DIASPORA MINISTRY ORGANIZED FIRST EVENT FROM "OUR GREAT PEOPLE" SERIES
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
19.05.2009 23:09 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Within the frames of "Our Great People" program,
Yerevan State University organized "Memorial Day to great Armenian
MaecenasAlec Manukyan. "Opening of Armenian schools, construction of
and assistance to Armenian churches, development of Armenology beyond
Armenia’s borders – this is what the great benefactor achieved over
many years’ hard work. And his motherland highly appreciated National
Hero’s deeds," YSU President Aram Simonyan mentioned in his speech.
Agreeing to the above-mentioned, Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan
attached importance to organization of such events aimed at introducing
youth to genuine values and breeding patriotism and diligence among
them.
Outstanding Armenian businessman and philanthropist Alec Manukyan was
born in Smirna (Izmir), Turkey in 1901. At the age of 20, he emigrated
to US. Settling in Detroit in 1924, he founded his own company –
transnational Masco Corporation, whose annual income comprised
USD 3 billion. In 1953, Manukyan was elected AGBU International
President, and held the post for over 30 years. After 17 years
of Presidency, Manukyan was elected as Assembly’s Life President
(1970). In that period, AGBU capital investments had increased from
USD 8 to 50 million. In 1989, Manukyan was elected as Honorary Life
President. Later, the great benefactor’s deeds were continued by
his daughter Louis Manukyan. By that time, AGBU capital exceeded USD
120 million.
Manukyan spouses are buried near St. Echmiadzin’s Museum-Treasury,
a construction built by their own donations.