The Chemistry Reunion Weekend

The first UK Chemistry Reunion was held on October 14-16, 2016.  The initial event of the weekend was the annual Lyle Dawson lecture presented by Prof. Seth Marder of Georgia Institute of Technology on “The Design of Third-Order Nonlinear Optical Materials.”  Following this well-attended presentation and a reception in the new Don and Cathy Jacobs Science Building (JSB), an Open House of the JSB made it possible for visitors to view our state-of-the-art science teaching facilities.  In addition to tours of the new JSB, the evening featured:

• The Reaction Attraction with entertaining and spectacular chemistry demonstrations by Anne-Frances Miller, Jack Selegue, and Erin Peters
• Demonstrations of scientific glassblowing by Jeff Babbitt
• A description of the “Spirits Chemistry” course offered by Bert Lynn
• A crime scene, based on the “Forensic Science on Television” course taught by Mark Lovell
• The Chemistry in Comics collection of Jack Selegue and Jim Holler

On Saturday morning, the Chemistry Alumni Board met for its annual in-person get-together; a virtual meeting is held in the spring.  The afternoon was free for visitors to seek their fortunes at the Keeneland Race Course or tour the Bluegrass.  Over a dozen alumni took the opportunity to visit the old Chemistry-Physics Building and reminisce about the time they spent in its laboratories. 

On Saturday evening, a Reception was held at the Helen King Alumni House with about a hundred alumni, faculty, and visitors in attendance.  At this informal gathering, alumni were able to renew friendships over food and drinks, meet current and former members of the faculty, win prizes by demonstrating their knowledge of the Department of Chemistry and its history, and take home priceless souvenirs of the occasion.  It was an evening to remember, which ended all too early for most of us.

On Sunday, a number of alumni continued the weekend with small social gatherings, while others began the homeward trek.  The weekend seemed to be enjoyable for all, with the most frequently asked question: “When can we do it again?”

Link to event photos: Click Here