Dear ARCS MWC Members,

Our ARCS Metro Washington Chapter closed out the year at our wonderfully festive annual holiday party, graciously hosted by Lynn and John Dillon and beautifully organized by Charlotte Knight and Mary Jo Ruane. With more than 40 members and guests gathered together, the evening was a true celebration—filled with warm laughter, lively conversations, and the kind of camaraderie that reminds us why our community is so special.

As we reflect on this uplifting gathering, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks to all our members. Your time, talent, and dedication are the heart of our chapter. Everything we achieve is possible because of your commitment to advancing science and supporting the next generation of STEM leaders. We are profoundly grateful for all that you do.

Please mark your calendars for our next major event: the Winter Membership Meeting on Mar 8 at River Bend Country Club. We are thrilled to welcome Retired Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, who will share insights from his newly released memoir—an engaging and meaningful program you absolutely won’t want to miss. A seated lunch will follow, and additional details will be shared after the first of the year.

Looking ahead even further, we are delighted to announce our Eagle event on May 1, where we will honor The Honorable Deborah Wince Smith, founder and CEO of the Council on Competitiveness and an ARCS MWC member, for her extraordinary leadership and lasting impact. This promises to be a very special evening of recognition and celebration, and we hope you will join us.

Wishing all of you and your families a joyful holiday season. We look forward to gathering again in the new year!

~ Julie Hohl and Jane Riddle, ARCS-MWC Co-Presidents