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Honolulu
Chapter

About ARCS Honolulu Chapter

The ARCS Mission

ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) Foundation advances science and technology in the United States by providing financial awards to academically outstanding students who are U.S. citizens studying to complete degrees in science, engineering, math, technology, and medical research.
ARCS Scholar medallion with orchid lei

Our 2025–2026 Board

Co-Presidents:
Wendy Lagareta (Chapter Affairs)
Dr. Carol Stratford (National Affairs)

Vice President - Membership:
Patricia (Patty) Lee

Treasurer: Susan Moore

Secretaries:
Roslyn (Roz) Pearson (Recording)
Patricia LaPorte (Corresponding)

Directors:
Cheryl Ernst (Communications)
Dr. Jane Schoonmaker (University Relations)
Dr. Jacqueline (Jacquie) Maly (Parliamentarian)

Immediate Past President:
Cheryl Ernst

Who We Are and What We Do

ARCS Foundation Honolulu Chapter is an all-volunteer, non-profit, women's orgnization that provides financial support to exceptional University of Hawai‘i students pursuing graduate studies and conducting research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health.

Our members come from community, business, government, and education sectors. We are united by our keen interest in things scientific and our strong commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in STEM fields … not to mention our delight in good company and fun events.

Responsible Philanthropy

Since 1974, we have provided more than $2.8 million in ARCS Scholar Awards to 689 students. Funding for these unrestricted grants comes from two sources:
– ARCS Award endowments managed by the University of Hawai‘i Foundation and Hawai‘i Community Foundation
– annual chapter fundraising efforts

We depend on dues to cover operational expenses; donations and proceeds from fundraising efforts go toward ARCS Scholar Awards. As a result, $8 out of every $10 expended by our chapter goes directly to our student scholars.

Pie chart showing sources of ARCS income: 38% contributions, 30% foundations, 22% fundraising, 10% member dues, Pie chart showing use of ARCS Honolulu funds: 80% scholar awards, 15% fundraising, 5% operations

Learn More

Scholar Update: Indigenous Scientist Haunani Kane

Haunani Kane headshot

“Climate issues are large global issues, but the solutions are really going to need to be locally based, driven by communities: community needs, and their vision for the future, as well as looking at our native people and the way that they have sustainably managed lands and their coastal resources,”

2017 Toby Lee ARCS Scholar Dr. Haunani Kane combines indigenous knowledge and modern scientific techniques in her work as Univrsity of Hawai‘i at Manoa assistant professor of earth sciences. Read more

Dr. Mark Hixon on ARCS Scientist Honor

Dr. Mark Hixon, Photo by Chris Pala

"I am especially grateful that ARCS Honolulu appreciates the mentoring of graduate students, who are society’s future scientists during an era when science is increasingly under attack."

ARCS Honolulu Chapter named marine ecologist Dr. Mark Hixon its 2021 ARCS Scientist of the Year for his remarkable record of research, mentorship and public outreach. He is the Sidney and Erika Hsiao Endowed Chair in Marine Biology and chairs the Zoology Graduate Program at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. Photo by Chris Pala

To Quote a Scholar: Mason Russo

Mason Russo in front of poster

"I have conducted comprehensive studies on two invasive insect pests in the Hawaiian Islands that are severely impacting Hawaiian ecosystems. The coconut rhinoceros beetle is spreading fast across Oahu and has reached other islands. The hala scale impacts native coastal hala forests."

Besides offsetting the high cost of living in Hawai‘i, funds from the 2024 Maybelle F. Roth ARCS Scholar and Honolulu Scholar of the Year awards would allow Mason Russo to return to Asia if an initial survey produces promising biological control agents for the battle against destructive insects that threaten Hawai‘i trees.