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Time & Location Feb 26, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM The Athenaeum, 551 S Hill Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA About The Event Caltech Y Friends Dinner ABOUT THE SPEAKER Aaron D. Ames is the Bren Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Control and Dynamical Systems, and Aerospace at Caltech. He is also the Director and Booth-Kresa Leadership Chair of Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies (CAST). Professor Ames’ talk addresses safe and trustworthy autonomy for robots operating alongside humans. It outlines the foundations for safe autonomy by coupling learning with formal guarantees from control theory, with Control Barrier Functions encoding safety as forward set invariance. This leads to real-time safety filters that monitor commands—even from black-box, learning-enabled controllers—and adjust them only when necessary, integrating naturally within layered autonomy stacks. The framework has been demonstrated across ground vehicles, drones, aircraft, legged robots, and humanoids, paving the way for robots to safely collaborate with people in dynamic environments. TICKETS Please note the tiered-rate system: If you are a Friend of the Caltech Y (Friends of the Caltech Y have given $200+ in the last year and should have received a specific email alerting you of your Friend status) the price for this event is $100 per person If you are a supporter, but not yet a Friend, tickets are $200 per person* *Guests also have the option to become a Friend of the Caltech Y for $200 and purchase tickets at the discounted Friends’ rate of $100 per person. 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, such as this event, and receive the Y’s quarterly newsletters and annual report. All additional donations are tax-deductible going directly to student-led community service activities, such as Make-a-Difference Day, our largest day of service happening in April. https://www.caltechy.org/student-opportunities Reception 6:00 pm, Featuring Robot demos from the Caltech Robotics Club Dinner 7:00 pm, in the Main Dining Room Discussion Starts 7:45 pm Please RSVP by February 18, 2026 Space is limited. -- Menu Roasted Carrot & Ginger Soup {GF, VG} Ale Braised Beef Osso Bucco with sun-dried tomato risotto & charred broccolini OR Potato Gnocchi {VG} with sautéed mushrooms, petite squash & lemon-cashew crème sauce Chocolate Lava Cake {V} with hazelnut praline, Asian pears, & pear sorbet ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Sponsorship packages are available to allow Caltech students to attend this event. For sponsorship information, contact Maya Rosental Saporito at maya.saporito@caltech.edu . *Friends dinners are unique evenings where the Caltech and Pasadena communities come together to engage with world-renowned scientific,  humanitarian, and civic leaders. You are receiving this event because you are a Friend of the Caltech Y or a Friend is inviting you. Friends dinners are not fundraising events. Our ticket price covers our cost for the evening.

Dear Caltech Y Community, My name is Leo Zhang, and I recently graduated with a degree in Computer Science. I served on the Caltech Y’s student Executive Committee (ExComm) and student board member. As a Frosh, I came in with a deep curiosity for math and robotics, but not many stories of my own to tell. That changed because of the Caltech Y. The Y’s pillars, PLACES (Perspective, Leadership, Adventure, Civic Engagement, and Service), really did capture my experience with the Y. I want to share some of those stories, made possible by your generosity, and show how deeply the Y has shaped me. My first Y experience was the Science Policy Trip to Washington, D.C. during my junior year. It was an action-packed learning and exploring trip. One evening, after a full day of meetings, we heard from Michael Ledford, Caltech’s lobbyist (I didn’t realize we had one!), and his warmth, humor, and practical wisdom about navigating politics instantly captured my attention. I filled two pages with notes: how to approach politicians, where to stand at events (by the cheese!), and how communication is the key to change. His talk completely changed my perspective and opened my eyes to the power of communication. Until that trip, I believed that good science alone would be enough to fix problems. But Michael’s stories showed me how much influence lies in the ability to communicate and advocate. Inspired by that trip, I went to my first Y ExComm meeting and organized a trip to Knott’s Berry Farm. I was clueless (I thought there might be berries) and nervous about emailing Greg from the Y staff. I spoke to Catherine Ko and she guided me through the process, which gave me the confidence to lead more events and eventually mentor younger students myself. This was just the beginning of my time with the Y. Through the Caltech Y’s Hastrup Travel Grant, I took my first solo international trip to Spain. I led the Eco Urban Gardens volunteer site for Make-a-Difference Day. I learned how to take minutes at ExComm meetings, and I even gave a speech to my fellow graduating students to encourage them to give to the Y after commencement. Now, I’ve returned home to Florida and will be starting my job soon. But I’m bringing with me a new outlook, a fuller sense of self, and a commitment to stay engaged with my community. Caltech taught me how to think critically. The Y taught me how to live thoughtfully. I want to make sure the Y has the same impact on other students that it had to me. I have pledged to support the Y and become a Friend like you. If you’d like to read more student stories like mine, please check out the Caltech Y Annual Report, where you’ll find reflections from students whose lives have also been shaped by the Y. Thank you for supporting the Caltech Y, students like me, and for making these experiences possible. Best, Leo Zhang Caltech Class of 2025

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.

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 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 Caltech Campus Bird Walk with the Pasadena Audubon Society Saturday, Mar. 7 | 730 am - 1030 am | Free Read More Professional Clothing Drive Collecting Donations Until April 25th Read More Make-A-Difference Day Sat. | April 11 | Sign-ups open in mid-March Read More ALL UPCOMING PROGRAMS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Noteworthy News The Intersection of Robotics & AI: Winter Friends Dinner with Professor Aaron Ames Caltech Y 2024 Annual Report Out Now! 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 All News Thank you to our foundation & corporate sponsors

< Back to all programs Caltech Campus Bird Walk with the Pasadena Audubon Society Free Saturday, Mar. 7 | 730 am - 1030 am To Participate: https://www.pasadenaaudubon.org/?q=node/465 About Enjoy a morning bird walk with the Pasadena Audubon Society on your own beautiful Caltech campus. Led by Caltech grad student Jieyu Zheng, this walk will explore the surprisingly rich wildlife community found in the heart of Pasadena. Join Pasadena Audubon Society to learn something new about birds on your familiar campus! Details and signup through Pasadena Audubon Society ( https://www.pasadenaaudubon.org/?q=node/465 ). Spaces are limited. If need a pair of binoculars, please email Jieyu Zheng ( jzzheng@caltech.edu ) by Wed. March 4. Previous Program Next Program

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 Caltech Campus Bird Walk with the Pasadena Audubon Society Saturday, Mar. 7 | 730 am - 1030 am | Free Read More Professional Clothing Drive Collecting Donations Until April 25th Read More Make-A-Difference Day Sat. | April 11 | Sign-ups open in mid-March Read More Union Station Birthday Club Dinner Monthly | 5:00 to 9:00 PM 825 E Orange Grove Blvd. Spaces Limited | Dinner Provided Read More YWCA TechGYRLS Twice a month | Tuesdays | 4-5PM | Caltech campus Read More Union Station Homeless Dinner Service Friday | Monthly | 5 - 9 pm 412 Raymond Ave. Read More Pasadena LEARNs - Monthly Science Demos Once a month | Friday | 3:00-5:00 PM Read More Stars Thursdays | 4:15–6:15 PM | 393 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101 Read More Rise at Anawakalmekak Weekly Commitment Read More Rise Program Monday-Thursday | 4:30-6PM 1 day/week commitment at Caltech, Online, or at John Muir High School Read More Math Power Hour 1-hour weekly commitment during the school day (8 am-3 pm) Read More Young Legends Tutoring Flexible Schedule | 1 hour/week or 2 hours/every other week Read More Load More