KAVLI INSTITUTE FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS
NAMING EVENT - JUNE 7, 2002
The chairs spread out on the institute's lawn overlooking the Pacific held rapt guests from the worlds of academia, politics and industry, alongside members of the local community, come to honor Fred Kavli for two visionary gifts totaling $7.5M to the Institute for Theoretical Physics. Mr. Kavli, a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and Trustee of the UCSB Foundation, made the gifts in recognition of the institute's renowned leadership in the world of science. UC Santa Barbara is proud to name the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP) in honor of Fred Kavli and his extraordinary generosity. The gifts will provide for two pressing needs - program flexibility and additional space.
In his remarks to assembled guests, Kavli reminisced about his life-long fascination with physics, and paid tribute to the scientists around the world whose research and work ensure the success of the KITP. "I believe physics is the most basic branch of science" he said. "With the help of physicists, we will continue to discover and find new understanding and insights into our universe, and that is why we are here" explained Kavli of his commitment. In conclusion he added "It is with humility and deep gratitude that I give a helping hand to you - the present and future generations of scientists on their journey through the cosmos to new vistas".
Kip Thorne, a physicist at the California Institute of Technology and principal speaker at the ceremony, expressed his profound gratitude for the KITP, where scientists have time to pause and think, "to interact with brilliant minds, interactions that may radically change the direction of one's own research". He highlighted the way KITP programs foster new collaborations and help to break down disciplinary barriers, a critical contribution as the pace of discovery accelerates and the big questions come within reach (PDF of full remarks).
