Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
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PRESS RELEASE
July 29, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY, AGBU INTERNS TAKE PART IN WASHINGTON WEEKEND
Washington, DC – For the second time in three months, the nation’s capital
served as the setting for an event held jointly by the Armenian Assembly of
America and Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) – this time bringing
together the next generation of community leaders to establish a rapport on
issues facing the community.
More than 50 college students of Armenian descent – participants of the
Assembly and AGBU internship programs – came together for a weekend of
activities that culminated in a meeting with Armenian Ambassador Dr. Arman
Kirakossian. Assembly interns welcomed their counterparts from New York
July 23-25, taking them on tours of the city and hosting a Saturday night
barbeque in their honor.
Armenian Assembly Internship Program Manager Alex Karapetian, who organized
the weekend with AGBU internship program co-founder Rita Balian, said “These
students have a shared heritage and genuine interest in the betterment of
our community. The Assembly is honored to facilitate such gatherings that
speak to today’s youth.”
AGBU Intern Program Associate Director Aline Ekmekji underlined the spirit
of camaraderie and importance of networking among Armenian youth. “We were
delighted to accept the invitation to spend a weekend with Assembly interns
and look forward to hosting them in New York next year,” said Ekmekji.
The weekend capped off at the Virginia home of Rita and Vartkess Balian, who
arranged a Sunday brunch for the interns. “You are the future leaders of
our communities and it is a great pleasure to see you gathered here today,”
said Rita Balian, an Assembly Associate Trustee Member.
“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of creating a professional and
personal network,” Balian added. “I am very encouraged by the spirit of
cooperation between everyone present here.”
Ambassador Kirakossian, who was among the guests, praised the two
organizations for their role in providing youth “this unique and valuable
opportunity to enhance their knowledge, understanding and involvement in
Armenian and Armenian-American issues.”
The AGBU New York Summer Internship Program, established in 1987, has
benefited more than 550 college students from the U.S. and abroad.
Similarly, the Assembly since 1977 has hosted nearly 800 Armenian-American
college-aged students for an eight-week stint in Washington, DC, combining
summer employment with a full schedule of educational and social activities.
The program was renamed the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship in 2003.
This year’s class, which includes students from the U.S., Canada, England
and Armenia, are interning for congressional offices, government agencies,
think tanks and media outlets.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide
organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian
issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
NR#2004-070
Photographs available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
Caption: Armenian Assembly and AGBU interns during the Saturday night
barbecue held at the Georgetown University dormitories.
Caption: AGBU President’s Club Chairperson and Armenian Assembly Associate
Trustee Rita Balian flanked by AGBU Intern Program Associate Director Aline
Ekmekji and Assembly Internship Program Manager Alex Karapetian.
Caption: Ambassador Dr. Arman Kirakossian, center, commended Assembly and
AGBU interns for taking an active interest in issues facing their
communities and homeland.