ARCS Light Award Recipients

Each year the ARCS Light award is given to a member of each ARCS Foundation chapter who has displayed commitment and long-term service at the chapter level. The recipients are honored for serving in board/leadership positions, establishing Scholar funds and collaborating with university partners, chairing special events and recruiting new members, and providing expertise in chapter operations.

 

2022-2023 San Diego ARCS Light Recipient:
Holly Heaton
 

Dr. Ellen G. Moxham

Holly Heaton joined the ARCS San Diego Chapter in 2012.  With her background as an attorney and an RN, she brings outstanding acumen and talent to her volunteer leadership, and is passionate about promoting science and technology in our Scholars. 

Ms. Heaton possesses a wealth of qualities that greatly factor into her success as an ARCS colleague and mentor.  She is a transformational leader, strategic thinker, collaborative team player and an absolute dynamo.  She has that ineffable spark of optimism that ignites passion and commitment from others.  She is persistent, curious, and open to learning and trying new things. She recognizes the power of people working together and creating solutions. 

Over the past decade, Ms. Heaton has served on the ARCS Communications, Fund Development, University Relations, Scientist of the Year (SOY), Nominating and Membership Committees - in several Vice President and Director roles.  Most importantly, Ms. Heaton served as ARCS San Diego Chapter President for 3 consecutive years.

With Holly Heaton at the helm, the San Diego chapter navigated the pandemic and adapted to its many challenges resulting in record- breaking success in fundraising and in increased awareness of ARCS and its mission in the region and beyond.

Her contributions to ARCS National are also significant, having served on the Council of Presidents (CoP) for four years, the first three as a President and this past year as a CoP representative.  Ms. Heaton also serves as co-chair of the UR Collaboration Network along with Chris Simpson-Brent and Joan Foley.   
In addition to her commitment to ARCS, Ms. Heaton also serves on the Board of Sharp Healthcare Foundation and previously served on the board and as president of the San Diego Blood Bank.  She was recognized by the Salvation Army of San Diego County as a Woman of Dedication in 2022 and serves as a Patron of this organization.   

Ms Heaton resides in Del Mar, California with her husband, Dr. Robert Heaton.  They have two grown daughters.

Honorees - San Diego Chapter

2022-23 Holly Heaton

2021-22 Dr. Ellen G. Moxham

2020-21 June Chocheles

2019-20 Helga Moore

2018-19 Peggy Hanley

2017-18 Doris Ellsworth

2016-17 Bobbie Vandervoort

2015-16 Mary Lou Quick

2014-15 Robin Luby

2013-14 Candace Kohl

2012-13 Mary Fitz

2011-12 Diane Chalmers

2010-11 Bea Hadinger

2009-10 Jeanette Foushee

2008-09 Patricia Stewart

2007-08 Jerrie Schmidt

2006-07 Joan Evangelou

2005-06 Marti Panarisi

2004-05 Nancy Bildsoe

2003-04 Connie Adelman

2002-03 Pattie Wellborn

2001-02 Peggy Elliott

2000-01 Karon Luce

1999-00 Mary Jane Bennett

1998-99 Lois Thompson

1997-98 Pat Beck

1996-97 Betty Simm

1995-96 Toni Nickell

1994-95 Karen Bowden

1993-94 Barbara McColl

1992-93 Becki Etess

1991-92 Betty Brayshay

1990-91 Kay Redmond

1989-90 Dottie Georgens

1988-89 Lois Roon

1987-88 Yvonne Larsen

1986-87 Betty Jo Williams

1985-86 Gayle Wilson