As part of the commemorative events marking the 70th anniversary of Haigazian University, Dr. Antranig Dakessian—Director of the Armenian Diaspora Research Center (ADRC) at Haigazian University and Editor-in-Chief of the Haigazian Armenological Review—delivered a public lecture titled “Haigazian University Armenological Review and HU Press: Mission and Achievements” on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The lecture was presented in collaboration with the Armenian Studies Program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and hosted by the Armenian Society of Los Angeles in Glendale. The event convened a distinguished audience of Haigazian University alumni, scholars, educators, and members of the Armenian academic and cultural community in Los Angeles.
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Vahram Shemmassian, Director of the Armenian Studies Program at CSUN and a member of the Haigazian University Board of Trustees. Dr. Shemmassian underscored the value of this collaborative initiative and highlighted promising opportunities for future partnerships that would further enrich and benefit both institutions.
Dr. Hasmig Baran, Professor at CSUN and Chair of the Haigazian University Board of Trustees, formally introduced Dr. Dakessian. In her remarks, Dr. Baran emphasized the distinctive mission and significant scholarly contributions of the Armenian Diaspora Research Center, Haigazian University Press, and the Haigazian Armenological Review, noting their vital academic role in advancing Armenian Diaspora scholarship.
In his presentation, Dr. Dakessian offered an overview of Lebanese-Armenian publishing initiatives, with particular focus on Haigazian University Press since its founding in 2011. He outlined its mission and major accomplishments, highlighting the publication of 61 books and scholarly volumes to date. He further examined the Haigazian Armenological Review, established in 1970, discussing the scope and characteristics of its academic articles, the quality of its research output, and its enduring role in Armenian Diaspora intellectual life.
Dr. Dakessian’s visit to Los Angeles formed part of a broader series of anniversary engagements commemorating Haigazian University’s seven decades of service. These celebrations culminated in the University’s 70th Anniversary Gala Dinner, held on January 24, 2026, at the Ebell of Los Angeles. Collectively, these events honored Haigazian University’s legacy while reaffirming its enduring mission as a beacon of education, scholarship, and service to Armenian and Lebanese communities worldwide.
Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director