Robert O'Rourke Named Associate Vice President for Institute Relations
O'Rourke joined Caltech in 1986 as director of public relations. For the past eight years he has served as assistant vice president for public relations. As associate vice president for Institute relations, his duties include overseeing public relations, periodicals, publications, media relations, and public events.
"Since coming to Caltech, Bob O'Rourke has made major contributions in gaining greater exposure for the Institute," said President Thomas E. Everhart in announcing the promotion. "He has expanded the Institute's profile in the community with the creation of innovative public programs designed to educate both the media and the public about the contributions of science and engineering to society."
O'Rourke has over 30 years of experience in public relations. In 1986 he came to Caltech from Boston University, where he was assistant vice president for public relations and press secretary to the president from 1980 to 1986. Prior to that he served as vice president for institutional relations at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia from 1977 to 1980, director of public affairs and community health education at the University of Wisconsin Center for Health Sciences in Madison from 1976 to 1977, and director of public relations and development at West Allis Memorial Hospital in West Allis, Wisconsin, from 1973 to 1976. He received his BA degree in 1962 from the University of Arizona.
An active member of the Pasadena community, O'Rourke has been involved in a number of organizations, including the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, the Pasadena Jackie Robinson Memorial Coordinating Committee, and the Pasadena Forward Committee. He was also co-chair of the Pasadena World Cup Strategic Planning Committee. He resides in Sierra Madre.
Contact: Sue Pitts (818) 395-3227 pitts@caltech.edu
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