Donor Stories

Chemist's Legacy Grows, Thanks to His Sister

In 1922, 15-year-old John "Jack" Kirkwood visited Pasadena with his family to escape the Kansas winter. An intellectually curious boy, Kirkwood sat in on Caltech classes. He soon found himself discussing chemistry with Arthur Amos Noyes, one of the world's leading chemists.

Alumnus Gives Caltech a Wild Card

When Richard Beatty (BS '77) recently named Caltech in his will, he decided not to specify any purpose for the gift. He thinks that making a gift that Caltech can use in any way it wishes will maximize his gift's impact on research and education.

Caltech Legacies

Tom Movius (BS '54) has made it possible for students far into the future to experience what he appreciated most about Caltech—a deep immersion in learning.

Fred and Joyce Hameetman: Foundation Gives $6.2 Million to Rebuild Campus Center

Caltech trustee Fred Hameetman and his wife, Joyce, are the motivating force behind a multimillion-dollar gift that will transform Caltech campus life for generations to come.

Robert and Phyllis Henigson: A Rewarding Choice

Robert and Phyllis Henigson fuel financial goals and students' scholarly pursuits with planned gifts.

Hideo Ikawa: How a Secret Phone Call Launched One Career—And Now Dozens More

Hideo Ikawa's graduate education and career—and, later, a gift to support current Caltech students—were propelled into motion by his wife, Yoshiko, who secretly called Caltech's Registrar's Office when Ikawa was already 28 years old.

Jasmine and Chris Bryant: Caltech Alumni Pay It Forward

Dedicated annual donors, volunteers, and engaged alumni—such as the 2011 Caltech Fund cochairs Jasmine and Chris Bryant—have played an integral role in energizing Caltech's community of giving.