Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Diana Gasparyan
Staff Writer
This fall a new scholarship will be available for Fresno State students through a generous donation by the Robert V. Saroyan Family Foundation. The scholarship award will benefit students enrolled in Armenian or Armenian Studies courses.
Each year, the Armenian Studies Program awards more than $50,000 in scholarships to Fresno State students, both Armenian and non-Armenian, enrolled in Armenian Studies courses. Many of those students go on to pursue a Minor in Armenian Studies.
Having the resources to ensure that students are able to connect to Armenian culture and learn more about their heritage is a gift that donors to the Armenian Studies Program make possible. The Program creates a bridge for students to cross into the world of Armenia’s profound impact, and the scholarships are a way to encourage students to explore that world.
It is also through the generous support of community members that the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State continues to grow and thrive and has become one of the largest undergraduate Armenian Studies programs in the world.
As a political science major at USC, Robert Saroyan benefited from scholarships that gave him the support he needed to pursue and complete his studies. Now the successful President of the Valley Children’s Healthcare Foundation, Saroyan draws his inspiration from those whose support made it possible for him to graduate and hopes to make the same difference for others in a beautiful cycle of giving.
“If I can give back in some way, a big part of that legacy includes leaving my footprint to an important cause,” said Saroyan. He hopes his acts of generosity will inspire future generations to carry on the torch of philanthropy.
Saroyan chose to support the Armenian Studies Program because he believes, “it preserves an important part of history not just for Armenians, but also highlights the contributions of our culture and the impact it had on the world.” Not everyone is aware of Armenia’s rich history and the successes of a small country such as Armenia. This is why having a Program dedicated to the study of Armenia and the Armenians is a wonderful resource all can benefit from.
The Armenian Studies Program is growing each year, making a significant difference with each step. Saroyan sees the potential in the Program, stating, “if the Armenian Studies Program carries the flag into the future and demonstrates to our fellow citizens that we are humble in our work, in our success, and in our studies, then that would be a great example.”