Mr. Gregorian, along with Cornell Astrophysicist Dr. Yervant Terzian and many other Armenian Diaspora luminaries, helped to create ANSEF in 2001.
In Memoriam:
Vartan Gregorian
Vartan Gregorian, a passionate advocate of education and of Armenian culture, passed away in 2021 at the age of 87.
He, along with Cornell Astrophysicist Dr. Yervant Terzian and many other Armenian Diaspora luminaries, helped to create ANSEF in 2001. ANSEF has provided more than $3 million to about 2,500 scientists in Armenia since it was founded.
The former head of the Carnegie Corporation in New York, The New York Public Library, and Brown University, Mr. Gregorian was also a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Texas. He was a co-founder of the Aurora Foundation as well.
Mr. Gregorian remained on the Advisory Board of Directors of ANSEF until the end of his life, having supported the program’s operations for nearly two decades.
“We at ANSEF are deeply saddened by his passing and we pledge to continue to serve Armenian education and science in his footsteps,” stated the ANSEF's Board.
In Memoriam:
Avedis Baghsarian
Avedis Baghsarian was an incredibly talented artist, compassionate humanitarian, and an amazing individual. A dedicated friend and benefactor of FAR, the organization has mourned his loss ever since he passed away on February 11, 2021 at the age of 87.
Avedis was always concerned about the needs of Armenia and its future. He remained deeply devoted to the country, believing that the youth of Armenia were its greatest resource and the key to bettering their country’s future—provided they had access to education. He embodied that belief throughout his adult life.
Avedis and his wife, Arsho, started the Avedis & Arsho Baghsarian Educational Fund, a scholarship program to empower youth through higher education.
Avedis Baghsarian was born in Jerusalem’s Armenian quarter in 1933. His mother, Dzaghig, nearly lost her entire immediate family during the Armenian Genocide. The Baghsarians migrated to the United States in 1955 after their family lost everything during the 1948 Israeli-Palestinian War.
Avedis became a renowned photographer who specialized in fashion and commercial photography. He became a pioneer in the application of abstract forms and designs on photographic film. Later, he moved into houseware design and large-scale outdoor sculpture.
“Avedis was someone who made this world a better, purer place to live in. He was a man with enormous energy and enthusiasm; no space could contain his fantasy and imagination. He was a man of the universe,” said FAR Executive Director Garnik Nanagoulian. “His generosity also made a life-changing difference to many of Armenia’s youth and gave hope and opportunity to many.”
Avedis Baghsarian was an incredibly talented artist, compassionate humanitarian, and an amazing individual. A dedicated friend and benefactor of FAR, the organization has mourned his loss ever since he passed away on February 11, 2021 at the age of 87.
