Optics and Photonics Dinner Cruise—2026

The Institute of Optics is delighted to host a FREE San Diego Dinner Cruise on August 24, from 6–9 p.m., and we would be thrilled to welcome you aboard the Admiral Hornblower for an evening of networking, great food, and breathtaking views of the bay.

Dinner selection includes:

  • Assorted bread and butter
  • Pan-seared chicken breast with smashed fingerling potatoes and fresh vegetables
  • Za'atar flat iron steak with sour cream and herb mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables
  • Potato gnocchi with vegetable succotash, arugula pistachio pesto, and aged parmesan reggiano
  • Double chocolate cake
  • Mixed berries and pineapple

We hope you'll be able to join us for a memorable evening on the water.

Additional event details and registration

Sponsorship Opportunities

We are currently seeking sponsors for the cruise and have developed several sponsorship levels for both individuals and companies. All sponsors are eligible to participate in an exciting raffle! Sponsorship is not required to participate in the dinner cruise

Individual Sponsorships

Bronze — $50: 2 raffle tickets

Silver — $100: 4 raffle tickets

Gold — $150: 8 raffle tickets

Platinum — $200: 16 raffle tickets

Company Sponsorships

Harbor Sponsor — $500: Each representative attending receives 1 raffle ticket and the company gets table space to highlight products and services.

Anchor Sponsor — $1,000: Each representative receives 3 raffle tickets, the company gets table space to highlight products and services, and one complimentary summer short course.

Admiral Sponsor — $1,500: Each representative receives 6 raffle tickets, the company gets table space to highlight products and services, and two complimentary summer short courses.

Flagship Sponsor — $2,000+: Each representative receives 15 raffle tickets, the company gets table space to highlight products and services, and three complimentary summer short courses.

Current Sponsors

Harbor sponsors:

Platinum sponsors:

  • Jim Oschmann
  • Yim Lew

Raffle Prize

This year’s raffle prize is a Limited Edition Star Wars Hilt Set with Three Blades, valued at $715.

To participate, please make the contribution to our dnewman3@ur.rochester.edu to confirm the amount donated or make a check payable to The University of Rochester - The Institute of Optics. Your raffle tickets will be provided to you aboard the cruise. We will also highlight your name or company name on the ship.