PRESS RELEASE
Haigazian University
From: Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director
Mexique Street, Kantari, Beirut
P.O.Box. 11-1748
Riad El Solh 1107 2090
Tel: 01-353010/1/2
01-349230/1

Haigazian University Celebrates the Naming of the "Derian
Armenological Library"

Beirut, 17/10/2008- On Friday, October 13, Haigazian University named
its Armenian Library as the "Derian Armenological Library", in honor of
Mrs. Anahis Derian and her late husband Henry, from Pasadena,
California. They had donated $500,000 to the University, on the
occasion of its 50th anniversary, back in the year 2005.

The ceremony, attended by prominent Armenian officials, intellectuals,
editors, publishers, and friends of the library, opened with the
unveiling of the Henry & Anahis Derian memorial plaque by the President
of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, the
Rev. Megrdich Karagoezian, University President Rev. Dr. Paul
Haidostian, and University Librarian Ms. Sonia Sislian.

Sislian welcomed the audience and gave a brief overview of the Derian
Armenological Library.

"Founded in 1955 by the special efforts of Rev. Dikran Kherlopian, the
Derian Library holds one of the richest collections in the Armenian
Diaspora, including a number of rare books, and a selection of the 18th
and 19th century publications", Sislian said.

She added that the Derian Library constitutes an Armenian research
center, which serves not only students, but many scholars, editors, and
researchers from around the world. "The library also includes the
private collections of prominent Armenian intellectuals, like Siran
Seza, Kersam Aharonian, Dr. Antranig Manouguian, and Krikor Bogharian",
Sislian concluded.

Bibliographer, scholar, and school principal, Mr. Jirair Tanielian
shared with the audience his experience of more than 20 years as the
librarian of the Armenian Library. "Many important delegations,
historians, and prominent Armenian figures passed from here, especially
after the University decided to render the Library public", Tanialian
noted. "At a time of severe political divisions, the Armenian Library
witnessed the regroupment of Armenians of different political parties
and ideologies, something that was impossible to find elsewhere",
Tanielian explained.

In his closing word, President Haidostian expressed his special
gratitude to Mrs. Derian, and noted that while Henry Derian had passed
away a year ago, Mrs. Anahis Derian had sent a kind message apologizing
for not being able to attend the event and that she was in prayer for
the Haigazian University community. Haidostian stated that the ceremony
is the celebration of three inspiring realities:

1. The Derians’ generosity and benevolence that arises out of a
deep Christian spirit;
2. The Derians’ meaningful input to the vibrant Lebanese community;
and,
3. The Derians’ choice of associating their name with what is
Armenian, in this case, the Armenological Library.

Afterwards, the audience enjoyed a tour in the "Derian Armenological
Library", and had a look at its latest acquisitions from Turkey and
Armenia.

The ceremony concluded with cutting a celebratory cake on this special
occasion.