The students marching toward Beckman Mall

It's 1986. Many know it as the year when Halley's comet painted the sky, the Mets beat the Red Sox in the World Series, and the Bangles "walked like Egyptians". But for the students who marched through Beckman Mall in cap and gown, surrounded by cheering friends and family, 1986 will always be remembered as the year of their graduation.

Eyeglasses may have been larger and hairdos fluffier, but the 2016 graduating class feels the same pride for their achievements, and holds the same hopes for brilliant futures in invention, exploration, and discovery—lives as true Techers.

To celebrate Caltech's 122nd Commencement and congratulate a new generation of distinguished graduates, the Caltech Archives is pleased to present a photographic gallery from thirty years ago, when President Marvin Goldberger led the Commencement exercises, and Caltech alumnus Arnold Beckman, inventor and entrepreneur, delivered the address. -EP

Visit the photographic gallery. Posted 6-9-2016