The 71st Annual Staff Service & Impact Awards
On May 14, 2026, Caltech honored 265 of its staff members at the 71st Staff Service & Impact Awards ceremony held in Beckman Auditorium.
Julia McCallin, associate vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer, served as emcee for the event, which honored staff members for their contributions to Caltech's research and education mission. McCallin began the program welcoming all, with a special mention of the 15-year awardees, whom Caltech honored virtually during the pandemic in 2021 for their then-decade of service.
Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum, the Institute's Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and professor of physics, served as keynote speaker in his final year of service as the Institute's president. He reflected on Caltech's history of innovation and emphasized that the Institute's success is rooted in the strength of its community, particularly the dedication and shared values of its staff.
"Our internal community and especially our staff are the ones who set the tone," Rosenbaum said. "The seemingly mundane tasks, the vanilla, are anything but mundane, anything but vanilla, when performed by people with dedication to the Institute and commitment to its mission. You are the essential elements in keeping Caltech pushing forward, ready to confront any challenge to make possible the discovery and innovation that changes the world."
The ceremony honored Institute staff members who have served Caltech for 10 years or more, including four staffers who have served for 45 years: Greg Van Idsinga, electronic technician for the Palomar Observatory; Becca Rose, senior technical lead and AV engineer for Academic Media Technologies; and Vincent Riley, super lead in Athletics, Recreation, and Instruction; and Stefon Ross, a member of Facilities who retired in March.
Alfonso Godines, a custodian for the Arthur Amos Noyes Laboratory of Chemical Physics, received this year's Thomas W. Schmitt Annual Staff Prize, named for former associate vice president for human resources Tom Schmitt and endowed by trustee Ted Jenkins (BS '65, MS '66). The Schmitt Prize recognizes staff members who "embody the values and spirit that enable the Institute to achieve excellence in research and education."
In the words of one of Godines' nominators: "What truly sets Alfonso apart is the enthusiasm and positivity he brings to Caltech every day. He makes a concerted effort to connect with people on a personal level: greeting colleagues, asking about their well-being, and engaging in sincere conversation. These interactions are not perfunctory; they are genuine expressions of care that foster a sense of belonging."
The Team Impact Award went to the Environmental Health and Safety team, which was recognized for its collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to advancing research safety, compliance, and campus partnership. One nominator says, "The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team exemplifies what it means to be a true campus partner, offering helpful advice and clear guidance that keeps faculty, staff, and students safe. What sets EHS apart is their approachable, constructive style—meeting the community where it is and making safety a shared value rather than a compliance burden. They are a familiar presence across campus—visiting labs, attending events, and joining student gatherings—reflecting their genuine care for the whole community."
After the award portion of the ceremony, various public officials and their representatives came to the stage to honor Rosenbaum and recognize his final year of service as Caltech's ninth president. Joining the Community Partners portion of the ceremony were representatives from the offices of LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Assemblymember John Harabedian, and Congresswoman Judy Chu. California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo also spoke, joined on stage by Pasadena Councilmember Jason Lyon and a representative from the office of Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton.
Reflecting on the president's leadership and the lasting impact of his stewardship on both Caltech and the broader community, Gordo said, "President Rosenbaum is a person of the utmost character, [with] a great sense of humor and, most of all, [he's] a gentleman and a scientist who cares deeply about the people he serves, not just within the halls and buildings of Caltech, but in his community."
"Tom, your time here at Caltech has truly been a triple-double," McCallin said in closing remarks. "You gracefully rebounded. You took timeouts to pause and think of the next important steps forward for the Institute. Having you as our president was nothing but net." She presented a gift to the president on behalf of the Caltech staff community: a basketball featuring the Caltech logo, an image of Rosenbaum, and a congratulatory message.
The celebration concluded with a reception outside Beckman Auditorium, where staff members continued to celebrate with one another over refreshments catered by Caltech Dining Services.
