
Support the Center
Your support for deserving students, world-class language instruction in the Melikian Center’s Critical Languages Institute, timely public programs and research conferences, and distinguished international scholars-in-residence has helped to make ASU a premier national research and training center for East European and Eurasian studies.
Your secure online gift to Arizona State University’s Melikian Center and Critical Languages Institute represents an investment in the international leaders of tomorrow.
All funds will be deposited with the ASU Foundation for A New American University, a separate non-profit organization that exists to support ASU. Your gift may be considered a charitable contribution. Gifts are subject to foundation policies and fees. Please consult with your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of charitable contributions.
Melikian Center and Critical Languages Institute Giving Opportunities
Melikian Center Fund
This fund, established in 2007, provides core support for the activities of the Melikian Center, including the Center’s distinctive public programming on Russia, Eurasia, and East Europe, and scholarship support for students to attend the Critical Languages Institute.
Critical Languages Institute Fund
Gifts to the CLI fund sustain Arizona State University’s unique intensive summer program, offering accessible, high-quality instruction in less commonly taught languages. The Fund provides scholarships to students and supports innovation by the CLI’s outstanding instructors.
Advisory Board Fund
Established and sustained by members of the Melikian Center’s Advisory Board, the fund supports new and continuing initiatives each year. In the past, Advisory Board funds supported research opportunities for junior scholars and established the undergraduate research fellowship program, as well as supporting student language learning.
Hastings International Distinguished Engagement Award (IDEA)
Established in 2010 in honor of Doris Hastings, the Hastings IDEA awards scholarships to students who are enrolled in the ASU Melikian Center's Critical Languages Institute (CLI), participate in the overseas critical language study experience, and have an interest in a career in public service.
Stephen and Sandra Batalden Fund
Established to honor the long-term contributions of the Center’s Founding Director, the fund supports Melikian Center programming, with a particular emphasis on advancing international partnerships; regional outreach efforts; and faculty and student exchanges for language learning and professional development.
Shahin and Vjollca Berisha Fund
Established in 2019, this fund supports Albanian and, specifically, Kosovo studies at Arizona State University. In particular, the fund supports the maintenance and expansion of the partnership between Arizona State University and the University of Prishtina in Kosovo, as well as providing scholarship assistance for students of Albanian at the Critical Languages Institute.
Dr. Elaine H Berkowitz Albanian Fund
Started in 2016 with a donation from Dr. Elaine H Berkowitz, an alumna of the ASU Melikian Center's Critical Languages Institute (CLI) Albanian program, the Berkowitz Fund supports the Albanian program in the CLI including scholarships for CLI Albanian students and assistance to the CLI Albanian faculty.
Mary Choncoff Endowment
The Mary Choncoff Fund for Macedonian-American Understanding and Exchange was established in 1995 to advance the long-standing academic exchange between Arizona State University and the University of Ss. Kiril and Metodij (UKIM) in Skopje, Macedonia.
The Fund honors the memory of Mary Choncoff (1923-1996). Raised in Detroit by Macedonian parents from Northern Greece, Mary Choncoff lived and worked for many years in Tempe as a librarian and bookseller, and a generous host and supporter to many Macedonian students, scholars, and other visitors over the years.
Lee B. Croft Russian Fund Endowment
Supports students, faculty, and staff of the Critical Languages Institute (CLI) Russian language program.
CLI Ukrainian Fund
Supports CLI summer Ukrainian programs and provides scholarships for students of Ukrainian at ASU and its Ukrainian study-abroad programs.