Around the Table, Around the World: Tables for Techers 2026

In its summer return, Tables for Techers brought alumni, students, postdocs, faculty, and friends together across the globe. 

From the first tables of the weekend in Taipei and Northampton to the final gatherings in Basel and St. Louis, Techers came together to share meals, make memories, and build connections that reached far beyond the table. Held in homes, restaurants, and community spaces, each gathering reflected the personality of its hosts while creating a welcoming place for Techers to connect. 

Tables for Techers 2026, registration by the numbers:

761 Techers
96 tables
23 states
8 countries
37 pets
1 boat

For some, the weekend was a chance to see familiar faces and continue long-standing friendships. For others, it was an opportunity to meet fellow Techers in their area for the first time. Caltech President Ray Jayawardhana joined a table in Bethesda, Maryland, hosted by Rebecca Adler-Miserendino (CAA Board, BS ’06) and Scott Miserendino (MS ’03, PhD ’07).

“Attending my first Tables for Techers was a wonderful introduction to the broader Caltech alumni community,” Jayawardhana said. “It was a joy to spend the evening listening to alumni stories, learning about the impact they’re making around the world, and experiencing the shared curiosity and vibrant Caltech spirit that extend far beyond campus. I’m grateful to our alumni volunteers whose generosity creates these meaningful opportunities for connection and conversation across our global community.”

Attendees also helped tell the story of the weekend by submitting photos from their gatherings. The images capture what made this year’s event so special: full tables, smiling faces, shared meals, and Techers coming together in cities around the world.

The success of Tables for Techers 2026 was made possible by the generosity, enthusiasm, and hospitality of every host, co-host, and guest. Each person who pulled up a seat helped build a growing Caltech tradition.  

Thank you to everyone who joined, hosted, and submitted photos this year. View a gallery below and browse all photos here.  

Hosts Sam Lindsay-Levine (BS ’04), Kirsten Welge (BS ’04), and Kaisa Taipale (BS ’03) with guests in St. Paul, MN.

Hosts Abigail Crites (BS ’06) and Julia Ma (BS ’06) with guests in Ithaca, NY.

Hosts Alice Paquette (PhD ’00) and Alexander Protopapas (PhD ’98) with guests in Brooklyn, NY.

Hosts Anson Lam (BS ’11) and Alethia Shih and guests in Burbank, CA.

Anson Lam (BS ’11) 3D printed beavers as gifts for his guests in Burbank, CA.

Hosts Ben Turk (BS ’98) and Sam Foster (BS ’98) with guests in Long Beach, CA.

Hosts Christie Canaria (PhD ’08) and Brad Cenko (PhD ’09) with guests in Silver Spring, MD.

Host Claire Zhang (BS ’24) and guests in St. Louis, MO.

Host Dan Liebling (BS ’02) in Seattle, WA.

Host Dave Bacon (BS ’97) and guests in Seattle, WA.

Hosts Rebecca Adler-Miserendino (CAA Board, BS ’06) and Scott Miserendino (MS ’03, PhD ’07) with President Ray Jayawardhana in Bethesda, MD.

Host Joseph White (BS ’82) with guests in Lake Arrowhead, CA.

Host Dennis Pocekay (BS ’70) and guests in Petaluma, CA.

Host Gabriel Kreiman (MS ’02, PhD ’02) with guests in San Francisco, CA.

Hosts Marie Parkes (BS ’00), Dale Parkes (BS ’00), and Scott Gordon (BS ’84) with guests in Albuquerque, NM.

Hosts Erick Co (BS ’95) and Walter Lau (BS ’93) with guests in Taipei