1932
Born to Lindley Addison Cates Sr. and Alice Jewett Gilbert.
1954
Receives a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Minnesota.
1954
Serves in the U.S. Air Force for two years, serving from second lieutenant to captain.
1956
Serves as a staff hospital pharmacist.
1957
Marries Ruth Elizabeth Gammel.
1958
Receives a Master of Science from the University of Colorado.
1961
Receives a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Colorado.
1961
Becomes an assistant professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Houston. He also serves as a community pharmacist.
1963
Over the next 18 years, Dr. Cates receives five grants from the National Institute of Health and the National Cancer Institute.
1964
Is promoted to associate professor at the University of Houston.
1968
Is promoted to full professor at the University of Houston.
1971
Receives the Men of Achievement Award.
1985
Is appointed associate dean of the University of Houston.
1987
Becomes founder and chair of the Section of Medicinal Chemistry of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.
1989
Is elected chairman of the Board of Directors of Great Southern Laboratory, Inc. in Houston, Texas.