The ARCS Foundation Phoenix recently honored thirty-eight young scientists from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and University of Arizona.  Their fields include engineering fields, biological design, neuroscience, physics, applied mathematics, cancer biology, pathogen genomics, ecology, optical science and more. They share a common goal: a doctoral degree in science. Each receives an ARCS Phoenix Foundation, Inc. award of $7,000.  To view pictures of the evening highlights click on the following link: Phoenix Newsroom Media Gallery .

This special event was held at the Phoenix Art Museum and opened with the National Anthem sung by the Phoenix Boys Choir. Before dinner the scholars presented their research posters to the attendees. The evening culminated with the scholars saying a few words about their groundbreaking research and expressing heartwarming gratitude to their donors.

The evening was made special by two “firsts”.  Dr. K. Joy Karnas was on hand as the first ARCS Phoenix Alumni Scholar to donate two scholar awards.  Anna Maria Matteucci and her mother were on hand as the first mother and daughter to be honored with the ARCS Light Award.

The ARCS Foundation, Inc. dates to the late 1950’s and was the response of a group of California women to Sputnik.  Their goal was to encourage and support outstanding U.S. students in the study of science and technology. 

Today there are 17 Chapters across the U.S. with more then 78 million in annual ARCS awards presented since 1958. The Phoenix Chapter was chartered in 1975 and has awarded more than $5 million to 856 scholars.

ARCS scholar alumni are making major contributions to the scientific strength and leadership of this country.  Some milestones of success: 36 percent of alumni have received national or international science-based awards, 12.4 percent are employed in academia and 45 percent are in business or industry, government, medicine and research.