Happy New Year!

We have had a busy two months of ARCS activities. At the December luncheon, Kimberly Olney, University Relations chair for ASU (right), introduced two Scholars who gave spirited, illustrated talks about their work and its real-world applications.  Brooke Sykes (left) studies plant biology at the U of A.  Maya Suzuki (center) studies environmental engineering at ASU. Their  presentations inspired many questions about how they will continue to develop their contributions to science and the broader implications of their work.

On January 16, members of the Phoenix chapter watched neurosurgeon Nader Sanai remove a tumor from a 71-year-old woman’s brain (with her prior permission, of course) ever so delicately over the course of an hour. We could see what the surgeon saw--we were able to look through the operating microscope and see the brain pulse with every heartbeat—and we asked questions as he explained his actions. When the tumor he had carefully loosened finally came out, we heaved a sigh of relief. 

Sandra Matteucci is graciously hosting the Annual ARCS Tea on February 3rd. Please remember to wear your favorite hat for the lovely event.

University Relations teams gathered in December to read nomination applications, and I wish to thank all who participated in this important work for our organization. In January, our UR Directors, Janet Castner, Laura Martin, and Kimberly Olney, and team members met to match scholars to donors’ preferences. Anna Maria Matteucci created order of all that information.

Please mark your calendar for the ARCS ASU Site Visit on Friday, February 21st. Our members will enjoy scholar presentations from 12:00-1:30 pm and then have the option to participate in Dreamscape Lab, a virtual reality experience. Please look for emails to sign up for the fabulous site visit thoughtfully coordinated by Kimberly Olney.

Paulette Dalke and Dawn Senger are working hard to create a memorable evening for the 2025 ARCS Awards Dinner on Friday, April 25th,. Please mark your calendar and consider bringing a friend to this inspirational event. It’s the best way to introduce our mission to potential members.

Warmest regards,

Sydney