by Janis Henry, Scholar Awards Celebration Chair

The 2025 ARCS Atlanta Scholar Awards Celebration was an extraordinary event showcasing our ARCS mission through:

Celebrating our 53 amazing scholars from Emory, Georgia Tech, Morehouse, and the University of Georgia; Celebrating our donors and sponsors; Celebrating our ARCS Atlanta members, university partners and friends.

As last year, we held our event in the elegant ballroom at the Piedmont Driving Club. The ballroom was beautifully set to reflect an energetic and engaging event.

Our gallery style format allowed for one-on-one interaction with the scholars about their research; it also allowed members and guests to mix and mingle and enjoy a buffet lunch. In addition, the event provided meaningful opportunities to connect with our corporate donors, university partners, ARCS members, and guests.

Emory University was our featured school for the Scholar Awards Celebration. We also honored and thanked two of our corporate sponsors: Georgia Pacific, an ARCS supporter for 20 years and Northside Hospital, an ARCS supporter for 10 years.

We recognized our first-year scholars on stage. Our four distinguished scholar speakers: Nuri Smith, Emory University; Myddelton Parker, University of Georgia; Srinidhi Bharadwaj, Georgia Tech; and Julian Hutchins, Morehouse College; each gave testimony that inspired and moved us. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Kimberly Ariola, Emory University, captivated the audience with her compelling address.

With over 240 in attendance, and positive feedback from our survey, we all  agree that we felt inspired by the incredible research, outstanding dedication and commitment of our scholars, and the generosity of our donors who support tomorrow's scientists and the long-term impacts they will make. Please look at the pictures and video of the 2025 Scholar Awards Celebration by visiting the Event Highlights page on our ARCS Atlanta website at this link: https//atlanta.arcsfoundation.org/event-highlights.

The 2025 SAC was a joyful opportunity to come together to recognize excellence. A tremendous thank you to everyone who contributed to making this celebration special: Scholar Awards Ambassadors, who made everything run seamlessly; Floral Ambassadors, who visually communicated our ARCS mission; our sponsors, donors, and amazing scholars; ARCS University Representatives, Funds Development Committee, SAC Core Team Advisors, ARCS Greeters, and everyone who participated and supported this event.