Alumni Weekend and Reunions 2023 Schedule

 

Thursday, October 19, 2023

11 am – 4 pm
Check-In & Alumni Lounge
Beckman Mall

Your first stop for a great weekend. Check in on Beckman Mall and pick up your welcome gift bag, helpful maps, and your 2023 Alumni Weekend and Reunions access badge for all events. Enjoy the Alumni Weekend lounge throughout the day if you need a quick rest, refreshments, a place to meet friends, or have any questions for the CAA Help Center.

1 pm – 3:30 pm
JPL Tour
JPL Pasadena site | limited availability, reservation required

This guided tour will feature a multimedia presentation entitled “Journey to the Planets and Beyond,” which provides an overview of the Laboratory’s activities and accomplishments, and guests may visit the von Karman Visitor Center, the Space Flight Operations Facility, and the Spacecraft Assembly Facility during the visit. The tour is 2.5 hours long with a walking distance of approximately 0.8 miles with multiple flights of stairs. Guests may meet at JPL or request to take a complimentary shuttle from campus (must be onsite by 12:20pm).

4 pm
Half Century Club Reception
President’s Residence

Exclusively for members of the Half Century Club, join President Rosenbaum at his residence before the Half Century Club Induction Ceremony. The Half Century Club exclusively comprises alumni from the Class of 1973 and all classes marking 50 or more years since graduation.

6 pm
Half Century Club Induction Ceremony and Dinner
The Athenaeum

Honored alumni from the class of 1973 are invited to join members of preceding classes for induction as the newest members of the illustrious Half Century Club. This ceremony is open exclusively to all Half Century Club members and will include music, a special period display from the Caltech Archives, and dinner at the beautiful Athenaeum.

 

All Day

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
‍Alumni and their guests are invited to visit the Sherman Fairchild Library and the Caltech Hall TechHub during regular operating hours. Stop by the crafting stations at each location where alumni can make their own button pins highlighting their graduation year.

 

Friday, October 20, 2023  

8 am – 4 pm
Check-In & Alumni Lounge  
Beckman Mall

Your first stop for a great weekend. New arrivals can check in on Beckman Mall and pick up your welcome gift bag, helpful maps, and your 2023 Alumni Weekend and Reunions access badge for all events. Enjoy the Alumni Weekend lounge throughout the day if you need a quick rest, refreshments, a place to meet friends, or have any questions for the CAA Help Center.

9 am – 11 am
Torchbearers Legacy Society Social
Keck Center Courtyard

Members of the Torchbearers Legacy Society who have provided for Caltech in their estate plans or who have completed life income gifts can stop by for a casual breakfast among friends. RSVP to this event here.

10 am
Campus Tour
Admissions House

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

10 am – 11:30 am
Caltech Modern Architectural Tour
Beckman Mall

Enjoy a modern architectural tour of Caltech’s many beautiful new buildings with the Caltech History & Architectural Tour Service (CHATS), a service of the Caltech Women’s Club. Experience a tour of modern Caltech with this docent group that has been offering architectural tours of the campus since 1985. Tours last from 1½ to 2 hours and leave from Beckman Mall. Up to 75 guests on a first come first served basis.

10 am – 12 pm
“Becoming Caltech” Exhibition Gallery
Beckman Museum at Beckman Institute

Visit the Caltech Archives exhibition “Becoming Caltech: Building a Research Community, 1910–1930.” In the 1910s and 1920s, Caltech dramatically reinvented itself, transforming from a manual arts academy to an engineering school, then expanding into a research institute now known as the California Institute of Technology. You can browse the exhibition and replace your yearbook from the overstock at Archives. Learn more.

12 pm – 2 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.

3 – 4 pm
KNI-Wheatley Scholar Lecture
Beckman Auditorium

Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics Mohammad Mirhosseini discusses his team’s efforts to develop innovative strategies for interconnecting superconducting quantum bits (qubits), paving the way for distributed quantum computing and the establishment of quantum networks that could revolutionize our ability to communicate, compute, and sense signals.

Learn more about the KNI-Wheatley Scholars.

4 pm
All-Alumni Welcome Happy Hour
Alumni House

Come to the Caltech Alumni House on Hill Avenue for the All-Alumni Welcome Happy Hour. Connect with fellow Techers over a beverage before milestone class members head off to reunion dinners.

5 – 7 pm
Making Our House a Home: An Evening of Storytelling with the Venerable Family
Hameetman Center Multipurpose Room

The Venerable Family will record and share stories about how Grant D. Venerable made Caltech a place of homecoming. Caltech community members, especially students and alumni, are invited to give testimony of how the legacy of Grant D. Venerable makes Caltech feel like home and a launching pad for inquiry and community. Dinner will be provided for attendees. RSVP here. Email htribbs@caltech.edu for more information.

6 pm
Milestone Reunion Dinners
The Athenaeum

Congratulations to milestone class members! Techers who graduated in years ending in 3 and 8, you are in the spotlight this year. Enjoy a dinner hosted just for you and your classmates. Watch for additional details for your class.

 

All Day

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
‍Alumni and their guests are invited to visit the Sherman Fairchild Library and the Caltech Hall TechHub during regular operating hours. Stop by the crafting stations at each location where alumni can make their own button pins highlighting their graduation year.

 

Saturday, October 21, 2023

8 am – 12 pm
Check-In & Alumni Lounge  
Beckman Mall

Your first stop for a great weekend. New arrivals can check in on Beckman Mall and pick up your welcome gift bag, helpful maps, and your 2023 Alumni Weekend and Reunions access badge for all events. Enjoy the Alumni Weekend lounge throughout the day if you need a quick rest, refreshments, a place to meet friends, or have any questions for the CAA Help Center.

8 am

Caltech Y Hike to the Eaton Canyon Waterfall
Meet at the 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.

9 am

Alumni Call to Service Breakfast
Alumni Lounge, Beckman Mall

Use your Caltech edge to make a mark on the communities and causes that matter to you. Join this friendly meet-and-greet breakfast session to learn more about alumni volunteer opportunities from CAA and campus partners.

10 am
Campus Tour
Admissions House

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

“Becoming Caltech” Exhibition Gallery
Beckman Museum at Beckman Institute

Visit the Caltech Archives exhibition “Becoming Caltech: Building a Research Community, 1910–1930.” In the 1910s and 1920s, Caltech dramatically reinvented itself, transforming from a manual arts academy to an engineering school, then expanding into a research institute now known as the California Institute of Technology. You can browse the exhibition and replace your yearbook from the overstock at Archives. Learn more.

10:30 am
Women’s and Men’s Swim vs. Oberlin
Braun Pool

11 am
Women’s Soccer vs. Pomona-Pitzer
North Field

11:30 am
2023 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients in Conversation
Beckman Auditorium

Enjoy a lively roundtable discussion featuring the 2023 DAA recipients Nader Engheta (MS ’79, PhD ’82), Karen Maples (BS ’76), Eugene Myers (BS ’75), and Kenneth Suslick (BS ’74), in conversation with 2001 DAA recipient Sandra Tsing Loh, MA (BS ’83).

12:30 – 2 pm
All-Alumni Lunch
Bechtel Mall

Grab a bite from the Pie ‘N Burger food truck and celebrate this tasty Pasadena stalwart’s own 60-year milestone while catching up with Techers.

1 pm – 4:30 pm
SURF Seminar Day: Afternoon Oral Talks
Across campus

The full schedule will be available after October 13 at sfp.caltech.edu. For information about SURF, contact 626-395-2885 or email.

2 pm
Women’s Volleyball vs. Whittier
Braun Gym

3 pm
Caltech’s Space Solar Power Project
Beckman Auditorium

Hear from Principal Investigators Dr. Harry Atwater, Dr. Ali Hajimiri, and Dr. Sergio Pellegrino about this groundbreaking work to collect solar power in space and transmit the energy wirelessly to Earth. Learn about the Space Solar Power Project.

3:45 pm – 5 pm
SURF Seminar Day: Poster Session and Reception
Across campus

The full schedule will be available after October 13 at sfp.caltech.edu. For information about SURF, contact 626-395-2885 or email.

6:30 pm
All-Alumni Celebration featuring Director of JPL, Laurie Leshin, PhD (MS ’89, PhD ’95)
Beckman Mall

Join the Party on the Mall and celebrate Techers of all years and generations! Hear from Laurie Leshin, PhD (MS ’89, PhD ’95), 2021 Distinguished Alumna, and Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Laurie will share the latest news from JPL and updates on recent and upcoming launches. Alumni of all classes can enjoy a night of cocktails, food stations, and stargazing.

 

All Day

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
‍Alumni and their guests are invited to visit the Sherman Fairchild Library during regular operating hours. Stop by the crafting station where alumni can make their own button pins highlighting their graduation year.

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. Store hours are:

• Thursday, 10/19- 9:00am- 5:30pm
• Friday, 10/20- 9:00am- 5:30pm
• Saturday, 10/21- 9:00am- 3:00pm

 

Sunday, October 22, 2023 

Reconnect with alumni and celebrate honored traditions alongside current students from your Caltech Houses. Stay tuned for more information.

10 am – 11 am
Caltech Student Leadership and Experience Panel
Hameetman Center MPR
‍

Enjoy a continental breakfast and hear from current student leaders as they share today’s Caltech student life.

11 am – 5 pm
House Experiences
Reconnect with your house before you head back home. Registered guests who opted in will learn more about the details directly from student leaders of their preferred house.

 

All Day

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
‍Alumni and their guests are invited to visit the Sherman Fairchild Library during regular operating hours. Stop by the crafting station where alumni can make their own button pins highlighting their graduation year.

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. Store hours are:

• Thursday, 10/19- 9:00am- 5:30pm
• Friday, 10/20- 9:00am- 5:30pm
• Saturday, 10/21- 9:00am- 3:00pm ‍