Message to Caltech Community from President Ray Jayawardhana

Dear Caltech community,

Today, I'm honored to begin my service as Caltech's 10th president. Long before this day appeared on the horizon, Caltech and JPL have held a special place in my mind as beacons of humanity's most ambitious acts of exploration and discovery. Being among you now is every bit as inspiring and stimulating as I had imagined.

Over the past six months, I've had the pleasure of meeting with and beginning to learn from many of you: faculty, students, researchers, staff, JPLers, trustees, alumni and friends of the Institute. Our conversations have ranged from the complexity of neural circuits to the rigors of the core curriculum, and, naturally, the ingenuity and lore behind the best Ditch Day stacks. Time and again, I've been struck not only by the audacity and brilliance of the work underway here, but also by this community of creative and original thinkers who seem constitutionally incapable of leaving the hardest questions unanswered. Every exchange has been energizing and illuminating, a powerful reminder of why so many world-changing ideas and daring ventures trace their intellectual DNA to this place.

As I've deepened my understanding of the Institute, I've found myself returning to the sentiments expressed by one of my illustrious predecessors, Harold Brown, who said that what surprised him most about Caltech was how quickly he became extremely proud of it. He spoke admiringly of its "infectious spirit," rooted in the variety and quality of the research, and above all, the outstanding nature of the people, which inevitably fosters a profound sense of pride, protectiveness, and loyalty to this extraordinary place. It hasn't taken me long to appreciate exactly what he meant.

Speaking of predecessors, it is a pleasure to thank Tom Rosenbaum for his tremendous service to Caltech. The Institute today bears the unmistakable imprints of his leadership over more than a decade, and I am grateful for his generosity, grace, and partnership throughout the transition.

I step into this role with profound respect for all that makes Caltech singular. I can imagine no greater privilege—or more exciting adventure—than working alongside all of you as we build on Caltech's unsurpassed legacy of discovery and impact and chart its next frontiers together.

For now, thank you for the warm welcome you have extended to me and my family. If you see me around campus, please do say hello.

Sincerely,

Ray Jayawardhana 

President, Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and Professor of Astronomy