GLENDALE—The “We Are Gyumri” initiative announced the 2024-2025 Mina Shirvanian Scholarship recipients, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to the educational aspirations of Shirak Province’s youth.
This year, the program celebrates the awarding of scholarships to 22 exceptional students, the largest group to benefit since the program’s launch. This considerable growth is a direct result of the generous financial support provided by the Shirvanian Family, Mr. and Mrs. Vahik and Alice Petrossian, Mr. and Mrs. Jack and Zarig Youredjian, and contributions from Mr. and Mrs. Nikol and Zabel Abrahamian.
Also, the generous financial contributions from scholarship sponsors, donors, and the broader community have been pivotal to the program’s expansion and success. Together, these donations have been pivotal in enabling the scholarship program to widen its reach and impact, demonstrating a collective investment in the future leaders of the region.
The foundation of the “We Are Gyumri” initiative and the Mina Shirvanian Scholarship underscores a shared belief in the potential and promise of the youth in Shirak Province. Offering financial support for undergraduate studies aims to inspire students to pursue their academic and professional goals within their homeland, thereby also confronting the challenge of emigration.
A hallmark of the scholarship program is its emphasis on community engagement. Scholars actively contribute their time and talents to the Shirvanian Youth Center in Gyumri, Armenia. This facility has become a vital hub for education, support, and cultural engagement for the local youth, including displaced children from Artsakh, since its inauguration in 2016.
This academic year’s scholars are pursuing a variety of disciplines across esteemed institutions in Shirak Province, such as Shirak State University, the Gyumri Branch of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, the Gyumri Branch of the State Academy of Fine Arts, and the Gyumri Branch of the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography. Their fields of study span Journalism, Law, Methodology, Psychology, Acting, Directing, Management, History, Design, and English Language and Literature, reflecting a rich diversity of aspirations that promises to enrich Armenia’s professional landscape.
The committee congratulates the 2024-2025 Mina Shirvanian Scholarship awardees: Elena Hovhannisyan, Ashot Gevorgyan, Alvard Ghochoyan, Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, Shoghokat Hovsepyan, Arman Gevorgyan, Vladimir Vardanyan, Larisa Shahbazyan, Anna Manasyan, Nina Markosyan, Levon Manukyan, Izabela Igityan, Robert Hovhannisyan, Liana Ghazaryan, Hasmik Sukiasyan, Roza Herabyan, Nina Khachatryan, Emily Kirakosyan, Haykanush Galstyan, Syoma Alekyan, Emma Muradyan, and Yeranuhi Ayvazyan.
Empowered by these scholars’ ambition and their dedication to community enhancement, “We Are Gyumri” looks forward with enthusiasm to the transformative impact they are set to make on Gyumri, the Shirak Province, and the wider Armenian diaspora.
The 2024-2025 Mina Shirvanian Scholarship Recipients are as follows:
Elena Hovhannisyan, born in 2003 in the village of Kamo, is currently in her fourth year, pursuing a degree in Journalism at Shirak State University. In her free time, Elena finds solace in writing poems. Her dedication to the community is evident through her volunteering efforts at the Shirvanian Youth Center, highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact.
Ashot Gevorgyan, born in 2000 in Gyumri, is presently in his fourth year studying law at the Gyumri branch of the European University. He has a keen intellectual curiosity which he satisfies by indulging in reading and cinema during his free time. Moreover, Ashot is deeply involved in community service, actively volunteering at the Shirvanian Youth Center. He is also a committed member of the AYF, showcasing his dedication to community and cultural engagement.
Alvard Ghochoyan, born in 2003 in Akhuryan, is currently in her fourth year, focusing her studies on the Methodology Department at Shirak State University. She actively enjoys volunteering at the Shirvanian Youth Center, demonstrating her commitment to community involvement. Additionally, Alvard has a deep passion for dancing, particularly Armenian national dance, and painting, showcasing her artistic talents and cultural dedication.
Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, born in 2001 in Gyumri, is currently a student at the Gyumri branch of the State Academy of Fine Arts. In his leisure time, he indulges in his passion for painting portraits. Additionally, Hovhannes is an active volunteer at the Shirvanian Youth Center, where he contributes not only by teaching drawing but also by taking on a variety of responsibilities and tasks to support the center’s activities.
Shoghokat Hovsepyan, born in 2002 in Aygabats, is a third-year student majoring in Psychology at Shirak State University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and dedicates time to volunteering at the Shirvanian Youth Center, showing her commitment to community service. Additionally, Shoghokat is an active member of the AYF, underscoring her engagement and dedication to the values of the organization.
Arman Gevorgyan, born in Gyumri in 2002, is in his third-year studying acting at the Gyumri branch of the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography. Beyond his academic pursuits, Arman enjoys reading, traveling, and contributes his time as a volunteer at the Shirvanian Youth Center, blending his passions with meaningful community service.
Vladimir Vardanyan, born in Gyumri in 2004, is currently in his third year as a student at the National Polytechnic University of Armenia Gyumri Branch. In his free time, Vladimir enjoys walking, watching movies, and volunteering at the Shirvanian Youth Center. At the center, he shares his knowledge by teaching computer skills to students, contributing both to their personal development and to the community.
Larisa Shahbazyan, born in 2003 in Armavir, is a third-year student specializing in the art of acting at the Gyumri branch of the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography. In her leisure time, Larisa enjoys engaging in her hobbies, which include reading, singing, traveling, and doing handicrafts. She also dedicates her time to volunteering at the Shirvanian Youth Center, showcasing her commitment to community involvement alongside her artistic pursuits.
Anna Manasyan, born in 2003 in Isahakyan, is a third-year student at the directing department of the Gyumri branch of the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography. Outside her academic pursuits, Anna indulges in her diverse passions, including reading, creating, dancing, and traveling. Additionally, she is actively involved in volunteering not only at the Shirvanian Youth Center but also at other charitable organizations, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Nina Markosyan, born in 2004 in Gyumri, is a third-year student pursuing the art of acting at the Gyumri branch of the Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinematography. Beyond her academic endeavors, Nina finds joy in reading, dancing, and traveling. She is also actively involved in volunteering at the Shirvanian Youth Center, demonstrating her dedication to both her personal interests and community service.
Levon Manukyan, born in 2006 and currently residing in the village of Akhuryan in the Shirak region, is studying management at the Gyumri branch of the State University of Economics of Armenia. Alongside his studies, Levon dedicates his time to volunteer work at the Shirvanian Youth Center, where he teaches chess, sharing his expertise and passion for the game with others.
Izabela Igityan, born in 2004 and currently residing in Hovuni village in the Shirak region, is on her path to becoming a historian through her studies at Shirak State University. Izabela is passionate about volunteering in various fields and actively contributes her time to the Shirvanian Youth Center. Through her volunteer work at the center, she has not only enriched her knowledge but also formed valuable new friendships, highlighting the personal and communal benefits of her engagement.
Robert Hovhannisyan, born in 2000 and residing in the city of Gyumri in the Shirak region, is studying in the management department at Shirak State University. He shares his expertise by conducting chess lessons at the Shirvanian Youth Center. In his leisure time, Robert enjoys reading various interesting articles and holds a qualification as a programmer, showcasing a diverse range of interests and skills.
Liana Ghazaryan, born in 2005 and residing in the Shirak region, is currently enrolled at Shirak State University, where she is preparing for her future career as a translator. Since 2024, she has begun volunteering at the Shirvanian Youth Center, where she conducts English lessons. Liana enjoys working with children, helping to uncover and develop their skills, indicating her passion for education and her commitment to contributing positively to the development of young learners.
Hasmik Sukiasyan, born in 2004, is a student at the English Language and Literature Department of Shirak State University. She has a passion for teaching, conducting seminars, and dancing. Education and reading are significant aspects of her life, underscoring the importance she places on hard work and the ability to collaborate effectively with a team. Hasmik is also actively involved in volunteer work at the Shirvanian Youth Center, where she teaches English and Russian languages, demonstrating her commitment to sharing knowledge and contributing to her community.
Roza Herabyan, born in 2006 and residing in Akhuryan, is pursuing her studies at Shirak State University with aspirations to become a historian. She actively engages in volunteer work at the Shirvanian Youth Center and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to study for free. Her involvement with the Shirvanian Youth Center has enriched her with new knowledge and allowed her to forge many friendships, showcasing the invaluable experiences and connections gained through her commitment and participation.
Nina Khachatryan, born in 2006 and currently residing in the village of Ashotsk in the Shirak region, is a student at the service department of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics of Shirak State University. She has attended dance and chess classes, showcasing her diverse interests. Nina has engaged in various volunteer activities and participated in community programs, reflecting her commitment to service and community involvement. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new places with her friends, indicating her love for adventure and social interaction.
Emily Kirakosyan, born in 2003, is in her fourth year at the Department of Informatics and Applied Mathematics, part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Shirak State University. She works as a laboratory assistant at the Institute of Geophysics and Engineering Seismology, gaining hands-on experience in her field of study. Emily has contributed her time to volunteer work across various areas, showcasing her commitment to giving back to the community. Additionally, she possesses skills in the programming language Python, highlighting her technical proficiency and readiness for the challenges in the tech industry.
Haykanush Galstyan, born in 2004, is a student at the English Language and Literature Department of Shirak State University. She has a passion for painting on various subjects and engaging in experiments, reflecting her innovative and creative spirit. Conscientiousness and effective time management are key aspects of her approach to both her academic and personal pursuits. Haykanush also dedicates her time to volunteer work at the Shirvanian Youth Center, where she teaches English, demonstrating her commitment to sharing her knowledge and skills with the community.
Syoma Alekyan, born in 2005 and currently residing in Gyumri, is pursuing his education in the management department of the Gyumri branch of the State University of Economics of Armenia. In his free time, he indulges in studying cars, highlighting a keen interest in automotive technology and industry. Additionally, Syoma is an active member of the AYF, demonstrating his commitment to engaging in community and cultural activities.
Emma Muradyan, born in 2005, is currently a student at the Gyumri branch of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, where she is majoring in design. In her spare time, Emma enjoys listening to music and engaging in sports, reflecting her interest in balancing creative pursuits with physical activity. Additionally, she is actively involved in volunteering and youth work, showcasing her commitment to contributing to her community and fostering positive change through her actions.
Yeranuhi Ayvazyan, born in 2004, currently lives in Gyumri and is pursuing her studies in the history department of the Faculty of Humanities at Shirak State University. Her interests include reading books and watching educational and psychological films, reflecting a keen desire for personal growth and understanding of various perspectives. In addition to her academic pursuits, Yeranuhi enjoys working with children, underscoring her passion for education and her nurturing disposition.
The mission of the “We Are Gyumri” committee is to create a positive and lasting impact on youth in Gyumri, Armenia. The campaign restructured and renovated the Shirvanian Youth Center in Gyumri that had been destroyed during the 1988 Spitak earthquake. A year-round functional program was created at the Center to teach youth in Gyumri everyday skills, to provide them with the essentials they need for a brighter future, and to serve as a bridge between youth in Gyumri and their peers in the Diaspora. As another component of the campaign, the “We Are Gyumri” Mina Shirvanian Scholarship Fund is intended for residents of the Shirak Province to pursue their undergraduate education in their native region. “We are Gyumri” is an ARF Western U.S. Central Committee initiative.
