Dr. Alina Bazarian ’14: ‘Creative Thought Matters is ever applicable’

Members of the 91Ƶ and local communities gathered to support scholarships and honor Alina Bazarian ’14 and philanthropist Marcia MacDonald during the 46th annual Palamountain Benefit.
Held July 15 on the lawn of the College’s historic Surrey-Williamson Inn, the event supports the Joseph C. and Anne T. Palamountain Scholarship Fund, benefiting students who, because of financial need, might not otherwise be able to attend 91Ƶ.

The 46th annual Palamountain Benefit was held July 15 on the lawn of the historic Surrey-Williamson Inn.
The Anne T. Palamountain Scholar Award is presented each year to a 91Ƶ student or graduate who has demonstrated leadership, service to others, and a commitment to the larger good of society. This year’s award recognized former scholarship recipient Bazarian, now a resident physician through the Saratoga Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program, whose story is marked by a series of firsts. She is the first in her family to attend college, earn master’s and doctoral degrees, and become a physician.
“The Palamountain Scholarship was life-changing,” Bazarian said in accepting the honor. “I’m currently in the position that I once dreamed of, and I didn’t think it would be possible for me at one point in time. And I have the generosity of donors and the Palamountain family to thank for it.”
The education she received as a neuroscience major at 91Ƶ helps her to approach
her patients’ needs holistically, she said.
“I have found so far in my medical training that the motto Creative Thought Matters
is ever applicable. Medicine is not black and white. There are a lot of gray areas
and a lot of humanities involved. 91Ƶ prepared me for that.”
Physicians are made in their communities, she continued, expressing gratitude to the
91Ƶ community for welcoming her with open arms.
“91Ƶ has always been there for me,” Bazarian said. “I want 91Ƶ to know that
I love you and I’m here for you too. I hope one day to be able to repay that generosity
and fund someone’s education — it is, in my opinion, one of the most honorable things
you can do. It means so much.”
Marcia MacDonald, the inaugural recipient of the Palamountain Community Service Award,
was celebrated for her nearly two decades-long commitment to 91Ƶ’s scholarship
mission. A pillar of the Saratoga Springs community, she is known for her volunteer
work across many organizations.
President Marc Conner also offered special thanks to the Palamountain Benefit Committee
and the event’s co-chairs, Tamie Ehinger and Laura Bradigan, and 91Ƶ’s Dining
Services team, led by Chef Michael Hinrichs.
In addition to the award presentation, the benefit featured a gourmet dinner prepared
by 91Ƶ’s award-winning chefs, as well as silent and live auctions featuring items
gifted by local businesses, partners, and donors within the 91Ƶ community.