2021 ANNUAL REPORT
What is a Huys Scholarship? It is an invitation to a bright, promising youth, the Huys Scholar, to not only excel in one’s field, but also to think deeply and truly on how that excellence can serve a cause larger than oneself. It is a stepping stone for the Huys Scholar between one’s former self and future self, enriched and matured through being in an exceptional environment which continually challenges one to grow as a person. It is a commitment that goes beyond any that can be ensured by a written contract, one that binds the mind and the heart to a vision of creating value for Armenia, for the Armenian nation, and for Humanity. Sure, a Huys Scholarship can be that financial boost that the bright, promising youth needs to be off on her or his journey to great deeds… but it is more than simply funds. It is each a thread – an invisible, yet very much tangible thread – that weaves in and out with a myriad of others to connect bustling atoms into a living, giving network. A network that creates for good and for all. This is the vision that Huys is serving. And it all starts with a Huys Scholarship.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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MISSION, VISION & IMPLEMENTATION Mission Huys Foundation supports Armenian youth to achieve educational excellence, with an academic and professional commitment to Armenia and the Armenian nation.
Vision Huys Foundation pursues a vision of an academically and professionally interconnected and collaborating Armenian nation.
Implementation Huys Foundation focuses its work exclusively on educational excellence, achieving this through the scholarship program and building global networks of academic and professional potential.
Scholarship Program Since founding, Huys Foundation has supported 17 scholars studying at 15 universities in five countries. Huys Scholars are selected through a competitive selection process by an independent Scholarship Committee. To be eligible, the applicant shall be: An individual within the ages of 18 to 40, both inclusive, of Armenian descent (regardless of location of permanent residence or citizenship); an Armenian citizen (regardless of ethnic origin or location or permanent residence); an Armenian resident (regardless of ethnic origin or citizenship) or a person who has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to preserve and advance Armenian heritage and culture, Admitted full-time to an academic degree program which is considered a globally-ranked top degree program in that specific academic field, regardless of the ranking of the educational institution which offers the academic degree program, Able to show and substantiate how the learning, experience, and networks gained through the applicant’s academic degree program can be used to address an immediate need, skills shortage, or target area for Armenia, for the Armenian nation, or for humanity.
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Accountability All directors of Huys Foundation should be accountable for their actions. They should take full responsibility for them and should always be able to justify them to the public and the authorities.
Independence Independence and impartiality are the cornerstones of Huys Foundation’s activities. Huys Foundation is not affiliated with or controlled by any political party, association, or governmental agency.
Transparency Huys Foundation works in a transparent manner and will provide timely, comprehensive, and accurate information to all stakeholders including donors, the authorities, the media, and the public.
Ethics Huys Foundation is fully committed to the practice of honesty, integrity, truthfulness, and adherence to safeguarding the public trust in all its transactions.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Gender of Applicants
For the 2021-2022 academic year, Huys Foundation received a total of 140 scholarship applications. As it does not limit applicants to a particular ranking system, Huys Foundation welcomed applications from a variety of educational institutions and academic programs, inviting applicants to substantiate how their learning and experience is to bring about real impact.
Male 45% Female 55%
The selection of the Huys Scholarship recipients was conducted by an independent Scholarship Committee comprised of twenty-eigth Luys alumni.
Country of Residence of Applicants
Degree Program Applied For
125
PhD 4.3%
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75
Bachelor's 44.3%
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Master's 51.4%
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Countries Where Scholars Study
As a result of a meticulous review process, seven Huys Scholars were awarded a total of $13,000 in Huys Scholarships for the 2021-2022 academic year.
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Huys Foundation remains committed to dedicating virtually all funds raised to the cause of education, through Huys Scholarships or contributions to an endowment fund for long-term sustainability.
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2021 Financial Overview Operating Expenses
Cities Scholars Are From 4
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3 Donations Accrual for 2022
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57.5% Huys Scholarships
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Meet the Huys scholars and alumni.
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Mariam Arakelyan University College London Master of Science in Space Syntax: Architecture and Cities Huys Scholar 2021
After completing my studies at UCL, in the short run, I plan on creating a team of urban researchers. The primary goal of the team will be to apply the Space Syntax methodology to the studies of Yerevan and other urban areas of Armenia, to identify existing problems (such problems could be transportation and mobility issues, car dependency, health inequality, crime rates and community cohesion). We will then communicate our findings with policymakers for the advancement of governmental policies towards urban planning, as well as propose solutions for major issues. In the medium term, I intend to continue my academic journey on the same issues by doing more thorough research as part of my future PhD studies. This degree will also open doors for teaching in educational institutions, as I believe bringing my new knowledge into the Armenian context and discussing urban regeneration issues of Armenia in higher education institutions is an essential milestone. Reaching this milestone will contribute to the progression of future generations by raising the importance of urban affairs and striving for the sustainability of the development of urban analysis in Armenia by educating new and enthusiastic specialists. Finally, my long term ambition is to strengthen my team/organization to the point when we can study all Armenian cities and design urban regeneration proposals where needed. Read Mariam’s commitment letter in full: https://huysfoundation.org/scholars/mariam-arakelyan/ ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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Eduard Petrosyan ETH Zurich MSc in Biology Major: Molecular Health Sciences Huys Scholar 2020, 2021
One of my main aims is to advance my knowledge and experience in cell biology, molecular genetics and immuno-oncology, acquired at King’s College London, by gaining more theoretical knowledge and practical skills in bioinformatics, biotechnology and bioengineering. This will help me to establish new laboratories in Armenia that are equipped with state of art technologies aiming to increase the accuracy and effectivity of cancer diagnosis and its prevention as well as potentially develop new anti-cancer therapies and vaccines. In addition to my expected input into Armenia’s science and healthcare systems, I am sure that this course will give me an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of academic infrastructure of Armenia. Moreover, I want to invest the knowledge and experience acquired at ETH Zurich in development of the “Armenian national cancer database”, which, I believe, will increase the effectivity and the specificity of cancer treatment. ... These are irreplaceable in helping researchers to conduct scientific analysis and clinicians to stratify patients in order to maximize the beneficial effect of anti-cancer therapies. Read Eduard’s commitment letter in full: https://huysfoundation.org/scholars/eduard-petrosyan/
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Mane Mirijanyan University of Southern California Master of Science in Business Analytics Huys Scholar 2021 (John Aroutiounian Scholarship for Service to Humanity)
One of the crucial components of advancements across industries is innovation. For instance, the importance of innovation especially during COVID crisis should be valued. Numerous business models have been changed due to pandemic, urging the incentives for innovation. I firmly believe that Armenia has a fundamental potential to become a technological and innovative hub in the region so my mid-to-long term goal is to return to Armenia as an accomplished tech executive and strategist to contribute to the vibrant tech industry development in my homeland and the larger region. Having expertise and a wide network of professionals across trending and future-shaping industries like Cloud Computing, Cryptography, DeFi Trading, AI and ML, I will create “bridges” between the markets in developed economies as well as the talents and quality resources offered by the region, my MSBA community and Armenia to benefit all parties. Read Mane's commitment letter in full: https://huysfoundation.org/scholars/mane-mirijanyan/ Established in 2019, the John Aroutiounian Scholarship for Service to Humanity is awarded to a deserving scholar with a demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership and service to others. To learn more about John's legacy, visit: https://huysfoundation.org/in-memory-ofjohn-aroutiounian/ ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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Viktor Aghajanyan Johns Hopkins University Master of Sciences in Financial Econometrics Huys Scholar 2021
My professional long-term goal is to build a successful technology company in Armenia and the US and make an impact by supporting a strong private sector in Armenia. I’m currently working with a team of Armenian startups from Armenia and the US to create an actual crowdfunding platform that would help connect Armenian tech startups and retail investors. I’m largely implementing the technical part, which is developing the platform and building connections with incubators, accelerators, and investors. Here I imagine myself helping build technical infrastructure and building connections in startup communities. After graduation, I will certainly spend more time on this project with my previous university (AUA) and more projects with a goal to help pre-vetted small ventures get early access to small funds. This project, if successful, and the work of my company would improve the state of the private sector and socio-economic development in Armenia in the next 5 to 10 years by providing startups with opportunities for early-stage funding and hiring engineers from Armenia and Artsakh. Read Viktor’s commitment letter in full: https://huysfoundation.org/scholars/viktor-aghajanyan/
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Chougher Maria Doughramajian Trinity College Dublin Master of Philosophy in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Huys Scholar 2021 (Armenian Studies Scholarship)
I am interested in studying how the Syrian and Lebanese Armenians who were forced to flee war, persecution and corruption, resettled in Nagorno-Karabakh and witnessed yet another conflict interpret this cycle of insecurity. I will be engaging with mixed qualitative approaches, such as semi-structured interviews which will give a platform to the voices and perspectives of Syrian and Lebanese Armenians in NagornoKarabakh. [...] In terms of situatedness, as a Syrian-Armenian and as a former refugee myself, there is a level of communication which moves beyond the linguistic fluency of being a native Armenian and Arabic speaker and into the realm of cultural understanding. This approach will aid understandings of the human dimension of the NagornoKarabakh conflict, its moral repercussions and how Syrian and Lebanese Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh experienced the conflict and continue to live in a “post-conflict” space. Read Chougher's commitment letter in full: https://huysfoundation.org/scholars/chougher-maria-doughramajian/ Established in 2019, the Armenian Studies Scholarship is awarded to a deserving scholar focusing on the interrelation of global civilization and Armenian heritage and the contributions of the Armenian nation to humanity. ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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Vahe Danielian New York University Master of Laws (LL.M) Huys Scholar 2021
The NYU Law School offers a set of unparalleled courses that touch upon very important topics that have little or no regulation in our country; aspects of the law of agency, partnership, closely-held corporations, their legal structuring, fiduciary law, shareholder voting, derivative suits, executive compensation, reorganizations, Mergers and Acquisition Law and the best American experience of modern digitalization, that made these complex processes easier and more accessible to its stakeholders. Therefore, upon returning to Armenia, I plan to elaborate reforms packages for the international investment regime and investment protection, digitalization, and alternative dispute resolution. The 2019-2023 strategy for judicial and legal reform of the Republic of Armenia highlights all these reforms as a high priority. Thus, I hope that the knowledge gained at NYU will help me contribute the reforming agenda. Additionally, I consider my education in New York a brilliant platform for enlarging my network and acquiring new ties in academia, professional and business fields, and the Armenian diaspora. More than ever, Armenia needs new vectors of collaboration with the global world; thus, I hope to find new collaboration mechanisms for the betterment of Armenia as well. Read Vahe's commitment letter in full: https://huysfoundation.org/scholars/vahe-danielian/ 14
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Viktorya Harutyunyan American University of Armenia Bachelor of Engineering Sciences Huys Scholar 2021 (Engineering in Armenia Scholarship)
My contribution to my country started from this field. This year, my teammate and I did a project which allows us to harness energy from footsteps. We are both passionate about sustainability, and we are planning to develop this project to make it usable in Armenia. This project required skills and knowledge from maths, mechanics, and electronics. With every new knowledge and skill that we are getting from AUA, our project develops. While sustainability and health are interconnected, I want to invest my education in Armenia’s health industry as well... Armenia is facing post-war consequences, and many young individuals were hurt and became disabled; hence, they need advanced technologies to be cured. One particular example could be initiatives dealing with prostheses for those who lost their limbs during the war. As I am currently studying and practicing 3D design, my help would be in that sphere until I gain sufficient experience in other engineering responsibilities as well. Read Viktorya's commitment letter in full: https://huysfoundation.org/scholars/chougher-maria-doughramajian/ Established in 2021, the Engineering in Armenia Scholarship is awarded to a deserving scholar studying in an academic program in Engineering and related fields at educational institutions in Armenia, with demonstrated accomplishments in their area of interest. ANNUAL REPORT 2021
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ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
Meri Baghdasaryan Huys Alum 2020 University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Master of Laws (LL.M)
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Since receiving the Huys Scholarship, Meri was awarded a Master of Laws degree, with concentration in Intellectual Property and Technology Law, from University of Pennsylvania Law School. During her studies at Penn Law, she served as an International Associate Editor for University of Pennsylvania Journal of International Law, Law Student Counselor at Detkin Intellectual Property and Technology Legal Clinic, and a Research assistant to Professor Christopher S. Yoo. Meri also was the Of Counsel to Penn Law’s Team that won the 2021 Monroe E. Price Media Law Moot Court Competition’s Americas regional round and came 5th at the International round. In addition, she was a Board LL.M Representative for the Penn Law Immigrant Rights Project & International Human Rights Advocates. Further, as a member of the 2020-2021 cohort of the Open Internet for Democracy Leaders program, she researched the privacy and data protection issues in SEE+ area during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disinformation bills in Armenia. After graduation, Meri spent her summer at the Wikimedia Foundation, conducting comparative work on various tech law and policy issues. Currently she is a Legal Fellow at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, working on both domestic and international litigations and policy initiatives on such issues as facial recognition, surveillance, intermediary liability, right to be forgotten and other free speech and privacy issues. Recently Meri was elected as a Steering Committee member for the Internet Rights and Principles Dynamic Coalition, and she joined the 4th cohort of the Internet Law and Policy Foundry Fellows. HUYSFOUNDATION.ORG
Danielle graduated from Columbia University with a BA in English Literature in Spring 2021. She was named as Columbia’s 2021 Student of the Year and received a Multicultural Graduation Cord as a result of her Armenian advocacy work. After graduating, Danielle started working as a Government Affairs Intern for the Armenian National Committee of America. She also applied to law school and received acceptances to Harvard Law, Columbia Law, UChicago Law, NYU Law, Duke Law, Berkeley Law, Georgetown Law, Cornell Law, UCLA Law, Emory Law, and USC Law. She will be pursuing her JD degree at Harvard Law School starting Fall 2022.
Danielle Mikaelian Huys Alum 2020 (John Aroutiounian Scholarship for Service to Humanity) Columbia University Bachelors in English
After successfully defending her PhD dissertation in March 2022, Stephanie was offered the Medieval Institute's Byzantine Studies PostDoctoral Fellowship position at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Her Doctorate thesis focused on the Armenian scholar Anania Širakac‘i, including an in-depth study of his Tiezeragitut‘iwn (Cosmology).
Stephanie Pambakian Huys Alum 2020 (Armenian Studies Scholarship) University of St Andrews and Université de Genève School of History PhD in Medieval History
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ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
After receiving her MPhil in Economic Research degree from the University of Cambridge, Ofelya started working as a Graduate Investment Analyst at Dynamic Planner in September 2021. Shortly after, Ofelya found herself to be very passionate about software development, and made a big career change: she will be joining Aveva as a Software Developer Graduate in May 2022.
Ofelya Gyozalyan Huys Alum 2019 University of Cambridge MPhil in Economic Research
Hrachya is currently in the last year of his PhD program and is focused on wrapping up the projects he has been working on through his PhD. These past two semesters were particularly productive for Hrachya as he managed to publish papers in reputable peer-reviewed journals such as Nanoscale and Journal of Molecular Liquids. As he approaches graduation, Hrachya is considering either getting a postdoctoral fellowship or joining a biotechnology company. He also has a few ideas to found a startup in Armenia. Hrachya Ishkhanyan Huys Alum 2019 King’s College London MPhil/PhD in Physics Research
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In addition to her studies at Cambridge, Emilia did externships in a number of hospitals such as Rosemary Lodge Small Animal Hospital in Bath, the Cromwell Veterinary Hospital and the Glasgow University Equine Hospital. Outside of veterinary medicine, Emilia continues her work at Climate Uturn and just finished the project component of the program with Ayb High School and UWCD. She continues to help past alumni of the program to advance their projects, and at the moment she is managing ten projects concurrently. Emilia is happy to share with us that they received the third grant for the Noyemberyan Permaculture Teaching Greenhouse project from the Gulbenkian Foundation, and they are planning to use this funding to transform the school's abandoned greenhouse into Armenia's first Permaculture Teaching Center.
Emilia Simonian Huys Alum 2019 University of Cambridge BA in Veterinary Medicine
At the end of this academic year, Mikael will be receiving his MEng degree in Engineering Science from University of Oxford. He received an exciting opportunity to do a pre-PhD one year research in Computer Vision at Carnegie Mellon University and will be moving to the US after graduation. In the meantime, while he is in Armenia, Mikael decided to continue doing Jiu-Jitsu, with a little flavor of karate. Mikael Yeghiazaryan Huys Alum 2019 University of Oxford MEng in Engineering Science
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DONORS
Huys Foundation is immensely thankful to its donors for their support in our third year of operations. AmazonSmile
Hripsime Mamikonyan
Anahit Sargsyan
John Aroutiounian's family
Anna Srapionyan
Mhair Orchanian
Anushavan Hambardzumyan
Mikayel Mirzoyan
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
Paul Garibian
Armen Khachikyan
Ruben Hovhannisyan & Lilit Minasyan
Artyom Kosyan
Ruzanna Sargsyan
Bank of America*
Sargis Hakobyan
Eduard Badalyan
Stepan Khzrtian
George Stepanian,
Taguhi Hakobyan
in memory of Anna Stepanian
Tigran Shahverdian
Grisha Khachatryan
Vahagn Aslanyan
Haik Biglari
Vahe Gharakhanyan
Haik Ter-Nersesyan
Vartan Bezhanyan
Hayk Tepanyan
Vitali Avagyan
* Donations under an employer gift-matching program
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PARTNERS
Huys Foundation is immensely thankful to Gerard Mekhsian, Partner at Hutchinson & Bloodgood LLP, for providing accounting support.
Huys Foundation is a member of the Gituzh Initiative, a worldwide community advocating for increasing support of the sciences in Armenia.
Huys Foundation is immensely thankful to Krisp for providing complimentary licenses of its noise-cancellation software to Huys Scholars and the Huys Team.
Huys Foundation is immensly thankful to AxiomPrint for complimentary printing and graphic design services.
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BOARD AND TEAM
Board
Stepan Khzrtian President
Vitali Avagyan Board Member, Secretary
Team
Anna Srapionyan Board Member
Jacqueline Karaaslanian Board Member
Grisha Khachatryan Board Member, CFO
Anahit Sargsyan Director of Outreach
Hayk Mikayelyan Director of Technologies
Vartan Bezhanyan Board Member
Advisory Board
Emmanuel Tchividjian Ethics Advisor
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Amalya Kostanyan Science Advisor
Ani Kharajian Finance Advisor
Nadine Koobatian Fundraising Advisor
Sevag Kazandjian Finance Advisor
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Throughout our history, Armenians have persevered and prospered by virtue of their knowledge and wisdom. For this reason, the Huys Foundation espouses educational excellence as the path forward, striving to serve and guide the Armenian nation
through Education, to Eternity.
Have your impact for the future. Donate online at huysfoundation.org or by check to: Huys Foundation 8605 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 11005 West Hollywood, CA 90069 United States
Huys Foundation is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations to Huys Foundation are 100% secure and tax-deductible for U.S. tax purposes as provided by law.
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THANK YOU