In early 2025, a sub-group of the ARCS National Scholar Relations Committee came together to plan the first networking event for ARCS Scholar Alumni at the Biomedical Engineering Society - BMES Conference, held October 8–12, 2025, in San Diego.

San Diego Chapter members Kathe Albrecht and Ingrid Benirschke-Perkins led the organizing team, joined by Jill Bray, Chris Brent, Leslie Bruce, Sue Dintelman, Elizabeth Crist, and Barb Goergen. After months of Zoom meetings, phone calls, and careful planning, the event came together on a beautiful fall evening.

ARCS hosted a lively reception tent during one of BMES’s most popular events, Member Appreciation Night.

Invitations were sent to 375 ARCS Scholar Alumni with degrees or careers in biomedical engineering and bioengineering fields. Thanks to the work of many ARCS members across chapters who helped validate and update contact information, email deliverability was very high.

Ten enthusiastic Scholar Alumni from multiple chapters—including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Metro Washington, Phoenix, San Diego, and Seattle—attended the event.

From 7–10 pm, Kathe, Ingrid, Leslie, and Barb welcomed BMES participants to the ARCS tent, shared the rich history of ARCS Foundation, Inc., and offered ARCS-branded keepsakes and drink tickets.

Alexa Hudnut, San Diego Chapter member and former ARCS Scholar in biomedical engineering (Los Angeles Chapter), also joined the team, providing valuable insight from the Scholar Alum perspective to interested students who stopped by.

Each time a Scholar Alum appeared, the team greeted them with fanfare —snapping photos, exchanging stories, and learning about their professional journeys.

Conversations often touched on the impact of recent federal science funding cuts, the benefits of alumni networking, and ways ARCS could continue to support their careers. Information about the newly launched Scholar Enrichment Program was also shared.

The event was a resounding success—strengthening ties with our Scholar Alumni, expanding awareness of ARCS Foundation, Inc., and inspiring new connections with future PhD students and ARCS Scholars. Building on this momentum, the committee is now exploring opportunities to host similar gatherings at future scientific conferences nationwide.