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Photos: Scene & Heard

By Ellen Olivier Andrew Lange, Caltech's chair of physics, mathematics and astronomy, said he likes the modern top-heavy design of the university's new Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, because "it looks like this building is so chock full of astrophysicists that it is bulging out." The Caltech Associates, a support group for Pasadena's California Institute of Technology, had been invited to Lange's Oct. 17 lecture about the beginning of time, followed by a guided tour of the new facility, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne. Elizabeth Tito, the Associates' new president, said that unlike most university support groups, most members are not alumni. "We attract people interested in science, because they recognize that what Caltech does in scientific research is of the highest caliber in the world," she said. Tito studied physics and economics at Moscow State University, UCLA and Stanford. Tito's husband, Dennis, had been a rocket scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory before founding the investment firm Wilshire Associates and later becoming the first "space tourist” to travel to the International Space Station. Some of California's most prominent early citizens, such as Henry Huntington, Harry Chandler and Henry Robinson, formed the Associates in the 1920s because they saw Caltech emerging as a leader in scientific achievement. Today the group has nearly 1,500 members throughout the U.S. Photo: Elizabeth and Dennis Tito.

By Ellen Olivier

Andrew Lange, Caltech’s chair of physics, mathematics and astronomy, said he likes the modern top-heavy design of the university’s new Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, because “it looks like this building is so chock full of astrophysicists that it is bulging out.”

The Caltech Associates, a support group for Pasadena’s California Institute of Technology, had been invited to Lange’s Oct. 17 lecture about the beginning of time, followed by a guided tour of the new facility, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne.

Elizabeth Tito, the Associates’ new president, said that unlike most university support groups, most members are not alumni.

“We attract people interested in science, because they recognize that what Caltech does in scientific research is of the highest caliber in the world,” she said. Tito studied physics and economics at Moscow State University, UCLA and Stanford. Tito’s husband, Dennis, had been a rocket scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory before founding the investment firm Wilshire Associates and later becoming the first “space tourist” to travel to the International Space Station.

Some of California’s most prominent early citizens, such as Henry Huntington, Harry Chandler and Henry Robinson, formed the Associates in the 1920s because they saw Caltech emerging as a leader in scientific achievement. Today the group has nearly 1,500 members throughout the U.S.

Photo: Elizabeth and Dennis Tito.  (Axel Koester / For The Times)

Caltech

Dennis Tito and Valerie Foster Hoffman.  (Axel Koester / For The Times)

Caltech

The new Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Caltech.  (Axel Koester / For The Times)

Caltech

Andrew Lange, left, Joyce Hameetman and Dennis Tito.  (Axel Koester / For The Times)

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Rodeo Walk of Style Award

By Ellen Olivier

Reigning European monarchs don’t come along every day, not even to Beverly Hills. So it was no surprise that event patrons and other guests at the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Awards felt privileged to attend a private party at Cartier with Prince Albert II, who arrived from Monaco to represent his mother, the late Princess Grace of Monaco.

This year, the city of Beverly Hills and the Rodeo Drive Committee honored Cartier and Princess Grace with plaques on the famed luxury street. The evening brought more than $140,000 into the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, which awards funds to emerging artists, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting the environment.

“It’s an honor to be here,” Prince Albert said, prior to the Oct. 22 ceremony. “This is a great tribute to my mother.”

Over cocktails, the prince mingled with guests, among them Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s director of image; event co-chairs Peri Ellen Byrne and Susan Moseley; Wanda McDaniel; Monaco Consul General Maguy Maccario-Doyle; Bill Mundell with Ricki Noel Lander; Jennifer Gold with her son David Bren; Jennifer and Douglas Chrismas of the Ace Gallery; and actresses Debra Messing, Angie Harmon and Camilla Belle.

Photo: Prince Albert II of Monaco and Debra Messing.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Rodeo Walk of Style Award

Actress Camilla Belle.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Rodeo Walk of Style Award

Guests enjoy a cocktail reception at Cartier before the Rodeo Walk of Style Award ceremony.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Rodeo Walk of Style Award

Demi Moore arrives.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

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Rodeo Walk of Style Award

Debra Messing shows off a Cartier ring.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

Rodeo Walk of Style Award

Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s director of image, style and heritage, left, with Angie Harmon, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Camilla Belle.  (Stefano Paltera / For The Times)

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