La Cañada, California – Four Haigazian University Board of Trustees members were honored for their long years of service during the Annual Banquet organized by the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Association, on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at the La Cañada Country Club. This was the culmination of several days of meetings in Los Angeles, bringing trustees from across the U.S. as well as from Beirut.
The evening began with the opening prayer by past Haigazian University President, Rev. Dr. John Khanjian, and with the audience singing the Alma Mater. Haigazian President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, just arrived from Beirut, shared: “The real wealth of Haigazian University is its people, past and present, be they Board members, students, faculty, administrators, alumni, supporters, or Women’s Auxiliary groups.”
Each honoree was presented with a plaque by the Chair of Board of Trustees, Dr. Hasmig Baran. The four honorees, Dr. Steven Aharonian, Louis Kurkjian, Herair Mouradian, and Dr. Vahe Nalbandian, were introduced by current trustee Dr. Barkev Kassarjian and AMAA President, Dr. Nazareth Darakjian.
Concerning the impact Haigazian has on many levels, President Haidostian also commented: “In addition to the regular academic programs, our teacher training workshops, publications, international conferences, internships for young officials from Armenia and Artsakh, and partnership with global educational centers, take us beyond the limits of the Beirut campus.”
“My gratitude to all who have made this day possible, especially raising funds for scholarships. Being that the annual scholarship budget is 1.5 million dollars, annual yearly tuition is $9,000, and the average annual household income does not exceed $15,000 – you understand the recipient’s gratitude. Special thanks to the AMAA and the Philibosian Foundation and other partners for their continued commitment and generosity.” Noting the coming celebratory year, President Haidostian said, “2020 is our 65th anniversary, with events being planned in Beirut, Los Angeles, and Yerevan!”
With their hearts and minds on the current problems happening in Beirut, the evening highlighted the understanding that Haigazian University, with its diverse student population, will indisputably continue to be a vibrant institution, as its graduates continue to use their newly gained knowledge and expertise as leaders in their chosen fields to enrich Lebanon, the surrounding countries, and the Armenian Diaspora.
Banquet Co-Chairs Katia Kermoyan-Khodanian and Raffi Kendirjian, and their dedicated committee, are to be highly commended for organizing this exceptional event to bring hope and encouragement to young people in the Middle East aspiring to a brighter future through this unique University.
Founded in 1955 under the auspices of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE) and the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), Haigazian University has served Lebanon and the region, by empowering valuable human resources as a beacon of learning for a diverse community, and for a better life and service. The University motto is – Truth, Freedom, Service.