About the Armendarez Lecture Series
This lecture series honors the late Professor Peter Xavier Armendarez, the first Hispanic graduate student in the Department of Chemistry.
Dr. Armendarez was a first-generation college student who joined the Air Force after graduating from Loyola Marymount University. Originally a nuclear scientist for the Air Force, his career in the military sent him to Washington University in St. Louis, where he joined Arthur Wahl's lab group as a graduate student. After earning his master's degree from WashU, he continued his education at the University of Arizona, where he earned his PhD in physical chemistry.
He would spend over 30 years as an instructor at Brescia University, where his numerous grants helped establish the university's science department. During his sabbaticals at Brescia University, he worked for the Navy and the Air Force, developing a novel technique for burning aluminum with numerous military applications. Upon completing his final science duty tour, he was promoted to the rank of Major. After he retired from Brescia University, he taught at Owensboro Catholic High School and McLean County High School.
Aside from his passion for teaching and science, Dr. Armendarez was also an avid supporter of civil rights. He actively participated in the civil rights movement and marched in Chicago alongside Martin Luther King Jr.
The Armendarez lecture series is the newest named lecture series in the Department of Chemistry and honors Dr. Armendarez's legacy and lifelong dedication to teaching, equity, and service.
Photos of Dr. Armendarez were kindly provided to the Department by the Armendarez Family