Caltech Mourns the Passing of Elizabeth H. Bechtel (1926–2024)

Elizabeth H. Bechtel, together with her late husband, Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr., left an indelible mark on the Institute. She passed away on May 11, 2024, at 98 years old.

Mrs. Bechtel and her husband, who was a member of the Caltech Board of Trustees for three decades and then a life member of the Caltech community until his death in 2021, were dedicated to improving the lives of others. They supported a range of educational programs, including outreach efforts focused on K-12 students and teachers in California as well as graduate fellowships in engineering. In addition to many other priorities across the Institute, the couple made several significant contributions to campus beautification projects, one of which resulted in the naming of Bechtel Mall in their honor.

Through personal giving and through the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation—for which Mrs. Bechtel was a founding board member—the couple was instrumental in helping build or modernize many of Caltech's undergraduate housing facilities. In 2011, for example, the Bechtels made a landmark gift that enabled the construction of Bechtel Residence, which opened in 2018. The 211-bed facility made it possible for Caltech to offer every undergraduate the opportunity to live on campus throughout their four-year education. The Bechtels also contributed to the renovation of the South Houses, the oldest student residence halls on campus.

Beyond Caltech, Mrs. Bechtel was a generous benefactor of many other organizations. Most of these were located in the Bay Area, where she lived, and included the International House at UC Berkeley, the Edgewood Center for Children and Families, and the San Francisco Symphony. She also served as a member of the board of trustees of the Head-Royce School in Oakland.

Mrs. Bechtel is survived by five children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.