Influencers for Life
Mentors Change the World
Whois the one person you turned to during a low point or transition in your life? Your mentor. Almost all of us have had one. Just the thought of that person brings comfort. Faced with a dilemma, many of us channel our mentors to ask ourselves questions in a search for a solution.
In this issue, “Mentors Change the World,” we asked students, faculty, and staff about their mentoring relationships.
Dr. Mark Hager, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, explains his research on the deep benefits of having someone who knows you well and will invest the time to provide guidance. In his conversation with Emebet Aklilu ’16, she notes that mentoring relationships grounded in “respect, care, appreciation, and encouragement” promote not only career success, but also a well-rounded life. See page 4 for more of Dr. Hager’s conversations.
“Mentors for All Seasons” on page 9 includes the passionate responses of other students and alumni paying tribute to important guides in their lives. Jazmyn Tubbs ’25, for example, says that discussions with Dr. Dariush Rafinejad (Lecturer, Business) “truly helped me find the intersection of my art and my business side, while guiding me through challenging life choices.”
Menlo’s Director of Media Marketing George Retelas, Photography Editor, shows that the kind actions of our mentors speak to us the loudest (page 11), and we’ve included other odes to remarkable mentors who have changed lives.
In this issue we also turn the coin and look at how a lack of guidance erodes professional equilibrium. Our senior editor Dr. Jeffrey Erickson gives a firsthand, inside account of Silicon Valley during the halcyon days of the 1980s to the present (page 19). Could mentors help avoid burnout?
Experienced mentors often emphasize that they receive as much as they offer. Indeed, Erik Bakke, Director of the Menlo College Mentorship Program pairing faculty and staff with students, says, “On the whole, mentoring is less a rigorous apprenticeship and more like a two-person book club.” See page 13 to learn more about this important campus program.
The benefits of having a strong mentor often ripple out to other connections. Alumna Amy Cusick ’09 explains that fifteen years after graduation, she still reaches out to her first mentor, Kevin Mello, who taught Accounting at Menlo College. She says, “Kevin has inspired me to be a mentor for others. Don’t be shocked if you see me one day as a professor here at Menlo.”
Who has inspired you? We hope that the stories you read in this issue will echo your own experience.
—Pamela Gullard, Editor in Chief
Dr. Wei Gordon, left, and Finn Sadler ’24, right.
Photo by Kayla Stuart
From the President
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
– Winston Churchill
Mentoring is a priceless gift we can bestow. Throughout my life, I have been a fortunate beneficiary of mentoring and have guided others. Both carry incredible rewards. This issue on “Mentors Change the World” makes me think about my own early models. First, my 7th-grade algebra teacher, Leslie Trautvetter (a name, once heard, never forgotten). At 28, Mr. Trautvetter was still a relatively young teacher, but his enthusiasm for his subject was compelling, affecting many generations of students (at 83 today, he is now retired). I credit him for encouraging my fascination with mathematics that persisted from 7th grade through my final year as a university undergraduate. My last mathematics class was multi-variate calculus. Taking it had to be for the love of the subject as, reflecting back, it’s hard to divine the application of multi-variate calculus to the life of a college president. What I learned from Mr. Trautvetter went far beyond math to the core of education—how to instill a love for the beauty of any subject. That gift has stayed with me and so many others.
We can’t know all of the lives we touch that, in subtle or significant ways, may alter trajectories. We also sometimes can’t appreciate the extent to which our perspectives might have value to those who have yet to walk the walk. The songwriter/ performer Willie Nelson is 91, and just released his 75th solo album. In an interview I heard on NPR radio recently, the music reporter Marcus Dowling referred to Nelson as someone who has “seen everything twice and forgotten half of it.” Perhaps, but I’d wager than he hasn’t forgotten Paul Buskirk, the musician Willie Nelson credited as his mentor and the man who taught him to play guitar.
In my time at Menlo, I have seen trustees, faculty, coaches and other staff touch the lives of our students as mentors. The road runs both ways. I often hear from alumni who only belatedly realized the extent to which they were mentored by students they perceived as peers during their time as an Oak. According to a Student Voice survey reported in Inside Higher Ed in 2021, students who attend private colleges are most likely to report having had a mentor, and for those who had one or more mentors during their college years, it was most often a professor (56%), another student (53%), or an academic advisor (42%). Just as we come in all shapes, sizes, and types, so do the mentors in our lives.
Sometimes we know the questions to ask of our mentors, but often, much like my experience with Mr. Trautvetter, mentors enrich a path that we do not see ahead of us—until they show us how to walk the walk.
—Steven Weiner
Photo by Douglas Peck
by
Mentors Change the World
What Do Employers Want?
Gordon offers some tips for students looking to get their careers off to a great start.
A Lifelong Process
By Emma Gordon, Ph.D., MBA, Senior Adjunct Professor, Human Resources Management, and Senior Director of Organizational Learning and Development, Stanford University
Inthe fall of 1978, while pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Cal Berkeley, I caused an explosion. During a lab assignment, I was mixing a solution and I knew something was wrong. The liquids hissed with a violent vapor. I yelled out, “Oh no!”
My lab partners and I jumped back as the chemical compound plumed. We ran out of the laboratory as my professor called 911.
Let’s just say I really paid attention after that. I was deeply embarrassed but it was a teachable moment to follow instructions and pay attention to my professor.
That professor was a very good mentor for me in that moment of crisis. They didn’t lose their cool, they were supportive, and helped me reflect on my mishap. They were also thankful that we got out alive.
Mentorship has played an important role throughout my career, in both school and workplace, teaching me skills that I’ve used throughout my career and contributed to my career success.
After I graduated from Cal, my first job was as food service supervisor for a convalescent hospital. It was a steep learning curve. I’d never been a supervisor before, and I had to learn about food service operations. The hospital administrator and the charge nurse were my mentors. They taught me the full spectrum involved with staff supervision, ordering and inventory, and patient diets. I learned the importance of teamwork, motivation of staff, and time management skills. The charge nurse taught me how to write and present a quality assurance report. I’ll always remember to write and present to my audience.
Recently, I was teaching a Menlo student who needed encouragement to pay more attention and to participate. I basically called them out in front of all of their classmates, which I’m sure was embarrassing. They approached me after class, and said they would do better. Thankfully, all I had to worry about was a bruised ego and not a lab explosion.
• Find and listen to your mentors.
• Don’t neglect your soft skills: develop your emotional intelligence, learn how to manage up (manage your boss), and understand organizational life.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic: ask for challenging work, take initiative, and be a lifelong learner.
• Build and sustain positive work relationships, even with individuals you dislike.
• Be positive, flexible, enthusiastic, and likeable.
Photo by George Retelas
Mentors Change the World
The Magical Spark of Affinity
What Makes Mentorship So Effective?
By Mark Hager, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Psychology
Dr. Mark Hager taught psychology at Menlo College for over fifteen years, mentoring hundreds of students through their senior capstone projects. He is also well-known for his research on mentorship (see footnote 1 for his latest publication).
How do we know good mentoring relationships when we see them? At Menlo College we have long prided ourselves on the intimate setting that can foster unique and special mentoring relationships among faculty and students. It’s why we choose Menlo for careers and education. Mentoring researchers have identified many elements that make for successful relationships: academic/vocational roles help build skills and competencies, while psychosocial roles support personal development and well-being. Faculty-student relationships may emerge as learning partnerships in which students establish their own networks of mentors and developers for personal and career growth.1
Ideally, mentoring relationships are reciprocal, built upon mutual respect, shared values, and complementary goals. They can support growth and development in a “safe space”, as Menlo Professor Jodie Austin notes, where important conversations about life’s big questions can happen, and a sense of one’s purpose in life can grow.2 As alumna Emebet Aklilu ’16 reflects, “who can I have really thoughtful and important conversations with, and who can prompt me to think differently? Who can act as sounding boards…not directing me in one way or another?” It’s as if she were talking with Dr. Austin, who said some of her favorite mentoring “…involved listening to students articulate their vision for a project or future endeavors. I try to avoid offering advice unless someone asks.”
Students who work with mentors are likely to have better academic outcomes, more expansive networks of support, and more career guidance and success.3 Internships, shared research projects, and other mentoring experiences all contribute to students’ success in college and beyond. Menlo Professor Janis Zaima reflects that “my work with students has been very targeted with resumés, programs of study, and getting that internship.” Internships and faculty-mentored research experiences are some of the most influential high-impact practices we can offer as faculty to support student engagement and success.4 For faculty mentors, Menlo Professor Sean Pradhan notes, “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them take an initial idea for a study and turn it into a fullfledged research presentation or even a publication. The journey is demanding, but seeing the final outcome is always rewarding.”
Meaningful connections outside the classroom, Pradhan observes, help students develop aptitudes and attitudes that reach far beyond the completion of courses and degrees. Aklilu stresses that mentoring relationships grounded in “respect, care, appreciation, and encouragement” promote not only career success, but also a well-rounded life. Austin builds on that idea: “I think it’s also laudable for students to seek stability, health, and a sense of community…. I hope that many of my students recognize that empathy might not sound like an especially marketable skill, but that it’s one of the greatest assets we have against cynicism and inauthenticity.” Cynicism or frustration may emerge when students face challenges in class, internships, or research. Pradhan emphasizes “building resilience…. I reassure my students that challenges are part of the process. Giving up isn’t an option. After all, things that are truly worth doing are rarely easy, and research is no exception.” In these exchanges, mentors are fostering durable skills for college, work, and life. Empathy and resilience are key components of emotional intelligence, which in turn contributes to successful interpersonal relationships as well as professional success.5
Mentoring relationships such as these depend upon personal connections, shared interests, and that magical spark of affinity. They invite faculty and students to have important conversations in safe spaces for lessons about not only content but also ways of being in and navigating the world. As one colleague said, they are the secret sauce that makes Menlo, Menlo.
1 Hager, M.J., Hales, K., & Dominguez, N. (2023) “Recognizing Mentoring Program Identity and Applying Theoretical Frameworks for Design, Support, and Research.” In D. Law & N. Dominguez (Eds.), Making Connections: A Handbook for Effective Formal Mentoring Programs in Academia (pp. 33-58). Utah State University. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/makingconnections/1
2 Parks, S. D. (2011). Big questions, worthy dreams: Mentoring emerging adults in their search for meaning, purpose, and faith. John Wiley & Sons.
3 Crisp, G., Baker, V. L., Griffin, K. A., Lunsford, L. G., & Pifer, M. J. (2017). Mentoring Undergraduate Students: ASHE Higher Education Repor t, volume 43, number 1. John Wiley & Sons.
4 Association of American Colleges and Universities, “High-Impact Practices”. https://www.aacu.org/trending-topics/high-impact
5 Drigas, A., & Papoutsi, C. (2019). “Emotional Intelligence as an Important Asset for HR in Organizations: Leaders and Employees.” International Journal of Advanced Corporate Learning, 12(1), 58-66. https://www.i-jac.org
Mentors
Change the World
Finding Mr. Hudson
By Wei Gordon, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr.WeiGordonhashostedtwoBioTechpanelsatMenlo Collegethatincludeddiscussionsofhowthepanelists,working scientistsandnon-scientists,discoveredcareerpathsthatfit theiraptitudes.Theirstoriesinspiredstudentsseekingtheir ownprofessionaldevelopment.Here’sDr.Gordon’sstory.
By 14, I was determined to obtain a Public Relations degree from Pepperdine University. Everyone who knew me knew this goal, but Mr. Hudson was the kind of high school teacher who did not take plans like mine very seriously.
Halfway through my freshman year, Mr. Hudson asked if I would be interested in joining his science team. National Ocean Sciences Bowl was a buzzer-style game that he thought I would really enjoy. I was doing well in his biology class because I wanted a good grade for Pepperdine, and thinking that it would look good to be on an academic team, I decided to try.
As I kept showing up to team meetings, I continued to enjoy science. Mr. Hudson capitalized on my excitement. He organized a group camping trip along the California coast, stopping for tours at farms and aquariums. Over Spring Break, he took his students to camp in Mexico to do research projects. He helped lead our team to win regionals and attend the state championship. I decided to take an internship at my local aquarium to further my knowledge, and I would go on to captain our team in my senior year.
Mr. Hudson doesn’t know how he changed my life. He doesn’t know I went on to obtain my Ph.D. in Genetics and become an Assistant Professor of Biology. I had been so focused on hiking the mountain towards Pepperdine, but Mr. Hudson got me to stop and smell the…fish. Mr. Hudson showed me through experiences that I loved biology and that I exuded passion when I talked about it. In fact, my senior superlative was “Most Likely to Teach.”
The best mentors offer their zeal, awareness, and time. Mr. Hudson used his enthusiasm for biology to instill energy into his students. Students who came in not caring for biology, like myself, couldn’t help but be captivated by his vigor. Mr. Hudson knew that if he could engross a student, then that student had science potential. To help students realize that potential, he invested his time, talking to students outside of class and arranging student extracurriculars. Mr. Hudson gave me adventures that fueled me to give back to others the way he gave to me. Had it not been for Mr. Hudson’s investment, I am unsure I would be teaching now. As a Genetics Ph.D., I assure you that nurture has a place over nature—mentorship matters. The converse: a lousy mentor can steer you away from a career that really interests you. I and many others advise students to look for a mentor who challenges you, is empathetic, and communicates well, but I also believe that you should ask a potential mentor why they care to mentor. Who in their life created an impact, and do they embody the qualities of the mentors they describe? Do they recognize the power of mentorship, the power to instill change? That’s how you find your own Mr. Hudson.
Photo by George Retelas
The Person I Became
Mentors Change the World
By Finn Sadler ’24
Without Professor Wei Gordon, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
When I first joined her human biology class at Menlo College, I was a first-semester senior teetering on the edge between the known and the unknown. At the time I had a decent job offer lined up, but deep down, I was looking for more in my education. Dr. Gordon, though new herself, didn’t just teach human biology as her passion work; she taught us about life’s potential as a scholar. She was the one who nudged me toward the idea of graduate school, a path I’d written off as not for “people like me.”
But here’s the thing—Dr. Gordon wasn’t just another faculty member. She had this incredible ability to see the potential I couldn’t see in myself. I remember one particular class, when she noticed my interest in a tiny, overlooked detail, a moment that sparked an entire discussion to learn more. What if she hadn’t taken that as a sign to encourage me towards further study in graduate school? It was her insight that day that shifted my trajectory and my perception of my future.
Following her advice wasn’t easy; the application cycle was filled with rejections and setbacks. Yet Dr. Gordon stood by me, offering realistic, actionable advice, and the time and care she gave to my letters of recommendation eventually led me not only to apply but to secure the honor of becoming a Merit Scholar, a full scholarship at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. Her support was a blend of personal attention and professional guidance—the kind you hope for but rarely find. Dr. Gordon’s belief in me was the unexpected nudge that turned my “what-ifs” into a new reality. Thank you, Dr. Gordon!
Photo by Kayla Stuart
Looking for Golden Nuggets
The Psychology of Mentor Relationships in Sports
By Zack Bryant, MASPP Director and Assistant Professor of Psychology
Most of us can readily call up an image of someone who was an excellent coach, teacher, or supervisor; someone who helped us grow as people and achieve at our full potential. In general, this is something we know when we see it, but what makes a great mentor so great?
Researcher Sophia Jowett found that effective coach relationships are built on four characteristics: closeness—develop mutual trust and respect commitment—sustain the relationships through the ups and downs of life complementarity—give feedback in a manner best suited to their athletes co-orientation—maintain a healthy dialogue about the quality of these relationships
Two of basketball’s legendary coaches, Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich, were known for just these qualities. Jackson, coach of both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, connected to his players on a deep level, working to understand their individual strengths and weaknesses. Similarly, Popovich always fostered off-the-court relationships with his players, who would often refer to him as “like a father.” While this research is specific to sport, I think any leader can take the lessons here and apply them to their domain; I certainly try my best to.
As a teacher and former coach, I want my students leaving my class and program with the ability to think critically and solve their own problems. The best way to do this is to develop a practice of reflection, where you try to understand your reality in terms of the scientific knowledge we have available. I also use problem-based learning, where students tackle ambiguous questions over extended periods of time, whenever possible to emulate the real world, which typically offers few clear-cut answers.
When I worked in Massachusetts, I once had a running back come to work with me on mental skills. In the beginning, I taught him a variety of strategies. Over the course of the season, I pulled back, using Socratic questioning to push him to assess his own thought patterns and ask questions. By the end of the season, not only had he raised his yards-per-game to over 100, he would also check in only to update me on his life. To this day, it is still one of my favorite moments, having watched as he transitioned so successfully into a full autonomous problem solver ready to take on challenges both athletic and professional.
I would tell any student or athlete to find a mentor. I’ve had a mentor on every step of my journey. One of those mentors, Dr. Jeff Coleman, lead Performance Psychology Instructor at West Point for over a decade, gave me the best piece of advice I’ve ever gotten: look for golden nuggets. In every room or interaction you are in, one thing will stand out to you, one thing that has the chance to change your day…or much more than that. It is our job, as educators and mentors, to look for, and pass along, those golden nuggets.
Mentors Change the World
Mentors for All Seasons
When we asked students and alumni to tell us about their mentorship experiences, we were surprised to see such a wide variety of responses. Here are a few.
Iowe a lot to my mentor and high school swimming coach, Rachel Wiebe, who introduced me to the logistics of coaching like taking times and inputting events for meets. It gave me a sense of place when I was really struggling with my own identity. This experience taught me a lot about how to coach, mentor, and insight into the behind-the-scenes of a sports team.
I’ve mentored many young athletes through coaching. The best advice I can give for being a mentor is to connect and make sure they know you care. It’s just being kind. There are boundaries, but there’s also room to be attentive where they can feel safe. It’s an opportunity for me to support the athletes to be the best they can be.
—Maddie Moore ’24
Milan Piñeda ’28, coached by Maddie Moore at Notre Dame Belmont high school, says: Maddie always pushes us to do our best. One thing I’d like to learn from her is how to handle difficult or upsetting situations with the same patience and kindness she shows.
I couldn’t ask for a better mentor.
Milan will be attending Menlo this fall and will play soccer for the Oaks. Welcome, Milan!
The biggest mentor I’ve had on campus has been Dr. Dariush Rafinejad (Lecturer, Business). I’ve studied with him for two semesters, most recently in Supply Chain Operations. Our post-class discussions have truly helped me find the intersection of my art and my business side, while guiding me through challenging life choices. Being on a small campus has a lot of perks. I have taken classes at a number of different colleges of different sizes but here at Menlo I feel that I can really form personal connections with professors, in which they help me out with daily life tasks, not just overall academics. With the help of Dr. Rafinejad and other professors, I figured out that I wanted to be a marketing major and go into a marketing agency where I can use my art and my business side to help businesses grow.
—Jazmyn Tubbs ’25
Someone who has always been there and supported me throughout my life is my Fadder Karin. In Sweden, a Fadder is someone who helps and supports someone else’s child, even raising them if something were to happen to the parents. Karin was one of my mom’s closest and oldest friends, and she therefore naturally got chosen to be my Fadder, something I am very grateful for today.
Karin has served as a source of inspiration and advice throughout my whole life. Even though I’m not her biological daughter, she has treated me as if I were. Karin has two older children, and she has used her experience in raising them to give me valuable lessons about life—everything from relationships to professional advice. These lessons I’ve brought with me here to Menlo. Even though I’m far away from my family she has made me believe in myself and my capabilities, contributing to my independence.
She was consistently there for me; one time that stands out to me was during my teenage years when she pulled me aside during dinner, and said that if anything were to happen to me when I was out with my friends, and I didn’t feel like calling my parents, I shouldn’t hesitate to give her a call. She has always made me feel supported, valued, and reassured that I am enough.
—Liv Brunzell ’26
Kevin Mello was a mentor to me at Menlo and beyond. He was a professor in Accounting and was moonlighting as CFO for a venture capital firm, which he encouraged me to intern for. The mentorship continued even after graduating. Fifteen years into my career, I still reach out to Kevin to discuss my career path. Since he was my first mentor, why not always go back to him? Kevin has inspired me to be a mentor for others. Don’t be shocked if you see me one day as a professor here at Menlo.
—Amy Cusick ’09
Heads or Tails? The Enduring Legacy of Mentorship
By George Retelas, Director of Media Marketing
Mother’s Day, 1984. Age 5, I was going for a car ride with my namesake Grandpa George (Papou George in Greek). We went to see a very special lady who lived in Redwood City. Papou was holding a bouquet of roses and knocked on the front door. When a blind elderly woman answered, he looked at her and said, “From here on out, you’re going to know it’s me every year.” She reached out and touched his face. “My boy is finally home.”
During World War II, Papou George and his good pal Barney Robinson were stationed at Guadalcanal in the South Pacific. Toward the end of their first combat tour, they flipped a coin for who would get the last spot on a flight to Australia for rest and relaxation. My grandpa lost the coin-toss, so Barney got to go and get a break from the action. On June 8, 1943, the transport plane suffered engine failure and crashed. There were no survivors.
Photo by Ben Fish ‘24
Barney’s widowed mother May Robinson had only one child, and was now a Gold Star Mother (the title of someone who loses an immediate family member in the service). When Papou George returned from the war, he would send May Robinson roses every Mother’s Day, anonymously, because her son could not do so. On the fortieth anniversary he finally brought them in person. That was my first memory, and it has guided me as a mentoring moment for my entire life.
Papou taught me the immense value of living life for more than just myself. I often think about the coin toss between Papou and his pal Barney, and how my family was afforded the opportunity to grow and how the Robinsons were not. Every day I am grateful for every day, because my fate was based on a coin flip amongst friends. Such flips may not always land in your favor, but when they do…live with a level of respect and love, especially for those who cannot do so.
I wanted to continue that tradition for Mother’s Day, but never discovered May Robinson’s final resting place. I did, however, learn that her son Barney was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery. When Memorial Day rolls around, I continue to bring May Robinson’s son a rose for every year he has been gone. This year was eighty.
Photo by Joel McDonell
“ELEVEN” The Movie, directed by George Retelas, is a 2014 featurelength documentary featuring candid interviews of WWII veterans from Air Group Eleven and their time in the Pacific Theater. You can watch it for free on YouTube or www.ElevenTheMovie.com.
Retelas is currently producing a sequel called Sundown to Eleven, which follows the last surviving veteran of Air Group Eleven and the quest to successfully identify a missing-in-action case from WWII.
Mentors Change the World
Important Conversations
By Erik Bakke, Executive Director for International Student Servicess
Mentorship comes in many forms, but at Menlo College it is a faculty or staff member sharing knowledge and ideas with, serving as a role model for, and aiding a student. The mentor may help the mentee gain awareness of the college environment and may help the mentee build community, character, and a professional network. Menlo also encourages reverse mentoring— the mentee shares their experience and knowledge with the mentor. Over 60 new mentees joined the 2023-24 Mentoring Program with over 40 faculty and staff members participating as mentors.
Each mentoring relationship is unique. In most cases, the frequency of meeting, the topics discussed, and the agendas pursued come about organically through conversation and are determined by mutual agreement. On the whole, mentoring is less a rigorous apprenticeship and more like a two-person book club where the subject of the conversation is the book of the mentee’s life and the conversation stays on topic because both parties want to make best use of the limited time available. While it is sometimes difficult to determine what conversation or shared knowledge helped the mentee realize a goal, sometimes advice is specific—“you would be a good candidate for a Fulbright.” Over the years, mentors have helped students adjust to Menlo during their first year by connecting them with resources and faculty, navigate their own emotional landscapes, and successfully apply to graduate schools. One student said,
Summer Lambert ’25 (left) confers with Accessibility Advocate and Student Success Coach Kaitlyn Stauber.
“The moment I met my mentor, I knew she would be a fantastic person to go to for guidance. I really hope to stay connected after graduating from Menlo College.”
Students have a wide range of mentoring needs. Some want a mentor who “is easy to talk to” or “can help me cope with college life.” Others want “career guidance and connections,” “advice about getting into a good graduate program,” or “help navigating internships.” Still others would “love to talk to someone in Spanish” or just “like someone to be very real with me.”
The editors of Menlo Magazine asked if I had a mentor, and I did (though he would have chafed at the description). His name was Gerald Brett, and he has since passed. More than giving me specific advice, he influenced by doing. He was a person who put thoughts into action—whether opening a business, participating in local government, cultivating relationships with international partners, or putting projects into motion. He was also generous with his time and equally generous and thoughtful in his creation of opportunities for me. As with many mentees, the debt owed can only be paid forward. I would encourage more of us, including students, to take on the role of mentors, whether formally or informally.
Mentorship is Collaboration
Nicholas Winn ’25, a member of Tri-Alpha, the honor society for first-generation college students, is double majoring in Human Resource Management and Business Analytics. He speaks about his relationship with his mentor Dr. Angela Schmiede, Vice President for Student Success & Strategic Planning:
Participatinginthementoringprogramduringmy freshmanyearinitiatedmyactiveengagementat Menlo.Throughcollaborationwithmymentor,I successfullyrelaunchedtheRotaractClub,aservice andsocialclubassociatedwiththeRotaryClub,and establishedconnectionswithlocalprofessionals, enrichingmycollegeexperience.Theseconnections broadenedmyinternshipopportunities,shapingmy academicandprofessionaljourney.
Photos by George Retelas
Mentors Change the World
Empowering Futures: Transformative Mentorship in Campus Employment
By Jocylen Ashton, Executive Director of Internships and Career Services, with Student Success Librarian Jennifer Pesek and Nicholas Winn ’25
The transition from classroom to career can often be a daunting leap for students. As they gear up to move into professional roles, the significance of mentorship becomes increasingly apparent.
On-campus employment offers students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience while remaining immersed in the academic environment. These positions enable students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. On-campus jobs foster a sense of community and belonging, allowing students to develop relationships with faculty, staff, and peers that can last beyond graduation.
As highlighted by Inside Higher Ed, “on-campus employment offers students the flexibility to balance work and studies while providing unique mentoring opportunities.”1 In 2023, recognizing the importance of this flexibility and mentorship, Menlo’s Office of Internships & Career Services (ICS) launched a pilot initiative to transform on-campus employment into a pathway for personal and professional growth. Such mentorship not only expands the students’ professional network for future career opportunities but also fosters personal growth and skill development. The pilot integrated mentorship and professional development into all on-campus employment opportunities.
Photo by Paolo Nogoy ’21
With the first year of the pilot coming to an end, we see opportunity for a broader role across campus. The success of our pilot initiative is exemplified by Bowman Library participants. The library undertook a separate comprehensive job redesign initiative, aimed at enriching student positions with career development skills and closer mentorship from librarians. This redesign incorporated competencies from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2, serving as a framework for assessing student skill levels and guiding their growth throughout their tenure, and joined with ICS to pilot our feedback mentor assessment components.
The pilot leveraged the feedback loop process as a crucial assessment tool to measure student skill development. This feedback loop assesses students’ proficiency in NACE competencies before, during, and after their tenure at the library, while reviewing skill-building progress through resumé development. It also assembles students’ reflections on their work experiences and the effectiveness of mentorship.
ICS’s expertise in career development and resumé building has equipped student employees with essential skills to navigate their career trajectories effectively. In turn, the library mentors student workers comprehensively, ensuring that their experiences are as enriching and valuable as possible. Particularly, the library aims to support and retain students from underserved backgrounds, offering them ample opportunities for career building and growth during their tenure.
1 “Ripe for More Opportunities: College administrators believe in the value of on-campus jobs and want more funding to add positions” Inside Higher Ed
2 “What is Career Readiness?” National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE)
The Wisdom I Needed to Hear
By Taliyah Thornton ’27
I had the privilege of meeting my mentor, the incredible Ms. Jocylen Ashton, through the Menlo mentor program. Joining the program, I embarked on a journey without knowing who Ms. Ashton was at the time. Little did I realize that she embodied qualities I cherish dearly: understanding, sensitivity, and unwavering honesty. She isn’t one to tell you what you want to hear; rather, she imparts the wisdom you need to hear.
Ms. Ashton’s first piece of advice struck a chord with me, urging me to cease relying on others for my accomplishments. It resonated deeply, reminding me that waiting on external factors only hinders progress. Her second nugget of wisdom encouraged me to push myself beyond limits, to be the very best version of myself. In a world where it’s tempting to succumb to fatigue and surrender, Ms. Ashton reminded me that perseverance brings forth a shining outcome. This invaluable advice guided me during a challenging period of my life—the spiral of my depression. My initial semester at Menlo started brightly but eventually dimmed as my mental health declined. My perceived lack of accomplishment, coupled with academic setbacks, left me feeling like a disappointment to my family. In those dark moments, Ms. Ashton’s voice echoed, urging me to embrace independence and reject the notion of slacking off when faced with adversity.
She emphasized that college is but a stepping stone to the real world. If success cannot be achieved in the academic realm, how can one navigate the challenges awaiting beyond the campus gates? Now, in the second semester of my Freshman year, I’ve embraced Ms. Ashton’s counsel. I’m thriving, diligently practicing time management, tackling assignments early, and methodically crossing off completed tasks. Every effort invested feels justified, bringing me one step closer to my ultimate goal.
Ms. Jocylen Ashton has transcended the role of a mentor in my life; she’s become my role model. Beyond guiding me through academia, she imparts invaluable advice on navigating the complexities of womanhood. Drawing from her experiences as a mother, she provides a maternal perspective that aids me in understanding the nuances of being an independent woman, especially in navigating relationships with men, including setting boundaries and ensuring that any relationship I pursue is on my own terms, with care and grace. With Ms. Ashton by my side, my college experience has transformed into an educational and enjoyable journey. I eagerly anticipate each day, grateful for the wisdom she shares and the inspiration she provides.
Chris Garrett and Sofia Claire: Perfect Symbiosis
Interviews by George Retelas, Director of Media Marketing
Edited by Jeffrey Erickson, Senior Editor
In 2024, Chris Garrett ’90 steps down from his 10-year role as a Menlo College Board member— but not from his position as a mentor. To help students prepare for their careers, Garrett volunteers at campus events, often providing advice at mock interview events held by the internship office.
Songwriter and country singer Sophia Claire Costantini ’22 (now known professionally as Sofia Claire) is one of the many students Garrett has mentored. A friend talked Sophia into entering a mock interview before applying for marketing internships. She says, “I was lucky enough to get Chris, an alumnus, as my interviewer.”
This is the story of two Menlo marketing majors, graduating thirty years apart, and how one has counseled the other to fulfill her dreams in much the same way he has been able to realize his.
The Mentor
Chris Garrett came to Menlo to study marketing, but he graduated as an entrepreneur. Through an internship creating graphic art, Garrett was inspired to start his own business to continue crafting artwork. Before graduating, he also produced a complete business plan for a sustainable craft brewing company, his lifelong dream. After gaining experience from six jobs ranging from sales to product management, the Devil’s Canyon Brewery was founded in 2001. Voted the Bay Area’s “Best Beer Bar” in 2014 by San Francisco A-List readers, Garrett’s dream business is thriving.
Thriving, in fact, on a worldwide basis. Through a collaboration with a company that builds high-rises, they are on their way to producing a beer made with gray water. The venture has garnered them Time Magazine’s Invention of the Year for 2024, as well as 4 billion media impressions. “Our company is all about sustainability,” says Garrett, “and every decision we make is based off three tenets: Is it good for the environment? Is it good for our business? Is it good for the community and social equity?”
As a trustee he has shown equal dedication to helping future Menlo graduates reach their life goals as well.
Photo by Crystal Cebedo ’20
The Protégée
Sofia Claire nervously walked into her mock interview—in her mother’s clothes—but immediately felt comfortable enough to be honest with Chris. “You don’t want to be a marketer,” he told her. “Your heart is in music.”
That became evident to her mother when she heard her 7-year-old daughter sing while playing with Barbies. Her first solo role, in Annie, sold her on performing. “I remember the day I got on stage in front of an audience and just never wanting to look back,” she said. “It was very powerful.” She performed throughout middle school and high school, for companies such as Broadway by the Bay, eventually finding her niche in country music. Last year she released “Forever Ago,” a ballad about what it feels like to be loved and then left. Every few months she goes to Nashville to write and record her songs.
As for the interview, it turned out not to be so “mock” after all. Garrett called and offered her an internship, which soon morphed into her current role of marketing manager at Devil’s Canyon. The role is ideal for Sofia Claire. She not only gets to perform at the brewery, “Chris has cultivated a work space where I am able to pursue my dreams as well as further my marketing skillset and develop work experience. He has supported my creativity by giving me lots of freedom to plan exciting events and propose different ideas. But he also taught me many organizational skills that I can apply to my music career, such as planning, being organized, and communicating.”
Sofia Claire is thankful for her time at Menlo and for the influence of Chris Garrett on her life. “Menlo is the gift that keeps on giving.”
Photo by George Retelas
Photo by Jordyn Moore
The Valley of Fear
By Jeffrey Erickson, Ph.D., Senior Editor
Ben Fish ’24 reenacts a scene from the 1980s.
Fear
OnJuly 4, 2000, I slept on the industrial-strength carpet under my desk. My first ever software release was going out the next day, and I was behind in getting the docs written. It was one of the worst nights of my life, less because of the physical discomfort than the fear that I just wasn’t good enough to do the job I’d been hired to do.
Such stories abound in Silicon Valley—and I was at one of the world’s largest software companies, not Employee #12 at a startup. And tempting as it is to make this the first chapter of an exposé, this kind of situation occurred everywhere I worked during my 20+ years in the industry.
An organized, officially sanctioned and fully staffed mentorship program would have helped immensely.
Nor do I blame my supervisors. I had good bosses, without exception. I had colleagues who were perfectly willing to answer my questions. “Fully staffed” is the issue here. In terms of work/life balance, the Valley puts the “cult” into culture.
Anyone working fewer than 50 hours a week is considered a slacker, not a team player, and nearly everyone has more than 40 hours of responsibilities. Any mentorship, or even oneon-one training, would extend the mentor’s work week to the breaking point.
That’s why I don’t blame myself either, though I certainly have personality traits that contributed to my lack of mentorship. I’m a guy, and everyone knows that guys never ask for directions. I often work in a tangle of arrogance and self-doubt. ADHD is prevalent across the Valley. Though I’ve done no formal research on the topic, my former colleagues generally agree that the software industry is populated largely by people somewhere on the autism spectrum—who the hell else would stay up all night writing, reviewing, or writing about code? The industry would collapse without us.
Every Valley veteran asks one question of any noob: are you going to help me do my job or are you going to make it harder?
They never ask it out loud, naturally, but over the years I’ve had many such discussions with my colleagues. Which brings us back to the millennium Fourth of July. Of course I slept under my desk. I hadn’t yet learned that the most important job of a tech writer is not to explain how the software works, but how it doesn’t work. Not only had I not asked all the questions I might have, I didn’t even know what questions to ask…but I definitely realized that the one thing I didn’t want to do was make my colleagues’ jobs harder.
Those early days cemented my view of the Valley and my own place in it. So, early in 2020, when my company’s human resources department sent out a flyer enumerating the 11 signs of job burnout, and I had 10 of them, I took early retirement. The burnout, however, had started 20 years before.
Mentorship might have made all the difference.
That said, I’m enjoying retirement.
Photo by Kayla Stuart
The year 2024 brings one more first to Menlo College—graduation of the first classes of our inaugural masters degree programs!
Students of the Masters of Art in Sport and Performance Psychology (MASPP) graduated from the two-year program in May and those in the one-year Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) program will receive their diplomas in December 2024.
Both advanced degrees were designed with extensive input from industry and academic experts interested in helping students become ethical leaders in their fields. We look forward to hearing about the ways our newly minted graduates become mentors to new generations.
is for Masters
Photos by Kayla Stuart
Above: Masters of Art in Sport and Performance Psychology (MASPP)
Below: Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)
Learning in the Global Classroom
Led by Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, Chief Academic Officer and Dean of the School of Business at Menlo College, twenty students set out for Dubai and Abu Dhabi on January 6, 2024. In their twoweek trip, they visited international companies and universities, including the American University in Dubai where they engaged in discussions with students and administrators on potential exchanges and collaborative efforts.
Reporting to the Menlo College community in March, Academic Global Immersion students explained the powerful effect of the trip on their outlook, both personal and professional. They drew cultural lessons from the exchanges and also many took new opportunities to apply lessons from home. Kai Werner ’24 gives his example:
I’m lucky enough to have my mother, a successful entrepreneur, as a mentor. Among other things, she taught me the importance of seizing every opportunity to excel, never giving up, and always standing up for what I believe in.
Before the Academic Global Immersion trip, I was quite reserved and often struggled with public speaking in large groups. So each time we visited a company, I took the initiative to stand up, thank the speaker, and ask questions. With every opportunity, my confidence grew. This repetitive practice helped me overcome my initial apprehensions and, gradually, I felt more at ease in expressing myself in front of others. By the end of the trip, I noticed a remarkable improvement in my ability to communicate publicly, which was a significant personal achievement.
Having met with executives across the globe, AGI students reported on what intrigued them the most, such as “Technology and Innovation in the United Arab Emirates,” a final presentation by Nicholas Winn and Chloe Salom. Students also absorbed lessons on how cultures interpret formal and informal speech and dress.
Photos by George Retelas
Clubs Bring Serious Enjoyment to Campus
Students at Menlo College choose from over 25 clubs to express their interests, find others who enjoy the same things, and explore new avenues of identity while having fun. They bring their enthusiasms (new or experienced) to traditional Pacific Islander dances, the ancient art of sushi rolling, trips to museums, karaoke, and much, much more. Here are a few glimpses into student life enriched by our clubs.
Photos by George Retelas and Kayla Stuart
Come for the Boba; Stay for the Friendships!
By Eugene Takahashi ’24, President, Asian Cultural Engagement and Support (ACES) Club
ACES is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community here at Menlo College. We hold events like boba socials, fireside chats, and simply bonding with each other. I feel that my journey here at Menlo College has been extremely fulfilling. I am truly grateful for the friendships and opportunities I created at Menlo College. If you want to celebrate Asian culture like us, join ACES, we would love to have you.
Brave, Brilliant—and Inspiring
Menlo College University Fellows curated a line-up of speakers for the first TEDxLive event at the College, “The Brave and the Brilliant.” On May 4, 2024, students and others poured into Florence Moore Auditorium to see some of the best of the 2024 TED Conference.
Looking forward, we invite you to save the date for TEDxMenloCollege – Breaking Barriers, Innovating Change, which will showcase live speakers, including Menlo students, faculty, and alumni, on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Photo by George Retelas
Students Honored by Industry Experts
Professional organizations around the world continue to recognize Menlo College students
Global Scaling Challenge—In 2024, Javier Banson ’24, Chloe Schnepf ’24, Julius Stiemer ’26, and Sabrina Yahi ’25 won second place in the Global Scaling Challenge sponsored by the University of New Mexico. Competing against twenty-five major universities around the world, the team led by Dr. Fabian Eggers, Professor of Management, took on the assigned task of presenting cases for how three small firms could increase the scale of their operations to the global level.
Describing the excitement of winning this international competition, Chloe Schnepf ’24 says, “After long hours of hard work, heated discussions, and numerous ideas, we managed to come together to successfully achieve our goals. I’ve gained valuable insights from this group work experience and the exercise of scaling, which remains a fundamental strategic element to master in order to drive a company’s business forward.”
FEI Finance Scholarship—Paul Breuer ’24 received the Rising Star Scholarship from Financial Executives International, which recognizes promising future leaders in finance. Paul was also honored with the Richard F. O’Brien Award at this year’s Menlo College Honors Convocation.
NAIOP (National Association for Industrial and Office Parks) Competition
For the last three years, the Silicon Valley Branch of the NAIOP has sponsored a case study challenge asking undergraduate teams to look at a project that has already been built and develop the best ground-up development plan based on the current market environment.
The Menlo Oaks team, composed of Charles Williams ’25, Tracey Hatch ’25, and Jayden Sanders ’24, clinched victory against formidable opponents from Stanford University, Santa Clara University, San Jose State University, and UC Berkeley.
Photos by George Retelas
EVENTS
From spikeball to freestyle cypher, events on campus brought a relaxing break from classes and studying. After a long winter, the sun on quad beckoned to sunbathers in shades and those who just wanted to lean back in the Adirondack chairs and chat with friends. Here are a few of the gatherings.
Take Your Pick!
Photos by George Retelas and Kayla Stuart
FACULTY NEWS
Assistant Professor Faten Ben Bouheni, founder of the Finance Hybrid Conference, has announced that Waahe Capital has become the first Platinum Sponsor for the 2024 conference, contributing $10,000. This sponsorship highlights the conference’s escalating prominence and its growing importance in the finance industry. The conference will be held on September 27, 2024, at Menlo College.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Mass Communication Isaac Blacksin published a new book, Conflicted: Making News from Global War with Stanford University Press. He also published new articles in Public Culture, in Journalism, and in Media, War & Conflict.
Professor Fabian Eggers’ paper, “Reputation, Dynamic Capabilities and the Global Footprint of Corporate Venture Capital Programs,” was published in the International Business Review. Additionally, under Professor Eggers’ exceptional guidance, Menlo College secured 2nd place in the recent Global Scaling Challenge hosted by the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico on April 26-27, 2024. See page 26 for more information on this honor.
Assistant Professor Wei Gordon published an article titled “Integrative Single-cell Characterization of a Frugivorous and an Insectivorous Bat Kidney and Pancreas” in Nature Communications.
Professor Dima Leshchinskii delivered an engaging presentation titled “Recent Innovations in Financing Startups –Lessons Learned” during a seminar held at Toulouse Business School in Toulouse, France, on April 30. Leshchinskii also recently presented a paper titled “Banking-as-a-Service? American and European G-SIBs Performance” at the IFZ FinTech Colloquium in Rotkreuz, Switzerland. The paper, co-authored with Assistant Professor Faten Ben Bouheni, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Business Dr. Mouwafac Sidaoui, Bryan Zaremba ‘23, and Dr. Mousa Albashrawi, examines the performance metrics of globally systemically important banks in America and Europe.
Professor Arman Medina was accepted into the Executive Ph.D. in Business program at the University of Denver, and will commence his doctoral studies in August. Medina’s recent publications include “This is Fine: The Impact of Blowouts on Subsequent Game Performance in the National Hockey League” in Frontiers in Sports & Active Living, co-authored with Ravi Chachad and Associate Professor Sean Pradhan, and two forthcoming papers: “The Coach Prime Effect: A Case Study of the Impact of Deion Sanders on Sports Fan Behavior” (to be presented at the Fifteenth International Conference on Sport & Society) and “Yeah, Here We G(l)o(bal): The Impact of the National Football League International Series on Tourism
Photo by George Retelas
Intentions and Consumer Behaviors” (to be presented at the Ninth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies), both co-authored with Associate Professor Pradhan. Medina will continue teaching at Menlo this coming year as he begins his Executive Ph.D. program.
Associate Professor of English and Digital Humanities Lisa Mendelman published a co-authored chapter, “Passing Bodies,” about Rebecca Hall’s 2021 Netflix film Passing in The Cambridge Companion to the Black Body in American Literature. She has also just been shortlisted for a Short-Term Fellowship at the Newberry Library in Chicago.
Dean of Arts and Sciences and Professor Melissa Michelson won the 2024 Best Paper Award from the American Political Science Association’s Civic Engagement Section for her paper “Students as Knowledge Brokers: Voter Information Sharing and the Political Consequences of Informing Students of Color and First-Generation Students on Electoral Politics.” Co-authored with her research team (Team Michelson), the award will be presented in September at the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association in Philadelphia. Michelson also published several works recently, including a co-authored article, “Motivating student voter registration,” in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, and a co-authored book chapter, “From concept to implementation: Engaging student researchers in get-out-the-vote field experiments” in Teaching Experimental Political Science.
Assistant Professor Travis Miller recently co-authored a publication titled “A Comparative Study of Four-year and Community College Students’ Subjective Experiences of Emerging Adulthood, Belonging Needs, and Well-being” in Routledge Open Research.
Assistant Professor of English Melissa Eriko Poulsen’s article “Life is a Long Exorcism: Horror as Mixed Race Resistance in Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda’s Monstress” was published in the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics. Her co-authored article, “An Ocean of Becoming: Routed Motherhood in Lisa Ko’s The Leavers,” was published in MELUS. Additionally, Dr. Poulsen completed two book chapters—“Conjured Others and Exorcized Bodies: Reimagining the Horror of Possession in Alice Sola Kim’s ‘Mothers Lock Up Your Daughters Because They Are Terrifying’” and “Making Meaning in a Shifting World: Teaching Media Literacy through Everything Everywhere All At Once”—which are forthcoming in the edited volumes No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction that Transcends the Tropes and Teaching Popular Culture in the Humanities Classroom. This summer, Dr. Poulsen will be featured as a speaker on the roundtable “The Multiracial Pasts and Futures of Asian American Speculative Fiction” at the biennial Critical Mixed Race Studies conference.
Photo by George Retelas
Photo by Crystal Cebedo ’20
FACULTY NEWS
Adjunct Professor of Public Speaking & Oral Communication Rich Russo (left) brought together faculty and students on Saturday, May 4 for TEDxMenloCollege Live, where they watched ten streamed videos from the 2024 TED Conference in Vancouver. See page 25 for more information.
Assistant Professor Tahereh (Sonia) Saheb (above right) will present “Blueprints of Success: Configural Paths in MedTech Startup Ventures” at the AMCIS conference, hosted by the Association for Information Systems (AIS), from August 15 to 17 in Utah. Collaborating with Dr. Nastaran Hajiheydari, Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, and Dr. Mohammad Soltani Delgosha from the University of Birmingham. Additionally, Saheb’s recent publication, “Mapping Ethical Artificial Intelligence Policy Landscape: A Mixed Method Analysis,” was published on March 7, 2024, in Science and Engineering Ethics Volume 30, article number 9 (2024). Furthermore, Saheb, Dean Sidaoui, and Adjunct Professor Bill Schmarzo have had their paper titled “Convergence of Artificial Intelligence with Social Media: A Bibliometric & Qualitative Analysis” accepted for publication in the Telematics and Informatics Reports Journal.
Associate Professor Manish Tewari and Assistant Professor Faten Ben Bouheni, alongside Andrew Salamon ’24, Payson Johnston (School of Business Advisory Council member), and Kevin Hopkins, have co-authored a paper titled “Credit Sales for FinTech Startups & Risk-Return Trade-offs.” The paper will be presented at the 8th International Conference on Technologies & Organization from June 27-28, 2024, in Paris, France.
Photos by (Left) George Retelas and (Right) Crystal Cebedo ’20
Service Winners
2019 alumnae Sofia Salim, Kenzie Carpenter, and Brooke Burgos sat down with Editor George Retelas to reminisce about playing under volleyball coach Denise Sheldon.
Sofia: Today we’re back on the court to play with our former teammates to play our alumni game. It’s going to be very fun!
Brooke: Super excited to be back here. One of the things we’ve been talking about most was seeing Denise again. She was a huge part of our time here at Menlo.
Sofia: We all really felt like she was our mentor and changed our lives in a big way.
Kenzie: She allowed us to build the program to what we wanted our family to look like. It’s cool to see all the changes that we implemented continue to today’s team. Denise is now taking on a new role as a director here at Menlo so we’re super excited for her!
Sofia: One of the best memories I have from coach Denise was from one of our really important games during our last season. On the morning of the match, I burned my finger on a waffle maker during breakfast. My finger hurt a lot and I was really scared to tell her because I wasn’t sure how she would react. However, when I talked to her she was super nice about it. She took me to 5 or 6 pharmacies in Arizona just to make sure that I healed my injured finger. She walked into the pharmacy and said: “This girl has burned her finger and has a volleyball match tonight. She needs to play…what do we do?” I really wanted to play and was so worried but she made me feel calm and reassured me that I was going to be okay.
Brooke: That’s the thing about Denise—she would go above and beyond for her players to make us feel comfortable and safe. We could always go to her if we had any issues. That’s a huge thing for players who are far away from home.
Kenzie: A lot of the time there is so much more going on outside of volleyball. During our office hours with Denise she would always listen, give advice, and sort things out for us. She reassured us that everything would be okay and that we had our volleyball family behind us too.
Sofia: Now that we’re Alumni it’s safe to say that Denise is someone we still go back to, to update about our lives and ask for advice. Denise has inspired me to think that I can make everything happen. When I was at Menlo, I always saw her as someone who got things done and was respected by everyone.
Kenzie: What I’ve learned from Denise is the importance of presenting yourself in a strong and positive way, especially as women athletes who are leaving sports and going into the workforce. It’s all about how you present yourself and being a leader—showing people that you aren’t small even if you might be.
Brooke: Hopefully we all become some type of Denise! I hope to one day be a coach like her.
Photo by George Retelas
Photo by Brian Byllesby/OakSports.com
Photo by Kayla Stuart
A Celebration of Mentors in Action
At the 2024 Commencement of Menlo College, President Steven Weiner honored the parents, relatives and friends who provided support through their graduates’ academic journey. He reminded the cheering audience that the Menlo College class of 2024 would become part of only 37% of all adults in this country with a college degree.
President Weiner also congratulated the faculty and staff for their steadfast guidance. He has watched them offer on-the-spot mentorship whenever a student needed help. At the late-night breakfast event during finals week, more than one volunteer faculty member served eggs and waffles while answering questions about an assignment. Weiner said, “What struck me most was that neither the student nor the professor reacted as if it was anything but normal for the faculty member to be wearing an apron and rubber gloves while the student received homework advice with their pancakes at 10:00 at night. That’s Menlo.”
Co-Valedictorians
Co-Valedictorian Juliette Charpentier echoed President Weiner’s thanks to the faculty. Charpentier had planned to arrive at Menlo from her home in France in 2019, “but Covid decided otherwise. I deferred a year and came back even more eager to learn, to grow, to connect with people, and to pursue my childhood dream to study abroad. Which I did!” Speaking directly to the “inspiring faculty, staff and coaches,” she said, “Your unwavering support and wisdom have been instrumental in shaping us into the individuals we are today.”
Her close friend (and teasing rival!) Co-Valedictorian Connor Cormier recalled the same difficult start to his college career: “Let’s go back in time to four years ago; the year is 2020 and we are getting our first introduction to college through a computer screen after most of us had been deprived of an in-person high school graduation.” With the “uncertain future” of his entering class, the struggles of virtual workouts for his wrestling team, and a lost season, Cormier had many questions about college. Coach Joey Martinez showed the way. He “installed a championship culture here at Menlo and instilled in us the values of attitude, gratitude, and fortitude.”
Cormier completed his uplifting comments with appreciation for “my Mom, Dad, friends, coaches and teammates for making my journey unforgettable.” He said, “Let’s not forget that there is no amount of regret that can change the past. Nor is there any amount of anxiety that can change the future. But any amount of gratitude will surely change the present.”
As Charpentier jokingly remarked to her fellow valedictorian, “After three years of friendly rivalry, I guess we will never know who is smarter.” The audience, however, could see that this was one moment of an immensely gratifying tie.
Photo by Crystal Cebedo ’20
Keynote Speaker
Ian Simmons believes that everyone must do their part to ensure that democracy thrives. He practices what he advocates. A founder of NSLVE (the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement), he and his staff have helped more than 1,200 campuses understand student civic learning and engagement, providing research and toolkits to help campuses improve student success. In 2021 he supported the Student Vote Research Network, the collaborative program that encourages increased voting on campuses.
Dr. Melissa Michelson, who introduced Simmons, chaired the Network at Menlo College and under her guidance, student leaders boosted Menlo College’s voting from 32.8% to 64.6%.
Such successes show the enormous impact individuals can make, Simmons says. In 2012 he and his wife Liesel Pritzker Simmons founded Blue Haven Initiative, a capital market investment firm dedicated to putting wealth to work for market returns and positive social and environmental change. Their investments promote democracy. He reminded the audience that a robust democracy is good for business, noting that a recent MIT study analyzing 175 countries over the course of 50 years found that democratization increased the gross domestic product per capita by around 20 percent.
At Blue Haven, Ian and Liesel Pritzker Simmons invest in companies with solutions—”including a company that reduces student debt, many that advance renewable energy, and many more in financial services that reduce costs for small businesses.”
Many companies will look only for short term gain. But others, such as those in the Blue Haven portfolio, do not. He advised the graduates to remember that “Talent shapes culture. You are the talent. And your voices, your leadership, will shape your company’s culture and field of business in meaningful ways.”
Photo by Crystal Cebedo ’20
Photo by Douglas Peck 0
Photos by Crystal Cebedo ‘20, Kayla Stuart, and George Retelas
Making Connections
Silicon Valley Comes to Campus
Career Connect Day in April 2024 brought 150 industry leaders to speaking events, panels, workshops and a Career Fair so that Menlo College students could interact with them, network, and simply watch them in action.
The enriching day began with breakfast keynote speakers Olatunde Sobomehin, CEO of StreetCode Academy (teaching computer skills to communities of color) and Sam Seidel, K12 Lab Director of Strategy + Research at the Stanford d.school. Siedel is the author of Hip Hop Genius: Remixing High School Education, exploring ways to revolutionize urban education.
Later, experts from Google, Cisco, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other industry giants led break-out sessions, answering student questions about every area of professional life from human resources to marketing. A lively career fair showcased the many paths for a successful professional life.
Student Mary Antonette Reyes ’25 moderated the mid-day panel on “Beyond the Resume: Strategies to Ace Your Early Career Interviews with Googlers” as returning recent graduates showed the eager audience how to land satisfying first jobs. Reyes says, “From interview tips to networking secrets, every moment was filled with valuable takeaways and camaraderie.”
Photos by Kayla Stuart
IN HONOR OF
CARLOS LÓPEZ
Coach, Mentor, Friend
By Kris Whitten ’68
Former California Deputy Attorney General Kris Whitten ’68 shares why he recently gave his Menlo letterman’s jacket to the office of the Menlo College President
Our military family moved a lot, so for high school my older brother, Bob, and I went to a four-year boy’s boarding school, then came to Menlo College, he in 1964 and me in 1966. We both played soccer under coach Señor Carlos López. Bob was on the varsity for both of his years. As a player, I remained on the JV for both of mine. We had some outstanding varsity players, including my freshman year roommate, Jack Law, and a couple of All Americans. Several came from other countries where what we call soccer is the national sport. We played the San Quentin Prison team and, predictably, lost.
My second year, some key players were injured and we lost more games than expected. Sr. López, while sometimes critical of an individual’s performance, kept us focused on teamwork, and emphasized how well we performed against the bigger schools.
I lived in Michaels Hall both years, and Sr. López was also my dorm supervisor. He did an excellent job riding herd on a dorm full of energetic and hormonally charged young men, whose first thoughts were not always about studying! Sometimes he had to dampen our enthusiasm, and even put us to bed. But when one of us was experiencing grief or other personal difficulty, he was there to listen and comfort.
I especially remember the epic water balloon fight with College Hall, where we in Michaels attached to the secondfloor balcony railing a catapult made from bicycle innertubes attached to a dog dish-like container in which we placed the balloons to be launched at our advancing fellow students. Having studied his native Chile’s navy, Sr. López paced back and forth on the balcony urging us on, like the admiral on the bridge of his flagship in battle! Those are some of the sweetest memories of my days at Menlo.
In high school and at Menlo, I was sometimes teased about not being as good a soccer player as my big brother. During my second year, Sr. López asked me to become the manager of the varsity team. I agreed, and to my surprise, at the end of the season I got an athletic letter like Bob had, making me eligible to buy a letterman’s jacket, which I did. Sr. López also arranged to have members of the varsity and JV photographed together as a single team for the 1968 yearbook, and he also encouraged my successful run for Michaels’ dorm rep on the student council. That’s who he was; he cared.
I often wore the letterman’s jacket, including at Menlo events when Sr. López was its president, and this year gave it to the Menlo College president’s office in his honor.
A President’s Thanks
President Steven Weiner proudly wears Kris Whitten’s donation.
Every May, Menlo College celebrates Señor Carlos López Alumni Day to honor the memory of the man who coached Menlo’s soccer team for 27 years, from 1961 to 1988, leading the team to twelve conference championships over that time. Señor López also served as Menlo’s president from 2004 to 2006.
And every May, Kris Whitten ’68 faithfully showed up — proudly wearing his 1968 letter jacket.
And every May, I’ve unabashedly hankered after Kris’ jacket.
Earlier this year, he donated his jacket. I was elated, but also embarrassed; I had not been subtle about my craving for Kris’ jacket.
Then again, it’s been said that embarrassment lasts a moment, whereas regrets last a lifetime. Jackets can too. Kris, for allowing your jacket to be displayed (and occasionally worn) at Menlo College forever, you have my heartfelt thanks.
Photo by Erika Greco ’24
Photo by George Retelas
Señor Carlos López Soccer Tournament
Every May, the alumni/student games bring competition and a flood of memories to Cartan Field. Larry Lopez ’84 (top), Menlo College Board member and son of Carlos, wears his own vintage Menlo jacket as he welcomes players young and wise. Tournament organizer Karl Buder ’66 (below) referees a game of fun and skill.
Photos by Kayla Stuart
Passing the Mentorship Torch
On September 1st, 2022, Jessica Rogers got the call. It was the head coach of the Menlo women’s basketball team, Shannon Spataro. They had always kept in touch, as Jess played for Coach Spataro up until she graduated from Menlo in 2020. Rogers was coaching basketball at a budding program at Napa Valley Junior College, so when her old mentor called, she figured it was to talk about basketball talent at Napa Valley that was ready to transfer to Menlo. Spataro had other plans: she was gunning for Rogers to be her Assistant Coach.
It took just two hours for Rogers to decide to return to Menlo. Jess likes to give it her all when she commits to something, but this was an opportunity she could not pass up. After talking to her parents, siblings, and two best friends, they all gave her the same answer: go back to Menlo. Rogers’ boss at Napa Valley completely understood and gave her all the support she needed. It was official. She was going to be the Assistant Coach.
Rogers has always walked into mentorship roles. During her time playing for Menlo, she was the team captain for three seasons as well as part of the big/ little sister program called Squirrel Sisters. She has never had the “Yes, I want to be a leader” mindset; she just wants to be honest, open, and communicate either by example or vocally. Jess believes in consistency: “My actions will stay the same with the title or not.” It’s not that titles are unimportant to Rogers, who returned to Menlo with unfinished business. She wants to win and break records. In her sophomore year, her team made it to the Elite 8 of the NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship. This year she helped lead the team to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen.
While Rogers attended Menlo, she learned about the “get to” versus “have to” mindset from Coach Spataro. Instead of letting things become burdens by using the phrase “I have to,” Spataro encourages replacing the phrase “I get to.” This phrase didn’t click for Jess until her junior year of playing basketball after losing in the first round in their national tournament appearance. Jess said, “Wow, I get to enjoy my last year of college basketball.” Jess still lives by this mindset today and echoes it through her coaching at Menlo.
by George Retelas
Photo
A Spectacular Season
By Drew Barton, Sports Information Director and Director of Operations
Set off the fireworks! This spring the Menlo College sports program continued to show the year’s outstanding depth and excellence across the board.
Tennis: Leading the way would be the Oaks newest addition to the athletics department, Head Coach Ben Cabell’s tennis teams. The men’s and women’s programs finished the season 22-3, with both teams advancing to conference championship matches. Individual accolades go to Valentina Urelli Rinaldi ’24, named GSAC Player of the Year, ITA West Region Senior of the Year and Menlo Female Spring Athlete of the Year; Urelli Rinaldi and Franziska Niederle ’24, named to the GSAC All-Conference Team; and Livia Harper ’27, the GSAC Freshman of the Year award. David Mulas Zelenskaya ’24 and Saar Rogovski ’24 became members of the GSAC All-Conference Team while freshman Robin Mcalpine ’27 was both the GSAC and ITA West Region Freshman of the Year! Not only did the student-athletes receive recognition but both Head Coach Ben Cabell and Assistant Coach Rudy Abitago Jr. were named ITA West Region Coaches of the Year!
Golf: Menlo’s golf programs also put together a strong 2024 season. The men’s team was led by GSAC All-Conference honoree Nicolas-Guy Landry ’25 as they went on to win both the PCH Tournament and Danish Classic. Landry was named the Menlo Spring
Male Athlete of the Year! The women’s team also won the PCH Tournament, with Holly Obermuller ’25 putting together an outstanding year on the green. Obermuller was not only named to the All-Conference Team but also the GSAC All-Tournament Team.
Men’s Volleyball: Oaks legend Konrad Stoklosinski ’24 officially became the Oaks alltime leader in career kills enroute to earning GSAC All-Conference, AVCA All-American and NAIA All-American status. Dylan Cohan ’24 and Wojciech Nowak ’27 were each named the GSAC Defender of the Week, while Stoklosinski and Julius Stiemer ’26 earned GSAC Attacker of the Week recognition. Oaks starting setter Will Lawler ’26 was not only named the GSAC’s Setter of the Week twice but also received recognition as the NAIA Setter of the Week early in the season.
Softball and Baseball: Both teams continued to improve under the guidance of head coaches Skylynne Ellazar and Alex Hoover
DJ Scott ’25 and Justin Flannery ’26, the baseball team had an excellent year. Scott and Koeper earned All-Conference nods and Flannery was selected as a member of the Gold Glove Team in the GSAC for his outstanding defense in right field.
Away from courts and fields of competition, the Oaks continued to thrive in the classroom. In the spring season, 27 athletes earned both GSAC ScholarAthlete and NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete recognition. To earn those honors, student-athletes had to maintain at least a 3.5 GPA.
Looking back across both the fall and spring seasons, it’s clear that it was the greatest year in Menlo Athletics history!
Photos by Kayla Stuart, Ally Salzwedel ’21 and Brian Byllesby/OaksSports.com
A year for the record books.
Menlo Women Grapplers #1 in the Nation!
The string of successes by the women’s wrestling team this season propelled them to a first-place finish in the conference championship in early March, and later that month, to the national championship. Twelve Oaks represented Menlo at the conference championship inside Haynes-Prim, and all of them earned top-five placements, including four champions: Desiree Jones ’26, Tavia Heidelberg-Tillotson ’24, Alana Vivas ’24, and Ajayzee Zaballos ’25. The other top-place finishers included Samantha Barragan ’24, Stephanie Chavez ’26, Alexandra Lopez ’26, Kayla McKinley-Johnson ’26, Haley Narahara ’26, Louisa Schwab ’24, Kalila Shrive ’27, Shannon Workinger ’26.
At nationals, Heidelberg-Tillotson was once again an individual champion, and nine other student-athletes earned All-American status: Chavez, Lopez, McKinley-Johnson, Narahara, Schwab, Shrive, Vivas, Workinger, and Zaballos. It was Head Coach Michael Ayala’s first season, and it was quite the inaugural year: he was named conference and NAIA Coach of the Year.
Photo by Ally Salzwedel ’21
Menlo Men Grapplers #3 in the Nation!
The men’s wrestling team also won the conference championship this year, for the second year in a row, and for the sixth time overall. Out of twelve student-athletes competing, three secured individual championships and three were in runner-up position. Rysan Leong ’24 was named Wrestler of the Tournament, and Menlo Head Coach Joey Martinez was named Coach-of-the-Year, also for the second year in a row. The men’s team built on their conference success by claiming the #3 in the nation spot. Also at nationals, Jovan Garcia ’24 was an individual champion, and five other Oaks earned All-American recognition: Nicolas Aguilar ’24, Antonio Dacosta ’24, Rysan Leong ’24, Kanaipono Tapia ’26, and Maximus Zamora ’25.
Photo by Brian Byllesby/OaksSports.com
I want to extend a special shout out to VP/Athletic Director Keith Spataro. Keith launched Menlo’s wrestling program as a volunteer coach in 2001, and the legacy he is creating is a credit to his visionary and energetic leadership. Thanks in no small part to Keith, generations of student-athletes have memories of their collegiate athletics career that will be with them throughout their lives. Having worked closely with him for 12+ years, he’s given me enduring memories that I will forever treasure as well.
While honoring the foundations of wrestling at Menlo, we also thank Lee Dale Allen, pioneer of the women’s wrestling program in 2001 and head coach for nearly a decade. In 2012, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his work in the sport as an athlete and as a mentor to young wrestlers, especially women competing in the fledgling sport.
From President Steven Weiner
Photo by Crystal Cebedo ’20
In Memoriam
Coach Teddy (1993-2024)
In the heart of the Menlo community stood a figure of unwavering determination, compassion, and excellence.
Thadeus Francis Niemira, affectionately known as “Teddy” to friends and colleagues and the countless lives he touched, left an indelible mark on our college and the sport of volleyball. Born in 1993, in San Mateo, California, and raised in San Bruno, Teddy embarked on a journey filled with dedication, passion, and an unwavering love for volleyball that would define his too short 30 years.
Teddy’s academic and athletic pursuits led him from the classrooms of Highlands Christian Elementary School and St. Ignatius College Prep to the halls of the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he honed his skills and passion for applied statistics and volleyball. Graduating in 2016, he embarked on a coaching career that would see him transform from a dedicated player to an inspirational coach.
Joining Menlo’s coaching staff in 2018, under Head Coach Todd Hollenbeck, Teddy brought with him not just the experience of over four years of coaching at various levels, but an unmatched spirit and dedication. His tenure at UC Santa Barbara as a
volunteer assistant coach, his impactful seasons at LA Pierce College leading teams to conference titles and a CCCAA State Title, and his recognition as Western State Conference Coach of the Year in 2018, were just the beginnings of a legacy that flourished at Menlo College.
Teddy’s commitment and strategic genius helped to lead Menlo’s 2023 men’s volleyball team to its first NAIA national championship appearance in program history, a testament to his exceptional coaching and leadership abilities. Beyond the court, he was a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of hope and inspiration for everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. His accolade as the 2020 AVCA NAIA Men’s Assistant Coach of the Year reflected the profound impact he had on the sport and the lives of those around him.
To all who knew him, Teddy was more than just a coach; he was a source of strength, motivation, and love. The men’s volleyball team invites those who were touched by Teddy’s life to share their stories and memories of him on Instagram @menlomvb, as we collectively honor and remember a truly remarkable individual whose legacy will never be forgotten.
Richard Monteith ’52 (1932-2024)
Richard “Dick” Jay Monteith leaves behind a legacy of service and community engagement. Dick attended Menlo College for two years and graduated from Stanford University, earning a B.A. in Sociology, helping him lay the foundation for his lifelong commitment to education and public service. With a career spanning agribusiness and politics, Dick served as a State Senator and Stanislaus County Supervisor, leaving an unforgettable mark on the region’s development and governance.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dick found joy in following college sports and supporting his grandchildren in their various endeavors. His dedication to service and collaborative leadership leaves a lasting impact on Central California, embodying the values of honesty, generosity, and compassion.
Thomas Edgar Meakin ’58 (1938-2024)
Thomas Edgar Meakin attended Menlo High School and Menlo College and completed his studies at Pacific University. His career began at California Pellet Mill (CPM), where he excelled in production and sales roles before transitioning to the automotive industry, fueled by his lifelong passion for cars. Renowned for his mechanical prowess, Tom’s restoration work on vintage automobiles earned national acclaim, with many of his creations winning prestigious awards at Concours events nationwide.
Alongside his passion for cars, Tom found comfort in his love for boating adventures on Lake Tahoe and his deep appreciation for country and bluegrass music. Tom’s generosity, gentle nature, and friendship touched the lives of all who knew him.
James (Jim) Mashburn ’60 (1940-2024)
Jim Mashburn pursued his education with two years at Menlo College before joining the Naval Academy and graduating in the esteemed class of 1965. Following a brief stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, Jim embarked on a career in the enlisted Navy, serving in administrative roles across Europe and North America while earning a B.S. and M.B.A. from George Washington University.
After his time in the Navy, Jim dedicated himself to public service, serving as a financial officer with the Veterans Administration in various locations including Newark, Chicago, Manhattan, Puerto Rico, and San Francisco. After an early retirement from federal service, he ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a furniture business in his beloved San Francisco.
Well-known for his laughter and compassionate nature, Jim formed deep connections with everyone he met. His passion for art led him to become a docent in Racine and Milwaukee, where he shared his knowledge and enthusiasm.
In his later years, Jim discovered fulfillment in his creative pursuits, actively engaging in art therapy programs at his senior center until his peaceful passing.
We also remember...
Justin Berglund ’56 (1935-2023)
John Howe ’60 (1936 - 2023)
Robert John Kuhta ’59 (1939-2024)
William James Massey Jr. ’64 (1942-2024)
Richard Burnell Mills ’58 (1932-2023)
John Chandler Propstra ’95 (1972-2024)
Vincent McNair van Dillen ’07 (1981-2023)
