History
22 Years of Supporting Scientific Research in Oregon
In 2002, Susan Swindells and Vicki Griffin, pioneering women of the ARCS Foundation Seattle Chapter, contacted OHSU about forming a Portland chapter. Five OHSU leaders were invited to explore the opportunity: Nancy Fischer, Sharon Hewitt, Mary Ann Lockwood, Ellen Richardson, and Cornie Stevens.
Organization began in late 2003 with a meeting at OHSU, where the ARCS National New Chapter Development Committee outlined the Foundation’s mission: to strengthen research and innovation in science and technology by supporting outstanding students.
Founding members Mary Ann Lockwood, Nancy Fischer, Cornelia Stevens, Ellen Richardson, and Sharon Hewitt enthusiastically committed to starting an ARCS Foundation Chapter in Oregon.
Founding members Mary Ann Lockwood, Nancy Fischer, Cornelia Stevens, Ellen Richardson, and Sharon Hewitt committed to launching an Oregon chapter. In December 2003, an introductory tea at OHSU featured Judith Miller, ARCS National President; OHSU President Peter Kohler; and a Seattle ARCS scholar. Membership grew from five to 45 in one afternoon and reached 65 charter members after a second tea in January 2004.
The Portland Chapter was incorporated in May 2004, received its ARCS National Charter on June 3, and elected Sharon Hewitt as its first president. By 2005, the Chapter had officers, policies, and a budget, and had secured funding for 11 OHSU scholar awards.
With OSU approved as a partner in 2008 and UO in 2015, and with growing membership in Corvallis and Eugene, the chapter was renamed ARCS Foundation Oregon to reflect its statewide presence.
Since its founding, ARCS Foundation Oregon has awarded $7.7 million to 459 STEM PhD scholars, advancing science and technology across the state.
Why Nancy Helped Found the Oregon Chapter"I heard about ARCS from Seattle friends who were very excited about sharing the story of their chapter. The idea of being involved with an organization that provided financial support to outstanding graduate students in science and technology sounded very appealing to me. Connections were made with OHSU and five community volunteers came together to initiate the idea of forming an ARCS chapter in Oregon. With guidance from the Seattle ARCS members, we moved the idea forward. Soon, many energetic, dedicated women joined us. With hard work and great enthusiasm our chapter has grown to support scholars at OHSU, OSU and UO. Our chapter is a great example of what women can do when faced with the mission of providing much needed financial support for graduate students."
What Inspired Diane to Become a Charter Member of the Oregon Chapter?"In 2004 one of the Founders of the Oregon Chapter explained what she and four other women hoped to start in Oregon and SW Washington. I was invited to a tea where women from the Seattle Chapter explained the ARCS Mission. I was immediately hooked on ARCS, its mission of supporting graduate level students, and the women involved . . . many of whom have become good friends! Being a member of ARCS has been more rewarding than I had ever anticipated."