ARCS Oregon members and guests numbering more than 100, attended the 15th Anniversary Celebration on May 14th at Waverley Country Club. A brief annual meeting of members, jointly chaired by Co-Presidents Julie Branford and Sue McGrath was held. The membership approved the 2019-2020 Slate of Officers and Nominating Committee members. VP Treasurer Gretchen Sturm announced that ARCS Oregon had achieved an amazing $5 million in scholar awards, with the inclusion of the fourteen University Matched Endowments.  

The festivities began when guests entered the room that was festooned with ARCS logoed balloons and flowers. Julie Branford and Sue McGrath welcomed the presidents from our three university partners, Dr. Danny Jacobs (OHSU), Dr. Ed Ray (OSU) and Mike Schill (UO), along with ARCS members and spouses. The most recent ARCS video kicked-off the celebration. Toasts and short speeches followed. Founding Member Sharon Hewitt gave the first toast remembering the early days of ARCS Portland as it was then called. Past presidents and board members recognized the contributions of our leadership, committee members, and all members as donors. Stoel Rives law firm, represented by ARCS member and managing partner Penny Serrurier, was toasted for their continued support of the Scholar Awards Luncheon since 2005. They have also been instrumental in providing our Chapter with pro bono counsel.

University presidents made brief remarks affirming the importance of supporting graduate students in science, medicine and technology and the impact of the ARCS Oregon scholar awards.

Anne Jarvis, co-recipient with Kate Joseph of the 2018 ARCS Light Award, introduced the 2019 ARCS Light, Joan Foley.  Joan accepted the award and flowers, with words of gratitude to the membership.

Thank you to Lee Ragen, Bettsy Preble, and Gigi Ditz for the well planned evening!