Dr. Vahram Shemmassian Endowed Scholarship in Armenian Studies

2025-2026 Academic Year

Vahram Shemmassian came to CSUN in 2004 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, in the College of Humanities. Soon after, Dr. Shemmassian took the reins of the Armenian Studies Program at CSUN in 2006 as director of the program. Over the course of almost two decades, he educated CSUN students from all backgrounds, and brought to the fore the beauty and importance of the Armenian Culture. On the occasion of his retirement, the CSUN Armenian Alumni Network (C.A.A.N.) wishes to honor him with the Dr. Vahram Shemmassian Endowed Scholarship.

The Scholarship will be awarded to students who best meets one or more of the following criteria:

• Is minoring in Armenian Studies, and/or,
• Is a Language and Cultures major with an Armenian option, and/or,
• Is a Liberal Studies major with an Armenian option, and/or,
• Is enrolled in the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) in Liberal Studies with a minor in Armenian Studies.

In addition, the student must be:

• A full-time, currently enrolled, continuing student
• Have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA
• Be an enrolled freshman, sophomore, junior or returning/non-graduating senior (Incoming freshmen and graduating seniors are not eligible).
• Student Must have FAFSA on file.

Students are required to submit an essay of up to three pages in length that addresses their experience relevant to the above listed criteria.

Prompt:
How will the support you receive through this scholarship help you benefit the Armenian student and the campus community?

Two letters of references that verify students experience in the above listed criteria are also required (either two from professors or one from a professor and the second from an officer of the CSUN Armenian student organization in which they the applicant is involved.)

*Chapter Scholarships can ONLY be awarded to current/returning CSUN students. Students who are graduating and DO NOT plan on returning in an academic capacity in the term the funds are received, are NOT ELIGIBLE to receive a scholarship.

Please note: Any change to your enrollment status resulting in less than required enrollment for any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.
If you are receiving financial aid (including loans), your financial aid award(s) may be adjusted if you receive a scholarship amount that exceeds your financial aid total limit. Speak to a financial aid counselor during walk-in hours to get a detailed overview about your individual situation.