Ina S. and Stanley B. Mirviss Memorial Fund in Chemistry

The Ina S. and Stanley B. Mirviss Memorial Fund in Chemistry is awarded to graduate students who excel as mentors for undergraduates, who have a passion for laboratory science, and who understand the importance of lab safety. It honors the memory of Ina (MS in biochemistry, 1949) and Stanley Mirviss (BS in chemistry, 1944, Ph.D. in chemistry, 1951, McElvain).

Ina and Stanley met at UW-Madison. She graduated with a master’s degree in biochemistry and went on to become a beloved high school chemistry teacher. She also collaborated with the American Chemical Society to develop a new chemistry curriculum for high school students. Ina was honored as Connecticut Teacher of the Year and received a Presidential teaching award. Stanley graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1944 and then served as a sharpshooter in the Marines and fought at Iwo Jima. He returned to Madison to work with advisor Samuel M. McElvain to earn his Ph.D. in organic chemistry. Stan worked in several positions in industry as an organic chemist and was co-inventor on 60 patents.