Ion Caltech Today
Construction and Parking
A map of campus construction impacts and the Ginsburg Center site. (Updated April 23, 2025)
Construction Impacts
- Ginsburg Center: The final mat foundation (concrete base for the building) will be poured on April 29, which will cause an increase in concrete trucks near the site. Contact gcqpm@caltech.edu for more information.
- Downs-Lauritsen: Demolition and abatement activities at Downs-Lauritsen B105 have begun and will continue through June. Dowels will be drilled into the wall between May 7 and May 10 to reinforce the location for a tunnel connection to the Ginsburg Center.
- West side of Karman Labs: Chilled water line repairs through end of May.
- Throop Memorial Garden, Gates-Thomas, and Hameetman Center: Installation of electrical conduits expected to continue at least through end of May.
Community Member Milestones
- Welcome (back) to Caltech:
Vivian U
Vivian U (BS ’06) joined Caltech as an associate scientist at IPAC in February 2025, where she has taken up the role of the proposal team lead for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Previously, Vivian was an assistant astronomer at UC Irvine, where she led a research group that studied black hole–galaxy co-evolution with the James Webb Space Telescope and the Keck Observatory telescopes.
- Welcome to Caltech:
Ken Lee
Ken joined Caltech as the Institute’s new chief investment officer (CIO) on April 15. As a member of the senior administrative leadership group, Ken will oversee Caltech’s investment strategies and manage its approximately $4.5 billion investment portfolio. Ken has more than 25 years of experience in the financial sector, most recently at Children’s Health System of Texas.
- Celebrating a promotion:
Shayna Chabner McKinney
Shayna has been promoted to associate vice president, strategy implementation and chief communications and external relations officer in the Office of Communications and External Relations (formerly Office of Strategic Communications). In addition to her innovative leadership of the Institute's communications efforts, Shayna will liaise with Caltech's colleagues and federal officials in Washington, D.C., assume responsibility for Caltech's partnership with JPL's office of legislative and government affairs, and integrate the Institute's posture across all communications and external relations work.
- In memoriam:
Dimitri Papanastassiou
Dimitri Papanastassiou (BS '65, PhD ’70), a staff scientist in the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences (GPS), passed away on March 9 at the age of 82. Dimitri made significant contributions to research in cosmochemistry and planetary science. His graduate thesis included the construction and first uses of the world’s first digital mass spectrometer, the Lunatic I. He is remembered by colleagues for his sharp mind, wit, and life story that was interwoven with Caltech and JPL over six decades.
- Celebrating a promotion:
Jennifer Torres
Jennifer has been promoted to assistant vice president for communications and government relations in the Office of Communications and External Relations (formerly Office of Strategic Communications). In this expanded role, she will develop and implement strategies to enhance the Institute's relationships with the state legislature, state agencies, the San Gabriel Valley, Los Angeles County, Orange County, the City of Pasadena, and the communities surrounding Caltech's campus and JPL locations, while continuing to advance communications.
- Celebrating a remarkable career:
Ken Hargreaves
After 17 years at Caltech, Ken is retiring from his role as associate vice president for civic engagement and external affairs. Ken joined Caltech as part of Facilities, overseeing capital construction and campus master planning. He later transitioned to the Strategy Implementation Group, where he has fostered Caltech's relationships with federal officials in Washington, D.C., the California state legislature and agencies, and the City of Pasadena.
- Celebrating a remarkable career:
Margaret McVey Thomas
Margaret is retiring after 19 years as the director of hotel operations and membership at the Athenaeum. Margaret has overseen more than $3 million in renovation projects at the Athenaeum, always looking for ways to keep the 95-year-old building in good repair. She has enjoyed a 40-year career in the hotel business, but says she especially loved her time at Caltech.
- Welcome to Caltech:
Jess Ayers
Jess joins Caltech as an administrative assistant in the Caltech Library's Business and Operations team. In this role, they will assist with purchasing supplies and books for the libraries, financial processing and reports, event organization, and more. Jess has previously worked as a receptionist and administrator in corporate environments, in high-end catering and fine dining, and in various roles in the entertainment industry.
- Celebrating a remarkable career:
Jay Labinger
After 39 years at Caltech, Jay will retire on March 31. Jay joined Caltech in 1986 as faculty associate in chemistry and the founding administrator of the Beckman Institute (BI). In addition to administration, teaching, and research in chemistry, Jay has guided the BI through decades of growth to shape the trajectory of interdisciplinary studies in chemistry and biology. The BI team thanks Jay for his foundational leadership and immeasurable contributions over decades of service.
- Marking a new chapter:
Betsy Mitchell
After 14 years as Caltech’s director of athletics, physical education, and recreation, Betsy Mitchell will be stepping down from her role at Caltech in spring. During her tenure, Betsy transformed the athletics program and established a strong sense of school pride across campus.
Resources
The Institute is committed to making its electronic content accessible to all community members with and without disabilities. Learn more about creating and maintaining accessible digital content at Caltech.
View the latest dining menus for Browne Dining Hall, Red Door Marketplace, Broad Cafe, and Avery Kitchen.
View the full summary of 2025 benefits for Caltech employees, including health, retirement, childcare assistance, tuition reimbursement, and more.
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