Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Armenian Studies Program Berberian Coordinator Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian announced that the Bertha and John Garabedian Foundation has made a generous donation of $25,000 to establish the Bertha and John Garabedian Foundation Armenian Studies Endowed Scholarship at Fresno State.
Together with previous year’s donations, the Garabedian Foundation has awarded more than $140,000 in grants to the Armenian Studies Program.
John Garabedian, born in Fresno on February 28, 1909, was a prominent Californian grower, businessman, and political activist. He married his wife, Bertha, on August 10, 1928. Garabedian grew and bred fruit for 50 years in the Madera and Fresno region, patenting 45 new varieties of plums, grapes, nectarines, and peaches.
Garabedian was a generous benefactor who actively supported his community. In 1973, he donated $100,000 to St. Agnes Hospital, which was used to dedicate the fourth floor of their new hospital. Garabedian regularly supported Fresno State and its students.
During the fund drive for the Haig and Isabel Berberian Endowed Chair in Armenian Studies, Garabedian donated $50,000 to the Armenian Studies Program. The Armenian Studies offices at Fresno State have been named after Garabedian and display a plaque in honor of his gift.
After John Garabedian’s death in 1992, the Bertha and John Garabedian Foundation was established in 1993, and continues his charitable work.
Thanks to the Garabedian Foundation, dozens of Fresno State students have benefited over the years from scholarships. He also set up grants for Spanish speaking students from Madera interested in studying horticulture or viticulture. It was his goal to make farming more affordable and accessible for young people.
The Bertha and John Garabedian Foundation has made a lasting contribution to the success of students at Fresno State.