PRESS RELEASE
Institute of Armenian Studies
University of Southern California
Taper Hall of Humanities, Suite 252
Los Angeles, California 90089-4015
Tel: 213-821-3943
Email: armenian@college.usc.edu

USC Institute of Armenian Studies

USC Institute Gala Banquet Salutes 50 Years of
Progress by California’s Armenian Community

Los Angeles — An unprecedented gathering of distinguished community
leaders will celebrate the Third Anniversary of the USC Institute of
Armenian Studies, by saluting the achievements of California’s Armenian
community during the last half-century.

On this auspicious occasion, the Institute will be honoring Californians
who have achieved distinction in serving the United States and the
Armenian community — actor Mike Connors, Gov. George Deukmejian, former
Asst. Defense Secretary Paul Ignatius, coach Jerry Tarkanian, and
business leader Ronald Tutor.

At the gala banquet, USC will be represented by incoming Chairman of the
Board of Trustees Edward Roski Jr., College Dean Howard Gillman and
other notables.

The achievements of California Armenians will be depicted in a special
documentary based on the newly digitized archives of The California
Courier, America’s oldest independent English-language Armenian weekly.
The Gala banquet will conclude with a tribute to The Lincy Foundation
for its generous philanthropy in Armenia and the Diaspora, and
acknowledging the founders of The California Courier on its 50th
anniversary.

We call upon the Armenian community of California and its friends to
join in this memorable celebration to be held at the Hilton Universal
City Hotel, on Sunday, May 18, 2008, at 5:30 pm.

For more information about the Third Anniversary Gala Banquet and all of
Institute’s programs, contact 213-821-3943 or armenian@college.usc.edu.