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PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
AGBU Young Professionals of Los Angeles Host an Evening with Architect
Ronald Altoon
On November 24, 2009, the AGBU Young Professionals of Los Angeles
(YPLA), in cooperation with the American University of Armenia and
Woodbury University’s School of Architecture, held a highly informative
and successful evening featuring internationally known Armenian-American
architect Ronald Altoon. Nearly 60 young professionals attended the
program, entitled "Designing a Green Tomorrow: The American University
of Armenia." The evening consisted of a cocktail hour followed by an
interactive presentation by the famed architect, who is a founding
partner of Altoon + Porter Architects in Los Angeles and is responsible
for the design of multiple projects worldwide. Altoon spoke about his
experiences in Armenia and discussed at great length the most recent
planning and design process involved in constructing the five-story,
108,000-square-foot Paramaz Avedisian Building at the American
University in Armenia. He also spent time talking about sustainable
design and the green technology movement.
AGBU YPLA steering committee member Yeghig Keshishian, who organized the
event, said that Altoon’s Armenia project inspired a generation of
Armenian architects and left the diaspora with a newfound appreciation
for what can be achieved in Armenia. "The Paramaz Avedisian building is
unique in Armenia’s recent history in its architectural rendering
because it embraces modern, green technology as it pays tribute to
Armenia’s rich architectural history. best exemplified by the intricate
yet simple designs of the ancient Armenian churches," she said. "It was
an enjoyable experience that helped our audience better appreciate the
advances and shortcomings still confronting the nascent Republic of
Armenia, and AGBU YPLA is thankful to Mr. Altoon for that, as well as
his time and efforts."
YPLA is a growing network of individuals, between the ages of 22 and 40,
who individually and collectively mirror the AGBU’s mission to preserve
and promote the Armenian identity and heritage by adding dimensions to
the lives of young professional Armenians through educational, cultural,
social and humanitarian programs. YPLA puts on monthly activities,
including social-networking and professional career-building events,
signature weekend getaways, hiking and camping trips, international
video-conferences, service-oriented activities targeted toward Armenian
youth, benefit events, as well as casual get-togethers, where up to 250
young Armenians can come together to exchange ideas and get to know each
other better. YPLA is always looking for individuals who would like to
volunteer their time either as a board member or on an event-by-event
basis. For more information on how to get involved with YPLA, please
contact:agbu.ypla@gmail.com.
Established in 1906, AGBU () 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 program, annually touching the
lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world.
For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit