Issue No. 10 - Spring 2004-05 INSPIRITINSPIRIT The Haigazian University Newsletter

Celebrating with Joy!

left to right: Presidents Khanjian, Markarian, and Haidostian 2 Inspirit - Celebrating with Joy! From the President Anniversary thoughts “In the midst of the fiftieth anniversary celebrations where remembrances, diplomas, dinners, reunions, and photo opportunities fill our schedules, we come here today for thanksgiving and dedication. “There is no noble feeling greater than that of a grate- ful heart, and there is no stronger human power than that of dedication. “There is no proper address for gratitude than that of God Almighty, and there is no relevant dedication than that to serve.” Baccalaureate Service, June 26, 2005 “In other words, we are saying today, that the rich heritage and spirit of excellence and community service of Haigazian needs to be uncovered further. It is time to openly celebrate, and together celebrate not only an anniversary but an educational service. “... Celebration is never complete without honoring people. Who to honor during the 50th anniversary was another question? In faithfulness to our mission, we choose to honor those who support our students in very concrete ways.” Gala Banquet, June 29, 2005 “... We have the special privilege of honoring our special role in this world. Having been born just a few decades after the Armenian Genocide as a resilient institutional response to death and dispersion, I stand in awe before the memory of a million and a half martyrs of our nation, among whom Armenag Haigazian himself. “An Armenian population (and within it the Armenian Evangelical Church) that prided itself in dozens of institutions of higher learning in our Cilician Armenian homeland less than a century ago, today wit- nesses the increasing pride in this one Armenian owned university in the Diaspora. Haigazian University stands not like an orphan, however, but as a living monument, as a memorial fountain of life. Through God’s grace we exist. “Haigazian, therefore, enjoys the heavy and joyful responsibility of representing the best that Armenian identity could bring to the whole Diaspora. And the best Armenian testimony has been the one service, of giving, and of cultural and intellectual exchange. History will witness that it is not a coincidence that Lebanon has been home to Haigazian University. The rich heritage of Lebanon, its diverse communal life, its openness to the world, and its bridging character of antiquity and modernity have made the Haigazian reality possible. “Let history record: Haigazian University has brought the Armenians to the heights of life, in lands of Arab humanity, with values of American education.” Commencement, July 1, 2005

Contents From the President 2 Faculty News 6 Alumnus Profile 3 Staff News 7 Student Life 4 50th Anniversary Committees 8 Student of the Year 2005 4 50th Anniversary Celebrations - continued 9 Faculty Profile 6 The Anniversary in Pictures 14 Issue #10 - Spring 2004-05 3 Alumnus Profile

Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian “Turn“Turn iinn tthehe aaccountccount ooff yyourour st ewardship.”ewardship.” (Luke(Luke 16:2)16:2) ArchbishopArchbishop SumbatSumbat (baptismal(baptismal name:name: Setrag)Setrag) LapajianLapajian waswas bornborn inin BeirutBeirut iinn 11927.927. HHee lostlost hishis parentsparents atat anan earlyearly ageage andand waswas sentsent toto thethe DDanishanish “Birds’“Birds’ Nest”Nest” OrphanageOrphanage inin Jbeil.Jbeil. LaterLater hehe graduatedgraduated fromfrom JJuniorunior HighHigh inin 1941.1941. DuringDuring thethe SecondSecond WorldWorld War,War, atat thethe ageage ofof 14,14, hehe waswas forcedforced toto workwork to earn a living, but he devoted his free minutes to educate himself. FromFrom 19481948 toto 1952,1952, hehe studiedstudied atat thethe SeminarySeminary ofof thethe ArmenianArmenian CCatholicossateatholicossate inin Antelias.Antelias. InIn 19531953 hehe servedserved asas a DeaconDeacon inin thethe ArmenianArmenian sectionsection ofof thethe HolyHoly SepulchreSepulchre CathedralCathedral inin Jerusalem.Jerusalem. FromFrom 19541954 toto 1958,1958, hehe heldheld teachingteaching postsposts inin ArmenianArmenian schoolsschools inin JordanJordan andand Lebanon.Lebanon. InIn 19561956 hehe enteredentered HaigazianHaigazian UniversityUniversity andand graduatedgraduated fromfrom the sophomore class in 1958. In 1958, during the tenure of Catholicos Zareh I, he was ordained a celibate priest, by the late Archbishop Ardak Manougian. Father Lapajian continued his studies in philosophy and theology at Haigazian University and the Near East School of Theology, graduating from Haigazian in 1960 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He became the Dean of the Seminary at Antelias, and then the Secretary to the Catholicos. In January 1961 he was appointed pastor of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Cross Church of Los Angeles, a position which he held until the time of his election as Prelate of Western U.S.A. on June 2, 1973. From mid-1961 to 1963 he also assumed the pastorate of Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, playing an important role in the building of the new church there. In March of 1961, after presenting a thesis “The Spiritual Life in Armenia During the First Five Centuries: a study of the religious life of that era,” he was ordained a Vartabed (Doctor). He was instrumental in organizing the Hollywood Saturday Armenian School, and in establishing the present Alex Pilibos Armenian School, of which he became the principal from 1969 to 1971. During the academic year, 1963-1964, he taught classical and modern Armenian in the Department of Armenian Studies at UCLA. From 1963 to 1968, he established a bilingual Sunday Radio Sermon Hour. In 1965, he blessed the ground-breaking of the Armenian Mesrobian School in Pico Rivera, and actively participated in the educational and administrative progress of the school. He was ordained Supreme Vartabed by Catholicos Khoren in Antelias in 1965, and in 1966, he was appointed Vice Prelate of California. During his tenure as Bishop of California and the Western States (June 1973 - September 1977), along with other accomplishments, St. Mary’s Church and day school in Glendale (now Chamlian School), and the Orange County Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church were established and organized. He consecrated the foundations and almost completer the building of St. Garabed Church in Hollywood. All these churches have contributed greatly to their compatriots in Lebanon during the civil war years. On April 4, 1981, the late Catholicos Khoren I of the Great House of Cilicia honored him with the title of Archbishop. From 1978 to 1985, he taught at Mesrobian & Alex Pilibos schools and preached in Holy Cross & St. Garabed Churches. In January 1994, he officially retired from his administrative duties, but has continued with his voluntary ministry, especially to the community of Holy Cross Cathedral. 4 Inspirit - Celebrating with Joy! Student Life Student of 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide the Year 2005 On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Haigazian University Heritage Club organized the following events: • On April 22, the launching of a 33-minute33-minute documentarydocumentary CD that exposes the major episodes that occurred between the years 1935 and 2004 regarding the Armenian question.

Name: Mohammad Fakhoury Date of Birth: November 8, 1983 Major: Management Information Systems Year: Senior Education: International College, Saint Elie Btina • OnOn Monday,Monday, AprilApril 25,25, Dr.Dr. AdnanAdnan alal SayidSayid Hussein,Hussein, LULU Ambition: to reach a managerial professor of Political Science, lectured on “The Armenian position in an international Question in Current International Affairs”. firm. • A two-day exhibition of genocide photos, documents and HU Experience: Tennis Team banners was held on campus, with the model of the monu- founder; its coach and chair- ment of Dzidzernagapert displayed in the courtyard. person, Sports representative • Sale of genocide T-shirts, and distribution of stickers. in Student Life. • A second CD entitled “Back to the Roots” to be featured in all Hobbies: Tennis, reading, organiz- Armenian schools to promote education and its importance. ing events. • A questionnaire to collect names of those who survived the genocide or were killed or had disappeared during the Motto: Make you own path. traumatic years. Results will be submitted to the Genocide Museum in Yerevan. Fitness Center Thanks to the efforts of the Sports coordinator, Sahag Bidinian, the fitness center was enlarged, moved into an adjacent location on the roof of the Stephen Philibossian Student Center, and new equipments were bought. The Fitness Center offers the university population the opportunity to improve their physical fitness with its devices such as, Seated Calf, Bicycle, Acrobalron walk, Free Bench, Flat Bench, Incline Bench, Treadmill, Rotation Bench, Dumb-bells and full work out machines. Conference in Sarajevo Omar Hamzeh (major: MIS) represented Haigazian University in Sarajevo, during an international, university-level conference with the theme of “Education for a Culture of Peace” between 15 & 24 of June, 2005. Issue #10 - Spring 2004-05 5

Lebanon’s Chess Championship Soon after her graduation from Haigazian University with a B.S. degree in Computer Sciences, Kenarig Mouradian won Lebanon's Chess Championship, on Wednesday 27th of July 2005. Kick Boxing Team TheThe HHaigazianaigazian UniversityUniversity KickKick BoxingBoxing TeamTeam participatedparticipated forfor thethe 4th4th time in the Lebanese Championship in Semi-Contact on July 31st, 22005005 aandnd thethe playersplayers werewere lookinglooking aheadahead toto repeatrepeat thethe historyhistory mademade in 2002 when the team won the Lebanese championship. Haigazian University coach Fadi Shbaro was there with students AAlaalaa Jamaleddine,Jamaleddine, AntoAnto Keurkonian,Keurkonian, AramAram Dedeyan,Dedeyan, andand BilalBilal Noueihed. The Haigazian Kick Boxing Team came home with 4 bronze medals to add them to the other medals and cups won previ- ously. Inauguration of the University Health Service Department On March the 9th, 2005 the opening of the newly equipped University Health Service Department took place in Room 401 of the College Bldg. of Haigazian University. Dr. Hassoun, the chair of the Natural Sciences Department gave a brief presentation of the lab, explained to the audience the functions of every equipment, and did a live test on a blood sample. The lab includes: Immuno Essay used for hormonal tests, EElectrophoresislectrophoresis t too detect cancer from a simple blood test, Hematology analyzer for CBC and differ- ential analysis, Spectrophotometer for enzyme measurement, TThrombotimerhrombotimer toto measuremeasure bloodblood coagulation,coagulation, FlamephotometerFlamephotometer for chemistry analysis, and Automated clinical chemistry ana- lyzer used to perform routine chemistry tests, related to kidney, liver, heart as well as metabolic disorders.

Beauty Pageant Students Caroline Kasparian and Mher Kalenderian partici- pated in the Mister and Miss University International Beauty Pageant, which took place in South Korea during the last 2 weeksweeks ofof JulyJuly 2005.2005. TTheyhey receivedreceived lead-lead- ership training by participating in a service learning program, seminars, discussions and stage performances. BothBoth sstudentstudents werewere appointedappointed asas CampusCampus PeacePeace AmbassadorsAmbassadors for One World Family. 6 Inspirit - Celebrating with Joy! Faculty Profile Dr. Samih Antoine Azar Dr. Azar is an Associate Professor of Business Administration at Haigazian University. He holds a BS degree from AUB (1976), an MBA from AUB (1983), an MA in Economics from Claremont Graduate University (1990), and a Ph.D. in Economics from Claremont Graduate University (1997). Concerning work experience, Dr. Azar has been an accountant, chief accoun- tant, assistant manager, bank trainee, and a financial broker & dealer. HHisis expertiseexpertise inin thethe worldworld ofof economyeconomy includesincludes commercial,commercial, shipping,shipping, andand bankingbanking agencies.agencies. As a professor in Business Administration, Dr. Azar has taught in the American University of Beirut, Université Saint Esprit Kaslik, Université Saint Josef, Lebanese American University, Haigazian University, and Claremont McKenna College, and his teaching experience includes more than 30 dif- ferent courses at these universities, out of which 15 different courses at Haigazian University, includ- ing five different MBA courses. Since he joined Haigazian University, he has accomplished several research activities. He has pub- lished many papers internationally as well as locally refereed journals. He has also attended local and international conferences presenting papers in all of them. Currently he has ten working papers that have been submitted to various journals. His recent paper titles include: “Excess volatility in the US stock market: evidence to the contrary,” “Econometric diagnostics to distinguish between the IS curve and the Ricardian equivalence,” “Conditional confidence intervals for the equity premium and other rates,” “Pricing a real estate option,” and “The determinants of the aggregate dividends.”

Faculty News On Monday, August 8, 2005, Welcome to Dr. Sona Jerejian, a The Lebanese Cabinet appoint- former part-time lecturer in the ed twelve distinguished per- Faculty of Business Administration sonalities to form a National & Economics. Dr. Jerejian will Consultation Commission to join in October 2005 as a full- devise a new electoral law for time faculty member. Part of her the country. Dr. Arda Ekmekji, effortsefforts willwill gogo intointo chairingchairing thethe self-studyself-study commit-commit- Dean of Arts & Sciences, is the tee on Haigazian University’s road to accreditation. only female member of this Commission. MabroukMabrouk t too t twowo f full-timeull-time faculty members, Ms. Najoie NasrNasr ( (FacultyFaculty o off B Businessusiness InIn J Julyuly 2005,2005, D Dr.r. FadiFadi AdministrationAdministration & Economics)Economics) Asrawi,Asrawi, DeanDean o off B Businessusiness Ms. Najoie Nasr AdministrationAdministration & Economics,Economics, waswas electedelected thethe AccountantAccountant ofof the first Executive Body of and Ms. Roula Halabi (Faculty the newly founded League of of Sciences) who were promot- LebaneseLebanese Universities.Universities. ed to the rank of Lecturer. Mrs. Roula Halabi Issue #10 - Spring 2004-05 7 Staff News Our staff has been blessed! Congratulations to: Mr. Moufid & Sana Alam for the birth of their firstborn son, Christian (February 2, 2005). Mr. Moufid is the Director of MIS.

Mr. Alan & Marcel Kairouz for the birth of their firstborn daughter, Maryam (January 22, 2005). Mr. Alain is the Assistant Student Life Director.

Dr. George & Mrs. Roula Habre for the birth of their second son, Alfred (June 2, 2005). Mrs. Habre is the Lab Technician of our University.

Congratulations to Student Goodbye to Mrs. Tzovig Life Director, Mr. Antranik Oghassabian (class of 1985), Dakessian, for the publi- who is leaving her job at cation of his first book, a Haigazian to go to France and study on Vahan Bedelian, a be with her family. Mrs. Talin musician & educator from EElmajianlmajian Cyprus. wwillill b bee rreplacingeplacing hherer aass FFacultyaculty Secretary.Secretary.

WelcomeWelcome toto Mr.Mr. VickenVicken SeferianSeferian ( (classclass ofof 2001)2001) whowho hashas beenbeen recruitedrecruited byby HaigazianHaigazian UniversityUniversity asas The staff annual outing this year was to Restaurant AssistantAssistant Accountant.Accountant. Nahr in Baskinta, the birthplace of a famous LLebaneseebanese poet,poet, MikhaelMikhael Naaimeh.Naaimeh.

Congratulations to Mrs. Rozin Moughalian who received her Teaching Diploma from Haigazian University this June, after receiving her BA in Education last year. 8 Inspirit - Celebrating with Joy! 50th Anniversary Committees Thanks to the following committee members, the 50th anniversary events were realized successfully: On-Campus Celebration Banquet Committee Alumni Reunion Committee Dean Arda Ekmekji, Chair Mr. Hicham Abou Jaoude President Paul Haidostian Mrs. Maria Bakalian Mr. Joseph Ashjian Dean Fadi Asrawi, Chair Mrs. Maral Hajenian Mr. Yervant Babikian Rev. Nishan Bakalian Mrs. Randa Halaby Ms. Peggy Bedoyan Ms. Grace Bou-Daher Mrs. Terine Hasserdjian Mrs. Nora Dimitian Mr. Antranik Dakessian Mr. Bashar Ladki Ms. Salpi Jalian Ms. Rula Halaby Ms. Taline Nadjarian Souvenirs Committee Ms. Ailsa McLardy Dr. Sami Nasr Ms. Taline Nadjarian, Chair Ms. Taline Nadjarian Mr. John Sagherian Mrs. Maro Nercessian Dr. Berge Traboulsi Mrs. Lucy Tutunjian Mr. Bedros Shemmessian Mr. Michael Vayejian Mrs. Mira Yardemian Mr. Michael Vayejian Mrs. Mira Yardemian André Kalfayan Exhibition Editorial Committee Anniversary Celebration Mrs. Maro Nercessian, Chair Mr. Antranig Dakessian Committee Mr. Hicham Abou Jaoude Dr. Shereen Khairallah President Paul Haidostian Mrs. Maria Bakalian Ms. Ailsa McLardy Dean Arda Ekmekji, Chair Mrs. Maral Haidostian Ms. Taline Nadjarian Mrs. Nancy Sagherian Mr. Hicham Abou Jaoude Logo Committee Mr. Joseph Ashjian Mrs. Mira Yardemian Rev. Nishan Bakalian Mrs. Maria Bakalian Baccalaureate Service Ms. Rula Halabi Mrs. Terine Hasserdjian Rev. Nishan Bakalian, Chair Ms. Nevine Matar Mr. Bashar Ladki Mr. Alec Balian Mr. Dikran Vartan Rev. George Mourad Mrs. Karineh Cholakian Multidisciplinary Conference Dr. Sami Nasr Ms. Shake Geotcherian Armen Urneshlian Mrs. Maro Nercessian Ms. Thia Sagherian Mr. Ghassan Sayah Ara Sanjian Mr. Bedros Shemmessian Arda Ekmekji

October 18, 2004 May 19–20, 2005 Ticket June 29, 2005 ✓Founders’ Day ✓Second International Business Conference 2005 ✓Anniversary Banquet Time: 12:00 p.m. Topic: Management of National Debt A gala event featuring a special program, to Place: Haigazian University Campus Multi-track sessions covering diff erent aspects be held in one of Lebanon’s premier hotels, the Th e University acknowledges its half-century of debt management, organized by the faculty Phoenicia Intercontinental. heritage. of Business Administration & Economics, to be Archives Display Launched on Campus held on campus.

Invitation July 1, 2005 Ticket December 20 & 21, 2004 May 23–26, 2005 ✓Anniversary Commencement ✓Christmas Concert Peter Balakian Lectures Along with conferring of degrees on the class of ✓ 2005, the ceremony will be the culmination of A Christmas Concert featuring the “Armiss” A series of lectures on campus by Dr. Balakian, Armenian Evangelical choir and Mezzo-Soprano professor of Humanities at Colgate University, the year’s celebrations, to be held at the BIEL Anna Mayilian from Armenia, to take place in author of “Th e Burning Tigris” and “Black Royal Pavillion in downtown Beirut. the sanctuary of the First Armenian Evangeli- Dog of Fate”, in cooperation with the US Embassy cal Church. in Beirut - Public Aff airs Offi ce.

Invitation September 12–16, 2005 February 8–11, 2005 June 26, 2005 Multidisciplinary Conference An international academic conference: “Th e Student Art Exhibition Baccalaureate Service ✓ ✓ Armenians of Lebanon: Th eir Past, Present, and Opening: Tuesday, February 8, at 5:00 p.m. A time of thanksgiving to God for the graduat- Future”, organized by the Department of Arme- A variety of art pieces prepared by the Univer- ing class, as well as for the University. Th is nian Studies, to be held on campus. sity students will be displayed in the Arthur service will be held in the neighboring First Matossian Gallery of the Mugar Building. Armenian Evangelical Church sanctuary.

May 14–24, 2005 October 17, 2005 Invitation June 27, 2005 André Kalfayan Painting Exhibition Founders’ Day ✓ Alumni Reunion and Garden Event Time: 12:00 p.m. Opening: Saturday, May 14, at 6:00 p.m. ✓ Reunite and rekindle relationships with class- Th e works of the Lebanese artist, inspired by Leba- Place: Haigazian University Campus mates and friends at an evening reception in nese architecture and culture, will be on display in Student Photo Exhibition Opens the surroundings of the Mugar Garden. the Arthur Matossian Gallery, Mugar Building. Place: Arthur Matossian Gallery, Mugar Building Issue #10 - Spring 2004-05 9 50th Anniversary Celebrations - continued Student Art Exhibit Under the auspices of the Lebanese Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Sebouh Hovnanian, the Student Art Exhibition opened on 8 February, 2005 in the Arthur Matossian Gallery, Mugar Building. The exhibition, sponsored by the Arts and Crafts Club, whose advisor is Ms. Rula Halaby, featured 40 drawings and paintings by 15 students as well as sculptures, ceramics, and textiles.

Lark’s St. John Passion guished alumnus of Haigazian, who has channeled his intense love and talent for music to the communi- On March 6, The Lark Musical Society dedicated ty at large. Barsumian is the founder and director of their performance of St. John Passion to Haigazian the Lark Musical Society and the Lark Conservatory University. The concert was the West Coast kick-off in Glendale, California. The performance began at of the University’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, 7:00 pm, at the Glendale Presbyterian Church. It and featured Maestro Vatsche Barsumian, a distin- was preceded by a pre-concert lecture at 6:30 pm.

André Kalfayan Exhibit “Doors and WWindows”indows” TheThe AndréAndré KalfayanKalfayan exhibition “Doors and WWindows”indows” w wasas i inaugu-naugu- rated on 14 May, 2005, in the Arthur Matossian Gallery, under the aus- pices of the President of the Union of Armenian EEvangelicalvangelical ChurchesChurches in the Near East, Rev. ducedduced thethe artistartist andand spokespoke ofof thethe ArmenianArmenian peoplepeople MegrdichMegrdich Karagoezian.Karagoezian. and heritage and their contribution to Lebanon. Mr. President Haidostian Kalfayan presented the university with a painting of mentioned that it was also the 25th anniversary of the Mugar façade and also held a workshop on 18 the Gallery. Poet and writer Henri Zogheib intro- May in Mugar garden for an interested audience.

Haigazian University Hosts Dr. Peter read passages from his book Black Dog of Fate. The Balakian second lecture focused on the Armenian genocide and America’s First International Human Rights With the cooperation of the United States Embassy Movement; he also read in Beirut, prize-winning scholar, Peter Balakian, passages from his book Professor of Humanities and English at Colgate The Burning Tigris. University, was the guest of Haigazian University for four days. Finally, Dr. Balakian participated in a student On 23 and 24 May, 2005, Professor Balakian gave Debate Club event about two public lectures. In the first lecture, he focused Identity. on his childhood and the Armenian genocide and 10 Inspirit - Celebrating with Joy!

CIBITIC 2005 ness. During the day the First Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, Dr. Ahmad Jishi, On May 20, 2005, the second annual business the Vice Chair of the BLOM Bank Mr. Saad Al conference was held with the topic “Managing the Azhari and former Vice Governor of the Central general debts in underdeveloped countries.” The Bank Mr. Megerditch Bouldoukian along with Lebanese Minister of Finance & Economy Mr. faculty members Dr. Fadi Asrawi, Dr. Samih Azar, Demianos Kattar, as well as bank managers, uni- Mr. Raffi Kendirjian and Judge Khaled Abdallah versity deans and a big number of students were in discussed the issue through their presentations. attendance. In the final part of the conference, Minister Kattar After the opening remarks of Dean Fadi Asrawi, spoke with the students and answered some of President Haidostian stated that Haigazian their questions and concerns. University upholds an ethical approach to busi-

Baccalaureate Service: a service of dedication for the graduating class of 2005 and thanksgiving for the 50 years of service of Haigazian University. The President of the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Community in Syria & Lebanon, Rev. Dr. Selim Sahyouni offered the prayer of invoca- tion. In his word, President Haidostian welcomed the audience, among whom the Arab Team of Christina-Muslim Dialogue, dignitaries of the com- munity, and dozens of guests from overseas, along with a large number of graduates and their families. Participants in the program included Rev. Nishan faculty,faculty, andand BoardBoard members.members. Dr.Dr. IainIain Torrance,Torrance, Bakalian, Rev. Robert Sarkissian, Rev. Megrdich the keynote speaker, as President of the Princeton Karagoezian, and a large number of students, staff, Theological Seminary, noted with excitement that Dr. John Markarian, founding president of Haigazian University, as well as the cur- rent president, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian are alumni of Princeton. He then tackled the theme of creative response and healing, stating that the conception of Haigazian University was the creative response to the Armenia Genocide. He congratu- lated the graduates by reminding them one of their own activities, the Orphan Fair, of which he said: “Organized by the University’s humanitarian club, the Orphan Fair illustrates your practical investment in the future. It witnesses to the founding charisma of the University.” In-service Teacher Training Program Commencement This year's In-service Teacher Training Program com- their service as educators but also for their commit- mencement saw seven school teachers receive their mmentent toto ongoingongoing self-development.self-development. AllAll graduatesgraduates werewere certificates. The enthusiastically keynote speaker, applauded by their Mrs. Sossy Balian, parents, spouses, praised the grad- children, friends, uates not only for and colleagues. Issue #10 - Spring 2004-05 11

Alumni Event A long awaited alumni reunion was organized during the celebratory week of June 26 - July 1, 2005. At first, people gathered in the Haigazian Auditorium, which was filled to capacity, keeping a big number in the courtyard.

In his address, President Haidostian, stressed on the concept of investing in the human being which is a major emphasis at Haigazian. He highlighted the concept of connectedness, thus inviting the aann opportunityopportunity toto seesee thethe variousvarious faculties,faculties, majorsmajors alumni to always help and support their university. and clubs of the University today. The recruiter, Miss. Taline Najarian gave, through Then, the more than 300 inspired and proud the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, the alumni graduates walked through the beautiful sur- roundings of the Mugar Garden, and enjoyed shared moments around a lavish buffet. MMrs.rs. MaydaMayda Keleshian,Keleshian, membermember ofof HaigazianHaigazian UUniversity’sniversity’s Women’sWomen’s Auxiliary,Auxiliary, andand a membermember of the class of 1982, was the MC of the night, musically helped by the live entertainment of Haigazian’s jazz band. TTowardsowards thethe endend ofof thethe program,program, Dr.Dr. JohnJohn MaMarkarianrkarian waswas veryvery touchedtouched byby thethe surprisesurprise birthday cake on the occasion of his 88th birthday.

Haigazian Board of Trustees Meeting The Haigazian University Board of Trustees met amidst the celebratory events. The agenda reflect- ed the evaluation and expansion phases the institu- tion is facing. The Board members, as well as the guests who attended the meetings were apprecia- tive of the efforts poured towards the growth of the University and expressed support with respect to challenges it faces in the Lebanese context. 12 Inspirit - Celebrating with Joy!

Gala Banquet of America, the Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Scholarship Fund, the Calouste Gulbenkian The Grand Ballroom at Phoenicia Intercontinental Foundation, the Stephen Philibosian Foundation, Hotel glittered with the presence of around 400 the Armenian Fund for Health Insurance in guests, including former presidents, Board of Lebanon, the Common Global Ministries Board Trustees, Members of Parliament, former ministers, of the United Church of Christ and Disciples of heads of the Armenian religious communities, the Christ USA, and the Union of Marash Armenians- Armenian Ambassador, the deputy ambassador of Lebanon were all presented with a token of appre- the US embassy, and a full complement of deans, ciation for their generous contribution. professors, staff, alumni, and friends. In his keynote address, Dr. Mihran Agbabian,Agbabian, PresidentPresident EmeritusEmeritus ofof thethe AmericanAmerican UniversityUniversity ofof Armenia,Armenia, tooktook the audience in a few minutes on a peripatetic journey through the United States, Lebanon, Ottoman Turkey and Armenia. “Higher education at Haigazian is the sum total of the best qualities of higher education in his- torical Armenia, the early years in the UnitedUnited States,States, thethe missionariesmissionaries andand the Armenians of Ottoman Turkey, and the fertile soil of Lebanon that has welcomed institutions of higher learning”, Agbabian concluded. After the Lebanese Anthem and the Haigazian Ms. Houry Apartian of Aleppo, accompanied by Alma Mater, the Master of Ceremony, Dean Arda Arthur Satyan on keyboard sang beautiful musical Ekmekji, invited former presi- selections, while Miss Shake dent, Dr. John Khanjian to offer AvanessianAvanessian MajorMajor ofof London,London, the opening prayer. highlighted the 50 year jour- ney of Haigazian University The AMAA’s word was deliv- by presenting 3 dances: Giligia, ered by its President, Dr. Hrair Dzirani Dzar (The Apricot Aharonian, and a testimony Tree),Tree), andand DzaghgatsDzaghgats BaleniBaleni of encouragement from His (The Blossoming Cherry Tree). Holiness Aram I, was read by TheThe p programrogram alsoalso includedincluded a his Grace, Bishop Kegham documentary on the present Khatcherian. activities of Haigazian. In his turn, President Haidostian welcomed the Founding President of Haigazian University, Dr. John audience. Several recognitions were made during the Markarian, Chairwoman ceremony: the Armenian Missionary Association of the Philibossian Foundation, Mrs. Joyce Stein, and the Mayor of Beirut, Mr. Abdel Menem Ariss shared with the crowd some greetings and nostalgic memories. The Mayor presented to President Haidostian a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the city of Beirut. Issue #10 - Spring 2004-05 13

Commencement In his turn, the Director General of Higher Education, Dr. Ahmad Al Jammal, representing The commencement ceremony honored 108 stu- the Minister of Education and Higher Learning, dents from the faculties of Business Administration congratulated the fresh graduates, and stressed on and Economics, Humanities, Sciences, and Social the role Haigazian University has always played in and Behavioral Sciences with the BA and BS investing in and building the ideal human being, degrees, and 13 students with the Masters degree. socially, morally and intellectually. The distinguished guest speaker was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Vartan Oskanian, who was granted the shield of service by President Haidostian, for his services to Armenia and the Diaspora. In his speech, Oskanian eloquently presented the commonalities of the two great countries, Lebanon and Armenia. He discussed the plurality, multiculturalism, and openness of Lebanon, these particularities that make this country so different among its neighbors, and enable it to be as hospi- Among the 1500 invitees, were present Minister table as it was 90 years ago when it embraced the of Energy, Bassam Yammine representing the Armenians after the Genocide. President of the Republic, Minister of Health, Oskanian asked Mohammad Jawad Khalife representing the Prime the graduates to Minister, and MP. Hagop Pakradounian present- eagerly participate ing the House Speaker, in addition to a number of in the rebuild- deputies, former ministers, university presidents, ing of Lebanon, diplomats, guests from Armenia, Canada, Iran, yet not forgetting Cyprus and Syria, and members of the Board of their mother land Trustees who came specially from the USA, to Armenia, thus take part in the central celebrations of the 50th being a partner in Anniversary. the mutual pros- Founding President of Haigazian University, Dr. perity of the two John Markarian advised the graduates through an countries. example from Virgil’s Aeneid, that the real chal- In their valedic- lenge is for life and not for death. torian address- The President of the Yerevan State University, Dr. es, Cynthia Radig Mardirossian, praised Haigazian for offer- Hanna, speaking ing to the communities of the world hundreds of in English, and Kevork Kevorkian, speaking in teachers, psychologists, public servants and many Arabic, thanked everyone in the university and other specialists in different fields. said that this university has taught them much. The ceremony was concluded with the Benediction given by the President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, Rev. Megrdich Karagoezian. The Armiss Choir, conducted by Maestro Harout Fazlian, contributed to the program by singing the Haigazian University Alma Mater, and two songs.

Texts adapted from the Press Releases by Mira Yardemian, Director of Public Relations 14 Inspirit - Celebrating with Joy! TheThe AnniversaryAnniversary in in Pictures Pictures Andreé Kalfayan and President Haidostian Minister OskanianPresident’s and Rev. residence Karagoezian at the

Alumni signatures

For a brighter world

Presidents Haidostian and Torrance

C omme n ce me nt Pl atfor m

The Armiss choir, the Orchestra and Maestro Fazlian

Minister Oskanian receiving the Haigazian Shield

The audience of the commencement

Dr. R adi g Mardi ro s s i a n Issue #10 - Spring 2004-05 15 The Anniversary in Pictures Receiving the Shield of the City of Beirut

the Student Art Exhibition

Minister Sebouh Hovnanian at

Alumni signatures

Peter Balakian booksigning

Alumni entering Mugar garden

President H aidostian, Minister Vartan Oskanian, & A mb assador Areg H ovannissian

The H aig azian Band

Dr. Khanjian and alumni

A n lumni and guests in the Mugar Garde For Buildings and Educational Opportunities • Haigazian University announces that it has established the 50th ANNIVERSARY BUILDING FUND both in Beirut and the USA to raise the necessary funds to expand our campus on the newly acquired piece of property. The new building will house modern facilities including a library, a graduate school, classrooms, labs, offices, sports facilities, and parking space. • Equally important is our effort to raise funds for scholarships. Help us create opportunities for educating the young generations of our community. • Friends, supporters, and alumni of Haigazian University are invited to contribute generously. For ways of giving you may write to the following addresses: [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected].

Haigazian University is exempt from US Federal Income Tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

E-mail Addresses Requested As part of Haigazian University’s effort to remain in touch with its worldwide family of graduates, all alumni/ae are invited to send their e-mail addresses to:

I N S P I R I T The Haigazian University Newsletter Inspirit, the magazine for alumni and friends of Haigazian University, is pub- lished by the Office of the President. Need to reach INSPIRIT? Mexique Street, Kantari P.O.Box: 11-1748 Riad El Solh 1107 2090 Beirut, Lebanon Website: www.haigazian.edu.lb/inspirit Telephone: 961 - 1 - 739 412 Telefax: 961 - 1 - 350 926