About the Friends
The Friends of the Melikian Center connects alumni, colleagues, and supporters who want to stay engaged with the Center’s research, teaching, and public programming. Members contribute time, expertise, and resources that strengthen language study and area knowledge across ASU and the Critical Languages Institute (CLI).
Founded in 2024 with Judge Charles Case as the inaugural Honorary Chair, the Friends offers mentoring, networking, and cultural enrichment opportunities while recognizing supporters who choose to be listed publicly.
“Join a community of alumni, partners, and advocates advancing scholarship, language learning, and public understanding of Eurasia and its neighboring regions.”
Melikian Friends 2025
Lifetime Friends
Stephen and Sandra Batalden
Shahin and Vjollca Berisha
Elaine Berkowitz
Robert Bohannon
Charles "Chuck" Case
Shelley Cutts
David Jankofsky
Margaret Mullen
Stella and Mark "Mickey" Saperstein
Smilka Zdravkovska
Contributing Friends
Gloria Hachikian
Briana "Bren" Pantilione
Junior Members
Sami Al-Asady
Luke Bachman
Matthew Becker
Samuel Buster
Amy Cable
Paula Crawford
Robert Cuthbert, Jr.
Patrick Day
Alona Dzon
Estaban L. Espinoza
Holly Harris
Megan Joksimovic
Alexia Jones
Isabelle Kinney
Ashley Koca
Arina Melkozernova
Emma Meyers
Deborah Mueller
Alexander Neuman
Kathleen Puckett
Evan Richardson
John Romero
Ameer Sadi
Christopher Schnecke
Hayley Stock
Barnabas Szabo
Kirsten Terrill
Edna Zurhic
Justin Zyla
Membership Tiers and Benefits
Lifetime Members
- Guidance: one-time or cumulative major gift (amount at donor’s discretion).
- Benefits: public recognition (opt-in), invitations to Friends events, quarterly Friends newsletter, opportunities to mentor CLI/ASU students, and consideration for Center affiliation
Contributing Member
Guidance: $400+ per calendar year (≈ $35/month).
Benefits: public recognition (opt-in), Friends event invitations, quarterly Friends newsletter, eligibility for mentoring and programming initiatives.
Junior Member
Guidance: $50 per year (≈ $1/week).
Ideal for: recent alumni and early-career professionals.
Benefits: public recognition (opt-in), Friends event invitations, quarterly Friends newsletter, access to mentoring as a mentor or mentee.
FAQ
Gifts are processed through ASU’s approved giving channels and are generally tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Consult your tax advisor.
Yes. You can adjust your contribution or update your recognition preference at any time.
Do I have to appear in the directory? No. Recognition is opt-in.
Employer matching? Many employers match charitable gifts. If applicable, include your employer’s program details in the form notes.
How often will I hear from you? Quarterly Friends newsletter, plus occasional event invitations and mentoring/programming opportunities.
Yes. You can adjust your contribution or update your recognition preference at any time.
Do I have to appear in the directory? No. Recognition is opt-in.
Employer matching? Many employers match charitable gifts. If applicable, include your employer’s program details in the form notes.
How often will I hear from you? Quarterly Friends newsletter, plus occasional event invitations and mentoring/programming opportunities.
No. Recognition is opt-in. Email [email protected] to change your status.
Employer matching? Many employers match charitable gifts. If applicable, include your employer’s program details in the form notes.
How often will I hear from you? Quarterly Friends newsletter, plus occasional event invitations and mentoring/programming opportunities.
Quarterly Friends newsletter, plus occasional event invitations and mentoring/programming opportunities.