Celebrating the legacy of the Chem Guys with one final show

trevor.kenney — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:09:53 +0000

For 25 years, they thrilled young audiences with noisy, sometimes gooey, quirky, corny, informative and always explosive events. Now, the incomparable Chem Guys are preparing one final science show — and they’re going out with a bang!

John Eng, left, and Wayne Lippa, right, are closing out the Chem Guys with a bang.

John Eng and Wayne Lippa from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry have been performing as the Chem Guys since the early 2000s. Their shows range from classroom demonstrations to large annual events, intended to inspire excitement about science and specifically chemistry. Throughout their journey, they have performed at venues such as the National Science Fair, the Science Commons opening, and as opening acts for Bill Nye the Science Guy, MythBusters and many more.

Now, with Eng planning to retire after 40 years of teaching and research activities, they are taking the stage for one last time on Thursday, April 9, at 6 p.m., at the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness — The Chem Guys Final Show, a special presentation of the Owen Holmes Lecture Series. A final show unlike any they’ve done before, the Chem Guys look to leave a legacy by raising funds for a new scholarship that will benefit future chemistry and biochemistry students.

“I always wanted to leave something behind to the institution,” says Eng. “This is a way to give back to the community and the institution and my academic unit.”

What has carried the Chem Guys for so many years has been good chemistry, scientifically and personally. Their shows have revolved around a key motto — chemistry is fun — and their purpose has been to engage audiences, specifically youth, to reduce the fear of chemicals and encourage excitement about chemistry for all ages.

“What we do is try to make chemistry approachable, not so scary. There’s so much fear out there. People say, ‘Oh, we don’t want chemistry. We don’t want chemicals.’ We want to dispel that myth,” says Eng.

Lippa concurs, saying the Chem Guys have always been about inviting everyone into the world of chemistry.

“The best way to learn chemistry is to do chemistry. The best way to understand chemistry is to do chemistry,” he says. “I can’t tell you how many times I hear, ‘I hated chemistry in high school.’ So, we try to make it enjoyable. When we do shows for kids, they’re always super excited, but somewhere along the way, that excitement can fade. We try to bring it back for all ages, to get everyone excited about chemistry.”

It's impossible to quantify how influential their “chemistry is fun” approach has been over the years, but it certainly made an impression on alumna Danika Dorchak (BSc ’18, MSc ’22), who was inspired to pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s in science.

“Everyone has experiences they look back on as defining moments that have shaped their entire life trajectory,” says Dorchak. “Watching the Chem Guys was one of those moments for me. Their excitement and energy showed me that chemistry is fun, and it ignited my own passion for STEM.”

Tickets for The Chem Guys Final Show, are free for children 15 and under, and $10 for general admission, with proceeds going towards the establishment of a new scholarship to benefit future chemistry and biochemistry students. Visit go.uleth.ca/chemguys for more information.

Bill Nye visits U of L campus

trevor.kenney — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:27:04 +0000

This event is sold out

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Students' Union (ULSU) and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Graduate Students' Association (GSA) are proud to welcome Bill Nye to campus as part of the ULSU's Annual Student Speaker Series.

"One of our primary mandates is to increase student engagement on campus and create a unique and memorable experience for our students," says Andrew Williams, the ULSU vice-president academic.

With that in mind, Williams began the process of courting and finalizing a deal with Nye's camp over eight months ago. It was a lengthy process but Williams believes it will pay off in a very big way with the Monday, Jan. 23 (Noon to 3:30 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre) appearance.

"I chose to bring Bill Nye to the U of L for a number of reasons," says Williams. "He is a man, who for many current students, ignited a passion for learning and pursuing knowledge, and that passion and enthusiasm are contagious."

Bill Nye popularized the study of science for a generation of youngsters.

For over 15 years, Nye has been providing audiences with exciting, educational science entertainment. His most prominent persona, Bill Nye the Science Guy, began in September 1993 and ran for five years. Nye hosted a total of 100 episodes to much critical acclaim and captured 19 Emmy Awards.

The excitement from both the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community and the greater Lethbridge area to the event is apparent in the brisk ticket sales. Williams says the ULSU has already sold more than 2,200 tickets.

"My hope is that Bill Nye's appearance will remind students of their strong passion and desire to learn, as well as recharge their batteries, so to speak, before mid-terms begin."

The event's attendees are not the only ones who stand to benefit from Nye's colloquial monologues. All proceeds from the event go to the ULSU Food Bank, helping to ensure that its shelves remain full and at the ready for all those who seek its services.

"The ULSU Food Bank is there to provide students in need with one of the most basic of human necessities," says Williams.

The 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium will host the noon event, with the popular ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Chem Guys – John Eng & Wayne Lippa – serving as the opening act.

For more information about the Bill Nye appearance, or to purchase tickets, contact the ULSU at 403-329-2222 or stop by their office on the first floor of the Students' Union Building (SU180).

This story first appeared in the January edition of the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

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Celebrating the legacy of the Chem Guys with one final show

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Bill Nye visits U of L campus

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