PRESS RELEASE
From: Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director
Haigazian University
Beirut Lebanon
Haigazian University’s 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner
Haigazian University’s 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner
Agbabian: Haigazian University strives to be a vital force in the
forward
momentum of Lebanon.
Haigazian University’s fiftieth Anniversary Gala Dinner, a rousing
success for itself, was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Phoenicia
Intercontinental hotel, on Wednesday the 29th of June, 2005.
The Grand Ballroom glittered with the presence of around 400 guests,
including President Paul Haidostian, former presidents, Board of Trustees,
Members of Parliament, former ministers, head of the Armenian religious
communities, the Armenian Ambassador, the deputy ambassador of the US
embassy, and a full complement of deans, professors, staff and alumni.
After the Lebanese Anthem and the Haigazian Alma Mater, the Master of
Ceremony, Dean Arda Ekmekji, invited former president, Dr. John Khanjian to
offer a word of prayer.
The AMAA’s word was delivered by its President, Dr. Hrair Aharonian,
and a testimony of encouragement from His Holiness Aram I, was read by his
Grace, Bishop Kegham Khatcherian.
In his turn, President Haidostian welcomed the audience, and delivered
a speech. `in other words, we are saying today, that the rich heritage and
spirit of excellence and community service of Haigazian needs to be
uncovered further. It is time to openly celebrate, and together celebrate
not only an anniversary but an educational service’, Haidostian pointed out.
Several recognitions took place during the ceremony, whereupon
President Haidostian, recognized the generous contribution of some
organizations in providing the opportunity for countless students to pursue
higher education. A token of appreciation was presented to the
representatives of the following institutions, the Armenian Missionary
Association of America, the Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Scholarship Fund,
the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the Stephen Philibosian Foundation, the
Armenian Fund for Health Insurance in Lebanon, the Common Global Ministries
Board of the United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ -USA, and the
Union of Marash Armenians-Lebanon.
In his keynote address, Dr. Mihran Agbabian, President Emeritus of the
American University of Armenia, took the audience in a few minutes on a
peripatetic journey through the United States, Lebanon, Ottoman Turkey and
Armenia. `Higher education at Haigazian is the sum total of the best
qualities of higher education in historical Armenia, the early years in the
United States, the missionaries and the Armenians of Ottoman Turkey, and
the fertile soil of Lebanon that has welcomed institutions of higher
learning’, considered Agbabian.
Agbabian added, `Haigazian University strives to be a vital force in
the forward momentum of Lebanon. The University understands the importance
of its location in Lebanon. Fifty years ago Haigazian University was
created on a very strong foundation. Its mission has not changed since its
founding days: to provide a quality education in a Christian environment
preparing students to become citizens with a sense of social
responsibility. And this will sustain it for years to come.’
The program also featured a 10 minute video documentary projection,
representing Haigazian University today, and its future projects.
Ms. Houry Apartian of Aleppo, accompanied by Arthur Satyan on
keyboard sang beautiful musical selections, while Miss Shake Avanessian
Major of London, highlighted the 50 year journey of Haigazian University by
presenting 3 dances: Giligia, especially choreographed for the 50th
Anniversary of Haigazian, pays homage to the homeland of virtually every
Armenian Lebanese, Dzirani Dzar ( The Apricot Tree), which represents the
seeds planted fifty years ago have grown into a strong and beautifully
branched tree, which has roots in both the Armenian heritage and the soil
of Lebanon, and Dzaghgats Baleni (The Blossoming Cherry Tree), which
represents the 50 year generation of Lebanese youth whom spread the fruits
of Haigazian around the world.
After this cultural interlude, Dean Ekmekji appealed to the audience
to support the future buildings project of Haigazian University.
Founding President of Haigazian University, Dr. John Markarian,
Chairwoman of the Philibossian Foundation, Mrs. Joyce Stein, and the Mayor
of Beirut, Mr. Abdel Mene’m Ariss, shared with the crowd, some greetings
and nostalgic memories. The Mayor presented to President Haidostian a
plaque of appreciation on behalf of the city of Beirut.
Towards the end of the banquet, the 3 presidents of Haigazian
University, Markarian, Khanjian and Haidostian, cut the celebratory cake.