Category: 2023

Vatche Manoukian (left) and AGBU President Berge Setrakian (right) congratulating Dr. Ardem Patapoutian upon receiving his AGBU President’s Award. Photo Credit: ARKA Photography

The evening of April 15 was one to remember for the Patapoutian family, as 600 guests assembled at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel to formally congratulate the first Nobel Prize winner of Armenian descent Ardem Sarkis Patapoutian, PhD. The pioneering scientist was recognized for his breakthrough research in the field of sensory biology, deemed by the international scientific community as a gamechanger in treating conditions related to touch, pain, blood pressure, and other clinical applications.

The AGBU Central Board, in conjunction with the AGBU Western Region, also paid tribute to Dr. Patapoutian’s parents Sarkis Patapoutian, an accountant and prolific writer, poet and translator under the pen name Sarkis Vahakn, and Haigouhi Adjemian Patapoutian, an educator and former principal of the AGBU Demirdjian Elementary School of Lebanon, where the couple’s three children received a quality elementary education. AGBU President Berge Setrakian presented them with the organization’s President’s Award in appreciation of their lifelong dedicated service and contributions to AGBU and the Armenian Nation in the fields of literature and education.

Fittingly, the Gala took place on the same day as the 117th anniversary of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. Throughout the evening, various speakers acknowledged the century-old AGBU mission pursued by chapters and offices across the globe, including the Western region of the United States, encompassing California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas.

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presents the St. Sahag-St. Mesrob Medal of Honor and Pontifical Encyclical to Dr. Patapoutian from His Holiness Karekin ll. Photo credit: ARKA Photography

Among the many distinguished well wishers present were California State Senator Anthony Portantino representing the 23rd district, Laura Friedman, the California State Assembly Member from the 44th district, California Assemblyman from the 34th district Adrin Nazarian and his wife Diana, and President of the Los Angeles City Council Paul Krekorian and his wife Tamar. Other congratulatory messages were sent in absentia, with official citations from Los Angeles County Supervisor (Fifth District) Kathryn Barger and U.S. Congressman Adam B. Schiff.

Nazeli Hambartsumyan, the consular at the Consulate for the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles and Armenian Ambassador and Former Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles Dr. Armen Baibourtian and his wife Yvette also joined the celebration. Other representatives from Cal Tech, AGBU Asbeds, YPs, Interns, Scouts and other AGBU program participants, past and present, were also in attendance.

Western Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian officiated the invocation. Co-emcees Tamar Sinanian Naaman and Ara J. Balikian, Esq. guided the audience through the different segments of the evening’s program, which began with the AGBU Los Angeles Choir’s rendition of the American and Armenian national anthems, as well as AGBU’s anthem, and culminated with live entertainment performed by Lebanese-Armenian Guy Manoukian and his ensemble. The internationally acclaimed musician, composer and master of fusion music blended oriental melodies with contemporary arrangements for a truly unique experience. 

AGBU President Berge Setrakian with Dr. Patapoutian’s parents, Sarkis and Haigouhi Patapoutian, after presenting them with the AGBU President’s Award. Photo credit: ARKA Photography

Before the dinner break, Dr. Patapoutian was taken by surprise when asked to come up to the stage to accept the St.Sahag-St. Mesrob Medal of Honor and Pontifical Encyclical from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, presented by Archbishop Derderian. In another off-guarded moment, he was presented with a surprise gift from the Gala Committee—a likeness rendered by the uniquely talented Syrian-Armenian caricaturist and animator Vrej Kassouny. 

During the after-dinner segment, Dr. Yervant Zorian had the honor of introducing Dr. Patapoutian and his distinguished achievements. Congratulatory remarks by AGBU President Berge Setrakian followed, in which he commended Dr. Patapoutian for exemplifying a citizen of the world who remains a proud Armenian.  

“As the good news spread across the globe, Armenians everywhere stood a little taller and a lot prouder. And our delight came with a sense of relief that something good was happening in the Armenian World during an otherwise very tragic period in our history. Against the backdrop of disease, disaster, and a deadly war, Dr. Patapoutian’s triumph reminded us that there is certainly enough Armenian brainpower in this world to help solve the many complex challenges we face as a people. This is why it is so important that Dr. Patapoutian is one of those global citizens who is also a proud Armenian.”

The guest of honor then delivered his remarks, thanking the AGBU Western Region community and the Gala Committee, co-chaired by Nora Janoyan Balikian and Aline Patatian, for hosting the event. He talked about how AGBU was a huge part of the joy he felt growing up in Lebanon, recounting how he and his siblings attended AGBU schools and he spent almost every afternoon at the AGBU clubs. “AGBU allowed us to stay healthy and, most importantly, gave me an amazing education and set me on the path to become a scientist. So, here I stand as a very proud alumnus of AGBU.”

Dr. Patapoutian also imparted some of his professional wisdom and personal perspective on success. “My most important message I have today is for parents to give the best education for the youth, but also, please give them room to breathe—to explore, to fail, yes, fail. And ultimately, find their own calling.”

He went on to say, “The satisfaction I get from my work is more than enough for me. I call this the internal gratification. But on top of that, I’m fortunate enough to have received the ultimate external validation, the Nobel Prize. This has of course changed my life in many ways. As I like to joke, now I get awards for getting an award. But what has really touched me the most is receiving letters from Armenian elementary school kids from all over.”

The evening’s proceeds were allocated to the AGBU Global Relief Fund, which was championed by AGBU Board Member Yervant Demirjian during his remarks. A short video presentation demonstrated how, in the last decade alone, AGBU managed to intervene with humanitarian relief solutions for over 250,000 Armenians caught up in crises—from the conflict in Syria and Covid-19 pandemic to the Beirut Blast, the Second Artsakh War, and, most recently, the blockade of Artsakh, the major earthquake in Syria, and the chronic financial hardships facing Lebanese Armenians.

AGBU Council of Trustees Chairman Vatche Manoukian and his wife Tamar Manoukian donated $1 million to the Fund. In addition to Lead Benefactor Yervant Demirjian, AGBU Benefactors Jack Munushian Charitable Trust and Sinan and Angele Sinanian were cited for their outstanding generosity, along with many donors worldwide who contributed at the visionary, patron or sponsor level, making it possible to raise over $1.6 million through this single event. 

For more information about the AGBU Global Relief Fund, visit the website.

The Armenian General Benevolent Union is the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs. Each year, AGBU is committed to making a difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian diaspora.  Since 1906, AGBU has remained true to one overarching goal: to create a foundation for the prosperity of all Armenians. To learn more visit the AGBU website.

Representatives of the USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies conducting an interview for the “California History through Armenian Experiences” oral history project

Focusing on the power of the individual story, USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies “California History through Armenian Experiences” oral history project documents the diversity and history of the Armenian presence in California. The initiative, supported by the California State Library, is part of the Institute’s continued work in collecting primary source material for academic researchers and educators.

Interviews for the “California History through Armenian Experiences” project will be conducted through spring 2024 and will become an archive of hundreds of life stories of Armenians living in California. The collection will consist of formal oral history interviews done by a team of professional interviewers as well as crowd-sourced interviews submitted through the Institute’s My Armenian Story project. The interviews will serve as primary source material to understand nearly a century and a half of Armenian-American life – including stories of migration, diaspora community development and relations, world and regional events, as well as individual and community contributions to California and beyond. Recorded oral histories will be indexed, archived, transcribed, and made available through USC Digital Libraries and the California State Library.

“The average Armenian life story is an intersection of several histories in one because migration and displacement have been endemic to the Armenian experience. The geopolitical, sociocultural, and sociolinguistic nuances in each story are invaluable for scholars in multiple fields including Armenian Studies, Diaspora Studies, American Studies, Migration Studies, Anthropology, Sociology, and many more,” said Institute Director Dr. Shushan Karapetian.

A scene from an interview for the “California History through Armenian Experiences” oral history project

In 2022, then-State Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian prioritized Armenian Studies by earmarking part of the state budget to accelerate and amplify the Institute’s documentation efforts. The commitment was part of the State’s ongoing work to highlight the diverse scholarship being produced by California institutes and research hubs. 

“Now, more than ever, California and Californians are looking to academic institutions to guide us through our history,” said Assemblymember Nazarian. “This opportunity with the USC Institute of Armenian Studies highlights the stories of individuals who – one by one – built the largest Armenian Diaspora in the country and contributed immensely to the fabric of the State of California. We all stand to learn so much from this initiative.” 

As a part of the Institute’s academic work, hundreds of testimonies collected through this initiative will serve scholars and educators of multiple disciplines. The recorded life histories provide a primer for researchers and allow for further exploration of the invaluable impact Armenians have made over the last century in the State of California, an under-researched subject in the fields of Armenian and American Studies. 

“Through these oral histories, we not only learn about the contributions of Armenians to the State of California, but also expose the cultural threads that run through the state via individuals’ global trajectories, both lived and passed down,” said Dr. Lilit Keshishyan, who is directing the Institute’s California oral history initiative. 

The grant supports the Institute to continue and expand the scale and geographic scope of its earlier oral history initiatives. For instance, some oral history interviews will be accompanied by digitized documents and photos – allowing for further contextualization of the Institute’s existing archives of diaspora documents.

Institute staff and a growing team of interviewers with expertise in Armenian communities have been conducting and recording thorough, full-life interviews across California. The public also has an opportunity to become part of the project by submitting interviews through the My Armenian Story crowd-sourced initiative. Anyone, regardless of background, can submit an Armenian story. 

The My Armenian Story initiative adds another compelling layer to the California project. An individual interviewing a grandparent or other family member can learn about how larger events have impacted both the world and especially their family and peers. 

“Understanding how an individual confronts the military draft during the Vietnam War in Los Angeles, decides to immigrate after surviving the 1955 pogroms in Istanbul, grapples with the agricultural crisis in 1980s Central Valley or navigates through various stages of US immigration policies are only some of numerous intersections of the personal and the historical,” said Manuk Avedikyan, education and outreach manager for the Institute.

BY YESENIA FUENTES and BENJAMIN KIRK
Special to Hye Sharzhoom

Florence Elaine Hamparson was known to have a big heart. As a third and fourth-grade teacher at Turner Elementary School, she was regarded as an impactful educator who loved her students. She had a lot of love for furry friends and was an avid square dancer. Strong in her Christian beliefs, Hamparson was a member of several churches around Fresno throughout her life. 

“She loved her square dancing, she loved her Lord and she loved people,” said Patricia Towne, a family friend and C.P.A. “If you had a dog or a cat, she loved them too.”

Hamparson, a Fresno State alumnus, had a long career as a teacher in the Fresno Unified School District. She retired in 1995 and passed away in July 2021 at 85.  

In late 2022, the Elaine Hamparson Trust gave $900,000 to benefit students in two areas of Fresno State, the Armenian Studies Program the Lyles College of Engineering.

Of the total amount, $450,000, went to the Armenian Studies Program. Those funds established the Florence Elaine Hamparson Armenian Memorial Quasi Endowed Fund to support the program’s rich tradition of research, publications, program outreach and conferences. 

“The Armenian Studies Program represents the students and the community. I believe that gifts such as the Hamparson Endowment will encourage others to also participate in the success of the Program,” said Barlow Der Mugrdechian, director of the Armenian Studies Program. “The Armenian Studies Program is appreciative of this gift, and to the donor Florence Elaine Hamparson.”

The fund will bolster the program’s already active publishing schedule, which includes 20 books in The Armenian Series published through The Press at California State University, Fresno and four editions of their “Hye Sharzhoom” newspaper each year. 

“It is so heartening to see such generosity displayed toward two colleges on campus that will have such a profound impact. The Elaine Hamparson Trust gift for Armenian Studies will bolster the students’ excellence in research, outreach, and conference participation,” said Dr. Honora Chapman, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “We are excited to see their new projects come to fruition that are made possible with these new funds, and we are truly grateful for this support.”

The other half, $450,000, went to the Lyles College of Engineering to establish the Florence Elaine Hamparson Lyles College Quasi Endowed Fund to be used at the discretion of the dean to best benefit the college. Dean Ram Nunna has chosen to use a portion of the funds to support a scholarship honoring the legacy and life of Ms. Hamparson. Scholarship recipients will be part of the Lyles College of Engineering Honors Program. 

The dean has allocated the remaining funds to support the construction of the Lyles College of Engineering Student Center at the Engineering East building. The center will serve as a space for collaboration and technology‐facilitated teamwork that will bring together students from all Lyles College disciplines.

“This timely gift will impact thousands of students each year,” said Dr. Ram Nunna, dean of the Lyles College of Engineering. “Our honors program attracts highly talented students from across our region to our college, and this gift will allow us to grow the program. The new student center will be a place for student engagement and collaboration.”

Hamparson was born in Everett, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, in 1935. Her father, George Hamparson, was a business owner in Boston, but due to challenging circumstances, he moved his family to Fresno to start a new life. Once in Fresno, he founded the Palmolive Dry Cleaners at the corner of Palm and Olive Avenues.

Yesenia Fuentes is a Fresno State alumna and is a Communications Specialist for the university’s Lyles College of Engineering.

Benjamin Kirk is a Communication Specialist at Fresno State.

The California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation's 2023 Visual Arts Scholarship winning submissions

SACRAMENTO—The California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation announced the winners of this year’s California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship.

The California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation has worked hard this year to advocate and participate in educational and governmental efforts in California and awarded six scholarships to California high school students who entered essay and arts contests.

“On behalf of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation, we congratulate you on your outstanding achievement in the scholarship contests commemorating the Armenian Genocide. We commend you for undertaking the task of raising awareness about the Armenian Genocide, especially given the significance of its 108th anniversary. Your contributions in promoting consciousness and marking history regarding the Armenian Genocide are essential to ensure that it is not forgotten, and that its lessons are learned and applied to make the world a better place,” said Senator María Elena Durazo (D- Little Armenia Hollywood)

“Congratulations to the outstanding and talented California students. It’s wonderful to see that the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation Annual Essay Contest fosters academic opportunities and increases awareness of the Armenian Genocide through education,” said Senator Anthony Portantino (D- Burbank).

“_expression_ through creativity is one of the best ways we can generate honest discussion about the darkest moments in human history. This scholarship opportunity has been vital in doing just that – to raise awareness about the atrocities of the Armenian genocide, while preserving and highlighting the rich culture and resilience of the Armenian people today. It is my pleasure to recognize this year’s scholarship winners. Congratulations!” said Senator Scott Wilk (R- Santa Clarita).

“Congratulations to the recipients of the 2023 California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship! It is with great pleasure that I join my colleagues in recognizing the dedication of these six students to advancing their education. This year marks the 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which reminds us of the resiliency of the people of Armenia. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Armenian Caucus to highlight the work of the next generation of leaders!” said Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D- Whittier).

“I applaud all the incredibly bright and deserving high school scholars who were awarded a scholarship through the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation.  The Armenian American diaspora across California is part of the very fabric of America, and for many first generation college students this scholarship is monumental. Understanding the impact of the Armenian genocide is why the legislature passed AB 101, which would make Ethnic Studies a high school graduation requirement. The history of the Armenian people is an American history that should be taught to all students. I am so proud of all our scholars whose achievements reflect how higher education can improve the lives of our families and communities for generations to come,” said Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D- Los Angeles).

“Congratulations to the talented winners the 2023 California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarships! These six high school students represent the next generation of leaders and their incredible work serves as a critical reminder of the importance of genocide education,” said Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D- Glendale).

“The fight for justice starts early! Thank you to the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation for involving our young people in this important commemoration. When we remember the Armenian Genocide, today, we commit ourselves to fighting injustice and inequality by governments everywhere. Congratulations to the deserving students selected for this scholarship. These experiences will guide them into becoming our leaders of tomorrow,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden (D- Pasadena).

“Congratulations to the winners of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation’s scholarship contest. These funds will go on to support students who are furthering their education, but it’s also an opportunity to educate the next generation about the atrocious genocide committed against the Armenian community. I want to thank these students for evoking the sensitivity that is the Armenian genocide and for using art and writing to express the violence that was inflicted in the Armenian community,” said Assemblymember Luz Rivas (D- San Fernando Valley).

“These students’ incredible talents are a testament to their success in and outside of the classroom. It is a privilege to witness our youth committing themselves to raising awareness about the Armenian Genocide. Congratulations to the winners on this well-deserved scholarship recognition,” said Assemblymember Blanca E. Rubio (D- Baldwin Park).

“It is our greatest honor to award these brilliant scholars! It is also inspiring to see the immense creativity in our next generation of leaders. The impact of the Armenian genocide is an important part of American history and it is vital to ensure we preserve Armenian culture. I applaud these students and their willingness in educating and raising awareness about the injustices that Armenian people faced to prevent history from being repeated. We must continue to accentuate the resilience of the Armenian people and the many contributions they have made to California. Congratulations!” said Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D- Los Angeles).

“Congratulations to these incredibly talented California students on their scholarship win. Raising awareness of the Armenian Genocide through education provides the next generation with the knowledge to fight anti-Armenian hate and discrimination. As a representative of District 51, which includes Little Armenia, I believe that recognizing the kinds of atrocities committed against this incredible group of people is necessary to ensure acts like these are never again committed in this world,” said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D- West Hollywood/Santa Monica).

Winners of the Essay Scholarship:

Earlier this year the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation invited California high school students to participate in its Annual Essay Contest. Students were asked to write a memo with the prompt: If you were a United Nations Ambassador, how would you use your position to help with present-day challenges that Armenia and Armenians are facing to raise geopolitical awareness? 

• First-prize, $1,000: Julianna Babayan attending Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies in Tarzana, CA;
• Second-prize, $750: Gianna Herrera attending Covina High School in Covina, CA;
• Third-prize, $500: Kayla Voskanian attending Crescenta Valley High School in La CrescentaMontrose, CA.

Winners of the Visual Arts Scholarship:

This year’s theme is to submit artwork to be showcased on the cover of a news magazine to showcase the present-day challenges that Armenia as a country and the Armenian people are facing in their homeland. 

• First-prize, $1,000: Arootin Asatourkazarian attending Burbank High School in Burbank, CA;
• Second-prize, $750: Aleen Kojikian attending California School of the Arts, Duarte, CA;
• Third-prize, $500: Sophia He attending Piedmont Hills High School in San Jose, CA.

Residents in Martuni receive seed potatoes from joint collaboration between the AAMA, ATP, and Tufenkian Foundation

In a move to bolster Artsakh’s food security, 90 tons of seed potatoes were delivered to the residents of Artsakh’s Martuni Region through a collaboration between the Armenia Tree Project, Armenian Missionary Association of America, and the Tufenkian Foundation. The humanitarian aid initiative comes at a critical time as Artsakh has suffered critical shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials due to Azerbaijan’s more than 120-day blockade.

The 90 tons of seed potatoes arrived in Stepanakert through local assistance and were then transported to villages in Martuni by trucks provided by Martuni’s Regional Administration. They were distributed to villagers with less than four acres of land. Due to the current shortage of fuel, many villagers had to transport their allotment to their farms by pack animal and planted the seed potatoes by hand.

“We continue to stand by our commitment to Artsakh and its people, particularly in these difficult times. With the uncertainty of outside access due to the blockade, helping Artsakh to become self-sufficient has become a top priority,” said Tufenkian’s Operations Director Greg Bedian. “We are pleased to be partnering with ATP and AMAA in this endeavor and are grateful for major benefactors like the Armen and Gloria Hampar Family Foundation without whose support this initiative would not have been possible.”

The seed potatoes will provide much needed aid given the closure of the Lachin corridor. Residents of Artsakh have been closed off from the outer world since December 12, 2022, and have lacked basic survival necessities, including food. With the addition of ongoing harassment from Azerbaijani forces, the safest and most immediate way for Artsakh residents to survive is to plant seeds in their backyards and greenhouses. Despite difficulties, it is anticipated that the initiative will help yield over 700 tons of potatoes during the fall harvest, helping to ensure sufficient reserves for the winter.

Founder of ATP Carolyn Mugar expressed pride in the joint efforts by multiple organizations. “In this unprecedented emergency it is important that we all work together to support our brothers and sisters in Artsakh,” she said.

This initiative was developed in collaboration with Artsakh’s Agriculture Ministry and Martuni’s Regional Administration. ATP, AMAA, and Tufenkian Foundation hope to continue providing food security assistance to residents in Artsakh.

“Our commitment to Artsakh is unwavering and we shall continue serving the people in Artsakh and empowering Artsakhtsis to secure self-dependence and excellence in development and education,” said AMAA Executive Director Zaven Khanjian. “As such, AMAA will contribute to this effort from its Empower an Artsakh Family Fund to help farmers develop their lands and produce products vital to their living and survival.”

All three organizations have had a long history of working in Artsakh and have re-doubled their efforts since the 44-Day War.