A retirement reception for biochemistry faculty members Robert Spreitzer and Donald Weeks is 1 to 3 p.m. June 19 in the Beadle Center Atrium. The reception is free and open to faculty, staff and students.

Spreitzer, Charles Bessey Professor of Biochemistry, has been a leader in photosynthesis with a specific focus on Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, commonly known as rubisco, an enzyme involved in the first major step of carbon fixation.

Weeks, Maxcy Professor of Agriculture and Natural Resources, has been recognized for distinguished contributions in plant and algal biotechnology and efforts to translate research discoveries into solutions that benefit society. He has been named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and received the Outstanding Research and Creative Activity award by the University of Nebraska.

After distinguished careers in research, Spreitzer and Weeks will officially retire from UNL June 30.