ARCS Foundation Phoenix honored thirty-seven outstanding science Ph.D. candidates from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and University of Arizona on April 25, 2014 at the Arizona Biltmore. Their fields included engineering, computer science, neuroscience, applied mathematics, cancer biology, pathogen genomics, ecology, environmental science, physiology, 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 .

Before dinner scholars presented their research posters. Dinner opened with the antional Anthem sung by the Phoenix Boys Choir and opening prayer by Maj. General Albert Crawford. President, Eileen Haga, presented opening remarks. The evening culminated with each scholar taking center stage to say a few words about their groundbreaking research and expressing heartwarming gratitude to their donors.

Two special announcements were made. First,  Dr. K. Joy Karnas is the first ARCS Phoenix Alumni Scholar to donate two scholar awards.  Second, Carolyn Evani received the ARCS Light Award for outstanding contributions to the Phoenix Chapter.

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 894 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.