Dear ARCS Atlanta Members,

The beginning of the ARCS year is one of the busiest and most exciting times.  Like all beginnings, it is full of the hopes and dreams of scholars, members, committee chairs and certainly the ARCS Atlanta President!

This has already been – and will continue to be – a full year.  We have approved our budget, the universities have chosen our scholars, scholars have been matched with donors, our website is being transformed, and we now have a robust presence on social media.  We have started our #IamARCSAtlanta social media campaign which will show the depth and breadth of our ARCS family in pictures and videos.  On the anniversary of the Sputnik launch, we had a fabulous virtual Fall Party - “Space Age Soirée” – where we welcomed four wonderful new ARCS Atlanta members.  In November, we will have our first-ever virtual Scholar Awards Celebration.

While there is nothing good about a global pandemic, the response it has required from all of us has been inspiring.  It has provided the motivation to work in completely new ways; it has forced us to create a close connection with our members, scholars and donors without the ability to be together; and it has compelled us to find creative ways to meet the needs of our scholars so they can meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Some of the steps we have taken are completely new to ARCS Atlanta and even our traditional events have an entirely new format.  This unusual time has forced a steep learning curve for all of us.  I am proud that we have all embraced the opportunity to learn and adapt.  Every new way of presenting ourselves offers possibilities of new experiences and perspectives.

I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to be president at a time when our mission is so critically important.  I am confident that we will emerge from this moment stronger and more resilient than ever and with an even greater appreciation for technology.

Thank you for the actions you are each taking to support ARCS, the future of science and the well-being of all.

Fondly,

Leslie