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< Back Michele Judd Michele is the former Executive Director of the Keck Institute for Space Studies, a joint Caltech/JPL space exploration think tank. A member of the Caltech family since 2001, she is a licensed engineer in the State of California. Asteroid "JUDD" was named after her in 2008 for her work at JPL on improving the research environment for scientists. Committee Affiliation: Advancement Committee Previous Next

< Back Lila Rodriguez-Acevez* Committee Affiliation: Student ExComm Previous Next

< Back Vansh Kumar Vansh began working at Google in 2016 as a software engineer, and worked at Verily Life Sciences as a software engineering manager from 2021 to 2024. He is currently on a break from work to explore his interests. He earned a BS in Applied Computational Mathematics and Computer Science from Caltech. Committee Affiliation: Finance Committee Previous Next

Advancement Co-Chair < Back Cindy Bengtson Budzyn Advancement Co-Chair Cindy retired after 30 years of leadership positions with ARCO/BP and devotes her time to community service. At age 25 she created Big Sisters of Los Angeles.  41 years later, Big Sisters is merged as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles serving 1000 “high risk” children throughout LA County. Her other non-profit work has included memberships and Board roles in over 15 organizations, most recently Leadership Pasadena and Los Altos Auxiliary for Hathaway Sycamores. She graduated with a BS in Consumer Economics from Purdue University and completed numerous professional certification courses in employee benefits, taxation and gerontology. Committee Affiliation: Advancement Committee Previous Next

< Back to all programs World Fest: International Food Fair and Culture Show $5 if you want to eat Coming this Spring! To Participate: About For just $5 enjoy a taste of the world! Foods representing over 20 different countries and regions provided by Caltech student clubs, staff and community volunteers will be on hand for you to sample and enjoy. And while you eat you can also partake in performances and talents of other in the international community as well. Come learn about and appreciate some of the amazing international diversity present here at Caltech. In an effort to reduce waste, guests are encouraged to bring reusable plates and water bottles but paper products will be available for those who need. Previous Program Next Program

< Back to all programs Union Station Homeless Dinner Service Fri. | November 14 | 5 - 9 pm | 412 Raymond Ave. To Participate: https://go.caltechy.org/events About Join us as we prepare and serve dinner to residents of Pasadena's Union Station Adult Center. Food and materials are provided. The Adult Center provides shelter, meals, and supportive services to more than 150 homeless men and women each year. Space is limited. Previous Program Next Program

< Back to all programs Emerge California with Christy Smith $0 Monday | Nov. 17 | 12-1 pm | Location: TBA To Participate: https://go.caltechy.org/event/815 About Join us for lunch with Christy Smith, current Executive Director of Emerge California - the state’s premier recruitment and training program for Democratic women - and former Democratic Assemblymember for California’s 38th Assembly District. Smith, the first Democrat to win the seat in over 6 decades, brought back vital resources to the district and took on a challenging legislative package that included charter school reform, and landmark legislation for human trafficking victim’s rights while in the Assembly. Prior to the Assembly, Smith served on the Newhall School District Governing Board and the State of California on the Delta Stewardship Council. In it’s 22-year history, Emerge CA has trained over 900 women with over 224 currently serving in office at every level of government. SASS Lunches are open to any member of the Caltech affiliated community; however, if space becomes an issue, priority will be given to students. Views expressed are solely those of the speaker(s). Previous Program Next Program

Board Chair < Back Nick von Gersdorff Board Chair Nick (MS ‘06) started his career in hydropower as an undergraduate student at Harvey Mudd analyzing critical infrastructure, which paved the way to his current position as Southern California Edison’s Chief Dam Safety Engineer. He is passionate about traveling and fostering green energy internationally and is currently working to develop hydropower in the country of Georgia. Committee Affiliation: Executive Committee, Ex-Officio Member on all committees Previous Next

< Back to all programs Beckman Political Award $0 UG or G | up to $6,000 | Apps due Oct. 27 Explore government or the legislative process To Participate: https://forms.gle/3SqAAB6V3BgdQ6sw8 About The Arnold O. Beckman Political Award offered through the Caltech Y promotes engaged citizenship by providing motivated Caltech students with an opportunity to explore the various facets of elective government—both as possible careers in government and to increase general understanding of the legislative process - at the local, state, and national levels. Students propose an experience they design that meets the overall goals of the award. Proposed experiences can span multiple days to several months. Interested students should independently seek and research internships and other opportunities in the area of elective government and propose an experience that meets purpose of the award. Who is Eligible Applicants must be enrolled Caltech Undergraduate or Graduate students in good academic standing. Applicants choosing an international destination must be 18 years or older. There is no age restriction for domestic destinations, however a parent/guardian will be expected to sign a waiver. Proposal Guidelines If you are an interested Caltech undergraduate or graduate student who is in good academic standing, you should submit the itemized budget form with anticipated expenses and the application that provides: Requested demographic information. A concise written proposal explaining a description of how you intend to use the award and how these plans fulfill the spirit and purpose of the award. Please also include what you hope to gain from the experience. Added details, if travel is proposed. Acknowledgment of the agreements that recipients will be expected to sign. Application and Selection Process A selection committee consisting of Caltech Y Board Members, students, faculty and/or staff will review proposals, identify and interview finalists, select the recipients, and determine award amounts based on need, and funding available. Partial funding may also-be offered. Criteria include the following: o Does the applicant clearly demonstrate how the proposed experience will help them gain a better understanding of elective government and/or the legislative process.? o Does it seem like the experience will provide a good opportunity to learn about, or engage in, what was proposed by the applicant? o Is the proposed budget reasonable? o Does the applicant distinguish herself or himself as someone who will engage in the cause or learn to be a new or important voice for the issue addressed? Awardee(s) cannot hold multiple travel awards (e.g. Bishop, San Pietro, ACT, etc). SURF students are not permitted to have other commitments during SURF, including evenings or weekends, however, activities before or after the SURF period are eligible. The proposed project can also be an extension of the SURF, but it must be distinct and not overlap in time with the SURF. Selection of an Educational Experience Interested students should independently seek and research internships and other opportunities in the area of elective government and propose an experience that meets purpose of the award. Note: The applicant should pursue an experience that meets the broad topic of elective government. However, per IRS regulations, the proposed project cannot support a proposed ballot initiative or a political campaign or organization that participates or intervenes in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Proposed experiences can engage elective government issues at the local, state, and/or national level and can span various time frames. Examples may include working in a government official’s office, a fellowship or internship in a governmental or policy office (e.g. AAAS or NAS), conducting research on the election process, participating in Congressional Visits Day, or a policy-related program such as the Independent California Colleges Advocate Program (ICCAP). What Awardees Receive Applicants may request up to $6,000 to cover expenses for the educational experience, including transportation (flights, trains, shuttles, taxis, tolls, travel insurance, visas, required vaccinations, etc.); lodgings (hotels, hotels, rental properties, etc.); relevant excursions (museums, monuments, venues relevant to the proposal); and program costs (registration and program fees for conferences, classes, mentor organizations, etc.). The selection committee will determine award amounts (may be full or partial funding) based on need, and funding available. The award may have tax and financial aid implications. Students are advised to consult with a tax advisor and/or the financial aid office with any questions. What is required of Awardees Meet with Y staff to review and sign an agreement outlining expectations and deadlines Coordinate and complete the proposed experience as outlined and approved by September 12th. Please note: Any changes to the proposed experience must be pre-approved. Submit a spending summary, including receipts, with each request for reimbursement. Submit a report sharing details on what was done, learned/gained from the experience, along with pictures, that can be shared with donors, and used for reports and promotional materials. Reports can be made in a mutually agreed upon format (for example, but not limited to - a written document, video presentation, blog post, interview, article for the Tech or the Caltech Y Newsletter, etc.) The deadline for submitting the trip report and spending summary/receipts is September 15th. Recipients may-also-be asked to give an optional presentation summarizing the experience to members of the Y Staff, Board of Directors, and/or donors, as well as interested students as available. Help from the Caltech Y The Caltech Y is here to help! Applicants with questions about the award or application process are encouraged seek input from Greg or Athena via phone 626-395-6163, email caltechy@caltech.edu , or in-person at the Caltech Y. Some Past Recipients: 2019 Ariel Hasse worked in the office of Senator Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) 2019 Ben Cassese interned with the Space Studies Board at the National Academies of Science 2002 Ted Jou worked in the office of Senator Diane Feinstein (CA) on foreign policy issues and assisting her Press Secretary on administrative tasks The Caltech Y reserves the right to revoke the award at any point due to safety and security concerns or changes in recipient eligibility or proposal. To apply you must submit both the application and a budget. Previous Program Next Program

< Back to all programs Rise Program Starting September 29th To Participate: https://www.caltechy.org/rise-tutor About Monday-Thursday | 4:30-6PM | 1 day per week commitment Caltech's campus, Online, or John Muir High School The Caltech Y is looking for new tutors for the Rise Program. We welcome over 150 tutors each year. This is a fantastic opportunity to give back to the community and help local students succeed in math and science. Both in-person and remote tutoring options are available. Tutors with work-study funding are eligible for compensation, while others participate as volunteers. About the Rise Program: The Rise Program provides afterschool math and science tutoring for public school students in grades 8-12. Now in its eighteenth year, the program supports students who are struggling in STEM subjects (earning a C or below) and aims to boost their skills while preparing them for college-level work. Tutoring takes place on the Caltech campus, online, and at John Muir High School, Monday-Thursday from 4:30-6:00pm. Tutors typically work with 1-2 students and, when possible, stay with the same students throughout the year. Commitment: Tutors should be available for at least 2 terms per year, 1-2 days per week. Sessions are 1.5 hours long and the schedule is flexible based on your availability. Interested? For more details or to apply, visit https://www.caltechy.org/rise-tutor or email us at rise@caltech.edu Previous Program Next Program

< Back to all programs Pasadena LEARNs - Monthly Science Demos $0 Monthly To Participate: caltechy@caltech.edu About Previous Program Next Program

< Back to all programs Young Legends Tutoring Ongoing To Participate: ljackman@caltech.edu About Flexible Schedule | 1 hour/week or 2 hours/every other week The NCNWA’s Young Legends program is seeking volunteers to provide online math and science tutoring for students ages 11–18. The core mission of this program is to support underrepresented youth in STEM by giving them a structured support system to help navigate challenges on their path to college. Tutors meet with students on Zoom for either 1 hour each week or 2 hours every other week. Scheduling is flexible, and program support is provided. If you are interested in getting involved, please email Liz Jackman at ljackman@caltech.edu . Previous Program Next Program