From cutting-edge research spaces to behind-the-scenes discoveries, alumni spent the afternoon exploring Caltech through Seminar Day lab tours. These immersive experiences offered a closer look at the work, science, and innovation happening across campus.
We’re thrilled to welcome alumni back to campus for the 89th Annual Seminar Day! From groundbreaking faculty talks and student presentations to lab tours and conversations exploring the future of science, today is all about curiosity, learning, and coming together.
Our Milestone Class Dinners celebration is officially underway as alumni from class years ending in 1 and 6 return to campus for an evening of connection and fun. The festivities began with House Happy Hours, where alumni reunited in their former Houses alongside current students. From sharing advice and stories to revisiting familiar spaces filled with memories, it was the perfect way to kick off a night dedicated to the lifelong energy of the Techer community.
Laughter and memories filled the Dabney Lounge and Gardens as Half Century Club members gathered to welcome the Class of 1976 into Caltech’s 50th reunion tradition. Alumni heard remarks from Provost David Tirrell on the Institute’s future and enjoyed a special presentation from Craig Lage exploring the Vera Rubin Observatory’s first images and discoveries. It was an afternoon that celebrated both the legacy of Caltech alumni and the exciting scientific frontiers still ahead.
One of our favorite moments from day two of Half Century Club was gathering with alumni for the Class of 1976 Nostalgia Session. Classmates shared stories, revisited photos, laughed about unforgettable pranks, and reflected on the moments that defined their Caltech experience. It was a joyful celebration of friendship, memories, and the lasting connections that continue to bring Techers together 50 years later.
It’s officially day two of our Half Century Club celebration, and the excitement is just getting started! Today’s lineup includes behind-the-scenes campus tours, a special Class of 1976 nostalgia session, engaging faculty chats, professional photoshoots, and so much more. We can’t wait to see our alumni reminisce and create even more unforgettable memories throughout the day.
One of the highlights of the Half Century Club Celebration is the opportunity for alumni to take part in special off-campus experiences throughout Southern California.
Today, alumni traveled beyond campus to explore two of the region’s most iconic scientific destinations: Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Mount Wilson Observatory.
From Mission Control and the Mars Yard at JPL to the powerful telescopes of the CHARA Array at Mount Wilson, alumni experienced firsthand the innovation, discovery, and curiosity that continue to define the Caltech community across generations.
Today, Half Century Club alumni explored the Caltech Archives and Special Collections. In this space, alumni revisited decades of history through rare books, campus photography, handwritten notes from legendary faculty, and behind-the-scenes collection tours.
The chance for alumni to experience the stories of Caltech’s past continue to inspire future generations of Techers.
Today, we’re proud to welcome Half Century Club members, the Class of 1976, and guests back to Caltech for a weekend of discovery and celebration. From campus tours to House dinners, this special tradition honors the lifelong bonds and lasting impact of the Techer community. And today is just day one!
Here’s to old memories, new conversations, and celebrating the Caltech journey together once again.
There’s a strong community of Techers in cities across the country and internationally, but there aren't enough Tables for Techers hosts just yet. This is your opportunity to step in and bring local alumni together. Being a Tables for Techers host is simple, flexible, and incredibly impactful.
By signing up, you’ll help create a space for connection in your own backyard and ensure fellow Techers have a place to gather this July. It only takes one host to make it happen, be that host.
Get started today by clicking the link in our bio.
Photo: John Victor, PhD (BS '71) with 2026 Tables for Techers guests in Chicago, Illinois.
On May 17, the Caltech Y welcomes you to the Tyson House for an open house featuring delicious food trucks, a mimosa bar, and poster presentations by student leaders. This special event offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow alumni, current students, staff, faculty, and members of the broader community.
Register to be a part of it all by clicking the link in our bio.
When Mason Smith (BS '09) was earning his degree in computer science at Caltech, smartphones were a new technology, Instagram didn't yet exist, and artificial intelligence still felt more like science fiction.
Today, generative AI and large language models are pervasive. Introduction to Computer Programming is part of Caltech’s core curriculum and advanced computing is involved in many areas of study on campus.
To help the Institute keep pace with this accelerating landscape, Smith has endowed the Mason Smith Teaching Professorship Fund, helping to ensure that Caltech students have the tools to drive the next wave of AI-enabled breakthroughs. Read more at the link in our bio.
