Alumni Weekend and Reunions

Schedule

PRE-WEEKEND EVENTS

Wednesday, October 16 | Class of 1984 Catalina Trip
Catalina Island

Separate Registration Required.

The Class of 1984 will set sail to Catalina Island (Avalon) 44 years after Frosh Camp, before celebrating their 40threunion weekend!  Contact Daniela Bonafede-Chhabra, PhD (BS ’84) at daniela.bonafede.chhabra@gmail.com, or Evan Cromwell (BS ’84) at eCromwell@sbcglobal.net with any questions and to receive updates about this special celebration.

Visit Catalina Express to book your roundtrip ferry ride to Avalon. Advance reservations are required and must be made directly with the Catalina Express. Make your reservation as soon as possible, because seats sell out often.

A Caltech courtesy shuttle will be available to transport you to campus from the Catalina Express Long Beach Ferry Station departing at 12:00 pm on Friday, 10/18. To reserve your spot on the return shuttle, see the activity registration on Friday, October 18.

Thursday, October 17 | Applied Physics and Materials Science Alumni Symposium

8:45 am – 5:45 pm

Separate Registration Required.

This full-day symposium will allow alumni to reconnect with friends and learn about new research in the Applied Physics and Materials Science Department. The event will feature talks from faculty and alumni, a panel discussion, and a poster session. We will conclude the day with a late afternoon reception for all attendees. The keynote speaker is Anna Fontcuberta i Morral, former Caltech postdoctoral scholar and incoming president of École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. Visit APhMS Symposium 2024 for more details and to register.

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18

8:00 am - 4:00 pm | Check-In and Alumni Lounge
Alumni House (345 S. Hill Ave.)

Your first stop for a great weekend. Come to the Caltech Alumni House and pick up your program and access badge for all events. Stop by throughout the day if you need a quick rest, refreshments, a place to meet friends, or have questions.

10:00 – 11:00 am | Caltech Modern Architectural Tour, Then and Now (Option 1)
Beckman Auditorium

Revisit your lecture halls, tour dramatically renovated buildings, and see the award-winning new campus facilities, thoughtfully designed to promote innovative scientific inquiry and noted for their architectural statements.

10:00 - 11:00 am | Student Admissions Tour (Option 1)
Admissions House

Learn more about the changing Caltech campus on tours hosted by Undergraduate Admissions Student Ambassadors. Revisit old haunts and get to know today’s Caltech.

11:00 am – 4:00 pm | Pacific Standard Time, Art & Science Collide: Crossing Over: Art and Science at Caltech, 1920-2020
Various Campus Locations

Be sure to stop by these exhibits anytime throughout the weekend! The Caltech Library, in partnership with the Getty’s PST ART: Art & Science Collide, presents Crossing Over, featuring rare books, scientific instruments, molecular models, paintings, drawings, photographs, and films from the Caltech Archives and Special Collections as well as contemporary art installations.

Crossing Over: Art and Science at Caltech, 1920–2020 is the first exhibition of its kind. Spanning 100 years—from 1920, when Caltech assumed its current name, to the present—it explores the rich imagery in the Institute’s historic collections and complements it with contemporary artworks. The exhibition unfolds across Caltech’s campus in six outdoor and indoor venues, some rarely seen by the public. The exhibit features scientific drawings, paintings, photographs, films, instruments, molecular models, and rare books from the histories of Caltech and JPL, which Caltech operates for NASA.

Learn more and purchase tickets.

12:00 – 1:30 pm | The Caltech Edge with Provost David Tirrell, PhD

Alumni House

Caltech’s impressive history is surpassed only by its recognized role for leading brilliantly toward the future. Enjoy lunch with Provost David Tirrell, PhD, as he updates you on the groundbreaking work at the Institute and Divisions, and the pathway to an impressive tomorrow. Tirrell is the Ross McCollum-William H. Corcoran Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Caltech’s 10th Provost, and holder of the Carl and Shirley Larson Provostial Chair. With special introduction by Melissa Dabiri, Ed.D., Associate Director for University Teaching at the Center for Teaching, Learning, & Outreach (CTLO).
2:00 – 3:00 pm | KNI-Wheatley Scholar Lecture with Rebecca Voorhees, PhD
Ramo Auditorium

Rebecca Voorhees has been selected as the 2024 KNI-Wheatley Scholar in Nanoscience for her proposal to “use single particle cryo-EM to study two recent biological discoveries from [her] lab: how membrane proteins are made in mitochondria, and how unassembled protein subunits are degraded in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). A detailed understanding of the rules governing membrane protein biogenesis and quality control will provide the insight for [her] long-term vision of manipulating protein flux, first in cells, then in organisms, and finally as a strategy to treat human disease.” Learn more about the KNI-Wheatley Scholars.

4:00 – 5:30 pm | Division Wine and Cheese Receptions

Various Campus Locations

Stop by your Division to hear the latest updates on academics and research, with time to network with fellow alumni, faculty, and current students then head to the All-Alumni Celebration. Academic Divisions hosting Friday receptions include: Biology & Biological Engineering, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Geological & Planetary Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Physics, Mathematics & Astronomy.
 
Please check out Thursday and Saturday listings for the Division of Engineering & Applied Science events.

6:00 – 9:00 pm | All-Alumni Celebration featuring JPL Chief Scientist, Jonathan Lunine, PhD

Bechtel Dining Hall

Join this celebration for Techers of all years and generations and hear from fellow Techer and new Chief Scientist at JPL, Jonathan Lunine, PhD (PhD ’85). Hear him share outstanding examples of what makes JPL science and its link to space missions so exciting! Caltech graduate student in the Geological and Planetary Sciences, Maria Camarca, will also lead an engaging Q&A session.
 
The celebration will feature food stations, cocktails, evening telescope viewing with the Caltech Astronomy Department, and more special exhibits.

8:00 – 10:00 pm | Pacific Standard Time Art & Science Collide: Huang Yi and Kuka
Beckman Auditorium

Separate Registration Required.

Huang Yi and Kuka weaves together the art of modern dance and the science of mechanical engineering in a series of stunning vignettes between live dancers from the Huang Yi Studio and Kuka, a robot conceptualized and programmed by Yi, an acclaimed Taiwanese choreographer, dancer, and inventor. A seamless synthesis of human movement and innovation, Huang Yi and Kuka is a groundbreaking work that celebrates the future of humanity and technology and has captivated global audiences. It aims to spark conversations about the capacity of computers to exhibit true creativity in a world where advances in autonomous robotics—including at Caltech—are moving at a rapid pace.

Learn more and purchase tickets.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

8:00 am – 12:00 pm | Check-In and Alumni Lounge
Alumni House (345 S. Hill Ave.)

Check in at the Caltech Alumni House and pick up your program and access badge for all events. Stop by throughout the day if you need a quick rest, refreshments, a place to meet friends, or have questions.

8:00 – 10:00 am | Caltech Y Hike to the Eaton Canyon Waterfall
Caltech Y (505 S. Wilson Ave.) 

Enjoy a student-led hike to the Eaton Canyon Waterfall via the Pinecrest Gate. Most of this beautiful hike is manageable for most, though it gets a little more rugged closer to the falls, with some mild boulder-hopping across the stream in several spots. Enjoy views of the San Gabriel Mountains and soak up the beauty of the 40-foot waterfall and pool. Meet at the Caltech Y for a pre-hike snack and to arrange carpools or rideshare to the trailhead (five-mile / 15-minute drive, transportation is not provided).  Generally considered an easy trek (1.9 miles, 606 feet of elevation gain, an average 47 minutes out-and-back), come prepared with suitable footwear and attire for hiking, hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. There is no drinking water or restrooms at the trailhead or on the trail.

10:00 – 11:00 am | Caltech Modern Architectural Tour, Then and Now (Option 2)

Beckman Auditorium

Revisit your lecture halls, tour dramatically renovated buildings, and see the award-winning new campus buildings, thoughtfully designed to promote innovative scientific inquiry and noted for their architectural statements.

10:00 – 11:00 am | Student Admissions Tour (Option 2)

Admissions House

Learn more about the changing Caltech campus on tours hosted by Undergraduate Admissions Student Ambassadors. Revisit old haunts and get to know today’s Caltech.

11:00 am – 4:00 pm | Pacific Standard Time, Art & Science Collide: Crossing Over: Art and Science at Caltech, 1920-2020
Various Campus Locations

Be sure to stop by these exhibits anytime throughout the weekend! The Caltech Library, in partnership with the Getty’s PST ART: Art & Science Collide, presents Crossing Over, featuring rare books, scientific instruments, molecular models, paintings, drawings, photographs, and films from the Caltech Archives and Special Collections as well as contemporary art installations.

Crossing Over: Art and Science at Caltech, 1920–2020 is the first exhibition of its kind. Spanning 100 years—from 1920, when Caltech assumed its current name, to the present—it explores the rich imagery in the Institute’s historic collections and complements it with contemporary artworks. The exhibition unfolds across Caltech’s campus in six outdoor and indoor venues, some rarely seen by the public. The exhibit features scientific drawings, paintings, photographs, films, instruments, molecular models, and rare books from the histories of Caltech and JPL, which Caltech operates for NASA. Learn more.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm | 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients in Conversation
Ramo Auditorium

Enjoy a lively roundtable discussion featuring the 2024 DAA recipients David Brin, PhD (BS ’73), Louise Chow, PhD (PhD ’73), Bill Coughran, PhD (BS ’75, MS ’75), and Timothy Swager, PhD (PhD ’88), in conversation with 2001 DAA recipient Sandra Tsing Loh, MFA (BS ’83). Learn more about this year’s recipients.

12:00 - 5:00 pm | SURF/SFP Seminar Day

Hameetman Center & Various Campus Locations

Learn about the cutting-edge research happening at Caltech. At SURF/SFP Seminar Day, undergraduate researchers present their project findings during speaking and poster presentations throughout the afternoon.  Learn more and check out the full schedule available after October 12. For information about SURF, contact 626-395-2885 or sfp@caltech.edu.

1:00 – 2:30 pm | Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon

Alumni House (345 S. Hill Ave.)

Separate Registration Required.

An exclusive invitation for Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) recipients past and present and their guests. Help welcome the 2024 recipients into the DAA ranks of alumni whose contributions to the Institute and to the world have left indelible marks, shaping Caltech’s legacy, leading science and society, and inspiring generations of Caltech students and faculty to achieve.

For more information please email, info@alumni.caltech.edu.

1:00 – 2:30 pm | All-Alumni Lunch with Pie 'N Burger

Beckman Mall

Grab a bite from the Pie ‘N Burger food truck and celebrate this tasty Pasadena favorite while catching up with Techers.

1:00 – 4:00 pm | Mechanical and Civil Engineering Alumni Picnic

Tournament Park

Separate Registration Required.

Join MCE faculty and students to hear about new research and educational projects, followed by lab tours. Separate registration is required here.

3:00 – 4:00 pm | Election Integrity with R. Michael Alvarez, PhD

Chen 100 Lecture Hall

How do we know if an election has been conducted with a high degree of integrity and that we should trust the results?  What are the misconceptions about election administration and technology in the United States that commonly lead people to have concerns about election integrity? In this talk and Q&A moderated by current Caltech undergraduate, Sulekha Kishore (BS ’25), R. Michael Alvarez, PhD, Flintridge Foundation Professor of Political and Computational Social Science, Co-Director, Linde Center for Science, Society, and Policy (LCSSP), discusses how Caltech researchers have developed methods to study election integrity and how we are working with election officials to help them better address questions about election integrity.

4:00 – 6:00 pm | Athletics Hall of Honor Induction

Scott Brown Gymnasium 

Gather with friends, former teammates, fellow Techers, and guests to recognize the newest members entering the Caltech Athletics Hall of Honor. Enjoy a pre-ceremony reception and gallery featuring trophies, photos, and memorabilia from Caltech Athletics, followed by the Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony in Brown Gym. Learn about this year’s Hall of Honor recipients and contact Lisa Beach, lbeach@caltech.edu, for more information.

6:00 – 9:00pm | Milestone Class Celebration Dinner

Rath Al Fresco at The Athenaeum

Congratulations to milestone class members celebrating their 5th through 45th reunions! Techers who graduated in years ending in ‘X4 and ‘X9 from the class of 1979 to the present will be in the spotlight. Be sure to add your ticket during registration to join this fun evening under the stars!

8:00 – 10:00 pm | Pacific Standard Time Art & Science Collide: Huang Yi and Kuka

Beckman Auditorium

Separate Registration Required.

Huang Yi and Kuka weaves together the art of modern dance and the science of mechanical engineering in a series of stunning vignettes between live dancers from the Huang Yi Studio and Kuka, a robot conceptualized and programmed by Yi, an acclaimed Taiwanese choreographer, dancer, and inventor. A seamless synthesis of human movement and innovation, Huang Yi and Kuka is a groundbreaking work that celebrates the future of humanity and technology and has captivated global audiences. It aims to spark conversations about the capacity of computers to exhibit true creativity in a world where advances in autonomous robotics—including at Caltech—are moving at a rapid pace.

Learn more and purchase tickets.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20

10:00 – 11:00 am | Caltech Student Leadership and Experience Panel
Hameetman Center

Enjoy a continental breakfast as you hear about today’s Caltech student life from current student leaders in a panel discussion moderated by Kevin M. Gilmartin, Vice President for Student Affairs. 

11:00 am – 4:00 pm | Pacific Standard Time, Art & Science Collide: Crossing Over: Art and Science at Caltech, 1920-2020
Various Campus Locations

Be sure to stop by these exhibits anytime throughout the weekend! The Caltech Library, in partnership with the Getty’s PST ART: Art & Science Collide, presents Crossing Over, featuring rare books, scientific instruments, molecular models, paintings, drawings, photographs, and films from the Caltech Archives and Special Collections as well as contemporary art installations.

Crossing Over: Art and Science at Caltech, 1920–2020 is the first exhibition of its kind. Spanning 100 years—from 1920, when Caltech assumed its current name, to the present—it explores the rich imagery in the Institute’s historic collections and complements it with contemporary artworks. The exhibition unfolds across Caltech’s campus in six outdoor and indoor venues, some rarely seen by the public. The exhibit features scientific drawings, paintings, photographs, films, instruments, molecular models, and rare books from the histories of Caltech and JPL, which Caltech operates for NASA. Learn more.

12:30 – 2:30 pm | Astronomy on Tap
Dabney Gardens 

Enjoy a Sunday Funday with the Caltech Astronomy Department and Astronomy on Tap, a global phenomenon where professional astronomers give informal science talks in local bars. The Los Angeles chapter of Astronomy on Tap is organized by Cameron Hummels, PhD, Research Scientist and Director of Astrophysics Outreach, and it features speakers from many LA-based institutions: Carnegie Observatories, The Planetary Society, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, UCLA, Griffith Observatory, and more. 

Join us for two engaging presentations followed by interactive audience Q&A, astronomy-themed trivia, solar telescope observations, prizes, beer, and bar bites! 

12:00 – 5:00 pm | House Celebrations

Student Houses

Reconnect with alumni and celebrate honored traditions alongside current students from your Caltech Houses. When you register, you will learn more about the details directly from student leaders of your house.

ALL DAY & WEEKEND RESOURCES

Braun Athletic Center Access

All registered guests qualify to purchase Day Passes to Braun Athletic Center, available for $10, during Alumni Weekend. Day Passes give full access to the Braun Athletic Center and its amenities each day of purchase. Amenities include an outdoor track, eight tennis courts (two marked for pickleball), two outdoor pools, two outdoor fields, three weight rooms, cardio equipment, bouldering cave, climbing wall, and two gymnasiums.

 

To purchase a day pass, present your Alumni Weekend badge to the Braun Athletic Center. Credit/debit or Apple pay accepted.

 

For information, visit Caltech Recreation. Check the Caltech Recreation facilities page closer to the event for an updated status on the Brown Gymnasium and locker room renovations.

Caltech Library Access
You and your guests are invited to visit the Sherman Fairchild Library during regular operating hours.

Caltech Store – Alumni Discount

Head over the Hameetman Center to visit the campus store and enjoy a 20% alumni discount on insignia merchandise during Alumni Weekend! Show your badge during store hours to stock up on your Caltech swag. Learn more about store hours and latest swag.

Caltech Campus Dining

Most meals are covered, but if you are looking for a bite on campus or lunch on your own with friends, check out all Caltech dining locations, hours of operation, and menus.

Pasadena Dining

Been a while since you’ve been back to Pasadena? Check out the latest in local dining and reserve a table for Techers as you catch up and make the most of your weekend!