2023 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Menlo College is honored to welcome Victor Nunnemaker, a first-generation college graduate and serial entrepreneur who rose above childhood adversity to become a successful father, entrepreneur and philanthropist, as the speaker for the College’s 95th commencement ceremony.
Nunnemaker overcame a childhood marked by poverty and abuse to become the only person in his family to earn both a college and graduate degree. He ran track and worked three jobs to pay for his education, earning his B.A. in Business Economics and German from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his masters equivalent in International Finance at the Hochschule (University) St. Gallen (HSG) in Switzerland after being awarded the prestigious Rotary Foundation Scholarship for graduate studies.
Today, Nunnemaker has amassed an impressive resume: Serial entrepreneur, investor, mentor, coach, and board member. After completing his formal education, Nunnemaker had a very successful finance career working for Price Waterhouse, Genentech and Oracle. Then, after taking one tech company public and serving as the CFO of another, Nunnemaker went “rogue.” He founded multiple successful companies, growing them over twelve years, and was fortunate to have several very successful exits in 2017.
Nunnemaker now serves on several philanthropic and other company boards, and is the president-elect of the San Francisco Entrepreneurs Organization. He is an advocate of a “healthy body, healthy mind,” working out daily, and believes in the merits of meditation, cold plunges and a healthy semi-keto diet. Nunnemaker has many interests and hobbies, including: Cessna airplane pilot, research scuba diver, Cal Eco-Challenge adventure racer, triathlete, abalone diver, and adventurer. He is bilingual German/English, and enthusiastically,mediocre in Spanish (due to lack of practice, but he hopes to rectify that soon with trips to Spain and Latin America).
In 2017, Nunnemaker became an apple farmer after purchasing property in Northern California's Anderson Valley wine country. He loves spending time with, and is most proud of, his two amazing children and his wife of 21 years. Together, they divide their time between Silicon Valley and learning how to graft trees, make cider, and tend to their Anderson Valley Apple Farm, called “Poleeko Ranch.”
2023 VALEDICTORIAN— Samuele Mian ‘23
Hi there! My name is Samuele Mian, an international student from Italy – just one of the 45 different countries represented on the Menlo campus this year.
My experience at Menlo College has been nothing short of amazing. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I felt a rush of excitement and gratitude. After leaving my home country at the age of 19, I had spent years searching for a place where I could truly feel like I belonged. That place proved to be Menlo College.
The journey to get here was not an easy one. Leaving behind everything I had ever known and loved felt daunting, but I knew that I needed to take this leap of faith if I wanted to truly grow and challenge myself. When I landed in California for the first time, I was struck by the beauty of my new surroundings and the energy of this vibrant state. Everywhere I looked, there was something new to explore and discover.
Of course, the transition to a new culture was not always smooth. I had to learn to navigate new customs and social norms, and sometimes found myself feeling homesick or out of place. But as time went on, I began to assimilate more fully into this new world, finding friends and mentors who supported and encouraged me along the way.
Now, as I walk the halls of Menlo College, I feel a deep sense of belonging and purpose. This is a place where I have been free to pursue my academic and professional goals, while also immersing myself in a community of like-minded individuals who share my passion for learning and growth. Whether I am in the classroom, or participating in extracurricular activities, I am constantly inspired and excited by the opportunities that Menlo College has to offer. The resources provided to students here are valuable, and I am grateful for the support that has allowed me to thrive academically and personally.
Being at Menlo College is not just about getting an education or building a career – it is about becoming part of a community, a family that will support me throughout my life. I am excited to see what the future holds, and I am grateful to be on this journey with my fellow Menlo College students and faculty. I am truly thankful for the supportive and enriching experience that Menlo College has given me.
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Victor Nunnemaker Entrepreneur
2023 SALUTATORIAN Nichole Smith '23
My name is Nichole Smith, and I am graduating with a degree in accounting. My journey at Menlo College has not been linear. Halfway through my freshman year, the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, which caused us to transition to online learning. I was also unsure what career path I wanted to take, the more I learned about the different aspects of business.
It is because of the wonderful professors and people I’ve met at Menlo College that I’ve been able to discover who I am, what I’m capable of, and who I want to become. Their support and guidance helped me discover my strengths and how I could apply them effectively. I’ve been granted amazing opportunities to immerse myself in the professional world. In the summer of 2022, I began my audit/assurance internship at Ernst & Young. That experience helped finetune my focus on pursuing my dreams after graduation. I will also be pursuing my CPA license in the near future. I have been honored to serve as the Accounting Club president and as an English peer tutor at the WOCC.
My time at Menlo taught me that nothing worth having is easy; there will always be challenges to overcome and tough situations to push through, whether we want to or not. What matters most is how you choose to respond and to reflect on how these challenges can serve you in becoming a better person. Only you are capable of forging your path and creating something to be proud of. If I could only have one takeaway from my time at Menlo College, it would be this: know yourself, and you will win all battles.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT— Raymond Juballa '23
Greetings all. My name is Raymond Juballa. My life has been filled with creativity and countless pivots. Start with my surname, JUBALLA. When I was adopted by my father David Jew, and my mother Rosanne Balla, they created my surname by foregoing the option to hyphenate their last names, modifying the spelling of my father's last name, to create a non-traditional last name that inspires conversation.
Non-traditional is also my journey to and through Menlo. I spent my pre-school years in Hong Kong, elementary in Spanish Immersion and Saturday Mandarin schools, joined a learn-by-doing youth development program, raised major livestock for county fairs, and progressed through leadership and mentoring training while attending high school. Thereafter, I explored local community colleges, and was well on my way to becoming a hands-on jack of all trades. As I missed the livestock, though, I migrated to Merced College, where I was able to join a livestock showing team and a mechanized agricultural equipment program. I began what I called, “living my best life.”
Then came a big pivot. A spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. I had to rethink my education and career plans. After three months in the hospital and while still undergoing rehab, I returned to the College of San Mateo to earn an AS degree in Computer Aided Design using special accessibility tools and software. I had to problem solve multiple times a day just to do normal daily tasks without the use of my hands. I realized that I was an innovator, but traditional career paths were not going to be a great fit. I would have to create my own path.
Luckily Menlo’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation program was within reach. I became a transfer student, a commuter, and began forging my way down a new path. I revived the Oaks Innovation Club, became a University Innovation Fellow and president of the Student Government Association. I am proud to have instituted changes that will allow future leaders to effectively build on the operations my colleagues and I have initiated in all three organizations. For my senior year, I received my first taste of independence since my accident when I became a resident in the wheelchair-accessible John Arrillaga Hall.
I am optimistic about my future and can truly say Menlo and its people have been a big part of me being able to claim once again, “I am living my best life.” During my time here at Menlo, I have had the pleasure of getting to know many of my peers, hear their stories, and celebrate their accomplishments. I have watched in awe as I have seen my fellow graduates pivot when faced with obstacles, both large and small, public and private. It’s an important resilience skill to recognize: if you can’t change it, pivot.
Congratulations Class of 2023. GO OAKS!
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CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREES IN BUSINESS
Andrew Deane Abbey
Cardiff by the Sea, CA Marketing
Maggie Aguilar Diaz Grass Valley, CA Marketing Analytics*X
Kate Mantilla Alngog Quezon City, Philippines
Entrepreneurship & Innovation*XΩ
Christine Alonzo Waipahu, HI Accounting Business Analytics*XΩ
Noel Andersen Palo Alto, CA Marketing
Miguel Alejandro Arguello San Mateo, CA Accounting
Zandanbal Arslankhuyag Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia FinTech
Nicholas George Attard Mountain View, CA Sports Management
Brysin Lewis Baker Shelton, WA Human Resource Management
Dharma Maria Balaceanu Sacramento, CA Marketing*
Jose Angelo Matute Baltero Lāna'i City, HI Accounting & Finance*XΩ
Nolan Buchanan Bangs San Carlos, CA Accounting
Motsumi Banjoko Modesto, CA
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Willie Barnes III Pittsburg, CA Marketing
Catherine Batang South San Francisco, CA
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Rebecca Paige Beilby San Diego, CA Marketing*XΩ
Bernardo Berardinelli Silva Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Marketing
Huy Khai Bi San Jose, CA Finance
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Mark Lawrence Bickle San Bruno, CA
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Gabrielle Abille Boado Oxnard, CA
Finance & Marketing
Harrison Wade Bonner Long Beach, CA
Finance
Hunter Elizabeth Boske Ridgecrest, CA Accounting*
Dylan Brand Kihei, HI
Sports Management
Nicholas Alexander Camacho Norwalk, CA
Accounting
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Thea Kailene Campbell Folsom, CA Marketing*
Alex Cardella Nice, France Accounting
Helianthys Cha Sacramento, CA
Marketing & Entrepreneurship*
Thanakorn Karl Chawengchawalit
Guangzhou, China
Accounting & Business Analytics*
Grace Elysia Christian Modesto, CA
Sports Management*
Kristianna Serra Coffey Novato, CA
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Carol Valentina Cordova Palo Alto, CA
Human Resource Management*
Charles James Costa Sacramento, CA
International Management
Sofia Costantini Redwood City, CA Marketing
Mary Felienne Rose Ugboc Dante San Francisco, CA Finance*X
Andrez Dayap Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Finance*X
Abraham Nathaniel Del Toro Madera, CA
Real Estate Management
Lianwei Deng Haikou, Hainan, China
Accounting & Human Resource Management*
Oscar Fernando Diaz Valencia Stockton, CA Finance
Chase Anthony Direito Clovis, CA
Real Estate Management
Evan Dirksen
Vancouver, WA Finance
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2023
CLASS OF
Yunyan Duan Fuzhou, Fujiam, China Accounting
Evan Essner Wailuku, HI Marketing*
Landon Evilsizor-White
Las Vegas, NV
Real Estate Management
Yanru Fang Dongguan, China Accounting & Human Resource Management*
Arriya Frank
Antioch, CA International Management
Alexander Rio Fultz
Penn Valley, CA Finance
Susana Garcia Lake Forest, CA
Entrepreneurship & Innovation*Ω
Franchesca Diana Garcia San Diego, CA Sports Management
Alexander Garcia Menlo Park, CA International Management
Elijah Genin San Diego, CA Finance*Ω
Erin Ginoza Aiea, HI Entrepreneurship & Innovation Finance*XΩ
Paola Isabel Godoy Redwood City, CA Marketing
Benjamin Gonzales Redwood City, CA Sports Management
Barbara Rose Greenberg
San Dimas, CA
International Management & Marketing*
Mehdi Guedira Rabat, Morocco Marketing
Tristan Michael Guerrero San Ramon, CA Real Estate Management*
Richard Gurule Cypress, CA Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Shinnosuke Hashimoto
Eiheiji, Fukui, Japan Accounting*
Kyosuke Hayashiyama
Ibusuki, Kagoshima, Japan International Management
Carl Helmertz
Stockholm, Sweden Finance*XΩ
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CLASS OF 2023
CLASS OF 2023
Kauahoa Kanan Hermosura
Hanalei, HI
Marketing & Human Resource Management*
Emilyn Hernandez
San Jose, CA
Marketing
Melissa Herrera
Menlo Park, CA
Marketing
Jaxon Shoma Hotta
Kihei, HI
Finance*
Christopher Humphreys
Los Altos, CA
Finance*
Alice Tinh Thuy Huynh
San Jose, CA
Finance*X
Edin Ibrahimovic
Vienna, Austria
Sports Management & Marketing
Kahlil Jefferson Fairfield, CA Sports Management*
Jinzhongnama
Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Human Resource Management
Harrison S. Joslin
Santa Monica, CA Finance
Raymond Jia-Rui Juballa
Foster City, CA
Entrepreneurship & Innovation*Σ
Tyler Kennedy
Santa Clara, CA
Marketing & Sports Management
Richard Kiel
Melbourne, Australia
Marketing & Sports Management*X
Jacob Kipyego
Garland, TX
Marketing & Sports Management
Van Wolfgang Lachance Pleasanton, CA
Finance
Lina Lakoczky-Torres
Las Vegas, NV
Entrepreneurship & Innovation*X
Lucas Larson
Placerville, CA
Real Estate Management
Corey John Fiti Leaupepe
Wellington, New Zealand
Marketing & Sports Management*
Anais Lefrique
La Valette du Var, France
International Management*
Fiona Lefrique
La Valette du Var, France
International Management*
Matthew Leong
San Mateo, CA
Accounting*
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Minchen Li
Changsha, Hunan, China Accounting
Xiyao Liao Mianyang, China Finance*
Emily Linares Menlo Park, CA
Sports Management
Juan Lopez San Jose, CA Marketing
Kianna Fujiko Lum Sunnyvale, CA Sports Management*
Hongyu Luo Chengu, China Sports Management*
Chunyi Luo Shanghai, China Finance*
Esteban Manzanares East Palo Alto, CA Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Kevin O. Martell Redwood City, CA Sports Management
Natalie Lynn Medina San Bruno, CA Marketing
Anthony Masetti Redwood City, CA Sports Management
Samael McCormick Port Hueneme, CA Sports Management
Yunbo Mei Xuzhou, China Accounting & Finance*X
Christian Mateo Menchaca Fremont, CA
Sports Management
Juan Pablo Peralez Mendoza Jr. San Jose, CA Marketing
Basil Merk Ehrenkirchen, Germany Entrepreneurship & Innovation*ΩΣ
Roland Merrill Waikiki, HI Management & Entrepreneurship
Samuele Mian Monfalcone, Italy FinTech*XΩ
Ellis Andrew Miles San Diego, CA
Sports Management
Zidane Kilani Mili San Bruno, CA
International Management*
Caden Mink Yucaipa, CA Marketing*
Sean Riley Moran Bakersfield, CA
Sports Management
Mason Masaru Morishige Kaneohe, HI Marketing
Alondra Moya Azusa, CA Marketing
9 CLASS OF 2023
Thomas Jamar Mozee
San Diego, CA
Entrepreneurship & Innovatio
Murtaza Muzar
Karachi, Pakistan Marketing
Jeremy Aidan Alatorre Nieraeth Torrance, CA
Sports Management
Paul Niederle Dachau, Germany
Entrepreneurship and Innovation*
Alexander William Robert Olaes Alameda, CA Marketing
Jennifer Ortiz Madera, CA
International Management
Lauryn Padilla San Pedro, CA
Real Estate Management
Spencer Andrew Pahlavan Windsor, CA
Entrepreneurship & Innovation*
Elijah Palacio Santa Ana, CA Finance
Gonzalo Paredes Redwood City, CA Marketing
Abigail Parises Stockton, CA Accounting*
Cooper-Drey Borja Paulino Talofofo, Guam Finance
Dylen Kenji Naeole Pedrina Kailua, HI
Sports Management
Tasimaisauaaefaaluainaimataututai Falegaoti Natasha Peters Honolulu, HI
Human Resource Management*Ω
Jaylin Irving Picou
Oakland, CA
Sports Management
Adelie Plumasseau
Lamentin, France
Human Resource Management*X
Khalid Price
Phoenix, AZ
Marketing
Nathan Michael Prokop Petaluma, CA
Sports Management
Angel Pumacayo Redwood City, CA
Business Analytics*
Kiarra Ysabel P. Puzon Quezon City, Philippines
Marketing/Finance
Dylan Embrador Quitoriano Clovis, CA
Sports Management
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CLASS OF 2023
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Esteban Ramirez III Redwood City, CA Marketing*
Alejandro Rangel Redwood City, CA Marketing
Andrea Restrepo Vives Santa Marta, Colombia Finance*Σ
Anjelie Jen Ranido Reveche Lucena City, Philippines Accounting*
Isidro Rodriguez Trinidad Redwood City, CA Management & Entrepreneurship
John Sebastian Rohrer Redwood City, CA Marketing*
Elisha Ross-Jackson Campbell, CA Finance
Dylan Sager San Jose, CA Sports Management
Mylena Alezandra Pascual Salud Ewa Beach, HI Accounting*XΩ
Diego S. Sanchez Ontario, CA Marketing
Victor Alan Sanchez Menlo Park, CA Accounting
Salvador Santana San Diego, CA International Management
Joelle Secoquian Roscoe, IL Accounting*
Joseph Randall Selvaggio Frankfort, IL Marketing
Kefan Shang Baotou, China Finance*
Ian Darius Shapiro Salt Lake City, Utah Marketing
Khalid Nawaf Shatrat Daly City, CA Accounting*
Riley Joseph Siason Salinas, CA Sports Management & Marketing
Afton Silvis Nampa, Idaho Real Estate Management*
Amrit Singh Tracy, CA Entrepreneurship
Nichole Juliana Smith Palm Springs, CA Accounting*XΩ
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Logan Snow Belmont, CA
Sports Management
Steve Soto San Jose, CA
Sports Management
Miguel Soutullo Pamplona, Spain Marketing
Ashton Michael Stanley Ukiah, CA
Sports Management
Cassidy Kiyoko Suguitan Wailuku, HI Human Resource Management*
Royal Isaiah Tabaldo Sunnyvale, CA Marketing
Margaux Théol Garches, France Finance*XΩ
Jake Tranter Melbourne, Australia Accounting & Finance*XΩ
Sierra Van Rossem Newark, CA International Management Marketing*
Javier Vargas Ione, CA Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Alexa Zulema Vargas Redwood City, CA Marketing
Cristian Vasquez Merced, CA Human Resource Management*
Karol Alexandra Vasquez San Rafael, CA Human Resource Management*
Aracely Vasquez-Abarca Kula, HI Marketing
Joshua Villalva San Jose, CA Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Vivian M. Woo Castro Valley, CA Sports Management & Marketing*
Jumpei Yoshioka Tokyo, Japan Entrepreneurship*
Jose Zamora Redwood City, CA Entrepreneurship
Bryan Zaremba Vaulx-en-Velin, France Finance & Business Analytics*X
Junxi Zhong Chengdu, China Real Estate Management*
Yuqing Zhu Xuzhou, China Finance
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12 CLASS OF 2023
