Sarkes Tarzian*

Born in 1900 in Elaz, which is in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, Sarkes Tarzian was just seven years old when his father, who had come to the United States to escape Turkish persecution of Christian Armenians and was living in Philadelphia, saved enough money to send for the family in 1907.

Young Tarzian helped the family by working after school and delivering newspapers and groceries. In 1918, he was the top high school graduate in Philadelphia, earning him a four-year scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania to study electrical engineering. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1924 and his master's degree in 1927.

Tarzian then began a long career in the radio and television manufacturing industry. In 1944, he founded Sarkes Tarzian Enterprises, which was involved in early experiments in VHF audio broadcasting. In 1948, he designed a television tuner that could produce high-quality results at low cost.

"We're thankful to the good Lord for the United States of America, where people like us can come and be greeted with open arms," said Tarzian. "Here, if you are interested and you are willing to put the effort in, you have the chance to accomplish wonderful things."