Dr. Harry Demirgian Memorial Scholarship For College

Home│Dr. Harry Demirgian Memorial Scholarship For College
IN MEMORIAN - AUGUST 25,1931 TO APRIL 25,2022

Dr. Harry Yeprem Demirgian

Dr. Harry Demirgian, born 1931 in Detroit, Michigan, spent seven decades in Detroit before relocating to Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2000. He was deeply connected to his Armenian heritage and made significant contributions to his community. Growing up in the Armenian Church, Dr. Harry graduated from Wayne University and become a successful dentist.

Affectionately known as “Dr. Harry”, he was not only a skilled dentist but also a talented musician, playing the clarinet and saxophone at numerous Armenian events.

Dr. Harry was actively involved in his church, serving as an auditor for the Parish Council and participating in church cultural group and theater productions. His love for the Armenian Church and culture was unwavering, considering it his second family.

Dr. Harry was a silent philanthropist, supporting various charitable causes and even providing dental care in Soviet Armenia. In his final act of generosity, he established “The Dr. Harry Demirgian Memorial Fund” to support higher education under the Archbishop’s Scholarship Fund. This scholarship ensures that future generations can access education. Dr. Harry Demirgian’s legacy lives on through his contributions to his community, church, and the pursuit of higher education for Armenians.

Graduation cap on books representing an endowment fund supporting Armenian student scholarships and academic success
Graduation cap on books representing an endowment fund supporting Armenian student scholarships and academic success

About The Scholarship

Dr. Harry Demirgian Scholarship is administered by the Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund. Since its inception in 2013, the Fund has distributed close to $545,000.00 to students enrolled in Armenian schools.

Current recipients include students from AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School, the Armenian Sisters Academy, the C&E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School, St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School, the Saturday Schools of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America (Burbank; and the American University of Armenia (pillar).

Graduation cap on books representing an endowment fund supporting Armenian student scholarships and academic success
college scholarship fund

About The Fund

The purpose of the Fund is to sponsor Armenian students who are active in the life of the Armenian Church and demonstrate Christian character, thus becoming a source of emulation for their peers. The Fund will award scholarship(s) annually to eligible applicants, as long as there are sufficient assets in the Fund, provided the total amount of scholarships in a calendar year does not exceed the Fund’s distributable amount. As assets grow, the Fund may elect to increase the grant amount or award additional scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria

Below, please find eligibility criteria for this scholarship. 

  • A United States citizen of Armenian descent who has accepted attendance at or is attending a 4-year university for undergraduate studies OR is pursuing Graduate Studies. Enrollment or acceptance verification is required.
  • Mminimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  • The Applicant can be need AND merit based.
  • Financial need or special financial circumstances must be established and verified by the Applicant and his/her university.
  • Submit a 1,000-word personal statement outlining your commitment to contributing meaningfully to the Armenian Church and Armenian American community. Highlight your dedication to pursuing goals with integrity, resilience, self-discipline, and conscientiousness, and your commitment to upholding Christian values—especially those related to family, Armenian heritage, and culture. Include your academic and/or non-academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and, if applicable, an explanation of your financial circumstances.
  • Character references and recommendation letter(s) from their parish priest or other community leaders and/or teachers and administrative staff from their high school or enrolled university is encouraged.
  • One parent or legal guardian must be a dues-paying member of an Armenian church.
  • The Applicant must demonstrate participation in the life of an Armenian church (ACYO, Sunday/Saturday school, Summer Camp or Serving at the altar); the Applicant may provide a letter certifying such volunteer work/participation, including “in-kind service” to an Armenian church.
  • Arizona resident qualifying Applicant(s) will be given first priority in the award of scholarships.
  • Scholarship recipients are eligible to apply for renewal if the recipient continues to meet the eligibility requirements and is in good standing at the educational institution the student is attending.

Start Your Application

APPLICATION DEADLINE JUNE 15

Please fill out the application in full below and submit it to the Archbishop Honvan Derderian Scholarship Fund. If you are selected, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps. 

APPLY NOW