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

To Quote a Scholar: Julia Douglas

Julia Douglas headshot

"The generous support of the ARCS award facilitates both the completion of my PhD program and the establishment a long-term research component of my future career."

2024 Sarah Ann Martin ARCS Scholar Julia Douglas scales trees in Hawai‘i an Mexico to study endangered epiphytes growing in the canopies as part of her doctoral research in botany at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa.

Scholar Alumna Pays it Forward

Pamela Hallock Muller, headshot“ARCS Honolulu Chapter provided recognition that my efforts and education were a worthwhile investment at a time when others could see little future for me.”

1976 Honolulu ARCS Scholar and Tampa Chapter member Pamela Hallock Muller was named one of 25 Top Women Professors in Florida. The University of South Florida marine scientist overcame gender discrimination and has mentored 60 graduate students, 10 of them from underrepresented minorities.

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