Dear Valued ARCS Members and Friends,

As spring brings renewal to our campuses, we are reminded of the extraordinary impact your commitment has made on the next generation of STEM innovators. Last year, your generosity helped us award 93 research scholarships to promising graduate students whose work spans from measuring the impact of sea rise to breakthrough medical technologies.

But we can’t sugar-coat the current environment. Federal scientific agencies are currently being gutted, including programs that support our ARCS scholars and their mentors. This means programs may close, research will be severely curtailed, and the U.S. will cease to be the international leader in research in basic science, biomedical research, and everything in between. American investment in science over the past seven decades has been the engine of our successful economy, and that is now under threat. ARCS National is tracking this threat, and you can view and contribute to their important work here. In addition to explaining the value of government investment in research, the site includes educational and other opportunities for members. This is an all-hands moment for ARCS members across the U.S.

To that end, we invite you to our Annual Meeting on June 7th at the University of Oregon Campus in Northeast Portland. This gathering is more than a formality—it's our opportunity to connect as a community dedicated to nurturing scientific talent. You'll hear directly from a fellowship recipient about how your support has transformed their research journeys and career trajectories.

We are also calling for you to contribute to ARCS and its mission. We need your donations to meet our mission, and we also want to provide meaningful ways to engage beyond financial contributions. Whether you have the expertise to share as a mentor, time to offer on committees, or connections to expand our network, your involvement strengthens ARCS Oregon.

The challenges facing our world require brilliant scientific minds equipped with proper resources and support. By attending our Annual Meeting and finding your place in our volunteer community, you help ensure these minds can focus on solutions rather than financial struggles.

Please look for an email invitation and respond by May 20th through the registration link. We look forward to thanking you personally for being the backbone of this vital mission.

With gratitude,

Rachel Dresbeck & Diana Gordon
Co-Presidents
ARCS Foundation Oregon