“Recognizing Genius” Scholar Award Luncheon Raises $100,000

Portland,OR.  The benefits of innovation and the future of science in Oregon were themes at ARCS Foundation Oregon’s Scholar Awards Luncheon “Recognizing Genius” which drew over 400 guests. 67 PhD scholars were on hand, many of whom presented posters of their research. Dr. Joe Robertson, president of Oregon Health and Sciences University; Joan Foley, president of ARCS Foundation Oregon; Michael Schill, president of University of Oregon, and Dr. Ed Ray, president of Oregon State University were on hand at the Portland Art Museum luncheon on October 18th.

ARCS Foundation Oregon provides monetary awards to outstanding PhD students in the fields of science, engineering, and medical research at OSU, OHSU and UO. The organization presented awards totaling over $400,000 to the scholars.  Keynote speaker Dr. Jose Reyes of NuScale Power and ARCS alum Kevin Watanabe-Smith spoke about their research and innovation.  The event was chaired by Aletha Anderson and Julie Branford, and raised over $100,000. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

ARCS Foundation Oregon supports and nurtures young American women and men in doctoral programs at Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon to take on the science challenges of today and tomorrow. Oregonians are, by nature, pioneering and tenacious, looking for new ideas and ways of improving our lives.  More than 100 women in ARCS Foundation Oregon are drawn to the bright light generated by the brilliant students we are helping to attract to Oregon. 

ARCS Foundation Oregon is one of 16 ARCS Foundation Chapters nationwide, operating independently under the umbrella of ARCS Foundation National. The Oregon Chapter incorporated in 2004 and since then has awarded more than 175 scholar awards totalling $2.8 million.

Oregon is a land of lush landscapes, environmental conscientiousness, out-of-the-box thinking and fanatical foodies that spawns a welcoming populace, great neighborhoods, community activism and gargantuan local pride. The Oregon Chapter is an organization of generous friends fiercely determined to stimulate our intellectual curiosity.  We do that while advocating for groundbreaking discoveries and for placing American scientists at the forefront of their fields.