Der Mugrdechian Scholarship Endowment

Staff Report

Dr. Dickran Kouymjian, Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies at California State University, Fresno and Director of the Armenian Studies Program, announced the establishment of the Norma and Bob Der Mugrdechian Armenian Studies Endowed Scholarship Fund at Fresno State.

Bob Der Mugrdechian of Clovis, California established the Scholarship Fund in memory of his late wife Norma Der Mugrdechian, who was a 1987 graduate of Fresno State and had taken courses in Armenian Studies. Mrs. Der Mugrdechian also taught the Armenian Studies Program’s popular weekend Armenian cooking course, which was always a favorite among students and adults.

The fund will provide scholarships for students who have declared a major in Armenian Studies at Fresno State or who are studying in the area of Armenian Studies.

"This scholarship fund will enable students who declare a Special Major in Armenian Studies the opportunity to be recognized for their achievements," said Dr. Kouymjian. "Generous donations such as this once again demonstrate the interest that the Armenian community has in strengthening our Program."

Norma Der Mugrdechian was the daughter of Charles and Siranouche Tavookjian, immigrants to Fresno from Tokat, Armenia. She was an active homemaker and Sunday Church-school teacher for more than 50 years.

Bob Der Mugrdechian is the son of Anooshavan and Rakel Der Mugrdechian, who immigrated to Fresno from Van, Armenia in 1917. He has been a frequent contributor to Armenian newspapers and has been active in the AGBU and the William Saroyan Society.

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