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Caltech Y Spring Friends Dinner: Being a World Citizen with Jane Olson

May 11, 2023

Please join us for an intimate discussion with Jane Olson as she talks about her global humanitarian efforts and new book, "World Citizen: Journeys of a Humanitarian."

RSVP Here: https://www.caltechy.org/events/caltech-y-presents-jane-olson-being-a-world-citizen

Jane Olson has worked as a volunteer for decades to promote peace and justice through international human rights and humanitarian organizations. She chaired the International Board of Trustees of Human Rights Watch from 2004 to 2010 and served as co-chair of the Women's Refugee Commission. As founding board chair of Landmine Survivors Network (LSN)/Survivor Corps, she served as a leader for 12 years.

Jane traveled extensively with these and other humanitarian organizations to Nicaragua and El Salvador during the Contra Wars and to the former Soviet Union beginning with trips to Ukraine in 1989 and 1990, a time of revolution. As the former USSR fell apart and wars broke out, she participated in investigative trips to the former Yugoslavia during "ethnic cleansing" of Bosnia, and to the Caucasus countries of Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Additional missions to many countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America focused on human rights abuse and refugee conditions, HIV/AIDS, landmines, and other calamities caused by conflict and extreme poverty.

Jane is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a board member of both the National World War II Museum in New Orleans and Direct Relief, based in Santa Barbara, CA. She is a board member of The Trusteeship, the Southern California chapter of the International Women's Forum, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Pacific Council on International Policy.

Jane grew up in rural western Iowa and graduated from the University of Nebraska. She lives with her husband, attorney Ronald L. Olson, in Pasadena, California. They have three children and eight grandsons.

Reception 6:00 pm

Dinner 7:00 pm

Discussion Starts 7:45 pm

Please RSVP by May 17th, 2023

Space is limited.

Menu

Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio

burrata, arugula, cucumber, kalamata olive powder, balsamic vinaigrette

Snake River Farms Prime Filet of Beef

whipped Yukon golds, grilled asparagus, piquillo, bordelaise

or 

Vegan Lasagna

sautéed spinach, grilled tofu, cashews butter

Butterscotch Budino

burnt caramel, whipped crème, sea salt, cocoa nibs, house-made shortbread

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Sponsorship packages are available to allow Caltech students to attend this event. For sponsorship information, contact Maya Rosental Saporito at [email protected]

*Friends dinners are unique evenings where the Caltech and Pasadena communities come together to engage with world-renowned scientific,  humanitarian, and civic leaders. You are receiving this event because you are a Friend of the Caltech Y or a Friend is inviting you. Friends dinners are not fundraising events. Our ticket price covers our cost for the evening.

The Athenaeum follows Caltech's COVID-19 safety protocols. By entering Caltech's facilities, visitors attest to being fully vaccinated or having a legal medical exemption.