Tradition, Reimagined.

Looking back on last year’s President’s message, I am amazed at all that has transpired.  The cheerful optimism I portrayed for our ARCS chapter last January was quickly tempered by COVID upending all that is familiar and replacing it with an uncertain path forward.  2020 was a challenging year to be a leader!

Our chapter enters 2021 stronger than before because of how our members embraced tradition, then reimagined it, last year.  ARCS Colorado members and supporters continued to support our scholars even though we could no longer rely on our Spring Gala as our major fundraiser.  While members missed enjoying delicious treats as we gathered at our board meetings, we successfully pivoted to Zoom meetings.  Our traditional Meet and Greets also moved to Zoom which not only allowed more members to attend, but also gave us the opportunity to record our meetings to be used to create video highlights of all our scholar chats.  The Scholar Recognition Luncheon changed as well, but the tradition of Jim Benemann’s colorful scholar interviews continued.

As we look forward to next year, the tradition of unwavering enthusiasm continues.  Our board members have committed to serving another year in their positions.  We have begun working with our university partners to fund and identify next year’s scholars.  For a while, we will continue our virtual gatherings with hope that we can meet again later this year to celebrate our scholars and the strong bonds among our members that kept our ARCS traditions alive, just reimagined!

Sue Zoby, 
President