ARMENIA’S BEST IT STUDENTS RECEIVE ANNUAL PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS DURING SYNOPSYS WEEK
armradio.am
30.09.2008 11:42
Synopsys, Inc., a world leader in software and IP for semiconductor
design and manufacturing, today announced that 29 of Armenia’s
brightest IT students were awarded Presidential Awards during Synopsys
Week. Established in 2005 with the approval of Armenia’s previous
president, Robert Kocharyan, Synopsys entered into an agreement with
the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund to establish the Annual Educational
Awards for the best IT students in Armenia. The awards honor students
who have the highest grades, are active in social programs, have
participated in Armenian Microelectronics Olympiads, have written
scientific papers or articles, and who have comprehensive knowledge
and talent.
In 2008, the committee selected 20 deserving students from the State
Engineering University of Armenia (SEUA), Yerevan State University
(YSU), the Engineering College of the American University of Armenia
(AUA), and the Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) State University (RAU). Nine
students were also chosen from eligible high schools, including
the A. Shahinyan Physics-Math Special School, Quant College, Anania
Shirakatsi College, Photon College from Gyumri, and Evrika College
of Vanadzor (see Appendix 2). The Presidential IT Awards Committee
screened 134 nominees: 83 students from four universities and 51
pupils from six schools.
"It is an honor to continue the tradition of the Presidential IT Awards
with President Serzh Sargsyan," said Rich Goldman, co director of the
Board of the Annual Presidential Educational Awards, vice president
of Corporate Marketing and Strategic Alliances at Synopsys, and chief
executive officer of Synopsys Armenia CJSC. "The awards are becoming
an enduring testament to Armenia’s growing prowess in engineering."
This year, the committee expanded the list of nominations with a new
category, "Grand Prix." Along with certificates, financial awards
and an Apple iPod Shuffle, winners received special Presidential
Educational Trophies symbolizing the IT industry. Following the awards
ceremony, the winners had a special meeting with the President of
the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan.
A number of categories and financial awards, financed by Synopsys
Armenia closed joint stock company (CJSC), have been established for
the winners: 1. Grand Prix (1200$/360000 AMD) 2. Best PhD Student
(Icategory-1000$/300000AMD, II category- 750$/225000 AMD) 3. Best
Master Student (Icategory-750$/225000AMD, II category-500$/150000
AMD) 4. Best Bachelor Student (Icategory-500$/150000AMD, II
category-400$/120000 AMD) 5. Best female student (500$/150000 AMD)
6. Best high school student (100$/30000 AMD)
"The development of the IT industry in Armenia is very important," said
Ara Vardanyan, co-director of the Board of the Annual Presidential
Educational Awards, and acting executive director of the Hayastan
All-Armenian Fund.
"By promoting their achievements we can help motivate and encourage
our youth to work harder and acquire more knowledge. I’m confident
that the winners of these awards are going to play key roles in
tomorrow’s Armenian IT sphere."
"The intellectual level of award participants this year has increased
significantly," said Hovik Musayelyan, president of the Annual
Presidential Educational Awards Committee, and executive director of
Synopsys Armenia SJCS. "These young people will help lead our workforce
and are expected to make a serious contribution to Armenia’s future."
"I’m honored to have been nominated and to be one of the winners in
this inspiring group," said Ani Harutyunyan, the 1st category winner
amongst the "Best Bachelor Student" nominees. "Receiving this award at
the beginning of my career obligates me to do my best for the bright
future of Armenia."