Caltech Celebrates Class of 2026 at 132nd Commencement

Caltech Commencement 2026 (Photo – caltech.edu)

The California Institute of Technology celebrated its 132nd Commencement on June 12, awarding more than 600 degrees to graduates during a sunny ceremony on Beckman Mall attended by family, friends, and members of the campus community.

By News Desk

The Institute conferred 235 bachelor’s degrees, 126 master’s degrees, 255 doctoral degrees, and one engineer’s degree.

The ceremony marked a milestone for Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum, who presided over his final Commencement as the Institute’s leader. Joining him were Board of Trustees Vice Chair Barbara Barrett and commencement speaker Kip Thorne, Nobel Prize-winning physicist, distinguished alumnus, and professor emeritus.

In his address, Thorne encouraged graduates to cultivate two qualities he believes are essential for future success: “peripheral vision” and “cautious optimism.” He urged students to devote part of their time to exploring ideas beyond their immediate fields, noting that unexpected opportunities often emerge from broad intellectual curiosity. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining optimism while confronting major challenges, including the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence.

Barrett congratulated the graduating class and highlighted Caltech’s recent scientific achievements, as well as the 90th anniversary of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She also announced the creation of the Thomas F. Rosenbaum and Katherine T. Faber Endowed Early Career Professorship in recognition of their service to the Institute.

In his final remarks to graduates, Rosenbaum reflected on the values that define a Caltech education, including intellectual courage, scientific integrity, and a commitment to using knowledge in service of society. He encouraged the Class of 2026 to pursue ambitious goals while remaining guided by evidence, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of special student awards and a celebration of the graduates as they prepared to embark on the next chapter of their careers and lives.

2026 commencement at Caltech (Photo – caltech.edu)