GLENDALE—The Armenian Educational Foundation announced the disbursement of $16,500 in Richard R. Tufenkian Scholarships to deserving students attending universities in the United States, Armenia and Artsakh. The scholarship fund was established in 1990 by Ralph and Savey Tufenkian in memory of their son. Since 1991, the AEF has awarded $244,000 in Tufenkian Scholarships to hundreds of students.
Scholarships totaling $6,500 were awarded to students attending universities in Armenia and Artsakh, including, $1,500 to one student attending American University of Armenia, two $1,000 scholarships to students attending State Engineering University of Armenia, two $500 scholarships to graduates of the Richard Tufenkian School #5 in Gumri, two $500 scholarships to graduates of the Richard Tufenkian School #3 in Stepanakert and two $500 scholarships to students attending Artsakh University.
In the United States, AEF’s Scholarship Committee, Chaired by Amaly Avakian, received over 40 applications and selected the following five students to receive $2,000 each for their academic excellence and contributions to the Armenian community:
Aram Bagrazyan is a Political Science major at Whittier College in California and will be graduating in May 2011. Aram transferred to Whittier College this past fall from Greensboro College in North Carolina where he was on the Dean’s List and received the Presidential Scholarship for his academic achievements. Aram enriched the Armenian community of Charlotte, North Carolina, by organizing meetings and activities for the local Armenians. Aram is also heavily involved in student body leadership positions and has volunteered to restore homes in hurricane-stricken areas of New Orleans. Aram plans to attend law school after his graduation from Whittier College.
Jacqueline Benjamin is a senior at UC San Diego. She is an Anthropology major and has received the Provost’s Honors for her academic excellence. Jacqueline is a member of the Armenian Students’ Association and Armenian-interest sorority at UC San Diego. She has heavily contributed to the Armenian community by collecting school supplies for Armenian students at her local high school and fundraising for orphans in Armenia. Jacqueline plans to attend graduate school to receive her master’s degree in Education.
Harout Nazerian is studying Civil Structural Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC). He has served on the Dean’s List for his academic achievements since 2007 and has received congressional awards and membership to the National Engineering Honor Society. His contributions to the Armenian community include volunteering with the Pari Kaloust Foundation to organize Armenian cultural and educational events and assisting the local American Red Cross with its Armenian Humanitarian Project. Harout is also a part of USC’s prestigious progressive degree program and will receive his master’s degree in Civil Engineering in Construction and Management in May 2011, just one year after receiving his bachelors degree.
Simon Sarkisian attends Providence College in Rhode Island where he is a Biology major. His academic honors have placed him on the Dean’s List and the Pre-Medical Honor Society. Simon is a member of the AYF chapter in Providence where he has served in several leadership positions, including President of the junior division. In the summer of 2008, Simon travelled with AYF to Armenia to intern at the medical center in Nork-Marash. Simon’s goal is to pursue a career in medicine.
Sanan Shirinian is a junior at UCLA majoring in Women’s Studies. She is an active member of Homenetmen scouting, AYF and the ANC and has been involved in numerous activities to help promote the Armenian Genocide. Sanan was involved in the organizing and implementation of the “March for Humanity,” a 215 mile march from Fresno to Sacramento, commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Genocide. She has also done noteworthy work within the United Human Rights Council, a subcommittee of the AYF, by building efforts to connect Armenian Genocide awareness to broader human rights issues. She hopes to receive her masters and doctorate degrees following her graduation from UCLA.
AEF was established in 1950 for the purpose of providing financial assistance to Armenian students and educational institutions. On November 6, 2010, AEF will celebrate its 60th Anniversary at the new Ritz-Carlton/JW Marriott at LA Live, Los Angeles. For more information, please visit AEF’s website www.aefweb.org.
Hello. I read all the information in the web site but couldnt find anything for this year. I am studen from Armenia. ASAU (Armenian State Agrarian University) in the faculty of Veterinary. now i am doind my Bachelor n Greece,Thessaloniki, by Erasmus Mundus program. I want to continue my education In USA and looking for scholarships. Can ou please help me o find..
Thank you in advanced
Best regards
Tigran Harutyunyan