150th Anniversary Celebration

Purdue University opened its doors on September 16, 1874. That date marks the launch of an incredible journey of innovation and education by our chemistry faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

The James Tarpo Jr. and Margaret Tarpo Department of Chemistry celebrated its sesquicentennial in April 2025.

Chemistry 150th Anniversary Celebration
April 11-12, 2025
West Lafayette campus

See photos from the 150th events!

Read about chemistry alumni reflecting on their time at Purdue.

Follow our celebration on Instagram @PurdueChemistry

FRIDAY, APRIL 11

An afternoon to recognize and award our students, staff, and faculty members. (Alumni are invited!)

Awards Celebration
3:30PM - 4:20PM - WTHR 200

Afternoon Social Hour
4:30PM - Leighty Commons, WTHR lobby

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

An on-campus celebration to honor our legacy and envision the future.

Morning Coffee Social
8:30AM - 9:20AM
Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC) building located just north of WTHR.

Opening Remarks
9:20AM - 9:30AM
WALC 1055
Hosts: Jeffrey Dick, Hannah Starr

Featured Lecture
Richard Zare, Stanford University
9:30AM - 10:30AM
WALC 1055

Chemistry Reflections – “Purdue and Me”
10:30AM - Noon
WALC 1055
Philip Low – Senior Faculty
Betsy Parkinson – Junior Faculty
Zheng Ouyang – Graduate Alumni
Richard Wien – Undergraduate Alumni, 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awardee
Donna Wilkinson – Retired Staff Member

150th Anniversary Celebration Dinner
5:00PM - Data Science AI Building (DSAI)
Hosts: Shelley Claridge, Gabriel Lovinger