Irvine Grote (1899-1972) was a college educator, a scientist, an inventor, and a world traveler. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Chattanooga (UC), his master’s degree from Columbia University and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Cincinnati. As a young professional, Grote worked with pharmaceuticals, earning the 1930 award of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for the most important research report of the year. In 1918, Grote, along with his wife, Nita Marie (Tansey) Grote, moved back to Chattanooga where he had accepted a position with his alma mater. During his 38 years teaching with the University of Chattanooga, Grote remained within the pharmaceutical world through consultation. His work both as an educator and a scientist were extremely successful; inspiring students through his hands-on approach, receiving 75 patents for his inventions, and assisting in the creation of Rolaids and Bufferin. Grote was also an avid traveler, deciding, at the age of 54, to visit every country on the planet. The result was an impressive 210 countries during 31 trips over a 16 year period. Grote also collected stamps, glass paperweights, and books.