1973 – Palm Beach, Florida
Mary Tarzian was president of the Young Women’s Christian Association and graduated first in her class at the University of Pennsylvania. She was also president of the National Student Council and the American representative to the International Student Council. She holds a master’s degree in political science and a doctorate in international relations. She was founder of the Eisenhower Memorial Foundation and co-founder, with her husband Dr. Sarkes Tarzian, of Sarkes Tarzian Enterprises. The Tarzians have two children. Among Dr. Tarzian’s numerous awards and honors are the Kensington High School Alumnae Award for Outstanding Achievement and an honorary L.L.D. from Tri-State College, where she was the first woman in the school’s one hundred year history to deliver the commencement address. The University of La Verne bestowed an honorary doctorate in 1982-1983. Dr. Mary M. Tarzian was an extraordinary woman, scholar and humanitarian. She stated: “The development of the United States from a backward country to a great nation is due in large measure to those pioneers who had the courage to venture out on paths and projects untried by others, to pit their strength and wits against the elements of their competitors. I salute Northwood, admire it and support it because it upholds these values. Indeed, Northwood is playing a vital role by passing them on to future generations.” (Deceased 1998)
