Caltech to Inaugurate President Ray Jayawardhana
The Pasadena university will host a ceremony for its 10th president on October 29 at Beckman Mall.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Space
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Caltech will hold a formal inauguration ceremony for its 10th president, Ray Jayawardhana, on October 29. The event, scheduled to take place on Beckman Mall from 10 a.m. to noon, follows Jayawardhana taking office on July 1.
Why it matters
The ceremony serves as the official celebration of leadership for the institution, which manages the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA. It marks a transition from the tenure of Thomas F. Rosenbaum, who held the office since 2014.
The institution is overseen by its 10th president, following the term of Thomas F. Rosenbaum who began his role in July 2014. The university also maintains a long-standing operational management of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The players
Ray Jayawardhana
He is the 10th president of Caltech and an astronomer whose name is associated with the asteroid 4668 Rayjay.
Thomas F. Rosenbaum
He served as the president of Caltech starting in 2014 before the appointment of his successor.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
This facility is managed by Caltech for NASA and conducts robotic space exploration missions.
The details
The inauguration ceremony will feature an inaugural address and welcomes from institutional representatives. Musical accompaniment will be provided by the Caltech Glee Club, incorporating percussion, brass, and organ instruments.
Timeline
Jan. 6: Caltech announced the appointment of Ray Jayawardhana.
July 1: Ray Jayawardhana officially took office.
Oct. 29: The inauguration ceremony takes place on Beckman Mall.
Nov. 3: The Dare Mighty Things exhibition officially opens.
The Big Picture
The inauguration of a new university president reinforces the administrative leadership responsible for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This leadership transition provides the oversight necessary to continue the institution’s research and space exploration mandate.
The university's public celebration includes a campus-wide luncheon following the morning ceremony. Residents and visitors can further explore the institution's history when the Dare Mighty Things exhibition opens on November 3.
The takeaway
This transition marks a new chapter for the academic leadership at one of the nation's premier research universities. The public is invited to engage with the campus community during the post-ceremony luncheon and the upcoming exhibition opening.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Space research and academic leadership.
More information
For full details regarding the schedule and to register for attendance, visit the inauguration event information and registration.
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