Meet the Meltons

"We support Caltech because its people will help society in ways we cannot even imagine. Where we may see question marks, they see future possibilities: ways they can inquire and invent to make the world a better place."

If you are like us, you have found that Caltech is a one-of-a-kind place and a wonderful fit for the one-of-a-kind scholars we send there to study.

We are fortunate to have two sons attending the Institute. And although they're unique, they are probably like your children in several important ways: intellectually independent, nonconformist, forever asking "Why?" Our sons also demonstrate how different types of people can thrive at Caltech. They share the love of science that drives every Techer. However, our older son, Walker, is purely a theorist, while our younger, Hayward, is a maker and builder through and through.

At Caltech, Walker learned from mentors who encouraged him on the path to graduate school, where he plans to combine particle physics with astrophysics. Hayward is just launching his Caltech career, but already he has connected with people who run workshops where he can build and tinker to his heart's delight. Walker and Hayward are just two members of an extraordinary and increasingly diverse student body, but they are examples of how Techers have room to simply be who they are.

One element of the Caltech experience that all of our children share is the opportunity to participate in research, right from the start. It is amazing to see how laboratory doors open to first-year students and how experienced investigators take students under their wing. That is a very special feature of Caltech, and it makes all the difference for our sons.

When friends ask us about the Institute, we describe it as a gem: small, unique, intense, and impactful. We support Caltech because its people will help society in ways we cannot even imagine. Where we may see question marks, they see future possibilities: ways they can inquire and invent to make the world a better place.

We believe we could never give as much to Caltech as we have received. Please join us and make a gift today. Your generosity helps ensure that your Techer and the ones who follow will have a place where they can be themselves, pursue their passions, and make discoveries that bring a brighter tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Bruce and Juli Melton
Parents of Walker '19 and Hayward '22

P.S. All contributions, of every size, make a difference. Please make your gift today!