Agbu Armenia Newsletter Issue 33, January - June, 2015

ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION AGBUAGBU ARMENIAARMENIA NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER Yerevan, Armenia

IN THIS ISSUE Issue 33, January - June, 2015

 Canonization of the Armenian Genocide Martyrs (p. 1, 2) THE CANONIZATION OF MARTYRS OF THE ARMENIAN  Armenian Genocide 100 (p. 3- GENOCIDE AT MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN 6)  AGBU 88th General Assembly in Armenia (p. 7-20)  AGBU President Visits Arme- nia (p. 21)  Berge Setrakian Meets with AUA Students and Staff (p. 22)  TUMOxAGBU Partnership Takes Off in Gyumri (p. 23)  AUA Commencement Cere- mony 2015 (p. 24)  AGBU Central Board Member Noubar Afeyan at AUA (p. 25)  AGBU Armenian Virtual Col- lege (p. 26, 27)  Final Round of the 9th Repub- lican Chess Tournament (p. 28)  AGBU Boghos Noubar Award to YSU Students (p. 29) On April 23rd, as part of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian  DurDe! And EGAM Represen- Genocide, the Canonization Service of the Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide took tatives in Armenia (p. 30) palce at the St. Trdat Open Altar of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin presided over  Artsakh Chamber Orchestra by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and Performs in USA (p. 31) His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.  Armenian Youth at “Nutcracker” Festival (p. 31) The Ceremony began at 17:00 and went on until 19:15, symbolizing the year of the Armenian Genocide. The last time the Armenian Apostolic Church held a Canoniza-  Haykazounq Ensemble Marks 25th Anniversary (p. 32) tion Ceremony was over 400 years ago. The Ceremony was attended by high ranking state officials headed by the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan.  Hovsep Sarafian Awarded (p. 32) Also present at the ceremony were Diocesan Primates and clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, members of the Supreme Spiritual Council, Delegations of world-  AGBU Yerevan Scouts (p. 33, wide Dioceses, benefactors, social and cultural figures, representatives of the diplo- 34) matic corp, international organizations, heads and delegations of Sister Churches and  Aleppo: Troublesome Days (p. representatives of Ecumenical Oranizations, who had traveled to Armenia on the 35) occasion of the commemorative events of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian  From New Jersey to Vanadzor Genocide and the Canonization Ceremony. and Talin (p. 35) The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) funded the organisation and the online live stream of the the Canonization Ceremony.

“AGBU has the honor of being a part of this historic spiritual event for all Armeni- ans. Life streaming of the Ceremony allowed people living in the Diaspora to become a part of this unprecedented event”, said AGBU Interim Director Hovig Eorde- kian.

(continued on p. 2) Page 1 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

THE CANONIZATION OF MARTYRS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE...

(continued from p. 1) The Ceremony began with a solemn pontifical procession, led by His Holiness Karekin II and Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia and twelve Bishops to the St. Trdat Open Altar, to the sounds of the “Khorhurd Khorin” hymn. The Pontifical Canopy Bearers were Honorary President of the Pyunik Foun- dation Gabriel Chemberjian, General Director of Sharjah Bank Varouj Nerguizian, ex-member and minister of Lebanon parliament Shahe Barsoumian and President of the Armenian community in China Henri Arslanian. The Ceremony was streamed live at the largest Ar- menian churches around the world, where representatives of Armenian Communities were gathered.

To conclude the Vigil, Armenian Apostolic Church bells tolled 100 times simultaneously around the world to symbolize the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, followed by a minute of silence. Many other churches around the world join in solidarity with the Armenian people by doing the same. At the end of the service, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians; blessed the attendees and the Psalm “Surb-Surb” was performed by various choirs around the world. “Dear and pious faithful, All of us today are wit- nesses to the spiritual transfiguration of our history, in which we participate both collectively and as individuals. The canonization of the martyrs of the Genocide brings life-giving new breath, grace and blessing to our national and ecclesiastical life. We believe that we are weaving the crown of a new spiritual rebirth for our people, by canonizing the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. The memory of our holy martyrs will heretofore not be a requiem prayer of victimhood and dormition, rather a victo-

rious song of praise by incorporeal soldiers, trium- phant and sanctified by the blood of martyrdom. Today the devout spirit of love ‘of faith and homeland’ of our holy martyrs extends from Der Zor to Holy Etchmiadzin and Tsitsernakaberd, from newly- independent Armenia to the reborn fields of Arme- nian life dispersed throughout the world, by strengthening us to live with unshakeable faith, the bright vision of the renaissance of our life, and the unquestionable will to defend our righteous cause”, noted His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

For videos please visit: Canonization of Armenian Genocide Martyrs or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo Page 2 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

EVENTS MARKING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

April of 2015 was historic, with Armenians all around the world marking the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with commemoration ceremonies and events. The events organized in Armenia to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide were coordinated by a special committee headed by Vigen Sargsyan, Chief of staff of the RA President’s Office. From April 21-25, a number of events were organized in Armenia, from which the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) played an important part. Commemoration Ceremony at Tsitsernakaberd

Official delegations from 60 countries, including 4 presidents arrived in Armenia to participate in the events organized as part of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of France Fran- cois Hollande, President of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic and President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades also arrived in Armenia to participate in the events. The official delegates arrived in Armenia, were present at the Tsitsernakabert Memorial to honor the victims of the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 2015.

During the ceremony, the RA President Serzh Sarg- syan spoke about the criminal hazards caused by the denial of the Armenian Genocide. He thanked all the people, countries, international organizations who assisted survivors of the Armenian Genocide, as well as joined the struggle of the Armenian people in the recognition and condemnation of the Arme- nian Genocide.

Speeches were also made by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armeni- ans and the Presidents of four countries who arrived in Armenia to participate in the commemorating events. Esther Mujawayo, a survivor of the Rwan- dan Genocide, read the announcement of the Global Forum, entitled “Against Genocide Crime” to the heads of the countries at the Tsitsernakaberd Hill. (continued on p. 4) Page 3 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

EVENTS MARKING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and President of France Francois Hollande at the Armenian Genocide Museum (continued from p. 3) On April 24th, the Presidents of the Russian federation, France, Serbia and Cyprus visited the Arme- nian Genocide-Museum. The leaders of the four countries walked through the museum, and walked through the new per- manent exhibition. At the end of their informative visit they made a note in the Honorary Guests’ Book.

Against the Crime of Genocide

On April 22-23, 2015 more than 500 delegates from around the world took part in the Against the Crime of Genocide forum at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex in Yerevan. Delegates included representatives of various countries and international institutions, scholars and historians, political, social and reli- gious figures, journalists, editors of

central news agencies from nearly fifty countries, among them were Thorbjorn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Daniel Feierstein, President of the In- ternational Association of Genocide Scholars, Baroness Caroline Cox, Nikolai Ryzhkov, member of the Russian Federal Council.

RA President Serzh Sargsyan Opens the Forum

An opening speech was made by the RA President Serzh Sargsyan. The forum served as a platform for discussion about the Armenian Genocide, as well as other Genocides. An AGBU delegation was also present at the forum headed by AGBU President Berge Setrakian. AGBU Delegation at the Against the Crime of Genocide Forum

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EVENTS MARKING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

On April 23rd, 2015 Yerevan’s Republic Square exploded with the energy and passion of thousands of fans of the world renowned band System of a Down as part of their Wake up the Souls tour. This was their first performance together for almost a decade and their first in the Homeland. Wake up the Souls: “This is not a rock concert, this is our revenge”

The concert dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was accompanied with heavy rain. But even the terrible weather could not dampen the spirits of their fans from Armenia and abroad who clouded into the square for this once in a life- time opportunity to see the band in Concert in Arme- nia. The concert began with these profound words by lead guitarist and second vocalist Daron Malakian Open-air Concert of System of a Down in Yerevan’s Republic Square “This is not a rock concert, this is our revenge” saw the crowd roar their approval and uplift the mood in Republic Square and showed the world that even a century after the Genocide we are alive, we will continue to thrive and celebrate our victories untied young and old, local and diasporan standing shoulder to shoulder in torrential rain as a symbol of our unity and strength. In his interview with the Times newspaper Serj Tankian mentioned that the “Wake up the Souls” concert tours had one aim, which was to draw everyone’s attention towards the subject of Genocide and justice. It was a great show, probably the most impressive one, which we have ever had. Before going on a stage I was thinking about our ancestors”. The group started the Wake up the Souls concert tours on April 6, 2015. The first concert was organized in Los Angeles; followed by Great Britain, Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Russia. Raising awareness of the Armenian Genocide has always been important to the members of System of a Down.

100 Years of Remembrance

On April 21st, a Concert, entitled 100 Years of Remembrance dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was broadcasted live at the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Yerevan from Chatelet Theatre, Paris. World Armenian Orchestra consisting of Arme- nian musicians from the world’s most famous orchestras and conducted by French-Armenian Alain Altinoghlu performed for the first time during this Concert. Participants included Gulbenkian choir, renowned soprano Has- mik Papian, mezzo-soprano Nora Gubisch, tenor Liparit Avetissian, bass Tigran Martirossian, Vahan Martirosyan, Jean-Mark Philips Varzhapetian, Xavier Philips. The concert program featured pieces by Armenian composers including Komitas and Aram Khachaturyan and a symphony, spe- cially written to honor the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide by a French-Armenian composer Michel Petrossian, the winner of the 2012 Queen Elizabeth International Music Competition. At the end of the concert Mozart’s requiem was performed.

The Concert was organized by AGBU Europe Chapter and was held under the high patronage of the Presidents of France and Armenia.

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EVENTS MARKING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE “24/04” World Orchestra’s Revival Concert in Yerevan On April 24th, at 20:15p.m. another unforgettable musical evening was held at the National Aca- demic Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Yerevan. 123 musicians from 43 different countries joined forces as one orchestra to once again remind the world of the Armenian Genocide with a concert, entitled Revival.

24/04 orchestra consisted of musicians from Ar- menia, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dania, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Iran, Tunis, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Korea, Latvia, Lithua- nia, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russian Federation, Scotland, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uzbekistan.

Violinist Sergey Khachatryan, winner of various international competitions, the youngest laureate in the history of Jean Sibelius International Competition and the winner of Queen Elizabeth International Competition; cellist Narek Hakhnazar- yan, laureate of Gyeongnam international music competition of Korea, Tchaikovsky International Competition, Johansen International Competition of Young Performers (USA), and Aram Khachaturyan International Competition, and renowned duduk player Jivan Gasparyan were some of the solo performers of the evening as well as RA Meritorious Artist, baritone Gevorg Hakobyan and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and one of the best loved sopranos Maria Guleghina.

The orchestra performed pieces by Armenian Composers from the last 100 years, pieces by Aram Khachaturyan, Edgar Hovhannisyan, Ghazaros Saryan, Alexander Harutyunyan, Makar Yekmalyan, Avet Terteryan, Eduard Mirzoyan were performed during the four-part concert.

The concert was conducted by Sergey Smbatyan, Hovhannes Chekijyan, Gianluca Marciano and Mikhail Yurovsky.

Torchlight Procession On April 24th, thousands of young people, representatives of various political parties, social organizations and student unions as well as others of various back- grounds and ages joined the traditional march with flames from Republic Square to Tsitsernakabert Hill dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

Before starting the March participants honored the memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian

Genocide with a minute’s silence and expressed their resentment against the denial policy carried out by a number of countries. This was the 16th March with flames held in Yerevan.

A number of events are also planned for the future, such as the Yerevan Biennial Meeting of Interna- tional Association of Genocide Scholars, which will host over 300 participants from all over the world.

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THE ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN The Program of the GA Included the AGBUtalks - Discussions About Armenia and the Diaspora - and the Opening of the AGBU New Building in Yerevan

On April 4, 2015, more than 200 delegates of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) participated in the 88th General Assembly which took place at the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran) in Yerevan, Armenia. The event gave the delegates the opportunity to reassert their commitment to strengthening relations between Armenia and the Dias- pora, as well as rediscover Armenia’s cultural treasures and its potential for development. “Investment in the new generation remains one of AGBU’s greatest priorities. The growth of the scholarship program for Arme- nian students worldwide, the expansion of youth programs - internship, mentorship and leadership initiatives - and the evolution of schools to keep pace with technological advancements all contribute to forming Armenian leaders who are prepared to guide the community into the future,” said Berge Setrakian, President of AGBU. At the first session of the General Assembly, the activities and projects, as well as financial and audited statements of the past two years were presented. The AGBU Central Board was supplemented with five new members: Alexis Govciyan (France), Ani Manukian (USA), Arno Adamian (England), Lena Sarkissian (Canada) and Lori Muncherian (USA). (continued on p. 8)

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AGBU HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN...

(continued from p. 7) AGBU President Berge Setrakian delivered a welcome speech to all the participants of the General Assembly. The assembly was also attended by the RA Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobyan. In her welcome speech she referred to the Union’s century of national service both in Armenia and the Diaspora, wishing all the AGBU members’ success, strength and energy in all their endeavours directed towards strengthening the Homeland, as well as in their everyday work carried out to develop Ar- menia-Diaspora ties. Afterwards, the Minister awarded the AGBU Presi- dent Berg Setrakian with a Golden medal of the RA Diaspora Ministry. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians brought his Patriarchal blessings to the General Assembly. Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan read the greetings of His Holiness Karekin II and at the end of his speech granted Anita Anserian, the Director of AGBU Central Board Programs, the “Surb Nerses” high order of honor on behalf of His Holiness.

As part of the General Assembly the AGBU “Garbis Papazian” Award Ceremony also took place. It is presented to non-Armenian scholars and intellectuals for their pro-Armenian activities as a sign of gratitude and appreciation. This year the award was presented to Alexander Bozhko, Armenologist and former Ambas- sador of Ukraine to Armenia.

A number of devoted members of AGBU were also awarded with medals, such as Garbis Papazian, Haig Messerlian, Nerses Nersoyan, Knar Basmajian, Toros Boghossian and Srbouhi Sarkissian. Director of the Arme- nian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan was also awarded. At the end of the meeting the resolutions of the 88th General Assembly were presented.

For videos please visit: AGBU 88th GA held in Matenadaran, AGBU 88th GA in Matenadaran, AGBU 88th GA or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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AGBU HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN...

The New AGBU Building Inauguration in Yerevan

The new AGBU building in Yerevan is a blend of modern and historic architecture. To preserve the city ambience it con- tains stones of the Erivan Municipality Duma (City Council) building, constructed in 1906 and dismantled in 2000. The interior is upgraded with contemporary design and advanced facilities. Construction of the five-story complex started in 2011 and was completed in 2015. The ground breaking ceremony of the building took place during the AGBU 87th Gen- eral Assembly in 2012. The inauguration was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony on the occasion of the AGBU 88th General Assembly on April 4. The grand opening ceremony was attended by the RA President Serzh Sargsyan, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patri- arch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan, RA Diaspora Minister Hranoush Hakobyan, RA Minister of Urban Development Narek Sargsyan, other officials, a number of guests and members of the Union. The red ribbon was cut by AGBU President Berge Setrakian with Levon and Seda Nazarian the son and daughter of Nazar and Artemis Nazarians, who are the benefactors of the building. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians brought his blessings to the new building, and gave a heartfelt speech. Speeches were also made by AGBU President Berge Se- trakian and Seda Nazarian, daughter of Nazar and Artemis Nazarian. The benefactors of the new building are AGBU Trustee and distinguished philanthropist Nazar Nazarian and his wife Artemis. The architects are AGBU Central Board Member Aris Atamian and Narek Sargsyan. AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian is the Chairman of the Con- struction Committee. The interior was designed by “Storaket” architectural studio in Yerevan. The construction was done by “Horizon-95” Construc- tion Company. The façade is an exuberant expression of design Berge Setrakian, Levon and Seda Nazarians Open the New AGBU Building incorporating an ingenious combination of glass and architecture elements of old Yerevan. The glass provides abundant natural light to create comfortable and inspiring work space and ambiance. The building houses office spaces, conference rooms, exhibition halls and two underground levels of parking. The interior has been renovated with contemporary design and advanced facilities. (continued on p. 10) Page 9 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

AGBU HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN...

(continued from p. 9) This state-of-the-art building meets advanced construction standards and offers environmentally- friendly features with cutting-edge technologies such as thermally insulated facades and solar panels making it an energy efficient and sustainable structure. The new building will enable the AGBU Yerevan office to broaden the scope of its educational, cultural and youth programs. It will also function as a hub to inspire further strengthening of cooperation between Armenia and Diaspora.

For videos please visit: AGBU Building Inaugurated in Yerevan New AGBU Building in Yerevan or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo AGBU 88TH GA GALA CONCERT

The AGBU 88thGeneral Assembly concluded with a gala concert at the National Academic Theatre of Op- era and Ballet after A. Spendiarian, which was attended by the RA President Serzh Sargsyan, Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan, RA Diaspora Minister Hra- noush Hakobyan, RA Minister of Culture Hasmik Pog- hoyan, other guests and hundreds of spectators. Offi- cial opening speeches were delivered by AGBU President Berge Setrakian and RA President Serzh Sargsyan, the message of His Holiness Karekin II was delivered by Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan.

“As the President of the Republic of Armenia I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you for all your efforts in carrying out patriotic activities throughout Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora. Thank you ever so much” Serzh Sargsyan RA President

Well-known artistic groups and singers performed during the concert, as Armenian symphonic orchestra headed by Maestro Karen Durgaryan, Armenian State Song and Dance Ensemble of Tatul Altunyan, “Barekamutyun” ensemble, pianist Armen Babakhanyan, Inga and Asush Ar- shakyans, Aramo and Emma Petrosyans, students of AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin’s Children’s Centers. The Director of the concert was Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Aram Sukiasyan.

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AGBU HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN...

AGBU 88th General Assembly Featured #AGBUtalks with Keynote Speakers As part of the AGBU General Assembly, three panel discussions took place from April 1 till April 3, entitled “Human Capital in Armenia and the Diaspora”, “Challenges of Building the Armenian State” and “Improving Armenians' Inter- national Standing”. #AGBUtalks is one of the landmark events of this year’s 88th General Assembly. It aims to create a common discussion platform to inspire and engage the participants to develop ideas and roadmaps to strengthen the nation. #AGBUtalks features keynote speakers from major educational institutions, synergy hubs, foundations, state and international organizations operating in Armenia and abroad. They shared their experience and points of view with active youth from Armenia and the Diaspora, who are willing to contribute in the development of Motherland. #AGBUtalks panels were open to all AGBU Gen- eral Assembly delegates and guests, as well as to previously registered and interested members of the public. They aimed to motivate participants to increase youth engagement in tackling the country’s biggest challenges and create a more unified network of active youth and professionals. During the first panel discussion at the Ayb school, entitled Human Capital in Armenia and the Dias- pora, the panelists and participants discussed the existing problems and prospects for developing pan-Armenian potential. Serving as a platform for exchange, it aimed to unveil new opportunities for local and diasporan Armenian participants and allowed for stronger bonds with the homeland. The event highlighted the importance of education and the various educational initiatives taken by AGBU as a crucial to ensuring stronger and more competitive human capital. The panel’s keynote speakers included Father Mesrop Aramyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ayb Educa- tional Foundation; Sam Simonian, AGBU Vice President and Founder of the Simonian Educational Foundation and the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies; Armen Der Kiureghian, AUA President; Aram Salatian, General Director of Na- tional Instruments Armenia; and Yeva Hyusyan, Country Director of Microsoft Armenia.

For videos please visit: AGBUtalks #1 or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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AGBU HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN...

The Second #AGBUtalks Panel Inspired Youth to Strengthen the Armenian State To encourage youth engagement in advancing Armenia’s state-building, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) held the second in a series of exciting and interactive #AGBUtalks on April 2 at the American University of Ar- menia (AUA). The second panel of #AGBUtalks, entitled “The Challenges of Building the Armenian State,” brought together enthusiastic young participants from Armenia and the Diaspora to share their perspectives on the obstacles on Armenia’s path towards development and possible solutions to overcome them. The panel encouraged proactive youth involvement in various development programs as a means of fostering state-building process. The keynote speakers at the panel included Vigen Sargsyan, chief of staff of the President of Arme- nia; Daron Acemoglu, Elizabeth and James Killian Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts In- stitute of Technology (MIT); Bishop Bagrat Gal- stanian, head of the Creation of Social Doctrine department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmi- adzin; Armen Harutyunyan, Regional Representa- tive of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Central Asia; and Arpi Balian, Director of AUA Extension Program.

At the end of the panel discussion the panelists an- swered questions from the audience. In his closing remarks Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan said “I would like to thank the Armenian General Benevolent Union, a very important organization to me and to all of us, for this wonderful initiation and I would especially like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to AGBU’s President Berge Setrakian. It is not a se- cret that the Armenian General Benevolent Union has been greatly supporting the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Armenian Church throughout the Diaspora both financially and morally, with human resources and energy, as well as with its ideology and policy. AGBU’s uniqueness, different perspectives and rarity can serve a ground for our overall development.”

For videos please visit: AGBUtalks #2 or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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AGBU HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN...

#AGBUtalks Conclusive Panel Focused on Armenians' International Standing

The third in series #AGBUtalks Panel took place on April 3rd at the UWC Dilijan College. Entitled Improving Armenians' International Standing, the concluding #AGBUtalks panel brings together more than 250 local and Diasporan Armenian participants to identify the biggest challenges that the nation needs to overcome to advance its prospects of development. The panel invites participants to discuss the milestones accomplished and come up with their own initiatives to build a better future. It focuses also on AGBU’s major undertakings aimed at unlocking Armenians’ potential and boosting the nation’s international image. The keynote speakers at the panel were Ruben Vardanyan, Co-Founder and Chairman of the RVVZ Foundation Board; Vasken Kalayjian, Chief Executive Officer at GK Brand; Timothy Straight, Honorary Consul at Royal Norwegian Consu- late and Finnish Honorary Consulate, Founder of the Homeland Development Initiative Foundation; Victoria Aslanian, CEO of Golden Grape ArmAs LLC (ArmAs Wines). “We have to realize one thing, our resources are limited and we should know for sure where to invest them, in what field we can succeed and change something, in what field we can become the best ones. We shouldn’t allow us mediocrity; we can’t do something just for doing something. If we produce wine we should produce the best one, if beer than it should be the best beer. We are a very small nation to allow for the lavishness of mediocrity. Mediocrity kills us.”

Ruben Vardanyan President of RVVZ Foundation

Almost 150 AGBU delegates from all over the world and more than 500 participants from Armenia were present at the three AGBU panel discussions. All three discussions were streamed live by CivilNet, which served as an excellent opportunity for all those who wanted to follow the #AGBUtalks live around the world.

The third panel discussion was concluded with AGBU President Berge Setrakian’s closing remarks. The AGBUtalks truly turned into a unique discussion platform touching upon general concerns and issues while trying to find solutions to them together.

For videos please visit: AGBUtalks #3 or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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AGBU HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN...

At the end of the third and final AGBUtalks at UWC Dilijan International School, AGBU President Berge Setrakian made closing remarks to sum up the discussion series and outline future goals. “We have, first of all, to use the Genocide centennial to start a new chapter in the life of our organization and thus, hopefully, of the Diaspora. We talked a lot during these three days, many things have been said and you know what, everybody was right. In this kind of topics there is no right, there is no wrong. There is a good will, there is pragmatism and there is a vision. We wanted to get together as an experience also by inviting our friends and colleagues in Ar- menia, because we cannot build a nation with the Diaspora alone, or with Armenia alone, the problems are common. But at this stage we cannot do two things at the same time. All efforts have to be con- centrated on Armenia, of course without forgetting about our Dias- poran communities. Why Armenia? Because we believe that the third generation in the Diaspora, which is practically drifting away, will come back to us, if we bring to this generation the pride of being Armenian and the pride can come from the country. If Armenia does not become a source of pride, whether we have Armenia or not is not going to make any difference for the new generation, if we really do not succeed in having a strong country, economically, po- litically and socially, and, you know what - we can do it. We have to get out of our enclave. We have to be successful. In 1984, in the United States, we had the Governor of the 7th largest economy in the world – California, we had one and a half congressmen, one full AGBU President Berge Setrakian and one half, we had the speaker of the house of Massachusetts, a Sums up the Discussion Series very strong, powerful position, we had the senate majority leader of New Jersey, we had the majority leader of the assembly of California, we had three out of seven judges of the supreme court of California. Today, the highest elected official in America is one of the 24 members of the City Council of Los An- geles. What happened to us? These are the issues that we have to think. AGBU is in a soul searching mould. Our cooperation with Ruben, Noubar, some of our Board Members, Sam Simonian, Joseph Oughourlian, we started a joint thinking, because by the end of the day, neither Ruben, nor we nor anybody has any self-interest. We all can do something else. But we believe that the result of this soul searching and your input is extremely important. That is why we organize this gathering. I would like to conclude by thanking you all for being here, it’s really very impressive, I never thought that we would have such an attendance, I would like to thank all our delegates, We have many problems, but I am very optimistic about the future of Armenia, because if I am not, than there is no reason for me to continue what I am doing. I believe in it, I am happy that my wife believes in it, my children believe in it. I would love to thank Ruben and this international school for hosting us here today, as well as the American Univer- sity of Armenia and Ayb school, all our panelists, our master of ceremony, Artak, the organizing committee chaired by our colleague and friend Vasken Yacoubian, special thanks to Talar Kazanjian, to our local staff, our New York based staff, and above all to all of you. I would also like you to know that our relationship and cooperation with IDeA, we are highly appreciative of all the initiatives that Ruben did, is doing and will do, I think he’s a giant and he by himself one day will be bigger than AGBU, I hope. We are thankful that he accepted to partner. And on this occasion I would like to announce just a token commitment by AGBU to provide for the next five years, 100,000 USD a year, for the development of cultural, arts, music activities of the school.”

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AGBU HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN...

Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial

As part of the AGBU 88th General Assembly the delegates, headed by President Berge Setrakian visited the Tsitsernakab- erd Memorial on April 2, to honor the victims of the Armenian Genocide and lay a wreath at the eternal fire. Accompa- nied by Hayk Demoyan, Director of the Armenian Geno- cide Museum-Institute, the AGBU delegates also toured the new exhibition halls of the Museum.

Republic of Armenia’s Defense Ministry

Visit to the Ministry of Defense was impressive and a memorable where the members of the Union were received by The RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan. After meeting with the Minister and other member of the high command, the AGBU delegates were also present at a military exercises organized at the Ministry. At the end of the meeting the RA Defense Minister Seyran Onahyan presented the Armenian General Benevolent Union with the Medal of the Armed Forces in appreciation of its patriotic activities and for preserving the Armenian identity. AGBU President Berge Setrakian awarded a golden medal to RA Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan.

AGBU Golden Medal Awarded to RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan

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AGBU HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN...

One of the aims of the General Assembly was introducing the National Instruments members of the Union to successful individuals and companies in Armenia. To this end, the AGBU members visited the Ayb high school, the American University of Armenia (AUA), National Instruments and Synopsis offices in Arme- nia, Tumo Center for Creative Technologies and UWC Dili- jan International College.

General Director of National Instruments in Armenia Aram Salatian, received the AGBU delegates and introduced their activities. NI began with a staff of 5, today it has become a hub for more than 16 start-up companies where young spe- cialists from Armenia and the Diaspora work, exporting goods to the world market while meeting international stan- Synopsys dards. AGBU delegates walked through the offices and were introduced to the activities that the company carries out in Armenia with expectations for future cooperation and new possibilities.

Synopsys has been operating in Armenia since 2004. Today it already has approximately 650 workers, of which 600 are young engineers. AGBU Central Board Member and Chief Architect of Synopsis Armenia Dr. Yervant Zorian presented the projects and activities of the organization to the guests. AGBU delegates accompanied by Dr. Zorian and Hovik Musayelian, Executive Director of Synopsys Armenia, toured the Synopsys offices and were introduced to the organization’s activities. Tumo Center for Creative Technologies The next stop was the Tumo Center for Creative Technolo- gies with its impressive and exceptional atmosphere. Founded by the President of the Simonyan Educational Foundation and AGBU Vice-President Sam Simonyan the Tumo Center opened its doors to the young people of Armenia in 2011. As of today it offers free education to 12-18 years-old boys and girls in four different fields, gathering some 6000 students under one roof.

At the Tumo Center the AGBU delegates were introduced to the Teach for Armenia program. Larissa Ryan, Founder and President of the organization presented their goals and up- coming activities. Teach for Armenia aims at making high quality education available to all children. PicsArt

The delegates also visited one of the most successful companies in Armenia, PicsArt. It entered the international market in 2011. The application allow the user to take photos, using various effects, frames, masks, borders, adding comments, configuring colors, etc. It also offers painting tools, as different brushes, pencils, etc. Finished works can be shared via the PicsArt social network or Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Picasa, Dropbox, Fouresquare, Tumblr networks, send via sms or email. The company started operating with five people. To- day it has over 120 employees. PicsArt offers its services in 13 languages. The number of daily engaged users in social media is 8-9 million people. The number of monthly PicsArt users reached 60 million. The company plans to expand this number to 100 million in 2015. The total number of downloads has already reached 220 million. The Armenian version of PicsArt was number 5 among the 100 best free apps at the Apple App Store in 2014.

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AGBU HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN...

On April 1, as part of the long standing cooperation between the Yerevan Municipality and the AGBU Virtual College, a presentation of Exploring Yerevan Multimedia e-book took place at the grand hall of the Yerevan Municipality. Exploring Yerevan Multimedia e-book enriched with valuable information and beautiful design aims to help tourists to enjoy their time in and around Yerevan. Striking videos, 3D images and photo collections, interesting stories about the city and interactive maps complete the content of the book, which was AVC E-Book Presentation presented by AGBU Central Board Member Yervant Zorian. The presentation was attended by the Mayor of Yerevan, Taron Margaryan, AGBU President Berge Setrakian and the participants of AGBU 88th General Assembly. During the presentation, AGBU President Berge Setrakian awarded Taron Margaryan, the Mayor of Yerevan, an AGBU Golden

Medal for playing an important role in establishing and preserving close ties with the international organizations, as well as for his vast contribution and the productive work he carries out in the area of urban development. Taron Mar- garyan, in turn, awarded Berge Setrakian with a “Yerevan Coat of Arms” symbolic present. Concert and Tour of Komitas Museum AGBU Golden Medal to Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan

The delegates also visited the newly-opened Komitas Mu- seum, where they enjoyed a special performance by Ar- men Babakhanyan with the RA Minister of Culture Has- mik Poghosyan, as well as toured through the museum.

Opening of Henri Verneuil Street in Yerevan

On April 2-5, days dedicated to Henri Verneuil took place in Yerevan. Children of the renowned cinematographer, Patrick and Sophie Malakian, other family members arrived in Yerevan to participate in the event. Patrick Malakian is also the Chairman of AGBU Mar- seilles Chapter. On April 4th, AGBU delegates also participated in the opening ceremony of the Henri Ver- neil street in Yerevan, a well-known French-Armenian cinematographer.

For videos please visit: AVC E-book presentation or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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AGBU 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN ARMENIA

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AGBU 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN ARMENIA

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AGBU HOSTED ITS 88TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN YEREVAN...

On March 28, AGBU 88th GA Delegates and guests visited the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR). During the three-day visit, Delegates were introduced to NKR’s social-economic situation and AGBU projects. As part of the Karabakh tour, the delegates visited the AUA-AGBU Continuing Education Program to explore NKR’s educational potential and development prospects. The center integrates the educational programs of the American University of Armenia’s Extension Department.

Meeting NKR Parliament Speaker Ashot Ghulyan On March 29, the AGBU Delegates were received by the Chairman of the NKR Parliament Ashot Ghulyan. Over the years, the organization has implemented many humanitarian, educational and cultural projects in Artsakh including the sponsorship of the Karabakh Chamber Or- chestra (KCO), the NUR program (One Laptop Per Child) in partnership with Fruitful Armenia Fund, building and renovation of homes and schools. AGBU Benefactors and

NUR Project at Artsakh Schools

Members have participated in all-Armenian projects in- tended to strengthen Artsakh. Tumo-AGBU NKR center will soon open its doors in Ste- panakert, which will offer advanced facilities, design labs, workshops, master classes, and above all, a creative ambience helping students explore the intersection between art and technology and create their own career path. During the three-day stay in Artsakh, the AGBU delegates also visited Gandzasar and Shoushi and attended the con- After the Concert of AGBU-Funded Artsakh State Chamber Orchestra cert of AGBU-funded Karabakh Chamber Orchestra.

AGBU CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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AGBU PRESIDENT BERGE SETRAKIAN’S VISIT TO ARMENIA

Between May 25-29, AGBU President Berge Setrakian visited Armenia to attend a series of meetings and events. On May 26, President Setrakian participated in 2014 RA Presidential Award Ceremony at the RA Presidential Palace. The Presidential Awards - certificates with inscriptions and monetary awards - were conferred to the awardees for their signifi- cant contribution in the fields of literature and arts, architecture and urban development, sciences, humanitarian and social sciences, etc., by RA President Serzh Sargsyan and Diaspora-Armenian philanthropist Robert Boghossian, representative of the Robert Boghossian and Sons Foundation. President Sargsyan congratulated all the awardees and wished them success in all their future endeavours. He also thanked the Boghossian family for its participation and contribution in the development of their homeland, as well as that particular award ceremony. Since its inception in 2001 the RA Presidential Award has been conferred to 306 individuals and organizations, including 19 international organizations. On May 27th, Berge Setrakian participated in the 24th annual meeting of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s Board of Trustees presided over by the Board’s President, RA President Serzh Sargsyan. AGBU has been a member of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund since its inception in 1992. Prior to the official session, the board members observed a minute of silence in memory of their deceased colleague Edu- ardo Seferian (Argentina). After approving the session agenda and watching the film about the work financed by the Hayastan All- Armenian Fund in 2014, the board of trustees discussed the agenda items, during which Ara Vardanyan was re-appointed as Executive Director of the Hayas- tan All-Armenian Fund for another three-year term, effective May 27, 2015. The Board of Trustees awarded the Certificate of Benefactor Membership to Andranik Baghdasaryan, Chairman of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund U.S. Western Region Affiliate, who has so far donated around 900.000 USD to the Fund’s projects. Vahe Jazmadarian, Member of the Fund’s Audit Committee, who had been on the Board of Trustees since 1991, stepped down from his appointment and proposed the candidacy of Ara Aslan, which was accepted by the Board. President Serzh Sargsyan thanked Mr. Jazmadarian for his lasting contribution and dedication and adherence to principles demonstrated during his time in office and awarded him with a First-Class Medal of Services to the Homeland. A report on the target of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s Marathon 2015 was presented by NKR Presi- dent Bako Sahakyan. In his speech, President Sargsyan briefly reflected upon the Genocide Centennial events, which have been and are to this day financed exclusively through private donations by our compatriots, this time mostly from Armenia and Russia, who sponsored large-scale projects like the global forum entitled Against the Crime of Genocide, the commemorative event at Tsit- sernakaberd, the System of a Down concert at the Re- public Square and the Revival concert by more than 100 musicians from dozens of countries, and the Can- onization Service held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union.

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“PRIORITIES, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR ARMENIANS” AGBU President Berge Setrakian Meets AUA Students and Faculty

On January 30th, Berge Setrakian, President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and Member of the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) Board of Trustees met with AUA’s students, faculty and staff to discuss priorities, opportunities and challenges for Armenians. The lecture was held at the AUA Manoogian Hall and attended by AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, AUA Vice President Ashot Ghazaryan, AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Armenia Interim Director Hovik Eordekian and other guests.

Thanking the AUA President for his invitation and those present for attending, the AGBU President spoke about the current situation in Armenia, future expectations, the role of the young people, both from Armenia and the Diaspora, in building the future of Armenia, as well as the recent geo- political developments around the world. “As Martin Luther King says ‘you have to have a dream and the dream will come true’. Our dream is to build a strong Armenia. This is our number one priority. Of course, we are concerned about the problems in Armenia. Today, the whole world is facing a lot of problems. Look what’s happening in the Middle East.

Of course, we are not proud of the corruption in this country. But at the same time we are realistic and proud of the achievements. If there’s any movement that is going to come out in this country, it’s going to be through the new generation, which lives here in Armenia. We do not have any interest in criticizing the government openly just for the sake of criticizing. We are not an oppositional political party, which wants to gain votes by criticizing the government. But at the same time, we do talk about the problems in Armenia with the government. That’s why the various governments that came after the inde- pendence trusted our organization, because they knew that whenever we criticize them, whenever we talk about these problems, we do it in good faith for the best interest of the country. We should persist with our struggle for the better future of Armenia and I remain optimistic about that. As a Diasporan, I tell you, the Diaspora will not live too long if Armenia does not become a subject of pride for our communities”.

Setrakian also spoke about the importance of education and culture in building a nation, the problem of immigration, the discovery of young and talented leaders, AGBU’s centennial activities and the re-evaluation and re-direction of its mission and goals at the threshold of a new century. “Armenia is a small country with a small economy. Today, AGBU’s main target, forget a little bit about benevolence, is to try to organize ourselves with individuals, who have already committed themselves to Armenia, people like Ruben Vardanian, Sam Simonian and Eduardo Eurnekian. If we have three more Vardanians, three more Simonians and Eurnekians, the economy of this country will come up. Our priority now is to create jobs in Armenia. All our efforts are geared towards that direction”. Following his impassioned speech, Setrakian opened the floor for questions from the attendees.

Berge Setrakian was born in Beirut in 1949. He moved to the USA in 1976. He has received Masters Degrees in French and Comparative Law from Beirut’s St. Joseph University and Lyon University in France. In 2011, Berge Setrakian was awarded the Order of Honor by the President of the Republic of Armenia. Setrakian is the 7th President of AGBU since 2002. He is also a Member of the AUA Board of Trustees. AGBU is one of the founders of the American University of Armenia and continues to financially support the University.

For videos please visit: AGBU President at AUA or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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TUMOxAGBU PARTNERSHIP TAKES OFF IN GYUMRI The new center offers a free after-school learning environment to help equip youth with skills for employment in the media and creative industries

On May 25, Tumo Center for Creative Technologies expanded its reach and opened in Gyumri. Inaugurated by the Presi- dent of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, the center is the result of a partnership between the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Simonian Educational Foundation. Upon the initiative of President Sargsyan, a telethon to raise funds for the launch of the center was implemented by Shant TV president Arthur Yezekyan last fall.

During the opening event, Armenian youth toured the center along with the other guests and became familiar with Tumo's educational program. They also had an opportunity to enroll in the program making them official Tumo members. For many exited young guests, it was an emotional moment. ''This is the realization of our dreams'' said 14-year-old Nareh as she first set foot in Gyumri during the center's opening. Together with over 50 other teenagers, she was part of the Center’s first official visitors. 14-year-old Gevorg has plans to become "a world-shaking musician and DJ" while 13- year-old Angin mused about becoming "President... no,

Sam Simonian, Vasken Yacoubian and Artur Yezekian Cutting the Red Ribbon of TUMOxAGBU Gyumri Center also a French linguist and translator... okay, let just say the President of France." The future possibilities are limit- less with the opening of the center bringing hope to the youth of this region. The TUMOxAGBU Gyumri Center opened its doors at its initial location in the Gyumri Tech- nopark. It will launch a free after-school program in Sep- tember, promoting 21st century skills, focusing on Anima- tion, Game Development, Web Design and Filmmaking. Starting in June, local youth and their parents will be able to visit the center and acquaint themselves with its curricu- RA President Serzh Sargsyan Tours TUMOxAGBU Gyumri Center lum. Students will be able to register for membership during this time. The Gyumri program will be available to 500-1000 students. Students will participate twice a week for two hours per session. The partnership between the Simonian Foundation and AGBU will also launch a second TUMOxAGBU center in Stepanakert later this year. This initiative is part of AGBU’s commitment to education and innovation in Armenia.

AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian Speaking at the Opening of the TUMOxAGBU Gyumri Center

For videos please visit: TUMOxAGBU Gyumri Center or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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AUA COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY 2015 Welcoming the first graduates of AUA’s Master of Science in Economics Program

On June 6th, 2015, the American University of Armenia (AUA) celebrated the graduating class of 2015 with the 23rd Com- mencement Ceremony. Trustees, faculty, staff, students, friends, and family members from around the world gathered in AUA’s Large Auditorium to honour the hard work and accomplishments of its newest graduating class. This year’s ceremony was led by AUA President Armen Der Kiureghian, one of the founders of the university, who has supported the institution’s development since its inception in 1991. Following an invocation by His Grace Bishop Gevorg Saroyan, President Armen Der Kiureghian gave his welcoming remarks, “This is a special day of celebration for faculty, students, parents, and all the organizations and individuals who worked towards the establishment and development of this institution.” He specifically thanked the three main entities that helped bring AUA to life: the Armenian government, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, and the University of California.

President Der Kiureghian also highlighted some of AUA’s biggest achievements of 2014-2015 academic year, including the reaffirmation of the university’s accreditation for 9 years by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the signing of collaborative agreements with the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of California, Irvine, the launch of the 1915 Centennial Series, etc. Commencement addresses were given by Fr. Mesrop Aramyan, Adviser to the RA President and Chairman of the Ayb Educa- tional Foundation Board, as well as by Richard M. Mills, Jr., the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Armenia. This year’s ceremony also featured three valedictorian speeches. The Armenian address was given by Varduhi Movsisyan, the English address by Klariss Tahmassian-Kabakian (both from the MA TEFL program), and the third address was given at the Provost’s invitation by Balu Vignesh Thavidu Rajan (MBA/MPH), who stated, “Just like the founders of the American Univer- sity of Armenia, our dream is to continuously build this university through the hard work of graduating students as well as of our fellow alumni. I ask that all the graduates raise their hands and give a promise that we all build this dream.” Shabitha Alexander, a first-year School of Public Health student, was the recipient of the 2015 Vartkess M. Balian Merit Award. This was the first year that AUA awarded Teaching Excellence and Research Awards, the funds of which have been provided by Trustees Berge Setrakian, Sam Simonian, and Sinan Sinanian. This year’s Faculty Teaching Excellence prize winners were Mar- tin Galstyan and Mikayel Tovmasyan, both Lecturers in the College of Business & Economics. Research Awards were given to five faculty research projects. With the addition of approximately 230 new graduates, the number of AUA alumni has reached close to 3,000. The degrees and certificates were conferred to graduates in the fields of business management, economics, public health, com- puter and information science, industrial engineering and systems management, political science and international affairs, law, and teaching English as a foreign lan- guage. The Master of Science in Economics was conferred for the first time in AUA’s history. The program was established in 2013 in cooperation with the RA Central Bank. As is the tradition, at the end of the ceremony the graduates excitedly threw their caps in the air to celebrate receiving their diplomas.

For videos please visit: AUA Graduation 2015, AUA Commencement, AUA Graduation Ceremony, AUA Graduation Page 24 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

AGBU CENTRAL BOARD MEMBER NOUBAR AFEYAN LECTURES AT AUA Entrepreneurial Innovations Transforming Health and Sustainability

On May 25, 2015, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted Noubar Afeyan, entrepreneur and innovator, for a talk on Entrepreneurial Innovations Transforming Health and Sustainability. The event was hosted by the College of Sci- ence & Engineering.

Dr. Afeyan drew upon his 25-year career as inventor, CEO, and venture capitalist in presenting a thorough discussion on cutting edge innovations at the intersection of technology, life sciences, and health. “My pur- pose here is to encourage everyone to be innovative,” said Afeyan, citing the start-up company as one of the biggest innovations in the last 50 years. “Your job as an entrepreneur is to imagine value, then demonstrate value, then create that value, and get rewarded for cre- ating that value.”

For the many AUA students in the audience with entrepreneurial aspirations, Afeyan’s words reminded them that AUA can play a role in developing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that they can harness and use in their future endeavours. “Universities are AGBU Central Board Meber Noubar Afeyan met with the Students, Faculty and Staff of the American University of Armenia the place where the most proximal generation that en- ters the work field is trained, and it’s a place for new ideas and new approaches. And innovation is all about breaking the mould and coming up with new ideas. I think AUA can play a huge role,” he said.

Afeyan is Founder, Senior Managing Partner, and CEO of Flagship Ventures, a leading early stage venture capital firm. He also leads the firm’s VentureLabs unit that invents and launches transformative startups. He is a Senior Lecturer at MIT’s Sloan School of Management where he has taught courses on technology-entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership since 2000. Afeyan has authored numerous scientific publications and patents since earning his Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering from MIT in 1987. He lectures widely in the United States and internationally on diverse topics ranging from entrepreneurship, innovation and venture capital to biological engineering, drug discovery, medical technologies and renewable energy.

In addition, he serves on the board of AmeriaBank and of UWC Dilijan International School. Previously, he was a co-founder and board member of the National Competi- tiveness Foundation of Armenia, a private-public partnership dedicated to promoting economic development in the former Soviet Republic of Armenia. In 2008 he received the Ellis Island Medal of Honour, an award granted to outstanding Americans who have distinguished themselves as United States citizens and who have enabled their ancestry groups to maintain their identities while becoming integral parts of American life.

For videos please visit: Nubar Afeyan at AUA or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

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AVC MASTER CLASS AT AYB HIGH SCHOOL

The AGBU Armenian Virtual Collage continues to expand the horizons of its outreach, especially with those educational institutions which greatly value an innovative approach to education. One such institution is the Ayb High School in Armenia that pur- sues a new culture of learning by integrating the best learning traditions with modern learning technologies. On January 27, the AVC Founding Presi- dent Dr. Yervant Zorian delivered a master class in Ayb High School. The event was titled Technology & Education and was aimed at revealing AVC’s initiatives that facilitate Armenian education all over the world. Around 100 Ayb School pupils from grades 10-12 participated in the lecture. The event began with an opening speech by Aram Pakhchanian, the Director of Ayb School. He outlined Dr. Zorian’s biography, activities, and investment in AVC’s foundation and then described AVC’s mission and vision to the audience. Dr. Yervant Zorian began the master class with a presentation which focused on the aims and milestones of AVC. The Ayb students learned of the wide range of subjects offered by AVC, the innovative method of teaching being used, and the virtual com- munication platform AVC had been building. Then, the AVC president proceeded with the topic of e-books, presenting them as a contemporary way of disseminating knowledge about Armenia, “The Multimedia e-Book Series provide us with a fine possi- bility to enrich knowledge in Armenian studies”, Dr. Zorian stated. The impact of the master class on Ayb students was obvious; their enthusiasm was so great that an active and lively Q&A session followed the class during which Ayb students not only asked questions, but also made recommendations and expressed creative ideas on AVC’s future activities. Some students even expressed their interest in engaging in voluntary work for AVC, and thus supporting its outreach efforts. At the end, the director of Ayb school, Aram Pakhchanian, thanked Dr. Zorian for the great opportunity he provided for Ayb pupils to learn more about AVC. The AVC and Ayb meeting ended on a warm note and is another milestone in building partner- ships with well-known educational institutions.

AGBU AVC ANNOUNCES ENROLLMENT FOR SUMMER TERM 2015

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AVC FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT DR. YERVANT ZORIAN’S VISIT TO DUBLIN, IRELAND

The AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) continues to actively expand its geographic boundaries; this time hosting AVC was the capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin. On March 20, 2015 the AVC Foun- der & President Dr. Yervant Zorian visited Dublin and within his one- day stay he met with the Armenian community of Ireland. He gave a public lecture to the Armenian audience in Dublin, presenting the con- cept of AVC to the attendees, and the mission that helped create and operate the college.

The Armenians in Dublin learned of the opportunity to get educated online and thus preserve their lan- guage, history and culture with the help of AVC. Dr. Zorian shared AVC Founder and President Dr. Yervant Zorian Meeting the Armenian Community of Dublin AVC’s unique online learning experience and different teaching methodologies such as the e-books with the audience; they learnt of pure online and onsite (hybrid) methods of learning – the latter being rather applicable for the Dublin Armenians. The public lecture attendees were very enthusiastic of AVC achievements. “The lecture was quite stimulating and thought provoking, all present were very impressed and touched by the talk about AVC activities” said Dr. Paul Manook, the Head of Armenian Parish Coun- cil in Ireland.

The listeners then expressed a wish to experience the hybrid learning process of AVC. Dr. Zorian promised the Armenian community members to assess the establishment of the Armenian Virtual College hybrid classroom in Dublin. The community members, on their behalf, agreed to make every effort to turn it into reality. Dr. Aram Hakhumyan was appointed as liaison with AVC to follow up the realization and co-ordination of the project with the community members.

The warm reception and the encouraging ambience in the Armenian community in Dublin and the Armenian Parish Coun- cil in Ireland once again proved that there is a great need for AVC in the Diaspora and that in any corner where at least one Armenian lives AVC is always valuable.

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9TH REPUBLICAN INTERSCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT HELD AT THE YEREVAN CHESS ACADEMY

The 9th Republican Interschool Chess Tournament, which had began in October 2014, finally came to an end in May 2015, bringing together Armenia’s chess lovers and students for a final match day at the Armenian Chess Academy. For the 9th consecutive year, through a tough competitions, painful losses and exciting victories, over 15,000 schoolchildren from all over Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhq, competed for the title of the best school team and best individual player.

For the past eight years AGBU has been the sponsor of the tournament organized by the Chess Academy and RA Ministry of Education and Science.

This year, upon the decision of the Chess Academy, the rules of the tournament were slightly altered: instead of the previous 4 players in one team (3 boys and 1 girl), this year the teams were comprised of 3 members (2 boys and 1 girl). The second change was that the 9th tournament was held in two separate age groups: high school students and middle school students. Until last year all students competed in one tournament.

The finals of the 9th Republican Interschool Chess Tournament took place May 3-5 between the 17 best middle school teams and 17 best high school teams.

AGBU awarded all the participants of the finals with Lenovo tablets, top individual winners received sport watches, while the members of the winning teams of the tournament were given monetary prizes. The top three regions received laptops from AGBU.

Winners of the 9th Republican Interschool Chess Tournament: Middle School I place - School N55, Yerevan II place - School N51, Yerevan III place - School N12, Etchmiadzin

Winners of the 9th Republican Interschool Chess Tournament: High School I place - High School N119, Yerevan II place - ANPU High School III place - High School N65, Yerevan

For videos please visit: 9th Republican Chess Tournament Final or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

Page 28 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

FIVE STUDENTS OF THE YEREVAN STATE UNIVERSITY RECEIVED AGBU BOGHOS NUBAR AWARD

The best five students from five different faculties of the Yerevan State University (YSU) received the Armenian General Benevolent Union’s (AGBU) Boghos Nubar award. On May 20th, at the YSU academic hall the selected students received the award certificates. The scholarship was awarded to the 5 most socially active students with high performance from the faculties of Pharmacology and Chemistry, Interna- tional Relations, Biology, Mathematics and Mechanics, and Law.

The decision of giving scholarship awards to the above mentioned students was made by the YSU Academic Council at the March 26 session. Students were recommended by the deans after a joint decision was made with the chairs and representatives of the teaching staff.

The opening speech was made by Alexander Margarov, Head of the International Coopera- tion Office of the YSU, Deputy Vice-Rector for Scientific Policy and International Coop- eration. In his speech AGBU Armenia Interim Director Hovig Eordekian described the Mission of the Un- ion and a century of support that the Union provided. He said that the AGBU has a long record of cooperation with the university, back in the 30's, by providing scholarships to students, supporting publishing activities, acquisition of equipment and books and the improvement of housing conditions.

AGBU has long cooperated with the Alma Mater and it is not by chance that the Union, from time to time, has provided scholarships to the students, as well as improved the conditions of the University.

Deans of the Faculties and Heads of Chairs were also present at the ceremony, who presented the recommended students, noting that they had taken into consideration their high performance and membership of student organizations, as well as research activities.

Below are the names of the students, who received the AGBU Boghos Nubar award:

• Sevak Grigoryan - Faculty of Pharmacology and Chemistry, 3rd year • Lilit Petrosyan - Faculty of Law, 1st year master • Varduhi Harutyunyan - Faculty of International Relations, 3rd year • Heghine Gevorgyan - Faculty of Biology, 3rd year • Nerses Srapionyan - Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics, 3rd year

For videos please visit: AGBU Boghos Noubar Award to YSU Students or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

Page 29 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

EVENTS IN TURKEY TO COMMEMORATE THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE Representatives of Turkish and European Organizations in Yerevan

For 95 years no events commemorating the Armenian Genocide were organized in Turkey. Everything changed in 2010 when an event honoring the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide was organized at Istanbul’s Taksim Square. In recent years, AGBU Europe has supported the organization and realization of the commemorative events of the Armenian Genocide in Tur- key initiated by EGAM (European Grassroots Antiracist Movement) from France, Turkish DurDe! (Say Stop to Racism and Nationalism) and IHD, a Turkish Human Rights Association. For the third consecutive year, following the commemorative events organized in Turkey on April 24, an international delegation of the representatives of these organizations also visit Armenia with the support of AGBU Europe with the aim of sharing their impressions and programs, meeting with the representatives of civil society, members of the NGOs dealing with Armenian-Turkish relations, as well as visit the Tsitserna- kaberd Memorial of the Armenian Genocide.

This year again, after commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey, a delegation of 8 people representing the above mentioned organizations headed to Yerevan. On April 26th, accompanied by AGBU Yerevan the group visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and laid flowers at the eternal fire. They also visited the Genocide Museum, walked through the newly opened halls of the Museum and met the Director of the Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan. On April 27th, a press conference was organized for the international delegation at the AGBU Yerevan office. AGBU Interim Director Hovig Eordekian also participated. “The recognition of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey is a continuous process, which will result in fundamental changes of his- torical consciousness of the Turkish people. The attention of international society and enforcement of Turkish non-governmental organizations may force Turkey to recognize the evidence of the Armenian Genocide and fulfill the demands of the Armenian people. This is the 6th time we have honored the memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide in Istanbul. As this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the number of people at this year’s demonstration was more than we could expect. Various news agencies showed great interest in these events”, said Levent Şensever, the Co-founder and speaker of DurDe, Turkey.

The members of the delegation spoke about the events and demonstrations organized in Turkey, changes in the attitudes of people and their participation in the demonstrations, enforcements applied by the authorities and organizing the Gallipoli event, the importance of the 100th Anniversary of the Genocide and the future plans.

EGAM President Benjamin Abtan said, “Denials and enforcements will still remain, but, this movement exists regardless and it is indivertible and the Turkish Government realizes the importance of this movement. Nothing ends with the 100th anniversary; on the contrary, it is the beginning of a new page and a new struggle. We will continue our struggle”.

For videos please visit: EGAM and DurDe in Armenia, DurDe Co-Founder at Shant or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo Page 30 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

ARTSAKH STATE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PERFORMS IN USA

The AGBU-funded Artsakh State Chamber Orchestra, in cooperation with International Competitions and Festivals and the Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, gave two performances in the United States of Amer- ica in March 2015. The first concert on March 13th took place at the Alex Theater, Los Angeles. Two days later, on March 15th, the orchestra gave another sold out concert at the Boston National Heritage Museum presenting pieces by Komitas, Sayat Nova, Eduard Mirzoyan and other prominent Armenian and non-Armenian composers. A reception in honor of the orchestra’s musicians under the leadership of Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Gevork Muradyan was organized by AGBU in the Un- ion’s Boston Center. Both concerts of the orchestra in USA took place with the financial support of the Armenian General Be- nevolent Union. The Artsakh State Chamber Orchestra was established in 2004 through AGBU’s initiative and support. AGBU continues to sponsor the orchestra. Headed by Maestro Muradyan the orchestra has performed in Artsakh, Armenia and abroad. YOUNG ARMENIAN MUSICIANS AT THE NUTCRACKER 15TH INTERNATIONAL TV CONTEST

15th international TV contest Nutcracker (Shchelkunchik) took place in Moscow, Rus- sia. Two Armenians, 14-year-old trumpet player Daniel Melkonyan (professor G. Sarg- syan) and 12-year-old violinist Paulina Sharafyan (professor Al. Kosemyan), both from Yerevan’s Tchaikovsky Music School, participated in the contest with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia. The final concert took place at Moscow’s Tchaikovsky Music Hall. Winners of the three main categories included Daniel Melkonyan, who won the Wind Instruments “Bronze Nutcracker”. Pauline Sharafyan received a contest certificate. This year 49 young musicians had applied to participate in the wind instruments category. Out of 19 trumpeters, only two were chosen to participate – from Russia and Ar- menia. Throughout the whole contest Daniel’s scores were the highest in his subgroup. However, at the final stage flutist Veronica Vinogradova and saxophone player Georgi Jishkariani surpassed him. Daniel was born in a family of musicians. He started playing the trumpet at the age of 7. He is Armenia’s first representative in Nutcracker’s wind instruments category. Among those who supported Daniel to represent Armenia in the contest was the Armenian Gen- eral Benevolent Union. “I had heard a lot about this wonder- Two years ago, AGBU had also supported another participant, violinist Diana Adam- ful contest. My participation was an yan, who went on to win second place at Nutcracker. important step for me. I wasn’t wor- ried at all and I enjoyed every stage of Pauline Sharafyan, the the contest”, said Daniel. second representative of Armenia in the international contest, was also born into a family of musicians. She started playing the violin at the age of 6 and currently studies at the Tchaikovsky Music School. Pauline has already performed in New York, Tbilisi and Yerevan and was the recipient the gold prize at Gyumri’s “Renaissance” festival. She is the daughter of composer Vache Sharafyan. The Nutcracker contest was established by Russia’s Kultura (Culture) TV Channel for talented musicians under 14.

Page 31 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

AGBU AND MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN NORK YOUTH CENTER’S HAYKAZOUNQ CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY

Haykazounq song and dance ensemble of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Nork Youth Center celebrated its 25th anniversary with a festive jubilee concert at the Stanislavski Russian Drama Theater in Yerevan. A word of blessing by Reverend Father Komitas Hovnanian, Director of the Youth Centers, opened the evening.

For its contribution in the preservation and development of the Armenian culture, the Haykazounq ensemble was awarded the RA Culture Ministry’s diploma, certificates by Yerevan’s Mayor and Nor Nork Governor, as well as the Grikor Narekatsi medal.

Currently, there are eight Youth Centers operating in Armenia. Three of them have been sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union since 1993. A total of 4000 children, aged 4-25, are enrolled in the Youth Centers.

HOVSEP SARAFIAN AWARDED RA PRIME MINISTER'S MEDAL

On April 11, RA Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian received prominent Diasporan architect and philanthropist Hovsep Sarafian and his wife Nadia Sarafian. Highly appreciative of Mr. Sarafian’s involvement in various programs implemented in Armenian communities worldwide, the Head of the RA Government thanked him for his personal contribution and the work he has done so far. The Prime Minister expressed hope that Mr. Sarafian will continue his efforts towards the preservation of the Armenian identity.

Thankful of high appreciation of his activities Hovsep Sarafian assured that he will continue supporting his Homeland through various projects.

“It was the dream of our ancestors to have a free and independent homeland and that dream has come true. Now it is in our hands to build the bright and flourish- ing future for our country. We should pay more attention to our villages and villagers. Without them this country will not live long. We must secure all necessary conditions for them not to leave their land. If we lose the homeland, the Diaspora will be lost in an instant. Hopefully, the next generation will live in better conditions”, said Sarafian.

Also present at the meeting were Narek Sargsyan, Republic of Armenia’s Minister of Urban Development, Ashot Kira- kosian, Director of Armenia’s Regional Development Fund, and Hovik Eordekian, Interim Director of the AGBU Arme- nia.

Hovsep Sarafian, who is an Honorary Member of AGBU, has for many years supported the Social Investment Fund's construction and renovation projects through AGBU Detroit Chapter. For distinguished contribution to the development of communities in the Republic of Armenia, Hovik Abrahamyan awarded architect Hovsep Sarafian the Prime Minister’s commemorative medal. Page 32 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

AGBU ARMENIA VISITS TSITSERNAKABERD MEMORIAL OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Armenians around the world organized commemorative events to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. They filled the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial complex for weeks leading up to April 24th and AGBU Arme- nia along with its various groups joined the throngs of mourners at Tsitsernakaberd to honor the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Holding high the flags of the Republic of Armenia and the AGBU Scouts, AGBU Armenia staff, members and scouts headed by AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian and AGBU Diaspora Youth Programs Coordi- nator Hermine Duzian visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial to lay a wreath at the eternal fire.

Later on in the day, AGBU Yerevan Scouts took part in a flash mob by releasing thousands of balloons dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian genocide. From Kievyan Street in Yerevan and from the adjacent Tumanyan garden thousands of air balloons flew up over the skies of Yerevan symbolizing the souls of the innocent victims of the Armenian Geno- cide and once again reminding the world about the great sorrow of the Armenian people.

The junior members of the AGBU Yerevan scouts took part in the flower ceremony at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial on April 27th. For the fifth consecutive year, Viva-Cell MTS and Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cul- tural Assets (FPWC) in Yerevan recycle the thousands of flowers left at the eternal flame of Tsitsernakaberd Memo- rial.

With the help of ordinary volunteers and non profit organisations the stems and petals of over two tons of flowers are carefully sepa- rated. The stems serve as fertilizer and the petals are used to make recycled cards and paper for letters of acknowledgement. The AGBU Yerevan Scout have for years taken part in this environmentally sound and wonderful initiative.

Page 33 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

AGBU YEREVAN SCOUTS: THREE-DAY CAMPING AND VISITS

From May 1-3, 2015, the AGBU Yerevan Scouts organized their annual three-day camp as always resulting in a stimulating and interesting program. Following a quick prep session the scouts left for camp at the Lermontovo village in Lori.

After putting up the tents and raising the mast everyone hurried to take the compass exam, which is of utmost importance for each scout. In the darkness of the Lermontovo evening the scouts organized a game in the forest, to help hone their alertness skills in the dark. The first day of camp was especially important for several scouts of the Aragil group, who succeeded in the tasks previously prepared for them and proving their readiness to become rover scouts.

On day two, the scouts took part in an exercise designed to check their orientation and flexibility skills as part of a large group as well as being examined on their map reading skills.

Day three was by far the most interesting for the group. The appointment of scout leaders and rover scouts were announced during the flag raising ceremony. The ceremony was also attended by Hermine Duzian, Chairperson of AGBU Yerevan Scout group. The three-day camp ended with a flag-raising ceremony and the scouts came back to Yerevan in high spirits.

On April 12, AGBU Yerevan Scouts Aragil group visited N1 nursing home in Yerevan. The aim of the visit was not only to communicate with the elderly, but also handing over the presents promised to Ms. Nvard.

During their previous visit in March, the scouts had promised to bring her a group photo in a beautiful handmade frame with the lyrics of “Seeing Ani Before I Die”. The emotional meeting with Ms Nvard and her husband was followed by the elderly couple reminiscing about their lives during the War. The meeting took a happier turn when one of the scouts sat down at the piano

Following the poignant meeting, the Scouts participated in a youth flash mob organized in the heart of Yerevan.

Page 34 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

“ALEPPO: TROUBLESOME DAYS” Exhibition by AGBU Aleppo “Martiros Saryan” Academy’s Students Opens in Yerevan

As part of the events marking the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a three-day exhibition, entitled Aleppo: Trouble- some Days of AGBU Aleppo’s Martiros Saryan Academy’s students’ paintings opened at the museum of children’s creations of the National Center of Aesthetics in Yerevan on February 18th. The exhibition was dedicated to the 60thanniversary of the foundation of the Academy. The exhibition was organized with the support of the RA Ministry of Diaspora, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the Syrian-Armenian Relief Co- ordination Center NGO. In her welcoming speech, the RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan expressed gratitude to Hrazdan Tokmajian, the teacher of the Academy, who had moved to Aleppo 20 years ago, became the longstanding Director of the Academy and helped the Acad- emy reach its high level of performance. Hranush Hakobyan granted the Arshile Gorky Medal of the RA Diaspora Ministry to Hrazdan Tokmajian for publicising Armenian art abroad, as well as for his immeasurable contribution to the development of the Armenia-Diaspora partnership. Hrazdan Tokmajian expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Diaspora for the prestigious award and for organizing the exhibition of Martiros Saryan Academy’s students’ paintings. Chairman of AGBU Aleppo, writer, pedagogue Hagop Mikayelian in his speech mentioned that the roots of the Academy, established in 1955, are so deep that even in a war it continues to keep its doors open and mitigate the sufferings of children in these difficult days. Aleppo-Armenian children Anna Maria Mubayed and Serli Sherhmelian, who have moved to the Homeland because of the civil war in Syria, performed during the exhibition. The exhibition ended with the screening of a video made by the students of the Academy greeting their compatriots in Armenia.

For videos please visit: AGBU Aleppo Academy Students' Exhibition in Armenia or www.youtube.com/AGBUvideo

WOMEN TO WOMEN: FROM NEW JERSEY TO VANADZOR AND TALIN

On June 20th AGBU Yerevan staff visited Hye Geen Pregnant Women’s Center in Vanadzor to deliver colourful hats and blan- kets for new-borns, stitched with love and care by the women of New Jersey, US. The idea belonged to Mrs. Betty Cherkezian, who previously had organized a similar donation to the other two AGBU Hye Geen Centers in the cities of Yeghvart and Talin. It was very exciting to meet 23 young expectant mothers, 13 of whom were about to become mothers for the first time.

“Pregnant women receive a wide range of counselling. Topics vary from gy- naecology to pre-and post natal care. We always consider the request of women when choosing the topics of our weekly sessions. Most of the time they ask to invite a psychologist,” mentioned Mrs. Melania Mirzoyan, the social worker of the center. “Women like this center, because here they make friends and can get together to discussion common issues”. “If not for this center, we would have to look up answer on the Internet but it’s really not the same”, said Lena Harutunyan, who started attending the Center in March 2015. “It is very hard to filter the information on the Internet, but here you can get the answer to your question”. Founded in the city of Vanadzor in 2006, AGBU Hye Geen Pregnant Women’s Center provides continuous free counselling and support to local pregnant women. From 2006 to today over 835 pregnant women have attended the Center and more than 58 benefited from dental services - an extra service to the disadvantaged pregnant women who attend the Center in Vanadzor.

Page 35 AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 33, JANUARY - JUNE, 2015

SUMMER CAMPS SCOUTS DISCOVER ARMENIA MUSICAL ARMENIA INTERNSHIPS AGBU SUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Get ready for your AGBU summer.

Visit the AGBU website at www.agbu.org

Choose a summer program and register today.

Spend the best summer of your life in 2015.

Join those, whose lives AGBU summer programs have already changed.

EXPLORE AGBU ARMENIA Get the most up-to-date news, photos and videos about what’s happening!

agbu.org /agbu.org

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agbu.org/armenia/scouts/ /AGBUScoutYerevan /AGBUvideo

agbu-internship.org /AGBUYSIP

discoverarmenia.org /AGBUDiscoverArmenia

aua.am /AmericanUniversityofArmenia

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Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world's largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world. ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION NEW YORK YEREVAN 55 East 59th St. 2/2 Melik-Adamyan St. New York, NY 10022-1112 Yerevan 0010, Armenia Phone: (212) 319 6383 Phone: (374 60) 72 22 22 [email protected] [email protected]

PREPARED BY AGBU ARMENIA Page 36