The Union Leader, NH
Aug 15 2005
Collage celebrates Queen City
By JOHN CLAYTON
Union Leader Staff
[parts omitted]
I also love it when I get good news about old friends and in this
case, the friend in question is the lovely and talented Cecile
Keshishian.
Folks around town may remember her best for her work as president of
the Catholic Medical Center Associates and the New Hampshire Medical
Society Auxiliary, but her list of international involvements – many
of them linked to her Armenian heritage – is testament to a woman
who, more than just an energetic volunteer, is a force of nature when
it comes to an important cause.
That’s why Cecile recently received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor,
which “is awarded to distinguished American citizens who exemplify
the ideal of living a life dedicated to the American way while
preserving treasured values of their heritage . . . and also achieve
a level of distinguished service to humanity.”
Since the awards were first presented in 1986, the list of recipients
represents a stunning cross-section of America, ranging from
Presidents (like Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton) to
soldiers (like Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf) to actors (like Anthony
Quinn, Claudette Colbert and Kirk Douglas) and others who transcend
categories, like Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, Lee Iacocca, Johnny
Bench, Jack Valenti, Gay Talese, Chita Rivera and Supreme Court
Justice Stephen Breyer.
It’s an amazingly diverse group, and speaking as one who has been
enthralled by the dinner table conversation at the Keshishian
household, I guarantee you that Cecile could hold her own on any
topic with any of the other previous honorees.
Although Cecile and her husband, Dr. Kevork Keshishian, now make
their home in Los Angeles, their legacy of service still lives on
here In The City. She was much deserving of this tremendous honor,
and I’m honored to call her my friend.