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Click the arrow to read about each award! Lucy Guernsey Service Award:  Shrujana Kunnam, Josh Anadu The Lucy Guernsey Service Award is given in honor of Lucy Guernsey, the Caltech Y Executive Director from 1989-1991 in recognition of her leadership, dedication to students, and diligence to furthering the Y’s commitment to volunteerism. The selection criteria for the award includes exceptional service to the Caltech Y and the community, involvement with on- and off-campus service projects, as well as leadership in community and volunteer service efforts. Mabel Beckman Prize: Sulekha Kishore Given in memory of Mabel Beckman’s many years of commitment to Caltech’s educational and research programs, this prize is awarded to an undergraduate woman (or women) who, upon completion of her junior or senior year at Caltech, has achieved academic excellence and demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, a commitment to personal excellence, good character, and a strong interest in the Caltech community. Hinrichs Memorial Award: Luke Zhou This award, established by the Board of Trustees, is in memory of Frederick W. Hinrichs, Jr., who served for more than 20 years as dean and professor at Caltech. In remembrance of his honor, courage, and kindness, the annual award is given to the senior (or seniors) who, throughout their undergraduate years, made the greatest contribution to the student body and whose qualities of character, leadership, and responsibility have been outstanding. At the discretion of the dean, more than one award may be made in any year. Robert L. Noland Leadership Award:  Yochana (Yoyo) Benchetrit This award is given to one or more undergraduate students who exhibit qualities of outstanding leadership, which are most often expressed as personal actions that have helped other people and that have inspired others to fulfill their capabilities. The scholarship was set up by Ametek in 1978 in honor of its president, Robert L. Noland, a Caltech alumnus. Mari Peterson Ligocki ‘81 Memorial Fund Award:  Benjamin Lugo & Aija Washington This award is given to a student who has improved the quality of student life at Caltech through their personal character. It recognizes the student who provides quiet support and kind encouragement to peers. This fund was established by Mr. Jose F. Helu Jr. (B.S. '79) to honor the memory of Mari Peterson Ligocki, who possessed these qualities. Student & Family Engagement Emerging Leader Award: Madison “Madi” Tongco, Camilla Fezzi The Student and Family Engagement (SFE) Emerging Leader Award recognizes undergraduate students who have significantly contributed to the Caltech community through leadership and dedication to student life. This award, given annually, acknowledges students who have actively supported organizations and initiatives that enrich campus life and demonstrate care for their fellow students. Rise Service Award:  Hannah Dion-Kirschner, Genevieve Gandara The Rise Service Award goes to a Rise tutor for their outstanding commitment and dedication to the Rise Program. This award recognizes individuals who exemplify the Caltech Y’s commitment to service, highlighting their remarkable contributions to our community. CCID IDEA Outreach & Education Award:  Lila Rodriguez-Aceves This award, administered by the Caltech Center for Inclusion & Diversity (CCID), is given to individuals who teach and inspire interest in inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the community at large through learning experiences and service. This person takes the initiative to participate in civic engagement through volunteerism, service-learning, and teaching initiatives as a change agent in the community outside of Caltech. CCID Agent of Change Award:  Sophie Hourihane This award, administered by the Caltech Center for Inclusion & Diversity (CCID), is given to individuals embodying servant leadership through a demonstrated commitment to steering institutional change within the Caltech community. This person takes the initiative and has the vision to translate a need into actionable steps or policy to create a legacy and a more inclusive campus climate.

PASADENA, CA  — The Caltech Y proudly hosted its annual Friends Dinner earlier this month, bringing together alumni, faculty, students, and supporters for an inspiring evening of community, conversation, and giving back. The event, held in support of fire-relief efforts, raised over $2,500 for the Caltech Y Fire Fund, which directly supports student-led fire recovery initiatives in the local community.    The success of these fundraising efforts was made possible through the generous support of event partners TIAA, Enterprise, the Athenaeum, and Orion AV, whose contributions helped make the evening a success and ensured that more resources could be directed toward fire-relief efforts and supporting the local community.   Guests enjoyed a compelling keynote address from Caltech Professor, Jaime Bock, who gave an insider’s look at the recent SPHEREx launch. Professor Bock spoke about the dozens of hands that went into the much-anticipated launch from graduate students to seasoned space experts at JPL, Caltech, and SPACEx. He also shared the captivating first images from the mission, which are just the start of the most in-depth, and colorful, spectral survey done of the universe to date.   Luke Zhou, Caltech Y student Executive Committee President, spoke to how these dinners are just one of the many Y experiences that allow students “to grow enormously in a variety of areas, particularly with respect to the pillars of the Y: perspective, leadership, adventure, civic engagement, and service. Together, these pillars not only make up the acronym PLACES (perspective, leadership, adventure, civic engagement, and service), but they also play a critical role in shaping the PLACES that we will go.”   The evening also spotlighted the ongoing need for aid in the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire. “From the student-led fire relief projects already happening, to science experts applying their research to ensure the safety of those living in our community, to all of our community partners in the Eaton Fire collaborative, I have hope we will rebuild — and that the Caltech Y will have a part in that recovery,” shared Maya Rosental Saporito, Senior Project Manager at the Caltech Y and Altadena Native.   Attendees were invited to further engage by donating to the Caltech Y Fire Fund, volunteering with community partners, or connecting with the Eaton Fire collaborative . Student projects related to these efforts began with Make-a-Difference Day volunteer collaborations with Friends InDeed, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and Boys & Girls Club Pasadena.   Established in 1916, Caltech Y is an independent nonprofit affiliated with California Institute of Technology that empowers students to become responsible citizens of the world. The Friends of the Caltech Y are the primary support group of the Caltech Y. For more information about Caltech Y, visit www.caltechy.org or follow @Caltech-Y on LinkedIn. *Indicate Y Fire Fund in the notes

My name is Subham “Sub” Sahoo, and I am the VP of Internal for the Caltech Y Student ExComm. I’m a junior double majoring in Computer Science and Business, Economics, and Management, with a minor in Information & Data Sciences.   When I first arrived at Caltech, I was eager to continue my passion for helping others through tutoring. I joined the Rise tutoring program, assisting students in the Pasadena Unified School District who are struggling with math and science. My desire to serve the community grew, leading me to participate in Caltech Y’s annual Make-a-Difference (MAD) Day. This event marked a turning point in my journey with the Y.   Rupa Kurinchi-Vendhan, the president of the Student ExComm at the time, invited me to a Caltech Y meeting, where I was given immediate opportunities to contribute. The trust and support I received encouraged me to become more involved. I began attending weekly meetings, volunteering for student programming, and planning events, ultimately participating in my first Caltech Y trip: the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip to Costa Rica. The ASB trip was not only an adventure filled with hikes and farm-to-table meals but also an enlightening experience in rainforest restoration. This approach highlighted how technology can contribute to sustainable practices, expanding my view of its potential impact, making me realize how I can leverage my skills for environmental care.   Additionally, I’m excited to serve as a student leader for the upcoming India Ki Khoj trip, a cultural exchange program with the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, in December. As an Indian born and raised in India, this role allows me to introduce others to my culture while deepening my own understanding of my heritage.   These enriching experiences were made possible through generous financial assistance from the Y. As a scholarship student, I’ve been grateful that financial barriers have been lifted, allowing me to fully engage in these opportunities. Amid my many commitments—academic, athletic, and musical—the Caltech Y stands out as a special space where I can shift my focus from myself to serving the community.   I can’t imagine my life at Caltech without the Y, and I strive to help others recognize the profound impact of community service, both externally and within themselves. If you’re inspired by the work we do and the difference we make, please consider donating to the Global Perspectives Fund. Your support can help provide more students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful service and transformative experiences around the world. Thank you!   Sincerely, Subham Sahoo Student ExComm VP Internal Announcing the Global Perspectives Fund Matching Gift! Thanks to the generosity of two Caltech Y Friends, the first $7,500 of donations toward our $15,000  goal will be matched through the end of the year! The Global Perspectives Fund is dedicated to breaking down financial barriers, ensuring students have access to alternative break trips. By supporting it, you help students engage with diverse perspectives, expand their networks, and amplify their impact in the world. This is the true power of your investment. Want to make your impact last beyond this year? Set up a recurring gift  (select the recurring option at any pace) and receive one of the famous Y shirts students are wearing in this photo!  Thank you for your support!

Friends The Friends of the Caltech Y is the primary support group of the Caltech Y. Annual minimum donations of $200 and above are recognized at the Friends level and are acknowledged in the annual report. Friends are invited to two to three other private, special events throughout the year, and receive the Y’s quarterly newsletters and annual report. Become a Friend Partnership opportunities Alternative Break Trips: Global Perspective Fund Learn More Rise Tutoring Learn More Friends Event Sponsor Learn More Student Awards Learn More Matching Gift Opportunity! For the second year in a row, we are excited to offer the opportunity to double your impact. Thank you to the generosity of two Friends of the Caltech Y, all donations made to the Global Perspectives Fund will be matched 100% through the end of the year. Learn about the Global Perspectives Fund If I had to choose a word to describe the Y, I would say “transformative”—we are constantly changing the lives of our students for the better, and making an impact on the world around us. We transform students into leaders and our campus into a community. Your support and generosity would be greatly appreciated to help keep our amazing programs running for the coming years. - Rupa Kurinchi-Vendhan, BS’24, Student ExComm President The Y has been called “the soul of Caltech” and has become known as the social consciousness of the campus. “Soul” and “social consciousness” are words that we associate with human growth. Our students are amazing people, gifted with mighty intelligence and the drive to excel. We owe them a student life that looks at the whole person; we owe them a campus that respects and emphasizes human growth in all its bewildering and intriguing permutations. And we owe them an organization like the Y that is concerned with this most essential of all activities. - David Baltimore, President Emeritus, Caltech Why become a Friend? Perks Support Caltech Y student leaders in the incredible service, exploration, adventure, and social programs they run Acknowledged in annual report Quarterly newsletters Discounted access to 3-4 exclusive annual events Upcoming events Fall: Food Truck Open House, October 10th, view photos from the event here Spring: May 1st, Friends Dinner with Professor Jamie Bock of SPHEREx- read about it here Summer: July 11th, VIP tour of Huntington Gardens For questions about your Friends membership, please contact Maya Rosental Saporito at maya.saporito@caltech.edu or 626-395-6163

For over 100 years the Caltech Y has been an invaluable resource for Caltech students. We offer a wide breadth programs for students of all backgrounds and interests to become responsible citizens of the world. the caltech y Making a world of difference since 1916 Supporting our community during the fires Click here to read a message from the Caltech Y, we will be updating this page with fire resources and volunteer opportunities. Joining our community partners for long-term recovery efforts. Fire Response For over 100 years the Caltech Y has been an invaluable resource for Caltech students. We are uniquely positioned to offer an incredible breadth programs for students of all backgrounds and interests to become responsible citizens of the world. From hikes in our beautiful national parks, service trips around the world, monthly Union Station dinners, to daily tutoring of local K-12 students, there is something for everyone at the Y. None of these programs would be possible without our dedicated student leaders, staff, board members, individual donors, and corporate partners. Thank you for visiting our site. Athena castro, Executive director GET INVOLVED upcoming events & announcements Mt Pinos / Sawmill Mtn Day Hike Saturday | July 19th | 8:00 am - 5:00 PM Los Padres National Forest Read More India Ki Khoj Cultural Trip December 13 - 22 | Gandhinagar, India $1,500 | Applications Due: July 29 Read More Union Station Homeless Dinner Service Fri. | Monthly | 5 - 9 pm 412 Raymond Ave. Pasadena 91104 Read More ALL UPCOMING PROGRAMS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Noteworthy News Congratulations to all the students who received year-end awards! SPHEREx Mission Takes Center Stage at Caltech Y Friends Dinner, Raising Over $2,500 for Fire Recovery Efforts Double Your Impact: Creating a Global Perspective Kicking off the Trip Ticket: Global Perspectives Campaign! Caltech Y Food Truck Open House Showcases Student Programs All News Thank you to our foundation & corporate sponsors

Programs The list of Caltech Y programs is extensive. As a student-led organization, the Caltech Y is open to the vision and direction of the student leaders; however, programs generally fall within 5 categories: Educational Programs, Outdoor Adventures, Community Service, Social Activities and Cultural Events. Subscribe to our weekly announcements to keep up to date with our range of student programs. GET INVOLVED COMMUNITY SERVICE STUDENT COMMITTEES PROGRAM LIST RISE FRIENDS Anchor 2 Anchor 1 Upcoming Mt Pinos / Sawmill Mtn Day Hike Saturday | July 19th | 8:00 am - 5:00 PM Los Padres National Forest Read More India Ki Khoj Cultural Trip December 13 - 22 | Gandhinagar, India $1,500 | Applications Due: July 29 Read More Union Station Homeless Dinner Service Fri. | Monthly | 5 - 9 pm 412 Raymond Ave. Pasadena 91104 Read More Union Station Birthday Club & Dinner Monthly | 4:45 to 9:00 PM | 825 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena | Spaces Limited | Dinner Provided Read More Camp Rise July 7th - July 25th | Caltech Campus | Flexible commitment: From one hour to multiple days Read More Youth of Promise Tuesday | July 1st | July 15th | July 29th | Flintridge Center | Assistance with transportation available Read More Updated Eaton Fire Response Ongoing resources and updates Read More Pasadena LEARNs - Monthly Science Demos Once a month | Friday | 3:00-5:00 PM Read More Rise Tutoring Monday-Thursday | 4:30-6PM | 1 day/week commitment at Caltech, Online, or John Muir High School Read More Young Legends Tutoring Flexible Schedule | 1 hour/week or 2 hours/every other week Read More Hastrup Award UG or G | up to $5,000 Solo or $6,000 Pairs | Explore your family background or another culture | Applications Open in the Fall Read More Hummel Gray Award UG or G | up to $1,000 National, $2,000 International | Go to conferences, present, gain leadership | Applications Open in the Fall Read More Load More