First Light: Celebrate the Inauguration of Caltech's 10th President, Ray Jayawardhana

First light is the threshold moment in astronomy when a telescope makes its first observation and opens a new window to discovery. That same spirit of possibility defines the Caltech community. Through curiosity-driven inquiry, powerful experimentation, and groundbreaking instrumentation, Caltech illuminates new fields of knowledge and accelerates breakthroughs that shape the future of science, technology, and society.

This fall, Caltech celebrates the spirit of first light for the Inauguration of Ray Jayawardhana as the Institute's 10th president. Over two days—Wednesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 29—the campus and broader community are invited to join compelling discussions and experiences that showcase the curiosity and innovation at the heart of Caltech.

The following events are open to the public and free to attend, but registration for each event is required.

5:30 p.m. — Science and Discovery Night
7:30 p.m. — Brave New Space Age Panel Conversation

An evening of discovery launches Caltech's inauguration events with an immersive look at the groundbreaking science and engineering shaping our future.

Starting at 5:30 p.m. outside Beckman Auditorium, Caltech researchers will bring their work to life through interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiences. Guests can see meteorites, learn about battery chemistry, examine brain-machine interfaces, engage in an interactive light demonstration, and more.

In the Beckman Institute, just west of the auditorium, visitors can preview Dare Mighty Things: From Rocketry to Space Exploration at Caltech JPL, a special exhibition marking the 90th anniversary of Caltech's founding of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Guests will receive a Passport to Discovery to collect stamps at interactive stations for a commemorative Caltech pin, and can enjoy live music, photo opportunities, and refreshments along the way.

At 7:30 p.m. in Beckman Auditorium, the evening's highlight will be a thought-provoking conversation on the new space age.

As innovation and investment expand access to orbit and return our gaze to the Moon and Mars, a new era of ambition, exploration, and discovery also raises profound questions. This public conversation, moderated by Jo Ling Kent, senior business and technology correspondent for CBS News, brings together leading voices in science, industry, government, and media to explore the promise and implications of New Space and what it means to stand on the threshold of a future rapidly coming into view.

The Brave New Space Age panel features:

Lindy Elkins-Tanton, Professor of Earth and Planetary Science and Director of the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory, UC Berkeley; Principal Investigator of the NASA Psyche Mission

Jared Isaacman, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Eric Schmidt, KBE, Former CEO and Chairman, Google; Chair and CEO, Relativity Space; Co-Founder, Schmidt Sciences

Advance registration for The Brave New Space Age has reached capacity. A standby line will be available.

10 a.m. — Inauguration Ceremony
12 p.m. — Community Luncheon and Campus Celebration

Celebrate the formal Inauguration of Ray Jayawardhana as Caltech's 10th president.

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on Beckman Mall with welcomes from across the Institute—including representatives of the Board of Trustees, faculty, JPL, undergraduate and graduate students, and alumni.

The investiture and inaugural address form the ceremony's centerpiece. The program also features the Caltech Glee Club, performing alongside brass, percussion, and organ.

The ceremony will be livestreamed starting at 9:45 a.m. PDT on Thursday, October 29, on the inauguration website.

A community luncheon follows at 12 p.m. Festivities showcasing the breadth and vitality of the Caltech JPL community will take place along the Olive Walk and outside Browne Dining Hall and Red Door Cafe, with live music, giveaways, photo opportunities with Bernoulli the Beaver, student research displays, and other activities.

Register to attend the inauguration ceremony and campus celebration in person, and join in welcoming the next chapter of impact and discovery at Caltech.