Caltech Celebrates Outgoing President Rosenbaum's 12-Year Tenure

The institute will host a farewell event for its longest-serving president since the 1960s.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The California Institute of Technology will hold a celebratory gathering on February 20 to mark President Thomas F. Rosenbaum's 12 years of leadership. Rosenbaum, Caltech's ninth president, will step down on June 30 after the longest tenure in the position since the 1960s. Astrophysicist Ray Jayawardhana, currently provost of Johns Hopkins University, was named Caltech's tenth president in January and will take over on July 1.

Why it matters

Rosenbaum's 12-year tenure as Caltech's president is the longest since the 1960s, a period of significant growth and achievement for the prestigious science and engineering institute. During his time, Caltech researchers made groundbreaking discoveries, faculty won Nobel Prizes, and new campus facilities were constructed, cementing the school's reputation as a global leader in scientific research and education.

The details

The celebration on Caltech's 124-acre campus will include brief remarks at noon followed by a hosted lunch. All members of the Caltech community are invited to the event, which is intended to thank the community 'for the energy, insight, ingenuity, and commitment that each person brings to Caltech every day.' Rosenbaum, a condensed matter physicist, previously served as provost at the University of Chicago and will remain on the Caltech faculty after stepping down.

  • Rosenbaum assumed office as Caltech's ninth president on July 1, 2014.
  • Rosenbaum will step down as president on June 30, 2026.
  • The celebratory gathering will be held on February 20, 2026.

The players

Thomas F. Rosenbaum

Caltech's ninth president, who is stepping down after 12 years in the role, the longest tenure since the 1960s.

Ray Jayawardhana

Astrophysicist and current provost of Johns Hopkins University, who was named Caltech's tenth president in January 2026 and will take over on July 1, 2026.

Dave Thompson

Chair of Caltech's Board of Trustees.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Under Tom's guidance, and as a result of the enhancements he has overseen to the student experience, including increasing the Institute's investment in student scholarships, fellowships, and supporting programs, Caltech is better equipped to attract the brightest and most talented future scientists and engineers.”

— Dave Thompson, Chair of Caltech's Board of Trustees (Caltech Magazine)

“Clearly, this isn't the year I envisioned. Many of the core principles remain unchanged. This moment offers a chance to reaffirm our deep commitment to academic freedom, scientific inquiry, and the pursuit of truth and discovery.”

— Thomas F. Rosenbaum (Caltech Magazine)

What’s next

Astrophysicist Ray Jayawardhana will officially take over as Caltech's tenth president on July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Rosenbaum's 12-year tenure as Caltech's president was marked by significant achievements, including groundbreaking research, Nobel Prize-winning faculty, and campus expansions, cementing the institute's reputation as a global leader in science and engineering. His successor, Ray Jayawardhana, will have the opportunity to build on this legacy and continue Caltech's tradition of excellence.