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PRESS RELEASE
Fund for Armenian Relief
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Edina N. Bobelian
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.farusa.org
July 17, 2007
_____________________________
FAR EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGE REWARDS ARMENIA'S TOP STUDENTS
 
The Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) has always supported bright minds in
Armenia.  It awards grants to scientists and scholars performing
groundbreaking research through its Armenian National Science and Education
Fund (ANSEF).
 
It brings rural doctors up to date on modern medical practices and equipment
to help saves lives through its Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program. 
It trains young adults for advanced high-tech jobs in Armenia's new IT hub
through its Gyumri IT Center.
 
It prepares the next generation to build a better future through its various
educational programs, ranging from school assistance to scholarships for
outstanding students from underprivileged families.
 
FAR recognizes that supporting bright minds in Armenia is critical.  It is
important to stem the brain drain of intellectuals emigrating, to promote
sustainable development and economic growth, and to drive the new democratic
state.  For FAR, this is essential, and as a matter of policy, will always
remain a key focus of FAR's work in the Armenian Homeland.
 
ENCOURAGING THE NATION'S BEST
 
A recent, interesting event in Armenia, hosted by FAR, was an Educational
Challenge sponsored by Ashot Hayrapetyan, a mathematical models developer
who works in New York's financial services industry.
 
He had won several awards for his educational performances as an adolescent
in Armenia, which helped propel him during his academic pursuits and gave
him an edge in his professional career.  Now, he is returning the favor by
reaching out to the next generation of bright minds in Armenia and
sponsoring competitions for university students through FAR.
 
`My intention is to encourage the best students of Armenia,' said Mr.
Hayrapetyan.  `The intellectual potential in this smart, knowledgeable
generation is the future of the Republic.  We have to do more to capture
their attention.  We need to capitalize on their intellectual curiosity for
Armenia's development, for Armenia's future.'
 
Partnering with FAR, he initiated the Educational Challenge and generously
attached a monetary reward for each winner. It was a success, attracting
more than 650 young, elite students from throughout Armenia and Karabagh.
 
Only the best 100 applicants were pronounced winners: 85 students from
Armenia and 15 from Karabagh.  The following demonstrates the range of
universities they attend:  45 students from Yerevan State University; 15
from Armenian State University of Economics; 15 from Artsakh State
University; 12 from State Engineering University of Armenia (Polytechnic); 4
from Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) State University; 4 from Gavar State
University; 3 from Armenian State Pedagogical University; 1 from Yerevan
State University of Architecture & Construction; and 1 from State
Engineering University of Armenia (Polytechnic), Gyumri Branch.
 
During a May 2007 ceremony held at the Yerevan State University, the 100
winners were handed Certificates of Recognition as well as given their
monetary awards.  Ashot Hayrapetyan, Aram Simonyan, Rector of Yerevan State
University, Bagrat Sargsyan, FAR's Country Director, as well as other FAR
staff and guests attended the special event.
 
In his closing remarks, Mr. Hayrapetyan expressed his sincere hope that, in
the future, the winners will continue this tradition that encourages the
intellectual curiosity of and outstanding performance by Armenia's youths
when they will have the opportunity to give back and help others.
 
TAPPING THEIR NASCENT POTENTIAL
 
`This Educational Challenge proved,' said Garnik Nanagoulian, FAR's
Executive Director, `that there are many bright minds in Armenia today. 
Despite what we sometimes hear in the Diaspora and in Armenia, this
competition showed us that the quality of education in Armenia is still
very, very high.  Our Homeland continues to produce these unique talents.'
 
`These young adults participated in our competition not because of the
money, but for the moral victory.  They had yearned for the intellectual
stimulation and genuinely appreciated the recognition of their
accomplishment.'
The FAR Educational Challenge represented the first time that these
university students were recognized for their achievements by a third,
non-interested party.  The reward and attention has inspired them.  It has
encouraged them to excel and to start believing in themselves.
 
FAR plans to create a Winners Alumni Club that will meet a few times each
year.  By engaging them in FAR's humanitarian and economic development
programs, FAR will tap an important resource - the country's future
leaders.  It is critical to maintain a strong bond between Armenia and these
promising youths, wherever their careers might take them. In addition, FAR
hopes to create a mentorship program, facilitating the link between these
young bright minds and Diaspora-based intellectuals and industry leaders.
 
GIVING BACK TO THE NEXT GENERATION
 
Mr. Nanagoulian continued, `we highly appreciate the initiative from Mr.
Hayrapetyan to highlight these bright minds through an Educational
Challenge. He is a great example and deserves our praise. He could have
continued his normal life here, but he stepped up to encourage the young
talented people in Armenia as he was once helped. It was a pleasure to work
with him and I hope others will come forward like him.'
Given the significant response to this competition, FAR would like to host
one every two to three years with Mr. Hayrapetyan and other sponsors. 
Please consider reaching out to the young bright minds in Armenia.  These
Educational Challenges keep them striving for something better, both for
themselves and for Armenia.  Together we can help strengthen their
self-esteem and build their confidence.
 
Interested parties should contact FAR directly by telephone at (212)
889-5150 or by email at [email protected].  You may also reach Ashot
Hayrapetyan at [email protected]. 
 
ABOUT FAR
 
Since its founding in response to the 1988 earthquake, FAR has served
millions of people through more than 220 relief and development programs in
Armenia, Karabagh and Javakhk.  It has channeled more than $265 million in
humanitarian assistance by implementing a wide range of projects, including
emergency relief, construction, education, medical aid, and economic
development.
 
FAR, one of the preeminent relief and development organization operating
there, is dedicated to realizing the dream of a free, democratic,
prosperous, and culturally rich Armenian Homeland.  It works towards a
brighter future by partnering with donors to make life better for our
people.  By offering hope and more promising prospects in Armenia, Karabagh,
and Javakhk, FAR binds the Diaspora and the Armenian family together around
the globe.
 
For more information on FAR or to send donations, contact FAR at 630 Second
Avenue, New York, NY 10016; telephone (212) 889-5150; fax (212) 889-4849;
web www.farusa.org; e-mail [email protected].
 
- 7/24/07
 
E-mail photos available upon request.
 
PHOTO CAPTION1:  Ashot Hayrapetyan (front, center) sponsored the FAR
Educational Challenge that rewarded the top 100 university students in
Armenia and Karabagh.  The young bright minds felt encouraged by the
recognition for their outstanding academic performances.
 
PHOTO CAPTION2:  Ashot Hayrapetyan (right) hands a Certificate of
Recognition and money prize to a winner of the FAR Educational Challenge. 
More than 650 students from throughout Armenia and Karabagh submitted
applications for consideration; 100 were recognized.
Fund for Armenian Relief
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Edina N. Bobelian
Tel: (212) 889-5150; Fax: (212) 889-4849
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.farusa.org
July 17, 2007
_____________________________
FAR EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGE REWARDS ARMENIA'S TOP STUDENTS
 
The Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) has always supported bright minds in
Armenia.  It awards grants to scientists and scholars performing
groundbreaking research through its Armenian National Science and Education
Fund (ANSEF).
 
It brings rural doctors up to date on modern medical practices and equipment
to help saves lives through its Continuing Medical Education (CME) Program. 
It trains young adults for advanced high-tech jobs in Armenia's new IT hub
through its Gyumri IT Center.
 
It prepares the next generation to build a better future through its various
educational programs, ranging from school assistance to scholarships for
outstanding students from underprivileged families.
 
FAR recognizes that supporting bright minds in Armenia is critical.  It is
important to stem the brain drain of intellectuals emigrating, to promote
sustainable development and economic growth, and to drive the new democratic
state.  For FAR, this is essential, and as a matter of policy, will always
remain a key focus of FAR's work in the Armenian Homeland.
 
ENCOURAGING THE NATION'S BEST
 
A recent, interesting event in Armenia, hosted by FAR, was an Educational
Challenge sponsored by Ashot Hayrapetyan, a mathematical models developer
who works in New York's financial services industry.
 
He had won several awards for his educational performances as an adolescent
in Armenia, which helped propel him during his academic pursuits and gave
him an edge in his professional career.  Now, he is returning the favor by
reaching out to the next generation of bright minds in Armenia and
sponsoring competitions for university students through FAR.
 
`My intention is to encourage the best students of Armenia,' said Mr.
Hayrapetyan.  `The intellectual potential in this smart, knowledgeable
generation is the future of the Republic.  We have to do more to capture
their attention.  We need to capitalize on their intellectual curiosity for
Armenia's development, for Armenia's future.'
 
Partnering with FAR, he initiated the Educational Challenge and generously
attached a monetary reward for each winner. It was a success, attracting
more than 650 young, elite students from throughout Armenia and Karabagh.
 
Only the best 100 applicants were pronounced winners: 85 students from
Armenia and 15 from Karabagh.  The following demonstrates the range of
universities they attend:  45 students from Yerevan State University; 15
from Armenian State University of Economics; 15 from Artsakh State
University; 12 from State Engineering University of Armenia (Polytechnic); 4
from Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) State University; 4 from Gavar State
University; 3 from Armenian State Pedagogical University; 1 from Yerevan
State University of Architecture & Construction; and 1 from State
Engineering University of Armenia (Polytechnic), Gyumri Branch.
 
During a May 2007 ceremony held at the Yerevan State University, the 100
winners were handed Certificates of Recognition as well as given their
monetary awards.  Ashot Hayrapetyan, Aram Simonyan, Rector of Yerevan State
University, Bagrat Sargsyan, FAR's Country Director, as well as other FAR
staff and guests attended the special event.
 
In his closing remarks, Mr. Hayrapetyan expressed his sincere hope that, in
the future, the winners will continue this tradition that encourages the
intellectual curiosity of and outstanding performance by Armenia's youths
when they will have the opportunity to give back and help others.
 
TAPPING THEIR NASCENT POTENTIAL
 
`This Educational Challenge proved,' said Garnik Nanagoulian, FAR's
Executive Director, `that there are many bright minds in Armenia today. 
Despite what we sometimes hear in the Diaspora and in Armenia, this
competition showed us that the quality of education in Armenia is still
very, very high.  Our Homeland continues to produce these unique talents.'
 
`These young adults participated in our competition not because of the
money, but for the moral victory.  They had yearned for the intellectual
stimulation and genuinely appreciated the recognition of their
accomplishment.'
The FAR Educational Challenge represented the first time that these
university students were recognized for their achievements by a third,
non-interested party.  The reward and attention has inspired them.  It has
encouraged them to excel and to start believing in themselves.
 
FAR plans to create a Winners Alumni Club that will meet a few times each
year.  By engaging them in FAR's humanitarian and economic development
programs, FAR will tap an important resource - the country's future
leaders.  It is critical to maintain a strong bond between Armenia and these
promising youths, wherever their careers might take them. In addition, FAR
hopes to create a mentorship program, facilitating the link between these
young bright minds and Diaspora-based intellectuals and industry leaders.
 
GIVING BACK TO THE NEXT GENERATION
 
Mr. Nanagoulian continued, `we highly appreciate the initiative from Mr.
Hayrapetyan to highlight these bright minds through an Educational
Challenge. He is a great example and deserves our praise. He could have
continued his normal life here, but he stepped up to encourage the young
talented people in Armenia as he was once helped. It was a pleasure to work
with him and I hope others will come forward like him.'
Given the significant response to this competition, FAR would like to host
one every two to three years with Mr. Hayrapetyan and other sponsors. 
Please consider reaching out to the young bright minds in Armenia.  These
Educational Challenges keep them striving for something better, both for
themselves and for Armenia.  Together we can help strengthen their
self-esteem and build their confidence.
 
Interested parties should contact FAR directly by telephone at (212)
889-5150 or by email at [email protected].  You may also reach Ashot
Hayrapetyan at [email protected]. 
 
ABOUT FAR
 
Since its founding in response to the 1988 earthquake, FAR has served
millions of people through more than 220 relief and development programs in
Armenia, Karabagh and Javakhk.  It has channeled more than $265 million in
humanitarian assistance by implementing a wide range of projects, including
emergency relief, construction, education, medical aid, and economic
development.
 
FAR, one of the preeminent relief and development organization operating
there, is dedicated to realizing the dream of a free, democratic,
prosperous, and culturally rich Armenian Homeland.  It works towards a
brighter future by partnering with donors to make life better for our
people.  By offering hope and more promising prospects in Armenia, Karabagh,
and Javakhk, FAR binds the Diaspora and the Armenian family together around
the globe.
 
For more information on FAR or to send donations, contact FAR at 630 Second
Avenue, New York, NY 10016; telephone (212) 889-5150; fax (212) 889-4849;
web www.farusa.org; e-mail [email protected].
 
- 7/24/07
 
E-mail photos available upon request.
 
PHOTO CAPTION1:  Ashot Hayrapetyan (front, center) sponsored the FAR
Educational Challenge that rewarded the top 100 university students in
Armenia and Karabagh.  The young bright minds felt encouraged by the
recognition for their outstanding academic performances.
 
PHOTO CAPTION2:  Ashot Hayrapetyan (right) hands a Certificate of
Recognition and money prize to a winner of the FAR Educational Challenge. 
More than 650 students from throughout Armenia and Karabagh submitted
applications for consideration; 100 were recognized.