiana Entrepreneurship & Marketing
Maya Amanda Anderson Kapaau, Hawaii Business Management
Anders Baumann Sandvika, Norway Business Analytics*
Devin Burleigh Bremerton, WA Sports Management
Brandon Joseph Ardwan San Carlos, CA Entrepreneurship*
Donny Inocencio Bendo Jr. San Francisco, CA Marketing & Sports Management
Aurélie Marie Sophie Burlot Mimet, France Intl. Management*
Alex Armira Inglewood, CA Marketing
Jordan Alejandro Bernal Littlerock, CA Finance
Marshall Callies South San Francisco, CA Finance*
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CLASS OF 2022
Miranda Yoshiko Canniff Kohala, Hawaii Entrepreneurship
Marquise Micheal Dove Compton, CA Human Resource Management
Gracie Marie Figueroa Selma, CA Sports Management
Colin Carberry Hillsborough, CA Real Estate
Matthew Edson San Carlos, CA Accounting
Shea Thomas Filardo Los Gatos, CA Sports Management
Alyssa Marie Charles Bakersfield, CA Accounting*X Ω
Yuki Enomoto Honolulu, Hawaii Business Management
Brett Fitzpatrick Belmont, CA Finance
Lilliana Chisler Sacramento, CA Sports Management
Hanna Sigrid Margareta Eriksson Loid Täby, Stockholm, Sweden International Management*X Ω
Brice Foster Seattle, WA Entrepreneurship
Maria Del Carmen Torres San Jose, CA Business Management Tatum DiOro Millbrae, CA Business Management Margaret Dlamini San Jose, CA Marketing*Ω Conner Reed Dmytriw Menifee, CA Marketing
Kyle Evangelho San Carlos, CA Marketing* Stephanie Alice Farouze Tokyo, Japan Finance & Intl. Business Management* Gianna Marie Fernandez San Martin, CA Accounting
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Hyago M. Galdino San Jose, CA Entrepreneurship* Cindy Garcia Garcia Pomona, CA Marketing Fernando Magana Gaytan Redwood City, CA Marketing Makiala K. Destiny Gibbons Rock Springs, Wyoming Human Resource Management
CLASS OF 2022
Tyler James Gonzales San Mateo, CA Business Management*
Libero Guerrera Rome, Italy Business Management
Xinya Huang Guangzhou, China Accounting
Jessica Ambrosio Gonzalez Santa Clara, CA Human Resource Management*
Ezri Hartley Oak View, CA Accounting & Finance*
Qingyi Huang Mianyang, China International Management
Sydney Josephine Grech Redwood City, CA Real Estate*X Ω
Shondrae L. Harvey Jr. Watts, CA Accounting
Sydney Jane Huddleston Daly City, CA Finance
Wiley Rhiannon Lynn Gross Madison, Indiana Real Estate*
Parker Haven Folsom, CA Finance & Marketing
Julika Grosspietsch Dresden, Germany Marketing & Real Estate Management*
Michaela Rose Haynes Fresno, CA Finance & Real Estate*X Ω
Celina Husung Nebringen, Germany International Management & Marketing*
Bastien Grunenwald Epinal, France Finance & Sports Management*X Ω
Nohealani Mei Lan Hee Honolulu, HI Entrepreneurship
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Christian Ingul Trondheim, Norway Business Analytics & Finance*X Fredrik Bjørk Ingul Trondheim, Norway Finance & Business Analytics*X Ω
CLASS OF 2022
Gerardo Alexander Interiano Sylmar, CA Accounting
Nicholas Edmond Krampert Redwood City, CA Business Management
Madison Eleanor Jessup Santa Clara, CA Accounting & Finance
Masanobu Kurakami Saitama, Japan Finance
Shomei Kadota Fukuoka, Japan Intl. Management*
Megan Bao Uyen Lam Milpitas, CA Accounting & Finance
David Kinnear Danville, CA Finance
Njai Andre LeBlanc Jr. Redwood City, CA Marketing & Sports Management
Joseph Kohlhase Auckland, New Zealand Accounting*
Xinran Li Shanghai, China Management Information Systems
Kori-Ann Koverman Honolulu, HI Marketing
Adrian Lopez Soledad, CA Real Estate
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Mira Aolani Love-Sangco Alameda, CA Human Resource Management and Marketing Abigail Lowy Haifa, Israel Finance Serena Lum Ewa Beach, HI Marketing & Human Resource Management* Quanjyn Lyu Xuzhou, China Intl. Management* Joshua J. Malashock Denver, Colorado Finance
CLASS OF 2022
Halle Marquard San Jose, CA Finance*Ω
Christian Mendoza East Palo Alto, CA Sports Management
Akin Nefesogullari Istanbul, Turkey Finance
Luis Marroquin Burlingame, CA Accounting*
Richard Molina Redwood City, CA Marketing
Bianca Neme Barros Guararema, Brazil Finance & Business Analytics*X Ω
Alleida Martinez Selma, CA Human Resource Management
Wendy Genevieve Mouat Lafayette, CA Finance*
Clinton Tan Tai Nguyen San Jose, CA Finance
Lucero Martinez Redwood City, CA Human Resource Management
Marilyn Vanessa Munoz Mountain View, CA Human Resource Management*
Sergio Noriega Jr. San Mateo Marketing
Makaila Drew McLeod Redwood City, CA Marketing*
Kota Nakayama Chigasaki, Japan Marketing
Connor Patrick Oldham Belfast, United Kingdom Marketing
Jacob D. Mendoza Sunnyside, WA Finance
Brent David Natwick Santa Clara, CA Sports Management*
Adam James Orr Cameron Park, CA Sports Management*
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CLASS OF 2022
Raul Ezekiel Ortiz Scotts Valley, CA Marketing
David Ibrahim Peter Redwood City, CA Finance
Alexia Monzerrat Ramirez Redwood City, CA Marketing
Jesus Dario Pacheco Alvarez East Palo Alto, CA Sports Management
Melvin J. Pineda Hayward, CA Sports Management
Gerardo Ramirez Newark, CA Data Analytics*
Christian LMH Paet East Honolulu, Hawaii Real Estate
Ilan Pochic Brindas, France International Management*
Sanjay Ajay Ranchhod Stockton, CA Entrepreneurship
Rufus Kuzhivila Pappy Channapetta, Kerala, India Accounting & Finance*X Ω
Kiarra Puzon Quezon City, Philippines Finance and Marketing
Hae-Seung Christian Robinson Boston, Massachusetts Marketing
Oscar Pardo San Mateo, CA Finance
Yinwei Qu Shanghai, China International Management
Jayleene Aliyah Romo Sierra Vista, AZ Marketing
Esteban Alexis Perla Belmont, CA Entrepreneurship
Isaac Quinn Napa, CA International Management
Benjamin Kipkorir Ronoh Kitale, Kenya Accounting
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CLASS OF 2022
Russel Abigail Roxas Honolulu, HI Human Resource Management*
Monyque Silva Teixeira Sao Paulo, Brazil Finance*
Ryan Stephen Oakland, CA Marketing
Scott Walker Sanborn Santa Cruz, CA Finance*
Andrea Simon Bologna, Italy Marketing & Finance*
Haleigh Stoddard Yuba City, CA Accounting
Jordyn Sanico Honolulu, HI Marketing & Human Resource Management*
Cheryl Prakash Wati Singh South San Francisco, CA Accounting & Finance*
Emanuela Theodoro Stopacholi Ariquemes, Brazil Accounting & Finance*X Ω
Evan Gabriel Snodgrass San Mateo, CA Sports Management
Stina Svanlund Kungsbacka, Sweden Accounting
Angelica Juliette Soto San Jose, CA Sports Management
Sylvia Anna Tarantino Milan, Italy Marketing*X Ω
Nicholas Alexander Spagnoli San Carlos, CA Entrepreneurship*X Ω
Mia Nicole Thompson Sacramento, CA Finance & Accounting*
Zion Luis Springer Albuquerque, NM Sports Management*
Luis Marroquin Tobar Burlingame, CA Accounting*
Arturo Sanz Jones Madrid, Spain Entrepreneurship* Amiri Sasaki Nagoya, Japan Entrepreneurship* Madilynn Misha Sepp Stockton, CA Marketing Genesis Siam-Alvarez Los Angeles, CA Marketing
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CLASS OF 2022
Cesar Torres-Morales Fremont, CA Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Gregory Viloria II Tracy, CA Finance
JaNay Simone Wooten Humble, Texas Marketing
Marc Toyama Tokyo, Japan Accounting
Niccolo Tristen Viviani Redwood City, CA Entrepreneurship
Michael Yamamoto Pearl City, HI Accounting*
Dagmar Urbankova Popovice u Rajhradu, Czech Republic Sports Management*
Yuxin Wang Huangshan, China Entrepreneurship
Jesus Abel Zamorano Jr. Coolidge, AZ Accounting
Luca Vagnini Pesaro, Italy Finance*
Makenna Weiler Gilroy, CA Marketing*
Shiqi Zhang Jiaxing, China Finance*
Alyssa Rayann Valdez San Jose, CA Marketing
Savalis Williams Stockton, CA Real Estate
Bianca Naidelyn Vargas East Palo Alto, CA Entrepreneurship
Curtis Robert Witt San Carlos, CA Sports Management
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Congratulations Cla
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ass of 2022
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