Bill Gates, Sr. to Speak at Scholar Awards Luncheon
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ACHIEVEMENT REWARDS FOR COLLEGE SCIENTISTS FOUNDATION, INC.
PORTLAND CHAPTER
Bill Gates, Sr. to Speak at Scholar Awards Luncheon
The lifelong impact of money given for educational excellence cannot be
overstated. For 52 years, the ARCS Foundation has been advancing science in
America by committing unrestricted funds to the best and brightest graduate
students completing degrees in science, medicine and engineering, thereby assuring a
talented and educated workforce for Oregon and indeed the nation.
When the Portland chapter realized we would soon reach the $1,000,000
mark of committed scholar award funding, we wanted to celebrate the good news and
raise the profile of the ARCS Foundation in Portland. We looked back with
gratitude, realizing that so many pieces had fallen into place to enable our young, six-
year-old chapter to reach this milestone. Whom should we ask to be the main
speaker at our annual scholar awards luncheon? We were “thinking big!” Recalling
that the Gates Foundation granted the national ARCS Foundation a very generous
$150,000 for new chapter development, we decided to invite Bill Gates, Sr. to share
in the celebration. We asked Camille Uhlir and Dottie Simpson, both past ARCS
national board presidents, both from the Seattle chapter, for their help. They knew
Mr. Gates and his first wife, Mary, who was an ARCS member in Seattle.
Sharon Hewitt, founding president of the Portland chapter, and Leslie Workman, then current president of the
chapter, wrote a letter to Mr. Gates, announcing the $1,000,000 Portland milestone and inviting him to keynote the
luncheon. We directed the letter to him in coordination with a letter from four very strong ARCS leaders in Seattle: Dottie
Simpson and Camille Uhlir, Vicki Griffin, who served as the national new chapter development VP, and Micki Flowers,
current Seattle ARCS president.
In the Seattle group’s letter to Mr. Gates, they noted, “As the direct result of the Gates award the national board of
ARCS has chartered five new chapters: Pittsburgh; Portland, Oregon; Utah; Minnesota; and Tampa Bay.......It is hard to
quantify the long term impact of the Gates award that you supported, but we in ARCS are envisioning a future in which our
five new chapters wi! have contributed mi!ions of do!ars in support of graduate education in science for hundreds of
outstanding scholars; a robust return on the initial investment.” In fact, Portland and Pittsburgh together have committed
nearly $2,000,000 in scholar award funds! The other three chapters, chartered in 2009 and 2010, will begin presenting
awards next year.
We invite scholars, members, donors, and the community at large to join us on
October 19th at the Portland Art Museum as we celebrate the difference
Portland ARCS Foundation makes in scientific research by supporting outstanding scholars.
Mr. Gates is a philanthropist, lawyer, civic activist, and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His
generosity is legendary, and the impact of his words will be most inspiring for our community. Please join us!
JUNE 2010 VOL. 6, NO. 3 PAGE 1
ACHIEVEMENT REWARDS FOR COLLEGE SCIENTISTS FOUNDATION, INC.
From The Presidents
T h e Po r t l a n d C h a p t e r o f t h e A RC S I am pleased to write my first message to you as
Foundation presented 13 new scholar awards last the fourth president of the Portland ARCS Chapter.
October, nine to scholars at OHSU and four to scholars First I would like to say it has been a pleasure and
at OSU. This spring, we honored privilege to work alongside Leslie
nine third-year scholars who Workman these past two years. The
completed funding and will join Portland Chapter has experienced
the ranks of our ARCS alumni. significant growth and success
The cycle will continue next fall because of her dedication to the
when we will present 15 new ARCS mission and our chapter.
scholar awards: ten to scholars Take a look at our recently
at OHSU and five to scholars at u p d a t e d Po r t l a n d C h a p t e r
OSU. Cumulatively speaking, ARCS Foundation website. We
the Portland Chapter will overhauled the format and content,
have provided $1,182,250 in and I thank my committee of Diane
committed awards to 77 A l e x a n d e r, A n n C a r t e r, L i z
s c h o l a rs . We w a n t t h e Christiansen, Jean Josephson, Susan
broader community to know Smith, and Leslie Workman for their
that at OHSU and OSU, ARCS time and attention to detail. The
Foundation scholar awards are website is easily maneuverable and
helping to attract top notch US provides features of interest to
talent -- we like to think there is scholars, donors, our university
a Nobel Laureate in the years to partners, chapter membership, and
come from among our scholars.
Leslie Workman and Caron O"
the broader community. It’s bursting
At our Scholar Awards with facts, figures and fresh
Luncheon on October 19th, we have the tremendous information. Just enter this link in your browser:
opportunity to hear a dynamic philanthropist, Bill http://www.arcsfoundation.org/Portland/ARCS_1.asp
Gates, Sr., reflect on making a difference in our
At our annual luncheon meeting in May, the
communities. It is a monumental opportunity to
members of the Portland ARCS Chapter elected the
showcase ARCS Portland, and a chance for the Portland
2010 - 2011 officers and directors, whose names and
community to learn about ARCS Foundation -- who we
positions appear on the back cover of this edition.
are, what we do, and how we are making a difference
Thank you to every one for saying yes! As my term
in scientific research by supporting outstanding scholars
begins, I look forward to working with this dynamic
and helping the future of Oregon.
group of women as we continue to expand the successes
As I conclude two years as Portland’s president,
we have achieved so far.
it is with great pride in the many accomplishments of
the Portland chapter in such a short time. I have The ARCS Foundation mission remains just as
tremendous optimism about the bright future for the important today as it was when ARCS was founded 52
scholars we support. I am indebted to the work of the years ago to support students completing their studies
board, and I thank Caron Ogg, Mary Lou Schrader, in science, medicine and engineering. I continually hear
Sharon Hewitt, Connie Clark, Julie Drinkward, Nancy about the tremendous impact our chapter has on
Fischer, Sharon Barnes, Susan Smith, Diane Alexander, graduate programs at OHSU and OSU. This would not
Jean Josephson, Lee Ragen, Ellen Richardson, Ann be possible without a membership that is committed
Carter, Liz Christiansen, and Barbara Silver for their and enthusiastic about the mission and work that is set
consistent good work and dedication. I am confident before us. This coming year we will continue to build
that under Caron’s leadership, with the support of our and strengthen our relationship with the universities
dedicated members, the Portland Chapter of ARCS and their foundations, as well as share our achievements
Foundation will achieve even greater community with the broader community.
awareness and recognition, all leading to furthering our I hope you’re enjoying a safe and relaxing
mission to advance science in America. summer. Please call me with your ideas!
Warmly, Leslie Sincerely, Caron 503-297-8603
JUNE 2010 VOL. 6, NO. 3 PAGE 2ACHIEVEMENT REWARDS FOR COLLEGE SCIENTISTS FOUNDATION, INC.
ARCS SCHOLAR PROFILES
OSU’s Chris HolmesParker Spends Summer at NASA’s Ames Research Center
Chris writes “I wi! be working on developing algorithms geographical area or region at a (action of the cost of larger
for coordination and clustering in distributed systems of sate!ites. I should note that cubesats don't currently have
picosate!ites (cubesats). These sma! sate!ites (10cm x 10cm x the same image resolution as the larger sate!ites, but designers
10cm) are very low cost (~$100,000) and have a wide range are making pretty rapid advances.”
of sensing capabilities. By networking them together and The NASA website notes, “NASA’s Ames Research
sharing resources, we can increase the accuracy of their Center is a world-class research facility located in the heart
of Silicon Valley. The center is involved with many high-
readings and gain a wider coverage area for experiments.
tech projects, ranging from developing small spacecraft to
One potential mission for a cubesat cluster is Earth
managing some of the world’s largest supercomputers, and
observation. Currently, NASA's sate!ites have limited conducting astrobiology research.”
coverage areas and coverage times for observing Earth. Teams Chris’ ARCS award is donated by Schnitzer Steel
of cubesats are capable of continual coverage of any Industries, Inc.
Amanda Dayton Investigates Ways to Improve Surgical Outcomes for Breast Cancer Removal
Not too long ago, I had a most enjoyable morning visit
with ARCS Chapter Scholar Amanda Dayton at the Oregon
Medical Laser Center at Providence St. Vincent. Under the
guidance of advisor Scott Prahl, PhD and biomedical optics
researcher, and funded by the Safeway Foundation, she developed a
technique to add light to the surgical wire used to guide surgeons to
the site of a tumor. The light may improve precision in excision
with clean margins. The next step of her study is to make a
physical measure of how far the light in the wire travels from its
source--or how much of the tissue is illuminated.
Amanda hails from Bigfork, Montana, which the Chamber
of Commerce advertises as “far from the common place,” near
Glacier National Park. She told me that as a young girl she loved to
problem solve and figure out how things worked. Her
undergraduate interests took her to NC State in Raleigh, where she
majored in biomedical engineering. For her senior project, Amanda
and her teammate developed and attached to the bone a prosthetic
limb for a cat, which was successful for all. She then was accepted
to the Division of Biomedical Engineering at OHSU, where her husband also enrolled as a med student. He’s now a
resident at Providence in internal medicine.
On a personal note, my volunteer work has primarily focused on social services. Years of policy and development
meetings to address disabilities, homelessness, domestic violence, substance
abuse, etc. earned me satisfaction, but many sleepless nights. The invitation
to join ARCS seemed to be a gift: a chance to focus on positive influences and
to enjoy amazing programs and speakers we have access to because of our
membership. Becoming friends with many of our members has enhanced my
life, but getting to know several of our scholars is truly the icing on the cake.
How fortunate we are to have such talented and dedicated scholars
“advancing science in America.” Amanda spoke about her gratitude for the
ARCS award, not only in lessening the financial stress, but also in sustaining
her enthusiasm for research. She hopes to receive her PhD in about a year.
The Bigfork Chamber of Commerce might want to put Amanda’s picture on
the website, reinforcing their “far from the common place” motto. What an
outstanding young woman! Jean Josephson, Editor ’08-’10
JUNE 2010 VOL. 6, NO. 3 PAGE 3ACHIEVEMENT REWARDS FOR COLLEGE SCIENTISTS FOUNDATION, INC.
Monthly Programs Enhance ARCS Membership
SEPTEMBER
Entomologist Ramesh Sagili, PhD,
and assistant professor in the
Department of Horticulture at
OSU, spoke on honey bee collapse
disorder. Honey bees pollinate 90
different crops in the US, and may
be suffering from mono-culture
Dr. Sagili with Julie farming and jet lag.
Drinkward, Program Co-Chair OCTOBER
John Morgan, CEO of
NOVEMBER
The “underbelly” of HemCon Medical
Portland--the Technologies, stressed the
tunnels, light rail importance of innovation
infrastructure, and in industry and research.
sewers--and storm
water run-off
management were ARCS Scholar Art Riddle,
presented by John M.D. /PhD candidate in
Horne, PhD, an the Department of
engineer with Neuroscience, OHSU,
Parsons presented his work on
Brinckerhoff, brain injury in premature
pictured here with births.
ARCS member Jean
Meihoff.
JANUARY
ARCS Scholar Clayton Winkler,
OHSU neuroscience graduate
program, speaks with passion about
his research in multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Anne Nedrow, director of Women’s Primary Care and
director of Integrative Medicine at OHSU, explains the
research outcomes of her work on the anti-inflammatory diet.
JUNE 2010 VOL. 6, NO. 3 PAGE 4ACHIEVEMENT REWARDS FOR COLLEGE SCIENTISTS FOUNDATION, INC.
FEBRUARY ARCS Scholar Jessica
Dr. Sanjiv Kaul, head of Siegel spoke about
OHSU’s Division of memory and Alzheimer’s.
Cardiovascular Medicine,
addressed the variables
and vagaries of women’s
heart disease and his
research in detecting
heart attacks before they
happen.
MARCH
Tomasz Beer, MD, director of the Prostate
Cancer Program at OHSU, presented his
research to a large audience of members,
husbands and guests at an evening
meeting.
APRIL
Annette von
Jouanne, Sunny weather + tour guides and van transport +
professor in the lunch with our ARCS scholars and their advisors +
School of presentations by faculty members + research
Electrical summaries by ARCS Scholars Sarah Oman and
Engineering and Wade Marcum = a great day at OSU.
Computer
Science at OSU,
gave an exciting
talk about her
research in
capturing wave
energy.
A tour of the Nuclear
Engineering and
Radiation Health Physics
Lab gave members and
guests time to ask many
questions about nuclear
reactors, nuclear energy,
and spent rod storage. We
got clear answers and
explanations from OSU’s
Professor Kathryn Higley.
JUNE 2010 VOL. 6, NO. 3 PAGE 5ACHIEVEMENT REWARDS FOR COLLEGE SCIENTISTS FOUNDATION, INC.
Diane Alexander Named 2010 ARCS Light
The honor of being named an “ARCS Light” is awarded by each chapter to a
member who has given the highest quality of service to the chapter on a long-term
basis. Diane was introduced at the National Annual Meeting as Portland’s Light.
A Portland Chapter charter member, Diane took a leadership role right from
the start. She co-chaired the membership committee, and membership increased.
Then she chaired the university relations committee. Diane organized the fall scholar
picnics so that scholars and their donors could meet. She initiated the “Celebrate the
Dick and Diane Alexander at the
national ARCS meeting in D.C. Scholars” event in May to honor those completing their third year of ARCS funding.
Diane researched departments and programs at OSU and shepherded the school
through ARCS approval as an award-receiving institution. Her innovation, curiosity, and passion led her to find ARCS
alums in Oregon and develop a relationship with them. Diane is creative, hard-working, and friendly. Her easy-going
style makes her a delight to work with. She is always thinking about ways to improve our chapter.
Raised in Montana, Diane came ‘west’ to Oregon State University where she met her husband, Dick. She
taught high school while her husband was in law school. After a break to start a family, she earned a master’s degree at
Lewis and Clark College and then returned to work at the high school level as a counselor. Retirement beckoned,
however, as the grandchildren began arriving. Volunteer activities have included the Portland Art Museum, the
Beaverton School District, and many of her children’s activities. Diane and Dick have three grown children and six
grandchildren. They enjoy travel, golf and bridge, and are active Oregon State Beaver fans.
Previous Portland ARCS Lights are Sharon Hewitt, Leslie Workman, and Ellen Richardson.
ARCS NATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING “A CAPITAL CELEBRATION”
An agenda filled with Washington, D.C.’s
highlights attracted several hundred ARCS members and
their guests from around the country, including 13 from our
Portland chapter. Events included visits to congressional
offices to discuss the ARCS mission of advancing science in
America, a tour of the Smithsonian’s new Sant Ocean Hall,
and dinner at the Supreme Court, arranged by ARCS D.C.
member Mary Kennedy, wife of Justice Kennedy.
We were privileged to hear a distinguished science
panel moderated by Dr. Berrien Moore, a Nobel Peace
Prize winner and the executive director of Climate Central,
with speakers Dr. Mollie Macauley, research director &
senior fellow, Resources for the Future; Dr. Anthony
Janetos, director, Global Change Resource Institute; Dr.
John Balbus, senior advisor for public health, National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; and Dr.
Jonathan Cannon, director of the University of Virginia
Law School’s Environmental and Land Use Law Program.
NASA’s Deputy Administrator Lori Garver spoke about
the administration’s commitment of funds and programs to
On the steps of the Supreme Court, L to R: Leslie Workman, Barbara
expand education outreach.
Silver, E!en Richardson, Nancy Fischer, Jean Josephson, Diane
We were welcomed on Embassy Row to the home Alexander, Julie Reiersgaard, and Caron O". Sharon Hewitt also
of Renee Jones-Bos, the ambassador to the U. S. from the attended.
Netherlands. She spoke of the 400 year-old ties between
our two countries, remarking on history, commerce, and culture. We had meetings and lunches at the venerable
Cosmos Club, and we toured Hillwood Museum, which was the estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post.
Membership meetings focused on growth, technology updates within the organization, and chapter reports
and strategies. Three Portland members will be members of the national board: Ellen Richardson, VP chapter
relations; Leslie Workman, co-director of evaluations; and Sharon Hewitt, member of the National Advisory Council.
JUNE 2010 VOL. 6, NO. 3 PAGE 6ACHIEVEMENT REWARDS FOR COLLEGE SCIENTISTS FOUNDATION, INC.
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
This year was a productive and
satisfying time for the UR committee.
Once the scholars were selected and
matched with their donors, we shifted
to ‘high’ speed. Getting contracts
signed, bios out to donors, pictures
and forms for our national office, and
invitations out for the welcome
scholars picnic--all of this creates a CONGRATS TO BARBIE RICE
hectic time in late summer for long- ARCS members Gwyneth Gamble
time UR committee member Mary Booth, Barbie Rice (center above), and
NEW MEMBERS Ann Lockwood. As usual she came Patty Beall celebrate together. The
Five women attended an orientation through a nd i s the glue in our March of Dimes honored Barbie with
held on the afternoon of May 20th at committee.
a W h i t e Ro s e Aw a r d f o r h e r
the beautiful home of ARCS member UR events included the welcome
outstanding contributions to the
Lynn Pratt: (L to R above) Marilyn picnic in September, a holiday party, a community, including work with the
Lindgren, Christine Farrington, Jamie brunch for scholar alums in February, Dougy Center, OHSU, and Hopewell
Anderson, Sally Fish, and Urmila and the celebration for our third-year House hospice.
R a t n a m . Ne w m e m b e r s a r e group of scholars in May.
encoura ged to participate in Our relationships with OHSU and ANNUAL MEETING
committee work soon after joining. OSU continue to grow as members The annual meeting of ARCS
The event helps give them more meet more of the staff at each Foundation, Portland Chapter, was
detailed information, as well as institution. We look forward to held at the Town Club on May 6, with
everyone getting to know each other a expansion to other departments at approximately 55 members attending.
little better. Ruth Beyer, DeAnne Oregon State University during the Katy Van Hook, a third-year ARCS
Imatani, Kris Kern, Debbie Hutchins, next year. Portland ARCS appreciates scholar at OHSU, spoke about her
Dana Plautz, Beth Hulsman, and Jean the great cooperation of our work “New Insights Into the Role of
universities in the selection and ASPP2 as a Tumor Suppressor.”
Wills also have joined the Portland
monitoring of the ARCS Scholars. Thanks go to ARCS members Janis
chapter this year. Harrison and Patty Beall for again
15 ARCS SCHOLAR AWARDS TIME TO CELEBRATE being our hosts.
TO BE GRANTED THIS YEAR The home of Carol and Scott Ehlen NOTE FROM A SCHOLAR
ARCS scholars are funded by the was again the lovely venue for our
Michel le Ber ny, OHSU PhD
interest and generosity of members, farewell to the third-year ARCS
scholars. Portland’s scholar awards are candidate in biomedical engineering,
individuals, businesses, corporations
granted for three years; the students, writes: “Making the transition (om
and foundations. Each scholar award
is for $18,000 over three years. however, will be continuing their undergraduate studies to the fu!-time
Donors for this year’s awards are: programs until earning their PhDs. commitment of graduate school was a
Jamie & Michael Anderson/Jean & stressful process, but the ARCS award
Rich Josephson/Shelley & Joe Voboril; eased many of my financial stresses
Sharon & Keith Barnes (second about living and school expenses.
award)/Julie & Wayne Drinkward While the financial support helped me
(second award); Liz & Greg g considerably through my first years of
Christiansen/Caron & Larry Ogg,; graduate school, the support of the
Sally & Cecil Drinkward; HemCon, ARCS group has continued we! past
Inc. (second award); Daisy & Ted my scholar award funding. Being
Miller (second award); OHSU Basic involved with a group that genuinely
Science Chairs; Lynn & Steve Pratt cares about and supports both myself
(second award); Mar y and Dick and my research has been a very
Rosenberg/Alice Stephens (second rewarding experience. I hope to
award); Schnitzer Steel Industries, contribute to ARCS as a donor once I
L to R: Lauren Dobbs, Delia Chiu, Allison
Inc. (third award); Barbara Wilkinson; Anacker, Katy Van Hook, Jimmy Gladish, establish a career of my own, because I
Leslie & Mark Workman (eighth A r t R i d d l e , a n d C l a y to n Wi n k l e r. know firsthand what a positive,
award); Chapter Award XI; Chapter Gabriela Morin-O’Neill and Jessica Siegel
were unable to attend.
encouraging experience it can be for
Award XII; and Chapter Award XIII. the student.”
JUNE 2010 VOL. 6, NO. 3 PAGE 7ACHIEVEMENT REWARDS FOR COLLEGE SCIENTISTS FOUNDATION, INC.
MEMBERS:MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE
2010-2011 Board of Directors
OUTSTANDING 2010-2011 PROGRAMS
President: Caron Ogg
Wed. Sept. 8, 11:00-1:00 Lunch and tour of the environmentally engineered, Past President & Governance:
LEED certified, new Port of Portland building. Leslie Workman
Vice President: Jean Josephson
Tues. Oct. 19, 11:30 a.m. Scholar Awards Luncheon, Keynote Speaker: Secretary: Nancy Delbrueck
Bill Gates, Sr. Portland Art Museum. VP Finance: Sharon Hewitt
Treasurer: Kathleen Ames
Tues. Nov.2, 9:30 a.m. Dr. Amy Dreves, OSU's " Bug Lady" entomologist, Development: Barbara Silver
speaks on the invasion of the Asian fruit fly. Hoffman Corporate Offices, Fox Tower Marketing: Ann Carter
Membership: Liz Perkins
Thurs. Jan.6, 1:00 p.m. Dr.Kim Burchiel, chair, Department of Neurological
Surgery, discusses Parkinson's disease. Center for Health and Healing, OHSU Newsletter Editor: Jamie Anderson
Program: Connie Clark,
Tues. Feb. 1, 9:30 a.m. Dr. Susan Hayflick, professor, director of Clinical Julie Drinkward, Nancy Fischer
Genetics Services and chair of Molecular and Medical Genetics presents “Steps Scholar Luncheon: Lee Ragen,
for Finding Cures for Genetic Diseases.” OHSU Gwyneth Gamble Booth
University Relations: Joan Foley,
Thurs. March 3, 7:00 p.m. Dean Mark Richardson, OHSU School of Medicine, Diane Alexander
will lead a panel discussion on health care reform. Vey Auditorium, Doernbecher, OHSU Website Manager: Shelley Voboril
Members -at-Large: Theresa Floten
Wed. April 6, Field Trip to OSU. ARCS Alum Dr. Kelly Benoit- Bird delivers a Marilyn Lindgren, Urmila Ratnam
talk titled “From Zooplankton to Great Whales: How Animals Feed in the Ocean.”
The ARCS® Foundation provides scholar awards to academically outstanding United States citizens studying to complete
degrees in science, medicine, and engineering, thereby contributing to the advancement of science and technology.
ARCS® Foundation--Portland
P.O. Box 2063
Portland, OR 97208-2063
www.arcsfoundation.org/portland
Bill Gates, Sr.
is coming!
DETAILS INSIDE
Awarded the 2009 James L. Fisher Award for Distinguished Service to Education by the Council for Advancement and Support in Education (CASE)You can also read
