Texas AIChE is hosting the McKetta Picnic Fri., April 17, 2026, in Eastwoods Park from 2:30-6:30pm. Faculty, undergrads, grad students, post-docs, alumni, EAC members, and staff are invited. RSVP here.
For decades, department namesake John McKetta and his wife Pinky hosted students and faculty on their Lake Austin property for an annual picnic. The "McKetta Picnic" became a beloved tradition where everyone in the department was invited to spend a day in the sun. Friendly field games like tug of war, dizzy bat relay, or volleyball took place and potluck meals were topped off with Pinky's famous Mississippi Mud Pie for dessert.
“Back in the day it was an all-day event,” remembers former lecturer and alumnus Michael Poehl, B.S. ’74. “Later as Dr. McKetta got older, he would still host but would come out and watch and wave from his porch. It was something everyone looked forward to every year.”
As the McKettas got older and could no longer host, the Texas AIChE student chapter started to put on a smaller-scale, student-focused picnic and moved the event closer to campus in nearby Eastwoods Park. They put their own spin on it, grilling burgers, adding a piñata and a watermelon eating contest last year. Dr. McKetta continued to attend well into his late 90s—he enjoyed the quality time with students as long as he could.
The tradition continued after Dr. McKetta's passing in 2019, then for a couple years during the COVID-19 pandemic the picnic was put on pause, but things are ramping back up.
"We wanted to bring the picnic back in a bigger way, so in 2025, for the first time, we invited alumni," explained Jennifer Pierce, B.S. '25, and former Texas AIChE VP of membership. "We had more than 100 people attend last year, including some alumni and retired professors."
Former Texas AIChE President Codi McMillan, B.S. '25, said, "It was great to hear stories from alumni and retired professors about how much attending the McKetta Picnic used to mean to them. I'm so happy that not only did bringing the picnic back impact students, but ChE alumni were excited and thankful that Dr. McKetta's legacy is enduring."
This year Texas AIChE is partnering with department staff to increase resources and awareness for the picnic. Previously held on Saturday afternoons, this year's event will take place on a Friday afternoon and evening immediately following the department's External Advisory Council (EAC) Meeting. This will allow EAC members, many of whom are alumni, to attend the picnic and spend time with students and faculty in a social setting.
"We're excited to work closer with the department on this and identifying a time that works for students and also encourages attendance from EAC members," said Audrey Schmid, B.S. '27 and current VP of membership for Texas AIChE. "As a key stakeholder group, this is a great opportunity for students to get to know EAC members."
The ultimate goal of Texas AIChE and the department is to increase wider participation and awareness for the picnic and restore the event to being one of the premier activities for chemical engineering and inclusive for everyone to attend.
"Texas AIChE students have learned more about the historical significance and community building of the McKetta Picnic and how it was truly a celebrated, department-wide event," said Marisa Meier, associate director of alumni & corporate relations. "They want more alumni, faculty, and students of all classifications--undergrad and grad--to come have fun together, similar to the annual McKetta Tailgate in the fall. They want to enhance the inclusive, welcoming nature of the picnic and make Dr. McKetta proud and in that spirit, we hope everyone comes out to join us on April 17."
More Fun Facts you Might Not Know About the McKetta Picnic:
Texas AIChE has Old Scrap Books
The Texas AIChE student chapter has nearly 20 scrapbooks filled with memories from the Class of 1989 through the Class of 2003! They’re always a BIG hit at general meetings and events like the McKetta Tailgate. They’ll have a few set up at the picnic for everyone to peruse and reminisce.
LyondellBasell is 2025’s First Official Sponsor
LyondellBasell has signed on as the first official Industry sponsor for this year's event. If you’re interested in becoming an individual sponsor or if your company is interested in becoming a corporate sponsor to support the McKetta Picnic, please contact
Rain or Shine
The show must go on! Unless there are unsafe weather conditions, like lightning, the picnic will be held. There will be a few tents but check the weather in advance and if need be, bring an umbrella.
BYO Chair
There are picnic tables throughout Eastwoods Park, but we highly recommend you bring your own folding chair or blanket for more comfortable seating.
Don't forget to RSVP
RSVPs are required so that the planning committee can ensure there’s enough food and beverages for everyone. RSVP today.
Friday | April 17, 2026
2:30-6:30PM
Eastwoods Park
3001 Harris Park Ave.
