Caltech to inaugurate 10th President Ray Jayawardhana

Caltech will host a two-day public celebration on October 28 and 29 to mark the inauguration of Ray Jayawardhana as the institute’s 10th president. The event series, themed around the astronomical concept of ‘first light,’ aims to showcase the institution's research and engineering capabilities.

The program begins on Wednesday, October 28, with a ‘Science and Discovery Night’ featuring interactive demonstrations of meteorites, battery chemistry, and brain-computer interfaces. A panel discussion scheduled for that evening will explore the ‘New Space’ era, focusing on the implications of increased innovation and investment in lunar and Martian exploration.

The formal inauguration ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 29, at 10:00 am at Beckman Mall. The event will include remarks from the Caltech Board of Trustees and faculty, followed by a campus celebration with a community lunch and further scientific demonstrations.