More about the Gee Competition
Fun Fact | In 2007, John and Barbara Gee gave our Caltech Beaver a much-needed retrofit! This photo, taken at John's 55th Caltech reunion, marked the unveiling of the new beaver. Check out the story on this here.
In 2009, John and Barbara Gee endowed the Gee Family SURF Poster Competition, creating the Institute's signature program for Caltech undergraduates looking to excel in effective scientific poster presentations.
John Gee (BS '53, Mechanical Engineering; Fleming House) joined the SURF Board in 1999 and was elected Vice Chair in 2001. Elected Chair of the SURF Board in 2003, John's strong leadership from 2004 to 2007 led to increased endowments, allowing SURF to flourish and provide students with more research opportunities. John also served as president of the Caltech Alumni Association, chair of the Gnome Club board, and two-time chair of the Caltech Y board, and was a long-time supporter of the Caltech Associates.
John passed away in 2015, and is survived by his wife, Barbara, and children, Lind and Graham. To our great appreciation, the Gee family continues to enthusiastically support SURF and our students.
The first stage of the Gee Family SURF Poster Competition happens on SFP Fall Seminar Day, which occurs on the third Saturday of October. On this Seminar Day, students presenting at the Poster Session are judged by campus scientists and experts, the latter of whom are tasked with picking the Gee finalists. In November, our office hosts the Gee Finals, where the students undergo judging by members of the Caltech faculty.