Mayor Victor Gordo, Councilmember Jason Lyon, and Nicole Bernard, representing Councilmember Tyron Hampton, present a certificate of recognition to President Rosenbaum (Photo – Sergio Solorzano/Caltech)
On May 14, 2026, the California Institute of Technology honored 265 staff members during the 71st Staff Service & Impact Awards ceremony at Beckman Auditorium, celebrating employees whose work supports the Institute’s research and education mission.
By News Desk
The event was emceed by Julia McCallin, associate vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer, who welcomed attendees and recognized staff members celebrating milestone years of service. Special acknowledgment was given to 15-year honorees who were recognized virtually during the pandemic in 2021.
In his final year as Caltech president, President Thomas F. Rosenbaum delivered the keynote address, praising staff members for their dedication and role in advancing the Institute’s mission. Rosenbaum emphasized that Caltech’s achievements are driven by the strength of its community and the commitment of its employees.
The ceremony recognized staff members with 10 or more years of service, including four employees honored for 45 years at Caltech: Greg Van Idsinga of Palomar Observatory, Becca Rose of Academic Media Technologies, Vincent Riley of Athletics, Recreation, and Instruction, and retired Facilities staff member Stefon Ross.
Alfonso Godines, a custodian for the Arthur Amos Noyes Laboratory of Chemical Physics, received the Thomas W. Schmitt Annual Staff Prize, which recognizes employees who embody the values and spirit of the Institute. Nominators praised Godines for fostering a welcoming environment through his positivity and genuine care for colleagues.
The Environmental Health and Safety team received the Team Impact Award for its collaborative approach to promoting campus safety and supporting research compliance. The team was recognized for making safety an accessible and shared responsibility across the Caltech community.
The ceremony also included tributes to Rosenbaum from local and state officials marking his final year as Caltech’s ninth president. Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo praised Rosenbaum’s leadership and commitment to both Caltech and the broader community.
McCallin concluded the event by presenting Rosenbaum with a commemorative basketball on behalf of the staff community. The celebration ended with a reception outside Beckman Auditorium hosted by Caltech Dining Services.
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