APS MISSION STATEMENT

The Armenian Professional Society (APS) was formed in 1958 for the advancement of education and fellowship among Armenians. Since its inception, APS has supported over 300 students of Armenian descent in the United States by granting scholarships to graduate students in a variety of fields. Soon after the tragic 1989 earthquake in Armenia, APS raised funds to purchase equipment for a Fiber Optics Laboratory at the State Engineering University of Armenia.

APS has supported education in Armenia by providing grants to five Armenian Universities:
* American University of Armenia
* State Engineering University of Armenia
* Yerevan State University
* Artsakh State University
* School of Architecture & Construction at YSU

 

In The Beginning...

The Armenian Professional Society was created by three former members of The California Armenian Student Organization: Leo Garapedian, Virgil Arklin, and Vaughn Gregor came together at the Gregor’s home in the Griffith park area to discuss the possibility of a new organization for professionals.

On April 6, 1958 the original group of three were increased to eight to form the Charter Group whic included: Leo Garapedian, Virgil Arklin, Vaughn Gregor, Artin Inglizian, Samuel Jerian, Haig Kehiayan, Vahe Keshishian and Vincent Yardum Jr.

On April 17, 1958, a general meeting was held at a popular restaurant on Melrose Ave where twenty Armenian Professionals attended and Vaughn Gregor was elected President Pro-Term. Mr. Gregor gave a general outline of the new organization and detailed its aims: 

• To be a non political / non sectarian organization
• To promote fellowship among Armenian Professionals
• To encourage and foster higher education in young Armenians

The twenty professionals at the this meeting were:

Hagop Abdulian, Mihran Agbabian, Virgil Arklin Jr., Suren Babikian, Garig Boyajian, Vahe Churukian M.D., Leo Garpedian, Vaughn Gregor, George Gregory, Artine Inglizian, Haig Kehiayan, Vahe Keshishian, Art Kevorkian, Leon Leonian, Loris Malcom, Albert Markarian, Partev Minassian, Armeni Sahakian, Albert Salibian & Harry Vanley

In May and June 1958 it was unanimously agreed that the name of the organization would be, the

 Armenian Professional Society

APS activities Include

Graduate Scholarships: through member donations APS provides annual grants and scholarships to universities in Armenia & Artsakh, and to graduate students in the US.

Conducting regularly scheduled meetings that cover a range of professional, cultural and other topics of interest to our membership.

Sponsoring social events, of mutual benefit and interest to members.

Publishing a Membership Directory with current and new members.

Recognizing a Professional of the Year who has provided outstanding Service to the Armenian community.

 

This site updated on:  Wednesday, 21 April, 2010

Click here to contact the APS.
APS, P. O. Box 10306, Glendale, CA 91209; e-mail: apsla@apsla.org; tel: 818 685 9946