PRESS RELEASE
September 27, 2004
American University of Armenia Corporation
300 Lakeside Drive, 4th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: (510) 987-9452
Fax: (510) 208-3576
Contact: Gohar Momjian
E-mail: [email protected]
Continuing Zaven O. Kodjayan’s Legacy at AUA
If you ever visited Chicago in the 1970’s, 80’s or 90’s, you are sure to
have dined at Zaven’s Restaurant along Chicago’s prestigious lakefront. His
dining room was like an extension of his home. His guests, whether a young
couple on their first dinner date, an influential politician or religious
dignitary, or a world-known celebrity or athlete, were all treated like
royalty when they sat down for a meal at Zaven’s table. Zaven’s memory
allowed him to retain the names and faces of the countless people who passed
through his door.
What you may not know, is that Zaven Ohannes Kodjayan (1937-2002), was a
self-made man. He was the second of four sons born in Beirut, Lebanon.
Having left high school to work full time during days, and to learn the
hotel business at nights, he helped to provide vital support to his family.
At the age of 21, he left Lebanon to begin his life in the hotel and
restaurant industry at the Carlton Hotel in Kuwait. Thereafter, he moved to
Paris and was promoted to Assistant Manager at the world-renowned Georges –
V Hotel.
In 1968, several prominent businessmen from the United States invited
Mr.Kodjayan to Chicago. He was given the opportunity to open and manage an
exclusive new restaurant and club catering to Chicago’s elite. With nothing
but a suitcase and two carpets, Zaven crossed the Atlantic to begin his new
life in America. Shortly after the restaurant’s opening, Zaven was
introduced to a young Lebanese woman from Chicago. Zaven and Rhonda
married a year-and-half later, in 1970. Over the next several years, their
family grew – Nicole was born in 1972 and Dina in 1974.
By 1975, the motivation and drive that had propelled Zaven since childhood
allowed him to realize his dream. In October of that same year, Zaven’s
Restaurant was established. Over the next 28 years, Zaven opened his heart
to countless charities and causes. He was also devoted to helping the
Armenian people, coordinating humanitarian assistance to Armenia after the
1988 Earthquake. Although he became a great success in his life, Zaven
lived and died with one great regret – he was never afforded the opportunity
to complete his education.
In his memory, his family established the Zaven O. Kodjayan Scholarship Fund
at the American University of Armenia, pledging at least $60,000 over 20
years, to assist qualified students in their pursuit of higher education.
“Zaven would wish for a young person to be given the gift of an education
that he so greatly desired for himself,” stated Mrs. Rhonda Kodjayan. AUA
Public Health Professor, Dr. Ara Tekian, who introduced Mrs. Kodjayan to
AUA, said, “Zaven was a jewel in the Armenian community. His generosity and
dedication to Armenia and Armenian causes is unsurpassed. He was a true
philanthropist working behind the scene. We miss him dearly.” AUA
President Haroutune Armenian gratefully acknowledged the Kodjayan family’s
generosity, “When we visited his restaurant, Mr. Kodjayan always made sure
we were treated well like family. I hope that our AUA students will be
inspired by his entrepreneurial success, spirit of giving and humility.”
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The American University of Armenia is registered as a non-profit educational
organization in both Armenia and the United States and is affiliated with
the Regents of the University of California. Receiving major support from
the AGBU, AUA offers instruction leading to the Masters Degree in eight
graduate programs. For more information about AUA, visit
Photo: Mr. & Mrs. Zaven and Rhonda Kodjayan
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress