Parichehr Hedayat Missaghi Scholarship Established
The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and its George and Lisa Zakhem Kahlil Gibran Chair for Values and Peace proudly announce a new scholarship to benefit undergraduate students. Given annually in memory of the fund’s namesake and generously supported by her family, the Parichehr Hedayat Missaghi Scholarship will provide funding for one student per academic year.
It is expected that the scholarship will be granted at the beginning of each academic year, with the inaugural award to be announced in September 2016.
Parichehr Hedayat Missaghi—beloved wife, mother, grandmother and a pillar of her community—was born in 1941. Although she never enjoyed the opportunity to pursue higher education, throughout her life, Ms. Missaghi placed great value on the pursuit of knowledge and had a deep love of books and learning. She instilled these qualities in her children, particularly her daughters, for whom she made great sacrifices in order to provide a first-class education.
Devoted to the cause of education at all levels, and in her tireless defense of women's rights, Ms. Missaghi especially encouraged women to pursue formal studies. The scholarship named in her honor and awarded by the BSOS Office of the Dean will be a tangible and practical expression of her ethos.
Members of the Missaghi family gathered with the College and the Gibran Chair in May to honor the legacy of Ms. Missaghi and to celebrate the establishment of the scholarship with a special event at the College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.
“Our hearts truly brim with joy to see the realization of our mother’s life of service and her unquenchable thirst for knowledge being celebrated through this scholarship,” said Paria M. Akhavan, one of Ms. Missaghi’s three daughters.
Attendees were honored to spend time with the holder of the Gibran Chair, Professor Suheil Bushrui, a cherished friend of the Missaghi family and an advocate for women’s rights and universal access to education.
Dean Gregory Ball, Professor and Chair of the Department of Anthropology Paul Shackel and Assistant Dean for External Relations Deborah Rhebergen each expressed gratitude to the Missaghi family. Dean Ball said he was extremely proud that University of Maryland students would benefit from this scholarship, which is an inspirational expression of Ms. Missaghi’s enduring legacy.
Mr. Arman Akhavan, Ms. Missaghi’s grandson, presented a moving musical tribute to his beloved grandmother.
To give online and to learn more, visit the Missaghi Scholarship giving page. You may also contact Assistant Dean for External Relations Deborah Rhebergen at drheberg@umd.edu or 301.405.7959.
Published on Wed, Jun 17, 2015 - 3:30PM