Paula McNichols joined ARCS Metro Washington Chapter (ARCS MWC) in 1999 and is a lifetime member. We applaud Paula’s continued commitment to ARCS MWC and her many contributions to the chapter over the past 26 years!

Paula was invited to join ARCS by Gloria Driessnack. Gloria's husband, LTG “Whitey” Driessnack, was on the Board of Directors of Paula's husband’s company, MCR Inc. As an Engineering graduate herself in 1961 (one of two women among 300 men), Paula was impressed with the science and engineering mission of ARCS and the knowledge of the members.

Paula was particularly impressed with the chapter’s scholars’ cutting-edge research. She says that the mission of ARCS MWC is outstanding. She added that the other members were great and fun to be around, and she enjoyed the meetings and conversations.

Paula was pleased and honored to be a member of the MWC University Relations Council, interviewing prospective scholars at local Universities for the prestigious awards ARCS provided. She and her husband are proud of the Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation scholars they sponsored. She says that these scholars have become leaders in their science and engineering fields, and they learned a lot from them.

When asked what she would say to the ARCS MWC membership, particularly the new members, Paula said that she is proud to be a member of ARCS and she cherishes the new friends she has made in ARCS MWC. She says it is always great to meet new members and welcome them to the organization. Paula hopes the new members feel motivated to add to the financial awards disbursed by ARCS MWC.