Community Member Milestones
- 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.