Click here for information about the CNS GRaduation ceremony.

The Department of Chemistry Graduation Ceremony & Reception is an annual event honoring the achievements of our students. During the ceremony, department medals are awarded and traditionally worn to commencement the following day. We invite graduating students, their family and friends, current students, faculty, and alumni to attend the ceremony on May 18, 2018 at 1:30 PM in SAC 2.410 followed by a reception in the same room.

guest speaker: Hoyt “Chip” McElroy, CLASS OF 1979

Hoyt “Chip” McElroy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry in 1979 and a PhD in Biochemistry in 1988; both from the University of Texas at Austin. In graduate school, Chip worked in Jon Robertus’ lab doing molecular biology in support of x-ray crystallographic studies elucidating structure-function relationships in proteins. 

In 1989 he began a three-year postdoctoral position at Agouron Pharmaceuticals in San Diego, CA also in support of x-ray crystallographic studies toward rational drug design.  Chip returned to Austin in 1992 to manage the molecular biology service department at the local biotechnology company, Ambion.

During these years his interest in home brewing beer and commercial microbreweries grew from mild to enthusiastic. In Austin, in 1995 Chip and his former business partner founded Live Oak Brewing Co. and eventually sold their first beer in 1997.

Throughout history brewers and brew masters have been on the vanguard of biochemical and microbiological science.  Accordingly, Chip’s knowledge of chemistry, enzymology and fermentation has proved invaluable in expertly producing sophisticated beers, especially the contemporary and lost styles of central Europe.  

Over the past 21 years Live Oak has grown from an under-budgeted, over-grown homebrew operation to a well-respected regional brewery.

Attend the ceremony and reception

• Graduating students only:

  • Give permission for your name to be printed in the program and for a printed invitation to be mailed to your permanent address by emailing cmgraduation@cm.utexas.edu.
  • RSVP to the ceremony and reception (please respond by May 4th).
  • Participate in the slideshow - Submit a photo and favorite memory from a Chemistry class or your post-graduation plans to cmgraduation@cm.utexas.edu by May 13th. The photo can be current, a childhood photo, a family photo, a photo with friends, etc. 
  • The ceremony will begin at 1:30 pm. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early for check-in.
  • Business casual dress requested.
  • Visitor parking information

Contact

Please send any questions to cmgraduation@cm.utexas.edu.