To further promote "educational pursuits by Armenians in America," as stated in the Constitution, the ASA instituted the Gold Medal Award in 1939. As many as five medals are awarded annually to active members of the ASA who have shown exceptional academic achievement while studying in colleges in the United States.
To further emphasize the importance of education, the ASA instituted the Silver Medal Award in 1963. Up to 10 medals are given to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding scholastic ability.
The Ara S. Boyan Award in Humanities is the third to be created bearing the name of a former Board Chairman. The award is given to the Armenian-American who has been outstanding in the field of Humanities -- the Living Arts. Mr. Boyan, a graduate of City College of New York, served the Association for over forty years.
The Arthur H. Dadian Armenian Heritage Award, was established through the generosity of Arthur H. Dadian, a graduate of Harvard University. Born in Caesaria, Turkey, Dadian came to the U.S. in 1920 and settled in Watertown, Massachusetts. Active in ASA for many years, Dadian helped create the Washington Branch and was its President. He also served as President of the Central Executive Committee of the ASA. A great believer in continuing education, Dadian initiated the creation of this special award. The award is presented to an outstanding contributor to the preservation of the rich Armenian culture to the world community.
The Kabakjian Award was created in 1948 in commemoration of Professor Dicran H. Kabakjian, head of the Physics Department of the University of Pennsylvania and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Association for many years. His great faith and love for Armenian youth was an inspiring force and won for him the affectionate title "Father of the ASA." He was noted for his early research in the field of radium. Presentations are made to the person in America of Armenian descent who has been outstanding in the field of science.
Haig G. Sarafian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for many years, took the lead in keeping this challenge dynamically before the "Students." To honor his memory, the Sarafian Award for Good Citizenship was established in 1960 and is bestowed upon Armenians who have made exceptional contributions to community life.
The Aram Zakian Award is given to a business person in America who is actively involved in both the Armenian and American comunity. Mr. Zakian exemplified the ideals of this award by serving the Association since 1932 as Philadelphia Branch President and Board Chairman. He was also a member of other Armenian organizations and was a Mason of the Shrine Order.
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