As we begin a new year, we reflect on the one just past, and look forward to new beginnings in the spring.

Our ARCS mission, as you know, is to support US citizens pursuing degrees in science, engineering, and medical research. Because of the generosity of our members, non-members, corporations, and foundations, our chapter awarded $390,000 to 52 scholars in 2022.  These young people represent the best and the brightest from Emory, Morehouse College, Georgia Tech, and UGA.

A highlight of our chapter’s year is the recognition of our ARCS Scholars. This year’s event was the very successfully reimagined Scholar Awards Celebration, “Focus on the Future 2022,” when more than 200 guests mixed and mingled with our fifty-two scholars on the Georgia Tech campus. Congratulations and a big thank you to Shelley Woods Whiting and her committee for imagining, creating, and executing this opportunity for our scholars, our donors, and our members. (Please see Shelley’s article for a complete accounting of the event.)

One of the goals that I set when I became president was to increase awareness in the community and to increase the donor base. Our Funds Development team and Strategy team have made excellent strides in this area. Twenty potential new donors and thought leaders attended the Scholar Awards Celebration. Several of these guests have already responded with a financial gift, ideas, and/or proposed meetings. This effort will be ongoing and if you would like to help nurture a relationship with one or more of these prospects, please let me know. (Please see Nancy Chamber’s article for more details.)

Spring turns our attention to scholar award allocations for 2023-24, UR Site Visits, a new board, continued fundraising, and new members. Each spring, site visits are held with our four academic partners. At this time the University Relations committee informs the schools of their allocations and number of scholars for the upcoming year.  During these meetings, plans and issues are addressed that are pertinent to each institution, which reinforces the importance of good working relationships to help promote our mission. These meetings are very uplifting and give us the vision of a bright future for our country through our scholars.

The Nominating Committee is hard at work on slating the new board for incoming president, Carolynn Cooper. Our volunteer board is crucial in accomplishing the work that we do; serving is a great way to expand friendships, and have fun. Please say yes when you are called to serve.

Membership is a main focus for us locally and at the national level. Membership is something that we need to think about all year and at every opportunity. We welcomed seven very accomplished new members this past September and they are already actively engaged in our chapter. Let’s make that happen again this year. (Please see Liz Lauer’s article on Membership.)

In closing, I want to thank each of you for what you do to make our organization strong and successful.

Fondly, Sara Jean