The Washington Institute Establishes Annual Yvonne Silverman Research Assistantship; Tyler Evans Nam

(Washington, D.C. -- January 14) The Washington Institute for Near East Policy is pleased to announce the establishment of the Yvonne Silverman Research Assistantship in the Turkish Research Program (TRP).

Named in memory of Yvonne Silverman of New York, a beloved member of the Institute's board of trustees who tragically passed away in 2012, this five-year program will support full-time, year-long fellowships for young scholars to work under the direction of TRP director and Beyer Family fellow Dr. Soner Cagaptay. Tyler Evans, a Turkish-fluent, summa cum laude graduate of the University of Arizona, has been named the inaugural recipient of this fellowship.

Creation of the Yvonne Silverman Research Assistantship was made possible by a generous bequest from Ms. Silverman, a dedicated supporter of the Institute with a deep interest in Turkey's pivotal role in the Middle East, with ongoing financial support from her husband Michael Silverman, an Institute trustee.

"Yvonne Silverman was a bountiful source of energy, enthusiasm, creativity, and passion about the Middle East, Turkey, and the work of The Washington Institute," said executive director Dr. Robert Satloff. "We are deeply moved that she would leave funds in her estate to establish a truly beautiful legacy -- a way to nurture a new generation of young scholars committed to the study of issues she cared so much about."

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy seeks to advance a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East and to promote the policies that secure them through in-depth research and cutting-edge analysis.

Contact: Dan Heckelman, director of development, 202-452-0650.