What Do You Remember Most About Your Caltech Commencement Day?
Photo: James McClanahan
Dixy Lee Ray, governor of Washington state, was the scheduled commencement speaker in 1980. With the eruption of Mount Saint Helens that year, Caltech pranksters leaped into action and prepared a model of the peak to simulate the eruption during her address. Unfortunately, she had to cancel at the last minute. Undaunted, the simulated eruption took place as scheduled, surprising the replacement speaker as well as the audience. Moral: never let a good prank go to waste.
John McLean (PhD ’80), TUCSON, AZ
We had the first President Bush speak at our commencement. I recall all the extra security. Plus the class president leaning in to ask the president something before giving him a hug. His question? "Can I give you a hug? Or will the Secret Service tackle me?"
Michael Kwan (BS ’91), SUNNYVALE, CA
My parents were there. They had doubts about me going for a science PhD after I graduated from college with a BA in English. But when I finally received my PhD in physics they were so proud. They have passed away since, but I’ll always remember that day with them. And the great party we had that evening at my home with so many of my fellow graduates—the relief I felt at achieving my dream was amazing. My parents danced along with my friends.
France Cordova (PhD ’79), SANTA FE, NM
President Rosenbaum's smile at each and every degree recipient. Maintaining such a genuine smile for hours is not possible without a certain inner peace!
Harsha Reddy (MS ’18), PASADENA, CA
My mother took a picture of the wrong person receiving a diploma!
Robert Murphy (BS ’84), JAMUL, CA
In addition to being the first of three graduation days at Caltech, it was my third year as the Caltech organist. We had trouble renting an organ that year, so we moved the organ from my parents’ house for the day! My father played trumpet in the brass too. I recall having to insert myself in the correct place in the line of seniors, so I could receive my diploma. I will be at the 2022 commencement, still playing the organ at Caltech for close to 50 years.
Leslie Deutsch (BS ’76, MS ’77, PhD ’80), CHATSWORTH, CA
Boring commencement speech by a big donor. My parents and sister were there to see me receive the Frederic W. Hinrichs, Jr., Memorial Award from President Lee DuBridge. Earlier in May, Robert F. Kennedy had visited Caltech and I, as ASCIT president, had the honor of introducing him in front of Winnett Center. Somewhat unfortunate: RFK had misunderstood his invitation. He thought he was to deliver the main commencement address.
Robert Liebermann (BS ’64), EAST SETAUKET, NY
IT RAINED. We had a friend who attended about 35 Caltech graduations in a row, and we got to attend with him for about the last 10 before his death. Every time we'd sit with him, he'd say, "Hey, did you know that I've only ever been to one graduation where it rained? The sky just opened up, and everybody just scattered." And every time, I'd say, "Yes. That was my graduation." I think he really enjoyed bringing that up.
Donnie Pinkston (BS ’98), MONROVIA
It poured rain! "Those of you who have already received your diplomas may feel free to run for cover." Luckily, my last name starts with "A."
Erica Alliston (BS ’95), SUNNYSIDE
My immigrant father was always a man of few words; he was not easily pleased, and he was never one for much pomp and circumstance. But on that June day, I think he felt and appreciated what a special place Caltech is, as did I and the rest of my family. This sense of honor and pride has been a source of much happiness from that day until today.
Demetrios Missios (BS ’88), LONG BEACH, CA
Several of the other electrical engineers had created a new type of audio amplifier. They rented several stadium speakers and set them up on the rooflines of the adjoining buildings. When the band started to play, the engineers poured several kilowatts of “The Ride of the Valkyries” into the courtyard, overwhelming every other sound.
Bruce Casner (BS ’75), NEENAH, WI
My mother spotted Richard Feynman on the Olive Walk and tried to line up a photo of me so he’d be in the background. I suggested we go over and ask if he would pose with me. Of course, he obliged, even though I am a biologist! She created a poster of the adorable photo, which my dad hung in his office.
Robin Wilson (BS ’86), ALTIMORE, MD
Our commencement speaker, Ray Bradbury, turned to the graduating PhDs and told them: "I want you to go home tonight and call up every person who ever told you that you couldn't do it, and tell them to go to hell." I carried that energy with me all the way through graduate school.
Sarah Milkovich (BS ’00), LOS ANGELES, CA
One of my best memories at Caltech was the opportunity to play with the Commencement Brass Ensemble. Most pieces are specially arranged for the ensemble by Les Deutsch, JPL deputy director by day, prolific composer and musician extraordinaire by night. No boring old “Pomp and Circumstance” to be found!
Josh Brake (PhD ’19), PASADENA, CA
I remember being on a train on my way to the NCAA Tennis Championships in Evanston, Ill. Stan Clark and I decided to skip our commencement exercises in favor of playing in the championships. Stan and I were placed in the No. 3 slot in the draw in doubles but got bounced in the first round. I got to the third round in singles and Stan got to the fourth round. I'm sorry we missed our graduation festivities but cherish the memory of the tennis championships.
John Cardall (ME ’45), SAN DIEGO
The delight that my father, who was provost [Robert F. Bacher, from 1962–1970], was able to present it to me.
Andy Bacher (PhD ’67), BLOOMINGTON, IN
I was very happy! David Baltimore joked: “MIT got Bill Clinton. We got Bill Nye. Who is jealous of whom?”
Richard Yeh (BS ’98), BROOKLYN NY
Graduation was on Friday the 13th. 169 (13x13) bachelor’s degrees were granted. Our commencement speaker, the governor of Washington, had to cancel because part of her state, Mount St. Helens, had recently blown up.
Mark Fortunato (BS ’80), CANOGA PARK
I remember my 2-month-old son Tom in a baby carriage with my wife picking up and holding him when he fussed. My dad and mom were also there and beaming with pride. I got to walk in with best friend Bob Menzies, with whom I shared undergraduate study at MIT and graduate study at Caltech. And I got the privilege of saying to myself, "You did it in spite of all the folks who said you couldn't make it," especially because I had left grad school the year before to take a job.
Warren Wiscombe (MS ’66, PhD ’70), SANTA ROSA
Graduation was on Friday the 13th; 169 (13x13) bachelor’s degrees were granted. Our commencement speaker, the governor of Washington, had to cancel because part of her state, Mount St. Helens, had recently blown up.
Mark Fortunato (BS ’80), CANOGA PARK