Sally Burns joined ARCS MWC in 2002 and was sponsored by Mary Kennedy. We celebrate and applaud Sally’s many contributions to ARCS MWC over the past 23 years and appreciate that she is always glad to provide assistance!

Sally learned about ARCS when she and her family bought and moved into Lynn Dillon’s then McLean home in 2001. Lynn, an ARCS member, and her husband, John, had just built a new home a short distance away. Lynn enthusiastically told Sally about an organization called ARCS, which she thought Sally would find worthwhile. Lynn also introduced Sally to her then neighbor, Mary Kennedy, another ARCS member. Of course, Mary reinforced Lynn’s enthusiasm for ARCS, and Mary subsequently sponsored Sally in ARCS a short while later. Sally and Mary soon learned of their mutual love for bridge, and they became long-time partners in the ARCS Bridge group.

Sally stayed involved with ARCS MWC because of the amazing members and the fantastic mission, saying that it is such a wonderful way to spend time and money sponsoring emerging scientists. Sally also likes spending time with ARCS members because they are so congenial and talented and committed to the ARCS MWC mission, including her good friends Marilynn Sweetser, Holly Coyne, and Doris Pierson, among others. Sally emphasized the importance of having fun while achieving the goals of the mission!

Sally has held several leadership roles with ARCS MWC. Her proudest achievements were being Co-President with Karen Finkbiner (2014-15) and being Co-Chair of the 2009 ARCS Eagle Award Gala with Holly, held at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. By then, Sally had been a volunteer at the Smithsonian Institution’s American Art Museum and at the Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, for several years. Learning that the Smithsonian’s new Secretary, Wayne Clough, had a long history of supporting young people in the fields of science and technology, he seemed a perfect choice for the Eagle Award that year! He accepted and spoke at the event. She said that the gala was very well attended and generated funding and new members. Sally said that she was very busy while holding these leadership roles, but it was very worthwhile, adding that she is always pleased to support ARCS!

When asked what she would say to ARCS MWC members, especially the newer members, Sally noted that many of the new members have demanding positions in the workplace, but still commit time and energy to ARCS. She stressed that it speaks to the importance and value of ARCS MWC that so many working women join and contribute so much. Sally added that ARCS MWC is even more important in this time of funding uncertainty for scientific and engineering research!