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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!

Lessons on Global Citizenship, Thanks to the Stefanko Fund For over 30 years, the Caltech Y has empowered students to spend their breaks giving back and broadening their perspectives. Both undergraduate and graduate students have trekked to Costa Rica to help newly born sea turtles escape predators, flown to Alabama and Georgia to learn about the history of the U.S. Civil Rights movement, and traveled to Peru to build a concrete staircase for residents living in hillside communities. More students have enjoyed these opportunities thanks to Caltech alumnus Mike Stefanko (BS ʼ70) and his wife, Paula Stefanko. The couple has subsidized these excursions, known as Alternative Spring Break (ASB), for the past 12 years. The Frank and Elsie Stefanko Fund, named in honor of Mike Stefanko’s deceased parents, offsets a significant portion of the cost, including lodging, airfare, and most meals. Frank & Elsie Stefanko Every year, Stefanko has lunch with ASB participants, and each time, he is impressed with the impact a one-week trip has on students. “The international programs are especially immersive,” Stefanko says. “Caltech Y members meet with locals, learn about their culture, and sometimes live with them. Students help make their lives better, and in turn, they give Caltech students a different perspective on what it means to be happy and self-sufficient.” As an undergraduate, Stefanko competed on the swim and water polo teams, served on the board of the Associated Students of the California Institute of Technology (ASCIT), and sang in the Blacker House choir. He connected with the Caltech Y years later as an alumnus. Mike, Paula, and the Caltech Y all share a commitment to social impact. “The world needs science nerds, but it also needs science ambassadors,” Stefanko says. “It needs people who can bring science and scientific thinking into the community to make a difference. The Caltech Y is doing an important job in nurturing these ambassadors.” Stefanko could also be considered a science ambassador. He put his Caltech education and quantitative skills to use as an instructor for college students and at-risk teenagers. Then, he switched professions and worked as an administrator at a legal nonprofit and a data analyst for the Orange County Probation Department. He considers founding and managing the O.C. District Attorney’s Office’s Research Unit one of his greatest career achievements. There, he created a data-informed culture that helped leaders more effectively allocate resources, respond to public critiques, and report to grant funders. These wide-ranging experiences sparked an interest in criminal justice. Although semi-retired, Stefanko remains committed to the issue and volunteers as a website administrator for the Association for Criminal Justice Research (California). Mike with students who attended the Hawaii ASB trip Building on the Stefankos’ generosity, the Caltech Y wants to make travel even more accessible to students. The Global Perspectives Fund is a new fundraising initiative that will ensure students of all backgrounds have access to these experiences. Funds will support ASB, the Washington D.C., Science Policy Trip, Global Policy Trip, and other programs. The Caltech Y is seeking gifts of all sizes from Caltech alumni, faculty, and staff as well as Pasadena community members to reach its $15,000 goal. “No student should be denied these transformative learning and serving experiences due to financial barriers,” says Caltech Y board Chair Cindy Bengston. Thanks to the generosity of donors like Mike we are already $2,350 towards our goal! The Caltech Y is a 501(c)(3), and all donations are tax deductible. Please reach out to Maya Rosental Saporito at maya.saporito@caltech.edu or 626-396-6163 with any questions.

Pasadena, CA – The Pasadena and Caltech communities joined together on November 9 to learn how the Caltech Y’s student programs are supporting the next generation of responsible, globally-minded citizens. The open house held at the Caltech Y offices on Wilson Street featured international food from Rice Balls of Fire Truck and Tropic Truck, a wine and beer bar, and a student poster session. Athena Castro, executive director for the Caltech Y, said that the 80 attendees left the open house with a better understanding of the wide-ranging programs and activities her group offers. “Caltech is a world leader in educating innovative leaders, scientists, and engineers,” Castro said. “At the Caltech Y, we complement this work by encouraging students to use their talents so they can be powerful agents of social, economic, and environmental change.” The event featured 6 presentations from undergraduate and graduate students sharing their experiences in Caltech Y programs and activities, from hiking in Yosemite to working with underserved teenagers in the Youth of Promise program to meeting with science policymakers in Washington D.C. Student leaders from the Caltech Y’s newest initiative, Lab Equipment Access Program, also delivered a poster presentation. They shared how collecting used Caltech laboratory equipment and donating them to public schools will help promote equity and diversity in science and engineering. Chemistry graduate student Manni He attended the open house to represent the Caltech Y’s Student Activism Speaker Series. She appreciated how the event offered opportunities to connect in a relaxed atmosphere in this new style of event for the Caltech Y. “The food was delicious, and I enjoyed the insightful and fun conversations!” Thanks to the generosity of Caltech alumni, faculty, staff, and donors, the Caltech Y also provides financial awards to students eager to explore outside of campus. Seniors Hope Arnett and Gabriella Twombly, for instance, received assistance from the Hastrup Adventure Award to understand their family ancestry in Scotland and Ireland. Junior Luke Zhou used funds from the Patrick Hummel and Harry Gray Award to attend his first American Chemical Society conference in San Francisco. “Through these [ACS] presentations, I was able to expose myself to research fields that I had not previously known about at all,” said Zhou who made a poster presentation. Cindy Bengston has been active in the Pasadena community for over 40 years through Leadership Pasadena, Los Altos Auxiliary for Hathaway Sycamores, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. She currently serves as the Caltech Y’s board president. “I’m thrilled the open house drew so many new faces to the Caltech Y house,” Bengston said. “The more people learn about the Caltech Y and its outsized impact on Pasadena, the more they’ll want to be involved and support our mission.” Established in 1916, the Caltech Y is affiliated with Caltech but remains an independent nonprofit. Through a variety of initiatives, the Caltech Y empowers students to broaden their perspectives, become leaders and nurture responsible citizens of the world.

We're proud to announce that Caltech Y has been featured in an article by the Pasadena Star News. This recognition underscores our commitment to combining scientific inquiry with a deep sense of community service and leadership. Join us in celebrating this milestone as we continue to inspire and develop the next generation of scientific leaders who are as passionate about serving the world. Check out the article to see how we're making a difference both inside and outside the laboratory. https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2023/11/12/as-science-marches-on-caltech-y-hones-a-public-service-mindset-in-future-leaders/?fbclid=IwAR0PE4wyDG0YGDIHc0cI7wML-Rz6Oo5Z-fNEZwFnlrKwiaQ4siI4rV03Q10

The Caltech Y, which fosters personal development and civic responsibility among Caltech students through community service and outreach, has appointed new officers to guide the Board of Directors during the 2023-2024 academic year. From left to right: Rupa Kurinchi-Vendhan, Kevin Maxwell, Athena Castro, Cindy Bengtson, Nicholas von Gersdorff, Katie Clark Cynthia Bengtson Budzyn, retired from the ARCO/BP oil company and currently a dedicated community volunteer, assumes the role of Board Chair. “It is a tremendous honor to serve the Caltech Y as Board Chair for one more year,” Budzyn said in a statement. “This Board is a remarkable collection of dedicated, talented, and caring individuals who work together for the good of the Caltech Y and the students at Caltech. And by enriching student life and challenging students to grow into responsible citizens of the world we also serve the entire community!” Budzyn also recently retired from Leadership Pasadena, is on the leadership team for Pasadena Executive Roundtable, is PR Chair for the Los Altos auxiliary supporting Hathaway Sycamores, and currently Membership Chair of the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. Joining Budzyn on the Caltech Y board are Nicolas von Gersdorff, Chief Dam Safety Engineer at Southern California Edison, who takes on the role of Board Vice Chair; Kevin Maxwell, VP and Corporate Controller at FabFitFun, as Treasurer; Katie Clark, Administrative Assistant for Biology and Biological Engineering at Caltech, the newly appointed Secretary; and Rupa Kurinchi-Vendhan, representing the Student Executive Committee as President. She is a member of Caltech Class 2024. Founded by students in 1916, The Caltech Y is separate from the YMCA or YWCA and operates on a mission to enrich student life and foster the personal growth of students into responsible global citizens. Caltech Y programs are initiated and led by students, emphasizing leadership, civic engagement, perspective, service, and adventure, all of which complement Caltech’s rigorous academics. Pasadena Now article here: https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/caltech-y-unveils-new-leadership-team-for-new-academic-year?fbclid=IwAR1XGTIkRrG19YZRguzNwjEx4_q6GgzFKKzSpFt-hh7_43fydlm4XdCbXMg

Dear Caltech Y Friend, My name is Rupa Kurinchi-Vendhan, and I am the current President of the Caltech Y’s Student Executive Committee (ExComm). I am also an incoming undergraduate senior majoring in Computer Science and a member of Venerable House. Like all my peers in the Class of 2024, I began my Caltech career online, in a time riddled with unprecedented uncertainty. And while matriculating in isolation was not without its difficulties, it paved my path to the Y. Our first day of orientation as frosh featured a presentation about the RISE Program, a tutoring program for students in the Pasadena Unified School District struggling with math and science, and I knew immediately that I wanted to sign up. With students struggling to adjust to learning in an online setting, it seemed the perfect way to do my part in helping the world adapt to living with the pandemic. Working with my student on topics ranging from cellular biology to algebra was an incredible way to feel connected to the community—even when working remotely from the opposite coast! I continue to work with my tutee to this day and seeing how much her confidence and passion for learning has grown over the years has been one of the most fulfilling experiences I have had in my time at Caltech. Even as we returned to campus, the Caltech Y continued to encourage me to make meaningful connections. I was introduced to Reading Partners, a nonprofit that organizes one-on-one reading instruction to elementary school students struggling with literacy. Every Monday and Wednesday, I took a break from campus to walk over to the nearby McKinley Elementary School and spent an hour reading books to the student I was paired with. Watching him draw out fictional characters and reciting facts from a picture book on paleontology has inspired me to fall in love with reading all over again. This summer, as part of my research experience through the SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship) Program, I relocated to the island of Moorea in French Polynesia to join the team at the coral restoration non-profit Coral Gardeners. Thanks to the Y’s ACT Award, I was able to expand my SURF research to incorporate additional outreach activities. In my time there, I applied computer vision to drone data to help create an enhanced map of the reef in Moorea. The results from this research will be used to monitor the reefs and inform restoration efforts by providing actionable, specific evidence of where restoration should be targeted. I also spent hours in the water seeding coral nurseries and outplanting mature corals into the reefs—making a difference in a way that felt tangible and real. I participated in community outreach efforts hosted by CG, volunteering at ocean cleanups with local surfers and freedivers, presenting information on coral restoration to tourists visiting the island, and hosting hands-on educational workshops for local students on ocean conservation. I came to see the world around me in a different light, and I will be sure to bring my newfound appreciation for nature and cultural difference back to Caltech. I have definitely found a family and home within the Y and I am forever grateful that I decided to get involved. Since my first ExComm meeting, I’ve been challenged to become a better version of myself, going out of my comfort zone to pursue leadership and taking on responsibilities such as organizing events for our annual day of community service, Make-a-Difference Day. With all the academic rigor and intensity at Caltech, the Y has been a rare, refreshing gem centered around enhancing student life. The Caltech Y has been an essential and inspiring reminder for me to take a step back and realize that we have a role to play in our communities and that we all have the capacity to touch lives and be global with our outreach and impact. If you have already made your annual gift to the Caltech Y, thank you! If you would like to make a Friends contribution, please click the donate button below. Your gift makes a world of difference to students like me and the community at large. Sincerely, Rupa Kurinchi-Vendhan BS 2024, ExComm President The Caltech Y is an independent, student-driven non-profit that relies on contributions from individuals and organizations. Please consider becoming a Friend of the Y by clicking the button below. Note: If you are Caltech staff or faculty, the United Way campaign will be launching in November, thank you for considering giving at that time with the potential to double your impact

“Research shows that access to science equipment varies by school district, and those with a majority of underrepresented students often get the short shrift. How many future scientists are we missing because of this?” Peiwei Chen, Former LEAP President A Caltech Y initiative that provides public school science teachers with laboratory equipment is seeking donations from the campus community. From now until the end of fall term, the Lab Equipment Access Program (LEAP) is accepting used items such as hot plates, micropipettes, and pH meters. Contributions from this term’s equipment drive will support Van Nuys and SOAR High School, Title 1 institutions that serve low-income communities. Van Nuys Science teacher, Dana Hung, wants to add a biotechnology class to the school’s science, technology, and mathematics magnet program. To do so, Hung first needs some essential tools, says Cai Tong Ng, copresident of LEAP and a Caltech biochemistry graduate student. Helping students from underfunded schools receive the same learning opportunities as their more economically advantaged peers is at the heart of LEAP’s founding mission. Peiwei Chen established LEAP after a discussion with Caltech student Suchitra Dara, whom he mentored for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program. Dara was a standout science student in middle and high school—she even competed in the California State Science Fair—but her Bakersfield high school had a limited budget. Oftentimes, they supplied students with broken science tools or none at all. From left to right: LEAP members: Cai Tong Ng, Jesus Galeana, Peiwei Chen, and LEAP donor, Bob Bell. “It’s not OK for 40 kids to share just a few functional Bunsen burners,” says Chen, who adds that learning about science from a textbook without doing hands-on activities is a disservice to students. “At Caltech, we are so privileged to do cutting-edge research. Yet, just two hours away, schools don’t have the funding to do some basic experiments.” In early 2022, Chen, Ng, Dara, and their friends sent emails, visited labs, and posted flyers around campus asking for donations. The response surpassed their expectations. By April, LEAP received 302 pieces of lab equipment, computer monitors, and keyboards and drove them to Dara’s alma mater. Subsequent equipment drives have supported high schools and community colleges in California’s Central Valley, an agricultural hub between Bakersfield and Sacramento. By helping to close the equity gap one California school at a time, Chen hopes to broaden the pipeline of scientists and engineers. “Research shows that access to science equipment varies by school district, and those with a majority of underrepresented students often get the short shrift,” Chen says. “How many future scientists are we missing because of this?” The Caltech Y and LEAP are also accepting cash donations from campus community members and local businesses. To schedule an equipment pickup or view the full wish list, visit the LEAP website. The LEAP Project is partially supported by the Harris-Bacor Family Foundation. LEAP members giving a science demo to 5th graders from Suva Elementary School. WRITTEN BY Marisa Demers

We are pleased to present the 2022 annual report. This year we wanted to highlight the incredible student stories that are at the heart of the Caltech Y. From service in the local community to self-discovery as a global citizen, our students have led and participated in incredible programs over the last year. At the core of our mission are our five pillars: leadership, service, civic engagement, adventure, and perspective. In 2021-22 Caltech Y students planned and executed over 50 programs that develop each of these different pillars and create new perspectives to become more well-rounded students, leaders, and scientists. From the expansion of current programs such as Rise tutoring and the introduction of new programs such as the Movies that Matter series, Caltech Y leaders and volunteers poured themselves into every facet of what it means to enrich student life and grow into responsible citizens. As you will see in the report, the feedback from our alumni survey highlighted how the breadth of programs offered was integral to creating a balanced life for Caltech students and instilled the value of fostering new interests. The continued presence of the Caltech Y on campus is all possible thanks to the generous support of our Friends. If you have already made your annual gift, thank you for your contribution. If you have not had the opportunity to join the Friends of the Caltech Y or send in your annual gift, we encourage you to do so now to support Caltech students in their pursuit of becoming leaders in their community, science, and the world. I hope that you are all staying well. Enjoy the annual! Take good care, Athena R. Castro Executive Director, Caltech Y The Caltech Y is an independent, student-driven non-profit that relies on contributions from individuals and organizations. Please consider becoming a Friend of the Y by clicking the button below.

Global humanitarian and author Jane Olson shared her life and thoughts on finding hope in the world’s sorrowful places with the Friends of the Caltech Y on May 23rd at the Athenaeum. These special evenings allow Caltech Y donors to learn from world-renowned speakers on a variety of topics and build relationships with current Caltech students. “The Y has five pillars – leadership, service, civic engagement, adventure, and perspective,” said Sarah Barrett, Student Executive Committee Member at Large. “I believe that Jane Olson perfectly embodies all of these characteristics, and I’m honored to have her at our dinner.” From left to right: Cindy Bengtson, Susan Murakami, Katie Clark, Nate Thomas, Jane Olson During the evening, Olson described her humanitarian trips around the world, weaving stories of people she met with her personal reflections. Olson’s recently published book World Citizen, Journeys of a Humanitarian reveals the profound ways she found hope and community in some of the most devastated, war-torn areas in the world. “Events like this one, and the many other Caltech Y events we have are near and dear to my heart because they offer something almost no one else on campus does. [These programs] expand the horizons of what it means to attend Caltech.” Albert Kyi, ExComm President In her talk, Olson acknowledged the power one person’s story can have to ignite change and encouraged the audience to get to know people and their stories, starting with people around them, as a way to make meaningful change. Olson’s inspiration comes from the next generation. “I wrote my book for this generation of college students” Olson said. “They are already well on their way to being world citizens. I am inspired by their passion and the ways in which they are already such a part of the global community.” Student Executive Committee President, Albert Kyi, is a perfect example. For him, this talk illustrates the importance of being an engaged citizen, something Kyi has strived to do throughout his time at Caltech. “Events like this one, and the many other Caltech Y events we have are near and dear to my heart because they offer something almost no one else on campus does. [These programs] expand the horizons of what it means to attend Caltech,” said Kyi. “They gave both meaning and purpose to my time here.” The Caltech Y provides students the opportunity to participate in local, national, international trips and community service to learn about different issues and how they can make a difference. Examples include the DC Science Policy Trip to dialogue with elected officials and policymakers, a Hawai’i spring break trip focused on sustainability, and the global policy trip to Switzerland. In addition, there are opportunities to serve close to home with the programs such as the Rise tutoring program for middle and high school students struggling with math or science, a one-day service program for students to volunteer at local non-profits and making monthly dinners for Union Station Homeless Services. Outdoor adventures provide students a chance to reduce stress, physically exercise and get immersed in nature through California. And students learn from notable speakers through the Student Activism Speaker Series. Students are empowered to make change in their own lives as well as the lives of others through a unique series of financial grants given to students each year to explore, engage, learn and serve around the world. These programs give Caltech students the basic training and exposure to grow into an engaged world citizen and leader. Pasadena Now article here: https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/author-and-global-humanitarian-delivers-keynote-address-for-caltech-y

The Caltech Y welcomes 12 new Board members for the 2023-2026 term. “The Caltech Y is honored these talented, dedicated campus and area leaders will join us as we enhance the important services and programs we offer the Caltech students and community. Eight of our new Board members are Caltech students. All Caltech Y programs and services are student-driven and led and we are proud that students have many seats at our Board table,” according to Caltech Y Board Chair Cynthia Bengtson. From left to right: Mitch Aiken, Nicholas von Gersdorff, Ann Motrunich, Cindy Bengtson, Athena Castro, Leslie Maxfield, Nate Thomas, Catherine Ko Caltech Y Executive Director Athena Castro added “The depth of knowledge about the Caltech student experience as well as expertise in professional areas of science, communications, and leadership makes this non-profit Board uniquely qualified and we are privileged to bring on these new Board members to further our competencies.” Joining the Board this year are: Mitch Aiken, Associate Director for Educational Outreach, Caltech CTLO Leslie Maxfield, Director, Academic Media Technologies and Communications, Caltech. Ann Motrunich, Lead Writer, Advancement Communications and Community Relations, Caltech Nate Thomas, PhD, Caltech alum and Senior Modeling and Simulation Engineer, Radiant Sulekha Kishore, Caltech Class of 2025 Maddy (Madeline) Christensen, Caltech Class of 2025 Catherine Ko, Caltech Class of 2024 Manisha Kapasiawala, Caltech PhD candidate in Bioengineering Joseph Kim, Caltech Class of 2024 Rupa Kurinchi-Vendhan, Caltech Class of 2024 Jimmy Regan, PhD candidate in Aerospace Engineering Luke Zhou, Caltech Class of 2025 Pasadena Now article here: https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/caltech-y-welcomes-new-board-members