Page 1 - October 2026 Insider

I NSIDER October 2026

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE…

W elcome to the Fall issue of the Insider!

Once again, these pages are filled with inspiring
stories and photos celebrating the
accomplishments and activities of our members,
Scholars, and Scholar alumni.
Looking back on our late-summer gatherings, we’ve
enjoyed wonderful opportunities to connect as a
community. Our annual “Just for Fun” Party at the
Ingrid Benirschke-Perkins
President ARCS Foundation beautiful home of longtime member Doris Ellsworth
San Diego Chapter was a delightful evening of camaraderie and shared
laughter. We are also thrilled to welcome Doris’s
daughter-in-law, Laurie Ellsworth, to our chapter. Be sure to read Laurie’s biosketch
on page 7!
In September, we enjoyed a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of the San Diego
Wind Tunnel, a world-class aerodynamics testing facility right in our own backyard.
We are especially grateful to Laurie and Michael Roeder, whose connection to the
San Diego Air & Space Museum made this exclusive tour possible.

Now we’re in October, one of the most exciting months on our ARCS calendar, as we
prepare to welcome our newest cohort of Scholars at our Fall General Meeting. Two
are from Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Institute (SBP), our newest academic
partner. Be sure to read about SBP and its inaugural ARCS Scholars, Laurence
Haddadin and Erik Hultenius, in this issue.
You can also connect with our Scholars through the Getting to Know You Program,
which pairs members with as many Scholars as they choose. If you’d like to
participate, please contact Suzanne Dixon, who is once again spearheading this
wonderful program.

Meeting these exceptional young scientists and learning about their research reminds
us why our mission is so vital. And following their careers gives us a front-row seat to
the lasting impact of ARCS support. Don’t miss the closing pages of this issue, where
we feature three stellar ARCS alumni and their remarkable accomplishments.

I look forward to seeing all of you as we embark on another memorable and impactful
year together. First up: our Fall General Meeting on October 27!