AEF’S 2023-2024 Richard R. Tufenkian Scholarship Recipients. From left: Ejmin Panoosian, Ani Karajayan, and Haig Emirzian

The Armenian Educational Foundation’s Board of Directors and Scholarship Committee announced the recipients of the Richard R. Tufenkian Scholarship Award for the academic year 2023-2024. This year, over 90 outstanding applications were submitted by Armenian undergraduate students enrolled in accredited colleges or universities in the United States. After careful deliberation, the committee has chosen to honor three deserving scholars with $3,000 scholarships each.

To be eligible for consideration, applicants were required to demonstrate Armenian heritage, maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, exhibit financial need, and display active engagement within the Armenian community. The selection process was meticulous and rigorous as the committee evaluated the multitude of applications to ultimately identify the following exceptional students who stood out among their peers.

Ejmin Panoosian is a rising sophomore at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University majoring in Aeronautical Science. He hails from Armenia where in 2020 he most notably served in the Army in the 44 day war. He began his college career in Armenia at the Armenian State College of Economics where he was focused on mastering complex mathematical calculations vital to the field of aviation. He has also competed globally as a musician, is a respected banker having worked at Ararat Bank in Armenia, a highly praised artist and a professional boxer. Elmin’s trajectory embodies determination, responsibility and a drive to give back.

Ani Karajayan is a rising sophomore at University of Southern California majoring in Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience program, coupled with a minor in Cinematic Studies. Originating from Los Angeles, her journey is a testament to her resolute dedication to excellence, dedicating her time to the Armenian Special Needs Community. She seeks to challenge her ability to rewire how she approaches the process of problem-solving through neuroscience. Ani’s exploration of neuroscience reflects her determination to reshape her problem-solving approach which is exemplified as a volunteer coach in the Homenetmen Hrashq program which provides the Armenian special needs community the opportunity to participate in Homenetmen’s athletic program and competition events.

Haig Emirzian is a rising junior at the Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in Cybersecurity. His enduring connection to his Armenian heritage serves as a wellspring of inspiration, and he aspires to one day pay forward the blessings he has received from his community. Haigs contribution to the Armenian community includes volunteering for COAF since 2020, going to Armenia and helping with the Health Clinic in various Armenian villages. His true passion ignited upon entering Stevens Institute of Technology. The academic environment fueled his enthusiasm, particularly in the fields of mathematics and computer science. Haig’s holistic approach to personal growth and academic excellence further enriched his journey, revealing the profound significance of striking a balance between scholastic achievements and social responsibility.

The Richard R. Tufenkian Scholarship Fund was established by Ralph and Savey Tufenkian in memory of their son, Richard. Since its inception in 1991, this endowed fund, initially amounting to $230,000, has generously contributed more than $531,000 in scholarships. Presently, a total of $15,000 is awarded annually in scholarships. Additionally, five full-tuition scholarships are granted to students enrolled in public universities in Armenia.

AEF expresses deep gratitude to the Tufenkian Family for their unwavering commitment to supporting Armenians globally. Their philanthropic endeavors, unconditional love, and continued backing have significantly contributed to the education and progress of Armenian youth both within the United States and abroad.

As AEF looks forward with optimism to the future, its aspiration is to extend even greater assistance to students of Armenian descent who are pursuing higher education. Furthermore, AEF aims to persist in its mission of providing educational support to institutions in Armenia, the United States, and across the globe, having granted over 1350 scholarships during the 2023-2024 academic years.

The Armenian Missionary Association of America logo

Chair of the Armenian Missionary Association of America’s Scholarship Committee, John Cherkezian announced that the AMAA has awarded $193,000 in direct scholarship grants for the 2023-2024 academic year to 69 worthy students attending colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. An additional $40,000 was also assigned for qualified university students in Armenia.

For over 50 years, the AMAA has helped thousands of college students with scholarships, thus lessening their financial costs and allowing them to better focus on their academic work and prepare for their future endeavors. Since its founding, the AMAA has supported the education of tens of thousands of Armenian students at all levels in the Near East, Europe, Continental United States, and Armenia. The AMAA also provides generous and abundant financial aid to schools and institutions of higher education in the Near East, including Haigazian University and the Near East School of Theology in Beirut.

The scholarships granted this year were provided from several AMAA scholarship funds established over the years to support these deserving students. Students may request applications from AMAA Headquarters in Paramus, NJ beginning in January of each year. The deadline to submit applications for the 2024-2025 academic year is May 1, 2024.

Founded in 1918, the Armenian Missionary Association of America serves the spiritual, educational, and social needs of Armenian communities in 24 countries around the world including Armenia and Artsakh. For additional information, you may visit the AMAA website.

Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre’s “A Ballet Spectacular” flyer

Featuring Principals Eduard Sargsyan (Armenian National Ballet) and Irina Gharibyan (Moscow Ballet), Along with Acclaimed Pianist Mikhail Korzhev Performing Live on Stage

GLENDALE—The Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre returns to the Alex Theatre with “A Ballet Spectacular,” a compilation of some of the world’s most famous ballet selections under the direction of award winning choreographer, Natasha Middleton. The performance marks PBDT’s first time back since 2019 and features an exciting lineup of stars performing to selections from “Don Quixote,” “Masquerade,” “Spartacus,” and the Armenian favorite “Gayane.” This premiere performance, which will be held on Sunday, September 24th at 5 p.m., will also feature award winning pianist Mikhail Korzhev playing with the dancers live on stage to Rachmaninov’s “Spring Waters Pas de Deux!”

“We’re thrilled to be back at the Alex with a program that highlights cultures from around the world,” said PBDT’s Director and Choreographer Natasha Middleton. “This year, we’re looking to create a really special moment on stage by bringing in Mikhail Korzhev to perform live with our dancers on the stage.”

The Principal dancers for the upcoming PBDT show include Eduard Sargsyan, former dancer of the Armenian National Ballet, and Irina Gharibyan, a prodigy of PBDT who also guest performed with the Moscow Ballet. Rounding out the cast are Damara Titmus-Graves (formerly of Denver Ballet) with Elan Alekzander,, Natalie Palmgren, Samantha Bell, Ian Schwaner and more.

ACT I from “A Ballet Spectacular” will feature selections from the ballet Don Quixote. The fun love story about Kitri (Irina Gharibyan of Glendale), Lorenzo’s daughter, is in love with Basilio (Eduard Sargsyan of Redondo Beach).  Much to her chagrin, she learns of her father’s plans to marry her to Gamache, a foppish nobleman.  At the height of merriment, Kitri and Basilio, aided by their friends, Espada (Lester Gonzalez of San Diego), the Toreador and Mercedes (Damara Titmus of Reseda), the Gypsy Street Dancer, all sneak off together. 

The second act will present award-winning Russian pianist Mikhail Korzhev playing live on stage to Rachmaninov’s Spring Waters and danced by principal ballerina Elan Alekzander (guesting from Anaheim Ballet) and Pbdt soloist Richard Biglia (Burbank.) The Waltz from composer Aram Khachaturian’s hauntingly beautiful ballet “Masquerade” with choreography by Natasha Middleton set to a stage of mystery and intrigue. Also featuring Khachaturian famous Saber Dance and the Lezghinka from the Armenian story ballet “Gayane” and danced in the style of ballet and folk dance.

Since its inception in 1954, the PBDT continues to bring the audiences powerful and atmospheric performances and has gained a notable following, growing to become one of the major dance companies within the greater Los Angeles area.  The PBDT attracts first-class talent from across the country and around the world that contribute their unique experience to both the stage and audience. 

Tickets are on sale now. Please visit the Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre website for more information.  The Alex Theatre is located at 216 N. Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA, 91203.

First founded in 1954 by Andrei Tremaine as Pacific Ballet Theatre, the company carries a family legacy of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and remains now under the direction of Tremaine’s daughter, Natasha Middleton. In 2012, the company officially became the Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre (PBDT) and continues to bring audiences a powerful and atmospheric performance as one of the major dance companies within the greater Los Angeles area.  Featuring first-class talent from around the world, the Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre’s mission is to perform captivating ballet presentations and offer engaging educational programs that nurture the talent and artistic creativity within the diverse community of Southern California.

Armenian Educational Benevolent Union Scholarship Fund Committee members with three of this year’s scholarship recipients

PASADENA— The Armenian Educational Benevolent Union Scholarship Fund Committee on August 27 celebrated its 5th Anniversary and announced the 2023-2024 award recipients during a festive gala at the De Luxe Banquet Hall in Burbank, California.

The AEBU Scholarship Fund was established to encourage youth of Armenian descent to pursue higher education, be engaged in the Armenian community, and to give back through community service. This year, 14 recipients—seven in the United States, four in Armenia, and three in Lebanon—were selected from a large pool of highly qualified candidates who had applied nationwide and from overseas.

The Armenian-American selected recipients were awarded their scholarships in the presence of the AEBU Scholarship Fund donors, friends, and family members during the event.

Stepan Hovagimian, Master of Ceremony, opened the event with welcoming remarks.

The formal program began after dinner with a musical performance by the talented Nektarine Chilyan, who delighted the audience playing the qanun and singing a collection of popular Armenian and international songs.

The keynote address was given by Dr. Houri Berberian, who holds the position of Professor of History and the Meghrouni Family Presidential Chair in Armenian Studies, as well as serving as the Director of Armenian Studies at the University of California, Irvine. In her presentation, titled “Education, Scholarship, and Armenian Women at the Forefront,” Dr. Berberian established a connection between the AEBU mission and historical instances of Armenian women’s groups, their advocacy, and their active involvement in promoting education and supporting students.

Afterwards, Hovagimian invited committee members Tatios Koroghlian, Lousine Boyamian, and Karine Kojababian to present the 2023 Scholarship Awards to Sara Aprahamian, Sofia Gevorgian, Ani Hekimian, and Kathryn Sarkissian who attended the ceremony.

Aren Avetisian, Ani Mkrtchyan, and Joseph Tertzakian-Harris accepted their awards via video messages.

Award recipients in Armenia and Lebanon received their awards from the AEBU local chapters in Armenia and Lebanon.

The AEBU 2023-2024 Scholarship Fund award recipients are as follows:

U.S.:

• Sara Aprahamian, Santa Clarita, California. Aprahamian is enrolled in the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, and will be majoring in Entertainment Design: Concept Art. This is a domain where she has observed a noticeable lack of Armenian representation among concept artists. Ms. Aprahamian is a graduate of Saugus High School (GPA 3.91).
• Sofia Gevorgian, Los Angeles, California. Gevorgian will be attending University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and majoring in Political Science, with a Minor in Middle Eastern Studies. Her long-term goal is to study law and pursue a career in the realm of international affairs. Ms. Gevorkian is a graduate of AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School, Canoga Park (GPA 3.95).
• Ani Hekimian, Pasadena, California. Hekimian is attending Pasadena City College and majoring in Biochemistry. She has demonstrated exemplary engagement in community service by devoting her time in Armenian and non-Armenian volunteer activities. Ms. Hekimian is a graduate of Marshall Fundamental High School, Pasadena (GPA 3.83).
• Kathryn Sarkissian, Whittier, California. Sarkissian is enrolled in the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and will be majoring in Biology and minoring in Journalism. She will wield her love of writing and reporting to bringing attention to Armenian causes. Ms. Sarkissian is a graduate of the Armenian Mesrobian School in Pico Rivera (GPA 4.42).
• Ani Mkrtchyan, Chevy Chase, Maryland. Mkrtchyan is enrolled in the University of Maryland, majoring in International Business and Marketing. She moved to the United States four years ago due to her father’s military diplomatic term in Washington D.C. Ms. Mkrtchyan is a graduate of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Maryland (GPA 3.88).
• Aren Avetisyan, Chevy Chase, Maryland. Avetisyan will be studying Liberal Arts at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. Aren was born in Stepanakert, Artsakh. He moved to the United States at the age of three, when his father was appointed to serve as Permanent Representative of Artsakh to the United States. Mr. Avetisyan is a graduate of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Maryland (GPA 3.60).
• Joseph Tertzakian-Harris, Alberta, Canada. Tertzakian-Harris is heading to the University of California, Berkeley, to study Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures with a double major in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies. He plans to devote his life to Armenian Studies and educating the public about Armenia through teaching and social media. Tertzakian-Harris is a graduate of J.H. Picard High School in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (GPA 4.0).

Armenai:  

• Hagop George, Yerevan, Armenia. George will be attending Yerevan Haybusak University, Medicine Institute, studying general medicine.
• Newart Izmirlian, Yerevan, Armenia. Izmirlian will be attending American University of Armenia with a major in English and Communications. Ms. Izmirlian is a graduate of Sahaguian Levon Meguerditchian College in Beirut, Lebanon.
• Anna Gharibyan, Lechashen, Armenia. Gharibyan is enrolled in the National University of Architecture and Construction in Armenia, majoring in Informatics (Computer Science).
• Nane Petrosyan, Lechashen, Armenia. Petrosyan is enrolled in Yerevan State University, majoring in the Services Education Program.

Lebanon: 

• Dsovak Keuchkarian, Jal El Dib, Lebanon. Keuchkarian is enrolled in Haigazian University in Beirut, with a major in Social Work. She is a high School graduate of Sahaguian-Levon Meguerditchian College in Beirut, Lebanon.
• Dalida Sharbarashian, Rawda, Beirut, Lebanon. Sharbarashian will be attending Haigazian University in Beirut and majoring in Social Work. Ms. Sharbarashian is a high School graduate of Sahaguian-Levon Meguerditchian College in Beirut, Lebanon.
• Noushig Zadigian, Bourj Hammoud, Beirut, Lebanon. Zadigian will be attending Haigazian University in Beirut with a major in Biology. Ms. Zadigian is a high School graduate of Sahaguian-Levon Meguerditchian College in Beirut, Lebanon.

BY CATHERINE YESAYAN

2023 marks 12 years since I began writing a column in Asbarez newspaper. Within this time, I’ve traveled to numerous cities and countries, and I’ve reported about Armenian communities around the world. However, there are a handful of places that I had not yet visited, among them New Zealand and Australia.  

So, on March 29, my husband and I started our journey from Los Angeles to visit Oceania. 

A few months prior to our trip, I did some searching on Facebook and was able to connect with the Armenian Society in Auckland, New Zealand. My search led me to Liana Petrossian, who is a member of the Society.

Liana is originally from Armenia and has been living in Auckland, with her family, for the last six years. She was a great help in locating a lodging for us and arranging a get together with the local Armenian community,

On Saturday, April 1, Liana picked us up from our Airbnb and drove to downtown Auckland. The one-hour drive was a feast for the eyes of a nature lover like me. I couldn’t help myself, as I took several pictures. The green landscape and the blue skies, with a touch of clouds, for which New Zealand is famous for, was breathtaking.

Catherine Yesayan with Liana Petrossian in downtown Auckland, New Zealand The “Armenian Alphabet” monument in front of the Armenian community building in Auckland

We enjoyed a few hours in downtown Auckland and then she took us to the community center where we were going to meet members of the Armenian Society.

As we arrived at the community center, right in front of the building, Liana pointed to the “Armenian Alphabet” monument, which was carved in Armenia and shipped to New Zealand in 2018. Then we entered the center, where there were just a few members present, but soon more people trickled in. 

The Armenian Society was established in 1996. The Society serves the local needs of the Armenian community and helps keep the culture alive. The members of the board organize many events and celebrations, such as Armenian Independence Day, genocide commemorations, and religious holidays. 

The Armenian society has about 100 members and, on that day, there were around 30 to 40 members present. There are approximately 220 Armenians in New Zealand. The first arrival of Armenians in New Zealand has been recorded to be during the Otago gold rush in the 1860s. However, the majority immigrated to New Zealand in the 1990s from Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Russia. Since 1999, the society has been gathering at Meadowood Community building, on every third Sunday of the month.

Lady’s group making crosses with olive branches A cross made from an olive branch

To accommodate our stay, they had to move the date of their monthly gathering to coordinate with our stay in Auckland. We met on April 1, a day before Palm Sunday. For this reason, the lady’s committee had brought olive branches to make crosses. Most women attendees participated in making the crosses, and I also tried my hand in making one or two.

The welcome party was warm and happy. I had the chance to mingle with several members and ask them questions. It was a potluck event, so each member had brought different kinds of tempting desserts. 

I also got a chance to speak to the crowd and tell them about my columns and thank them for arranging a wonderful get together, so that I could meet the Armenians and learn about the community.

April 1st also happened to be the birthday of the president of the society, Hermik Soukassian. For this occasion, Hedy Ovanesoff, who, with her husband had pioneered the club, had made an Easter Brioche cake.

By all measures, it was a joyous reunion. There were many families with their kids and their babies in strollers. A big thank you to the board of the Armenian Society for organizing such a nice event.

At the meeting, I had the chance to have a good chat with Nishan Basmajian, who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia, same as New Zealand. I gathered most of my information from him.

He noted an interesting fact: In Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, where a small number of Armenians live, there’s a street named after Constantine Zohrab, who was an Armenian. He added that Douglas Zohrab, the son of Constantine, was the ambassador of Armenia in Germany. He also added that Dame Sian Elias, who was appointed as the New Zealand’s first woman Chief Justice in 1999, had Armenian ancestry as well.

Since there’s no Armenian Church in New Zealand, a local Anglican church in Auckland is rented for religious masses and ceremonies. The Archbishop and the priests of Sydney’s Apostolic church, travel from Sydney to Auckland, a few times a year, to conduct Holy Masses, as well as to bless the souls of those deceased. The community has a choir, named Zvartnots. 

When the evening was over, Hermik the president of the society, told us that she would give us a ride, because she lives in the same city that we were staying in. On the way, we stopped at Orewa, a beach town, to have a bite at a restaurant and then Hermik drove us to our Airbnb. 

Chancellor of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Australia, Nishan Basmajian, speaking to Catherine Yesayan, who is taking notes

The following day, on Sunday, we decided to spend the day at the same beach. We called an Uber, and it was about a 15-minute drive. 

The weather in Orewa was very pleasant—in the low 70s—and the coast, which stretched for miles and miles, was just stunning. The beachfront seemed to have very clean and shallow waters and no high waves.

That day, we had breakfast and lunch at different cafés. When it was time to go home, we tried to call an Uber, but it didn’t work. The restaurant attendants tried to help us but to no avail. 

After many tries, one of the servers of the restaurant suggested that he could take us with his own car. That was a great solution. It was in the afternoon and the restaurant was not too busy.

When we got home, we started to pack our luggage, because our flight was the following morning, on Monday. 

Our newfound friend Hermik, kindly offered to drive us to the airport. That’s how we spent three wonderful days in Auckland, New Zealand. 

Catherine Yesayan is a regular contributor to Asbarez, with her columns appearing under the “Community Links” heading. She can be reached at [email protected].

Artsakh Defense Ministry warned of increased Azerbaijani troop movement near Artsakh on Sep. 5

The Artsakh Defense Ministry on Tuesday warned of an increase in movement and concentration of Azerbaijani military personnel and equipment near the line-of-contact with Artsakh.

The ministry said that the Artsakh Defense Army units had recorded this build-up in various areas of the line-of-contact.

It warned that Azerbaijan is preparing for another attack and during the past several days has increased its disinformation campaign of claiming attacks by Artsakh forces against Azerbaijani targets, which have been denied.

Local authorities reported that an Artsakh resident was injured on Sunday after Azerbaijani forces opened fire near a water tanker located in the village of Chankatagh in the Martakert district.

The Artsakh defense ministry said that the incident took place at 2:20 p.m. local time on Sunday, with Azerbaijani forces using small arms and grenade launchers to hit their target.

An Artsakh farmer was targeted by Azerbaijani forces, which shot at a farmer in the Sarushen village at around 10:10 a.m. local time on Monday. No injuries were reported.