The Abedian Foundation has teamed up with Bond University to give the next generation of city shapers the opportunity to further build their skills through the new Abedian Foundation Master of Architecture Scholarships.
Up-and-coming architects Russell Ward, Arvin Abbassian, Megan King and Joshua Bowkett have been awarded the inaugural four full-tuition scholarships, which were generously funded by the Abedian Foundation in partnership with Bond University.
The scholarships are named in recognition of Dr Soheil Abedian’s longstanding support of the University and, in particular, its highly-acclaimed Abedian School of Architecture.
Sunland Group Limited founder and Abedian Foundation president, Dr Soheil Abedian, said the new scholarships provided students with the valuable opportunity to pursue post-graduate education.
"In Iran, where I grew up, a lot of young people were not allowed to study because of long-running religious persecution, but when I came to Australia many doors opened for me," he said.
"I believe education is not about one cohort of people; we are all a part of society and every single one of us deserves the opportunity to study, which is why I am so passionate about these scholarships. Â
"I really believe the heart of education is the education of the heart. The future of the world is in the hands of our students and we must invest in them."
Abedian Foundation Master of Architecture Scholarship recipient,Megan King, said her passion for architecture and in particular, ways design can enhance human health and wellbeing, inspired her to pursue further study.
"I had a really positive and life changing experience completing my Bachelor of Architectural Studies at Bond, and I put that down to the constant support I had from my professors, who are all practicing architects," she said.
"I believe architecture is a collaborative career, you never stop learning from others. The knowledge I have taken from my undergraduate degree makes me excited to find out what else I can learn from these industry experts, in particular, how we can use architecture to influence the way people live.
"I love creative arts and hope to one day incorporate interior design with architecture in my own business where I can both design and build the project - I believe it's really important to watch the process from start to finish.
"I'm very thankful the Abedian Foundation and Bond University have given me the opportunity to further explore my passion for architecture and take my studies to the next level."
Bond University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford, said the University's award-winning architecture school would not have been possible without the Abedian Foundation and Dr Abedian's generous contributions.
"We were so fortunate to find someone who shared our vision and who personally supported the realisation of that vision in Dr Abedian," said Professor Brailsford.
"Dr Abedian and Sunland Group have supported many students who have come through our doors by way of internships, career opportunities and networking and we will forever be appreciative of their support.
"The school carries the Abedian name in recognition of these outstanding contributions to Bond University."
Professor Brailsford said the scholarships would support students transitioning into the Master of Architecture Program, enabling them to take the next step in achieving their career ambition. These new scholarships will bring the total number of students supported at Bond University by Dr Abedian to nineteen.
"Both the University and our students are extremely grateful for Dr Abedian and the Foundation, with this new scholarship program representing a significant opportunity for our next generation of architects."
The Abedian Foundation Master of Architecture Scholarships were offered to Bond University students commencing the Master of Architecture program in the January 2018 semester.
Visit https://bond.edu.au/scholarship/abedian-foundation-master-architecture-award to apply.