Urban League President John W. Mack Elected to Caltech Board of Trustees

PASADENA, Calif.-John W. Mack stands out as a dynamic force in shaping the social, economic, and political landscape of Los Angeles. His renowned career as president of the Los Angeles Urban League spans over thirty years, and has made a positive impact on Southern California. A highly respected advocate for equal opportunities in education and economics, Mack will now lend his expertise to the California Institute of Technology as a newly elected member of the Board of Trustees.

Mack's work in building productive partnerships has been pervasive throughout corporate America, small business, government, and communities, making him one of the most influential leaders in the country. Mack has been described as "a bridge builder across all racial, cultural, economic, gender, and religious lines."

"It is an honor to accept this important role as a trustee to the board of the California Institute of Technology," Mack says. "As one of the preeminent research institutes in the world, Caltech is involved in some of the most vital scientific discoveries that will determine our future. Caltech understands the importance of an inclusive, diverse academic community for all. I eagerly look forward to this opportunity to contribute to the attainment of this crucial goal."

Under Mack's leadership, the Los Angeles Urban League has created innovative programs for business and career development, including programs for job training, job placement, education, academic tutoring, computer technology, and youth achievement. The Los Angeles Urban League serves more than 100,000 individuals each year.

Mack began his career with the Urban League in Flint, Michigan in 1964 and was appointed executive director in 1965. During this time he served on the Urban League's national staff for six months in Washington, D.C. Then in 1969 he was appointed president of the Los Angeles chapter.

Mack holds a Master's Degree from Clark Atlanta University. The recipient of numerous distinguished honors and awards, Mack serves on various boards, including the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Wells Fargo Bank, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Founded in 1891, Caltech is located on a 124-acre campus in Pasadena. The Institute also manages the nearby Jet Propulsion Laboratory and operates eight other off-campus astronomical, seismological, and marine biology facilities. Caltech has an enrollment of approximately 2,000 students, and a faculty of about 280 professorial members, 65 research members, and some 560 postdoctoral scholars. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Caltech's undergraduate and graduate programs as being among the nation's best. The average SAT score of members of recent incoming freshman classes has consistently been at 1500.

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Contact: Deborah Williams-Hedges (626) 395-3227 debwms@caltech.edu

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