Garabedian Scholarship Fund in Armenian Studies

Staff Report

The Donald Garabedian Endowed Scholarship in Armenian Studies was established in December 2017, with a generous donation of $26,000 by Mr. Garabedian. Armenian Studies Program Berberian Coordinator Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian welcomed the new scholarship fund, saying “Donations such as these assist students in their studies. The Program is pleased to accept Mr. Garabedian’s gift, which will benefit students who demonstrate an interest in Armenian Studies.”

Don Garabedian was born and raised in Fresno and attended Winchell Elementary School, Longfellow Jr. High School, Kings Canyon Jr. High School, Roosevelt High School, and Fresno City College (one year).

He graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, qualifying as a CPA and working for a Big Four CPA firm for ten-plus years. He moved back to the Bay Area in the late 1970s and has worked for several companies as a CFO and tax advisor. He is currently semi-retired but still provides consulting to several technology and Chinese companies.

Garabedian became aware of the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State through his parents, Chester and Armen Garabedian. Armen attended Fresno State for one year in the 1950s. He followed the progress of the Program and its leadership by Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, his first cousin, through the pages of Hye Sharzhoom.

Garabedian is proud of his heritage and knows that his Vanetsi grandparents would be excited that Der Mugrdechian was able to dedicate his academic accomplishments in Armenian Studies.

“My parents and grandparents would be grateful that their children and grandchildren continue to respect our heritage and encourage other Armenian students through this Program,” stated Garabedian.

Garabedian’s motivation for establishing the scholarship came from his uncle, Bob Der Mugrdechian, who had earlier established the Norma and Bob Der Mugrdechian Endowed Scholarship in Armenian Studies at Fresno State. He enjoyed his visits together with his mother and Uncle Bob.

Garabedian expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices made by the first generation, which has helped subsequent generations of the Armenian community in Fresno immensely.

“In retrospect, if I had had the opportunity to attend the Armenian Studies Program when I was in college, my appreciation for Armenian heritage, culture and history would have been greatly enhanced,” said Garabedian. As one grows older it becomes more evident that one should give back to the future generations through various means and Garabedian found this avenue an excellent choice.

“The Armenian Studies Pro-gram provides an important connection to make students aware of the impact of Armenian history, culture, and the community and the impact that a small country has made on the world,” stated Garabedian.

Garabedian hopes to see the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State continue to flourish and is happy to be part of it in a small way through the endowment of a Scholarship Fund.