From the Nominator

"This exclusive and incomparable event utilized one of Caltech’s most prized off-campus locations, the historic Palomar Observatory. Home to four operating telescopes, Palomar is one of the most iconic research facilities in the world. By partnering with one of our top donors to co-host, we welcomed his contacts as new friends and invited our $1 million plus donors to join us. 

Guests were given a behind-the-scenes observatory tour during an exciting two-day visit. They had the rare opportunity to view the cosmos through the eyepiece of the venerable and cutting-edge Hale Telescope, something most scientists don’t have the chance to do. As our president, Thomas Rosenbaum, put it, “The experience served as a powerful reminder of the scientific payoffs that can result from the combination of persistence and ingenuity, built on the foundation of engineering prowess.” 

Our esteemed donors and friends were celebrated at a dinner and reception inside the telescope dome, an area typically off-limits to the public. During a day of illuminating talks, guests had the chance to engage with renowned researchers on some of the most profound questions in planetary science, like “Where do we come from?” and “Are we alone?” 

By highlighting Caltech’s strengths in astronomy and a newer initiative called the Caltech Center for Comparative Planetary Evolution, we were able to secure a gift of $1 million from a first-time donor and friend of the co-host, as well as other large-scale investments, as a result of this extraordinary event."

From the Judges

A great concept that was well-executed, despite challenging logistics. The panel felt that the approach created a sense of exclusivity and importance, which yielded immediate giving results. Other institutions considering impactful locations with logistic challenges could look to this entry as a model.