Mary Mangigian Tarzian
Introduction
Mary Mangigian Tarzian was an influential American businesswoman, philanthropist, and publisher whose life spanned nearly a century. Born on August 22, 1905, in Philadelphia to Armenian immigrant parents, she made significant contributions to the fields of electronics manufacturing and broadcasting alongside her husband, Sarkes Tarzian. The couple founded Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. in 1944, which grew to become a notable player in the electronics industry. Mary’s professional journey and philanthropic efforts left a lasting legacy that continued to resonate long after her passing on June 7, 1998. This article explores her early life, career achievements, legal challenges, honors received, and personal life.
Early Life and Education
Mary Mangigian was born into a family of Armenian descent that immigrated from Turkey to the United States. Her father, Bedros (Peter) Mangigian, was a master weaver and a businessman who instilled in her the values of hard work and determination. Growing up in Philadelphia, Mary attended Kensington High School where she excelled academically. She went on to pursue higher education at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania.
Mary graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1927 with a bachelor’s degree. Her academic journey did not stop there; she earned a master’s degree in 1928 followed by a Ph.D. in 1935, making her one of the few women of her time to achieve such educational milestones. A member of the esteemed Phi Beta Kappa honor society, Mary also broadened her horizons by studying at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland, as well as at the University of Geneva.
Career
In 1944, Mary Mangigian Tarzian and her husband Sarkes founded Sarkes Tarzian, Inc., marking the beginning of their foray into the electronics manufacturing sector. Under Mary’s leadership as vice president starting in 1952, the company thrived and expanded its operations across multiple factories. Aside from her role at Sarkes Tarzian, Inc., Mary held several other notable positions within the corporate world.
She served as vice president and director of Bynum Supply and made history by becoming the first woman to join the board of directors at Dean Brothers Pumps. The Tarzians also expanded their business interests to include media outlets; they owned the Greencastle Banner-Graphic newspaper along with various radio and television stations. Through these ventures, Mary played a crucial role not only in entrepreneurship but also in shaping media landscapes.
Mary Tarzian’s commitment to philanthropy was evident through her involvement with numerous organizations. She held seats on various boards including the National Council of the YWCA, Pritikin Longevity Center, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. As a member of the national council for the Metropolitan Opera Company and an advisory board member for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, she demonstrated unwavering support for cultural initiatives. Additionally, Mary co-founded the Einstein Memorial Scholarship Foundation, which is now recognized as the Sagamore Leadership Initiative.
Legal Issues
<pDespite her many accomplishments, Mary and Sarkes Tarzian faced legal challenges during their careers. In the 1950s, they encountered federal tax avoidance charges that brought scrutiny to their financial dealings. Furthermore, in 1964, Mary initiated legal action against two Fifth Avenue department stores—Bonwit Teller and Peck & Peck—after they wrongfully accused her of shoplifting. These incidents highlight that even successful individuals can face controversies that challenge their reputations.
Honors
Throughout her lifetime, Mary Tarzian received numerous accolades recognizing her contributions to society and business. In 1973, she was named Distinguished Woman of the Year by Northwood Institute—a testament to her impact in various fields. Three years later, she was honored as Indiana Mother of the Year in recognition of her role as a mother and community leader.
Her academic achievements were acknowledged through honorary doctorates awarded by both the University of La Verne and Tri-State College. Perhaps one of her most enduring legacies is the Sarkes and Mary Tarzian Nature Preserve located in Bloomington, Indiana; this natural area serves as a reminder of their commitment to environmental stewardship and philanthropy.
Publications
Mary Mangigian Tarzian also made contributions to academia through her written work. One notable publication is “The Armenian Minority Problem,” which examines issues faced by Armenians between 1914 and 1934. This work reflects her interest in social justice and community issues that were close to her heart due to her Armenian heritage.
Personal Life
Mary Mangigian married Sarkes Tarzian in Geneva in 1930. Together they had two children: Patricia and Thomas. Their marriage represented both a personal partnership and a professional collaboration that propelled their business ventures forward. After Sarkes passed away in 1987, Mary continued to uphold his legacy until she herself died on June 7, 1998, at the age of 92 in Palm Beach, Florida.
Their former residence in Bloomington is known as Deer Park Manor today; it has been transformed into an event space where people can gather for celebrations while honoring the memory of this remarkable couple.
Conclusion
Mary Mangigian Tarzian’s contributions as a businesswoman and philanthropist left an indelible mark on American society. Born into a family with deep Armenian roots, she overcame barriers to achieve significant educational milestones before embarking on a successful career alongside her husband Sarkes Tarzian. Their joint ventures not only enriched their lives but also provided opportunities for many others within their community through employment and philanthropic efforts.
Despite facing challenges throughout her life—including legal issues—Mary’s resilience allowed her to continue making meaningful contributions until her passing at age 92. Her honors reflect not only personal achievements but also an enduring legacy that inspires future generations to engage actively with both business endeavors and charitable initiatives.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).