About Roshan Center for Persian Studies

Mission

Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute Center for Persian Studies at the University of Maryland aspires to be the premier center for the learning, understanding, and appreciation of Persian culture in the United States. Toward this end, Roshan Center seeks to provide outstanding course offerings and programs in Persian language, literature, history, and culture; to foster communication and community ties among people of Persian heritage and those interested in Persian studies; and to serve as a model for encouraging intercultural communication among peoples of varying backgrounds.

History of the Center

Since its inception, based on the above mission from Dr. Elahe Mir-Djalali Omidyar, Founder and Chair of Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute, Roshan Center for Persian Studies has played a leading role in an effort to support and bring to light 3,500 years of Persian history.

Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute is a nonprofit organization that fosters Persian studies and supports educational programs promoting Persian language and culture.  In 2007, Roshan Institute made a $3 million leadership gift to the University of Maryland College Park Foundation and in 2008, a major and a minor in Persian language and studies were developed.  Academic programs, research, and scholarships have significantly expanded at the Center as a result of Roshan Institute’s generosity. 

The Roshan Institute named endowments are as follows:

• Roshan Institute Chair in Persian Studies
• Roshan Institute Graduate Fellowship in Persian Studies
• Roshan Institute Undergraduate Scholarship for Excellence in Persian Studies
• Roshan Institute Endowment for Persian Programs (see under Events)