Armenia’s Top IT Students Receive Presidential Awards

YEREVAN (ArmRadio)–Synopsys, Inc., a world leader in software and IP for semiconductor design and manufacturing, today announced that 29 of Armenia’s brightest IT students were awarded Presidential Awards during Synopsys Week.

Established in 2005 with the approval of Armenia’s previous president, Robert Kocharian, Synopsys entered into an agreement with the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund to establish the Annual Educational Awards for the best IT students in Armenia. The awards honor students who have the highest grades, are active in social programs, have participated in Armenian Microelectronics Olympiads, have written scientific papers or articles, and who have comprehensive knowledge and talent.

In 2008, the committee selected 20 deserving students from the State Engineering University of Armenia (SEUA), Yerevan State University (YSU), the Engineering College of the American University of Armenia (AUA), and the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) State University (RAU). Nine students were also chosen from eligible high schools, including the A. Shahinyan Physics-Math Special School, Quant College, Anania Shirakatsi College, Photon College from Gyumri, and Evrika College of Vanadzor (see Appendix 2). The Presidential IT Awards Committee screened 134 nominees: 83 students from four universities and 51 pupils from six schools.

“It is an honor to continue the tradition of the Presidential IT Awards with President Serzh Sarkisian,” said Rich Goldman, co director of the Board of the Annual Presidential Educational Awards, vice president of Corporate Marketing and Strategic Alliances at Synopsys, and chief executive officer of Synopsys Armenia CJSC. “The awards are becoming an enduring testament to Armenia’s growing prowess in engineering.”

This year, the committee expanded the list of nominations with a new category, “Grand Prix.” Along with certificates, financial awards and an Apple iPod Shuffle, winners received special Presidential Educational Trophies symbolizing the IT industry. Following the awards ceremony, the winners had a special meeting with President Sarkisian.

“The development of the IT industry in Armenia is very important,” said Ara Vardanyan, co-director of the Board of the Annual Presidential Educational Awards, and acting executive director of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. “By promoting their achievemen’s we can help motivate and encourage our youth to work harder and acquire more knowledge. I’m confident that the winners of these awards are going to play key roles in tomorrow’s Armenian IT sphere.”

“The intellectual level of award participants this year has increased significantly,” said Hovik Musayelyan, president of the Annual Presidential Educational Awards Committee, and executive director of Synopsys Armenia SJCS. “These young people will help lead our workforce and are expected to make a serious contribution to Armenia’s future.”

“I’m honored to have been nominated and to be one of the winners in this inspiring group,” said Ani Harutyunyan, the 1st category winner amongst the “Best Bachelor Student” nominees. “Receiving this award at the beginning of my career obligates me to do my best for the bright future of Armenia.”

A number of categories and financial awards, financed by Synopsys Armenia closed joint stock company (CJSC), have been established for the winners: