Alumnus continues his tradition of advocating for Caltech Giving Day, taking place April 22.

When Erik Hille (BS ’89) was an undergrad at Caltech, he worked as a Phonathon caller, encouraging alumni to give back to their alma mater. Thirty-five years later, he’s calling on alumni to step up for Caltech Giving Day, the annual event that invites the Caltech community to come together in support of the Institute’s mission. Hosted by the Caltech Fund, the day will feature activities on-campus as well as online—including live streaming from the turtle pond.

Hille, who marked his 35th reunion last year, has been a dedicated supporter of Caltech for decades. From his home in San Diego, he hosts alumni chapter events, reconnecting with former classmates and building relationships with fellow alumni across generations. "It’s made me realize how important Caltech is to me, to who I am," he says.

That realization inspired Hille to increase his philanthropic involvement in recent years, with a focus on undergraduate scholarships. In 2024, he teamed up with fellow alumni Castor Fu (BS ’87) and Mike Ricci (BS ’91) to create a matching challenge for Caltech Giving Day. Their efforts helped raise more than $30,000 in a single day. "How much we raised was beyond my expectations," Hille says. "I was really impressed."

This year, Hille is once again spearheading a matching challenge to support undergraduate scholarships on Giving Day. He will be joined by Deepinder (Deepi) Brar (BS ’92) and Edward Nanale (BS ’90). Matching challenges unlock additional support when donor participation goals are met—a model that aligns with Hille’s values. "Back when I started giving, there were a couple of years I’m pretty sure I gave about five dollars," he recalls. "But contributing anything at all is a way of saying I care. That’s what matters."

To Hille, undergraduate scholarships serve a dual purpose: attracting top talent and removing financial barriers so students can fully engage in the Caltech experience.

"You shouldn’t be working a part-time job off campus," he says. "That’s not why you’re in college. You’re there to learn and to grow."

First-year student Maria Jose Sanchez Rincon, who plans to study astrophysics, says a scholarship made it possible for her to attend Caltech without hesitation. "It really impacted me and helped me make a very easy decision about coming here," she says. "I’m very grateful."

That kind of experience is exactly what alumni support helps make possible, Hille says. "The scholarship fund completes the picture of what it means to attend a place like Caltech and receive an excellent education and apply it thereafter."

For Hille, the power of Giving Day lies not just in the dollars raised but in the collective spirit of alumni giving back. "I’d be almost happier if a thousand people gave five dollars than if five people gave a lot," he says, "because it sends a message to prospective students."

"It’s about showing students that we’re here, that we’ve been through similar experiences," adds Hille. "We’ll support you through school, and beyond, through the alumni network."