The recent escalation of the conflict in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh Republic/NKR)—the worst since 1994—marks a new phase in the three decades of the conflict and highlights the need for research on the region. To fill the scholarship gap on this issue and region, the University of Southern California (USC) Institute of Armenian Studies has announced a call for research on Karabagh to support new and ongoing research by junior and senior scholars.

Those interested in applying should send their application by July 1.

The call aims to provide an opportunity for original academic and policy research that focuses on the many topics surrounding Karabagh, including but not limited to International Law, Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, Social Psychology, Sociology, History, Gender Studies, and Media Studies.

Institute Director Salpi Ghazarian said, “The mission of the Institute is to support scholarship in all areas of Armenian Studies.  Karabagh, its history, the conflict, are both important and urgent topics, deserving of serious study.  The Institute is grateful to donor support for making this kind of programming possible.  In the near future, there will be a call for research on Armenia, and the quarter century of transition—something that is becoming more critical, now, in this 25^th year of independence.  And of course, the Institute will also continue with our other programming, including post-Genocide research.”

Scholars and practitioners from all backgrounds and regions of the world are encouraged to apply. The grants provided by the Institute in this first call will cover research costs including travel to Karabagh, if needed. The final research reports will be completed by January 30, 2017.

Those interested in applying should send their application (with materials identified below) to research.armenian@usc.edu by July 1:

1. A proposal of 1,000 words which outlines the rationale and plan of research, presents a clear research question, reviews previous research and theory that form the basis of the study, describes the research methods that will be used to carry out the research, and summarizes what the research aims to uncover.
2. A detailed one-page budget indicating the items for which the applicant is seeking funding.
3. A curriculum vitae.

For more information, email research.armenian@usc.edu or call 213.821.3943.

Established in 2005, the USC Institute of Armenian Studies supports multidisciplinary scholarship to re-define, explore and study the complex issues that make up the contemporary Armenian experience—from post-Genocide to the developing Republic of Armenia to the evolving Diaspora. The Institute encourages research, publications and public service, and promotes links among the global academic and Armenian communities.

Organized by the Armenian Diaspora Research Center (ADRC) at Haigazian University, and supported by the Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the “Armenians of Jordan” conference took place over the course of three days from May 22-24.

The conference participants

On Sun., May 22, the official opening ceremony took place in the presence of Armenian intellectuals, historians, and academicians. The ceremony started with the opening words of Dr. Antranig Dakessian, the director of the ADRC, followed by a letter from Dr. Razmig Panossian, head of the Armenian Communities Department of Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

Due to reasons beyond her control, the guest speaker, Dr. Hind Abu Shaar, head of the Humanities Department of Jordan University, was not able to read her speech in person. Haigazian Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Arda Ekmekji read her speech, titled “Modern History of Jordan during the Ottoman and National Era (1850-1946).” The ceremony ended with Haigazian University President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian’s closing remarks.

The official opening was followed by a photo exhibition of the prominent Jordanian-Armenian photographer Miro Kizirian at the Arthur Matossian Arts Center in the Mugar Building.

The conference—consisting of 6 sessions held over 2 consecutive days—covered 21 topics presented by 20 scholars coming from such countries as the United States, France, Armenia, Lebanon, and Jordan.

The conference took place over the course of three days from May 22-24.

Panelists were Prof. Claude Mutafian on “The Armenian Fiefs in Jordan (12^th -14^th c.),” Dr. Himler Kaiser on “The Jordanian Lands during the Armenian Genocide; Deportees, Famine, and War,” Dr. Jon Armajani on “The Jordanian Constitution and the Rights of Minorities,” Dr. Antranik Dakessian on “A Demographic Study of the Jordanian Armenians (1925-2005),” Anna Ohannessian-Charpin on “The Bedouins of Armenian Descent in South Jordan” and “(Photographer) Hagop of Aqaba,” Aline Benneyan on “The Jarash Armenians” (her paper was read in absentia by Haigazian student Lila Bamoukian, majoring in Armenian studies), Silva Meneksheian-Baghsarian on “The Jordan Homenetmen,” Hagop Serpekian on “The Ruseyfa Armenians,” Kevork Meserlian on “The Irbid Armenians,” Yeghig Tashjian on “The Photographer of Kings, Hagop Berberian,” Silva Sarkissian-Hayrabedian on “The Jordan Armenians: The Making of a Community” (her paper was read in absentia by Haigazian student Nareg Hanneian, majoring in Armenian studies), Rosette Alemian-Mahseredjian on “The Amman Watani Club,” Arsiné Jambazian on “The Armenian Relief Society of Jordan,” Madeleine Medzagopian on “The Catholic Armenian Community (Institutions, School, and Church)” as well as on “The Armenian Diaspora in Jordan between Integration in the Hostland and Connectivity with the Motherland,” Nerses Nersessian on “Outstanding Figures in the Jordan Armenian Community and the Armenian Churches of Jordan,” Hratzin Vardanyan on “The Relations of the Committee of Cultural Relations with the Diaspora Armenians and the Jordan Armenians,” Vicken Aslanian on “Jordan Armenians in Public Life” (his paper was read in absentia by former Haigazian student Bedig Torossian), Dr. Lucine Taminian on “The Identity Making of a Diasporic Armenian,” and Dr. Araks Pashyan on “The Jordan Armenian Community: Current Challenges.”

A scene from one of the panels

The presentations and sessions were moderated by Dr. Arda Ekmekji, Dr. Zaven Messerlian, Dr. Anahid Donabedian, Dr. Armen Urneshlian, Dr. Levon Avedanian, Dr. Nanor Karageozian, and Dr. Anke El Bataineh.

The proceedings of the conference will be published by the end of 2016.

Organization Invites Those Interested to Join

The Armenian EyeCare Project (AECP) will embark on its 52nd Medical Mission to Armenia from June 25 through July 5. The project is urging everyone who is interested to join them on their journey, including friends and supporters of the EyeCare Project; writers, photographers and videographers; and, of course, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and others in the medical field.

AECP Founder Dr. Roger Ohanesian with a patient during a Medical Mission to Armenia.

This year’s Medical Mission will include trips to the organization’s Mobile Eye Hospital, which will be stationed in the Vayots Dzor province on June 25 and outside of a nursing home in Yerevan on June 28; the unveiling and grand opening of the project’s second regional eye clinic, the John and Hasmik Mgrdichian Eye Clinic, in Spitak, Lori, on June 27; and a visit to the project’s first regional eye clinic, the Haig Boyadjian Eye Clinic, in Ijevan, Tavush, which had its grand opening last year, on July 5.

Those who have supported the EyeCare Project, or who wish to learn more about the organization and its various medical programs in Armenia, are invited to join AECP Founder Dr. Roger Ohanesian and the rest of the team on one or all of the project’s activities — either by booking a trip to Armenia or joining the activities if already in the country at this time.

“This is an opportunity for people to really see where their donations to the AECP have gone and how the project has changed the landscape of ophthalmology in Armenia with a powerful and life-changing program,” Ohanesian said.

AECP Founder Dr. Roger Ohanesian with a patient during a Medical Mission to Armenia.

Tours will be led by Rostom Sarkissian, the AECP’s new director of development, and the local AECP team.

During the project’s 52nd Medical Mission, Ohanesian, along with his American colleagues, will train Armenian ophthalmologists, examine their special cases at several of the organization’s facilities, and participate in an ophthalmology conference and a neonatal conference. The Laguna Hills ophthalmologist will be joined by U.S. doctors Thomas Lee, Richard Hill, and Khodam Rostomian, who have long been involved with the EyeCare Project, and medical students Armen Ghazaryan, Ana Ter-Zakarian, Nairi Rostomian, and Lilit Shahinian.

Armenia’s chief ophthalmologist, Dr. Alexander Malayan, expressed enthusiasm about the EyeCare Project’s upcoming trip to the country. “We appreciate the support that the Armenian EyeCare Project has rendered to Armenia for nearly 24 years,” Malayan said. “The activities of the AECP, in cooperation with the efforts of many players, have improved eye care in our country and have enabled thousands of Armenians to regain their eyesight and obtain quality medical care.”

The Mobile Eye Hospital making its way through Armenia

Of course, a trip to Armenia would not be complete without experiencing the sights, sounds, and wonderful cuisine of the country, which is why there are several social events planned for the trip, including a welcome party for the group, as well as dinners and cocktail hours.

To learn more about the trip and how to be a part of this unique and enriching experience in Armenia, visit http://www.itsmyseat.com/AECP/ or contact Rostom by calling (818) 669-0563 or e-mailing rostom@eyecareproject.com.

Recent Graduates Seeking Jobs in Washington Should Submit Applications by July 15 for Free Housing and Job Placement Support; Student Internship Opportunities Also Available

WASHINGTON—Recent graduates looking to start careers in Washington, D.C., are encouraged to apply to the fall 2016 session of the Armenian National Committee of America’s (ANCA) Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (CGP)—a unique job placement program that offers three months of free housing, career-building workshops, and networking opportunities all designed to help Armenian Americans succeed in their professional goals in the nation’s capital.

Applications for the fall 2016 session are due by July 15.

Applications for the fall 2016 session are due by July 15 and are available at anca.org/gateway/application.  The session begins on Sept. 12.

“Whether you just graduated from university or interested in a career change to work in Washington, D.C.’s fast-paced public policy world, the ANCA’s Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program is an excellent place to start, surrounded by a dedicated team of program alumni and professionals ready to assist in your successful job search,” said ANCA Legislative Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian.  “Our program also serves university students interested in internship opportunities in the nation’s capital.  As always, space is running out—so, please, get your application in today.”

Launched in 2003 with a founding grant by the Cafesjian Family Foundation, the ANCA CGP has helped over 100 Armenian-American professionals from across the U.S. explore career prospects in Washington, D.C.  Gateway Program fellows are offered three months of free housing at the ANCA’s Aramian House, located in the heart of Washington in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, just blocks from the ANCA offices.  Karakashian and the Capital Gateway Program Advisory Committee (CGPAC) coordinate a series of career placement workshops on a range of issues including resume and cover letter preparation, effective interview strategies, and networking.  The CGPAC also connects fellows with mentors most closely aligned with their career goals for one-on-one advice and encouragement.

For university students interested in a quarter/semester in Washington, the ANCA CGP can assist with internship guidance and placements both at the ANCA headquarters and other public policy and government institutions.  Students are offered up to three months of free housing at the Aramian House depending on space availability and along with assistance to ensure they meet their university program obligations.

Additional information about the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program is available by visiting anca.org/gateway or by calling (202) 775-1918.

The ANCA CGP is named after Hovig Apo Saghdejian, a beloved young community leader who lost his life in a tragic car accident and whose eternal memory continues to inspire new generations of Armenian Americans. His family generously established the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fund in his memory and, over the past decade, has played a vital role in the expansion of the program. Substantial support has also been provided by longtime ANCA benefactors Frank and Barbara Hekimian and the Armenian American Veterans Post of Milford, Mass. (AAVO).

The recent purchase of the Aramian House was made possible through a generous donation by the family of the late community leader and philanthropist Martha Aramian of Providence, R.I. The Aramian family—led by sisters Sue, Margo, and the late Martha—have long been among the most generous benefactors of ANCA programs as well as of charitable projects in the Armenian homeland and the Armenian Diaspora.

This Memorial Day weekend, nearly 400 Juniors, Seniors, and lecturers came together for the 45th annual AYF-YOARF Junior Seminar, making this year’s Seminar the highest attended in many years. The theme of the weekend was “Մեր Յաջողութիւնը Մեր Հաւաքական Ուժին Մէջ Է: Our Success Lies Within Our Collective Power.”

The seminar participants

The goal of the weekend was to instill in Juniors and Seniors the idea that a collaborative and united effort from both our homeland and our diaspora, in its entirety, is needed in order to progress and succeed as a people.

Lectures included:

Dikran Khaligian: Camp Armen

Amasia Zargarian: Diaspora Armenians

Anto Avedissian: Syria

Serouj Aprahamian: Progressive Youth in Armenia

Aram Hamparian: ANCs Around the World and the 2016 Presidential Elections

Sarine Adishian: History and Accomplishments of the Eastern Region

Kenar Charchaflian and Ara Sarajian: Armenian Athletes

Lernik Hovhannisyan and Raffi Killian: Current Situation in Artsakh and Artsakh Project

Javakhk Committee: Javakhk

Shant Massoyan: Music Experiences

Josh Tevekelian and Hagop Soulakian: Leaders in Training Program

NKR MP Lernik Hovhannisyan lecturing the participants

This year’s lecture series was honored to have Lernik Hovhannisyan, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) parliamentary faction in Artsakh, join us. He lectured about the current state in Artsakh following the “Four-Day War” in early April and emphasized the importance of supporting Artsakh.

Raffi Killian joined him and discussed the Artsakh Project. The goal of the project is to expand the Arajamugh village to include 50 homes, complete with a kindergarten and a cultural center to serve as a model village.

On Friday after everyone arrived, we had the Armenian Diasporan Communities Night with each chapter performing a song, dance, or skit to convey the importance of that community.

The Saturday night activity encompassed the theme of the weekend. Juniors were split up into groups and were required to work together to complete a series of tasks, from answering trivia questions to forming a human knot then having to untangle themselves without breaking the chain of hands. Once the tasks were completed, each group was given a large puzzle piece. Once the puzzle pieces were brought together, they revealed a picture of the Sardarabad Monument celebrating May 28, Armenia’s First Independence Day. The night activity also included a speech from Hovhannisyan discussing the importance of the Battle of Sardarabad. He stated that we can accomplish anything as long as we remain united as one people and act as one nation working towards a free, independent Armenia and Artsakh. The night ended with the entire camp singing “Sardarabad.”

Sunday was a memorable day for everyone at Seminar. During flag lowering, the AYF-YOARF welcomed five new members, four from the newly formed Florida “Arev” Chapter and one from the Chicago “Ararat” Chapter, who took their oaths alongside all of their new ungers.

“Our Success Lies Within Our Collective Power.”

Of course, the weekend would not be complete without many people’s favorite part of Seminar: the dance. Juniors and Seniors joined together and danced to live Armenian music for hours, which was followed by singing revolutionary songs.

It is the committee’s hope that both Juniors and Seniors left the weekend with a deeper understanding of the events going on around the world and realize more fully the impact that we as Armenians and AYF-YOARF members can have, as long as we always remain united. Մեր Յաջողութիւնը Մեր Հաւաքական Ուժին Մէջ Է: Our Success Lies Within Our Collective Power.

ANCA Presses for Expanded Aid to Artsakh, Targeted Assistance for Syrian Armenians

WASHINGTON—Armenian American foreign aid priorities will be among the broad range of issues considered this Thursday by members of the influential U.S. House subcommittee tasked with drafting the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 foreign assistance bill, setting the stage for full House and Senate consideration in upcoming months, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The ANCA has been advocating for inclusion of Armenian American priorities in the FY2017 foreign aid bill, set to be considered by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations on Thursday, June 23.

While funding trends and broad data are shared soon after the Subcommittee’s consideration, the complete text of the measure is traditionally not released until the full House Appropriations Committee review or “mark-up,” which typically follows the subcommittee action by a week or more.

No date has yet been set for Senate consideration of its version of the FY 2017 foreign aid bill, though with both houses of Congress going out of session in mid-July, initial consideration is likely to take place during the coming weeks.

Among the Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) foreign aid priorities being advanced by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is an appropriation of at least $5 million in aid to Nagorno-Karabagh for humanitarian and developmental programs, including the urgently needed expansion and modernization of the Lady Cox Rehabilitation Center, a regional clinic serving children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.  In addition to supporting the vital, life-saving work of this Center, the ANCA is encouraging House and Senate appropriators to support a broad range of other foreign aid priorities of special concern to Armenian Americans and other friends of Armenia, including:

–  Withdraw snipers and heavy arms, add OSCE observers, and deploy gunfire locator systems.

–  Allocating at least $40 million in U.S. economic assistance to Armenia, targeted to growing the U.S.-Armenia trade and investment relationship.

–  Appropriating at least $10 million in emergency aid to help Armenia settle the nearly 20,000 people who have fled to Armenia from Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East.

These priorities were also shared in greater detail in ANCA testimony submitted by Legislative Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian earlier this year and available here.

The ANCA launched an online action alert—anca.org/aid—in support of Armenian American FY17 foreign aid priorities, offering pro-Armenia and Artsakh advocates an easy way to reach out to their Senators and Representatives about the community’s FY2017 foreign aid priorities.

In online letters to legislators, grassroots advocates are highlighting that: “The United States has long enjoyed friendly relations with Armenia, based upon shared democratic and humanitarian values and enduring common interests in a secure, stable, peaceful and democratic Caucasus.” These letters note that: “Armenia has sent troops to support U.S., NATO and other international operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Kosovo, and is exploring a new peacekeeping mission to Mali. Domestically, Armenia has—despite ongoing Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades—developed strong democratic institutions and undertaken exemplary free market reforms. For its part, the independent Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, holding widely-praised free and fair local and national elections. Despite Baku’s escalating aggression Nagorno-Karabagh remains committed to working with the OSCE Minsk Group to reach a fair and enduring peace.”

A new book highlighting various aspects of Armenian history and culture has just been published as an initiative of the 100 Years, 100 Facts Project.

Impact of an Ancient Nation: Bridging the Past, Present, and Future with 100+ Facts about Armenia and Armenians by Lena Maranian Adishian and Nareg Seferian is a follow-up to the hugely successful year-long online educational initiative that the pair ran to mark the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide last year.

A new book highlighting various aspects of Armenian history and culture has just been published as an initiative of the 100 Years, 100 Facts Project.

“Our thinking as we laid the groundwork for our project was: How do we share our rich legacy as Armenians with a worldwide diaspora—and with the world at large—in a powerful way during the Genocide Centennial? To reach the widest audience, we featured our educational series online through our website and social media platforms. But now, a year later, we decided it was time for a printed, commemorative book—something that lasts in a different way, a medium that can be shared across individuals and generations in what we hope will be meaningful and, well, impactful,” Adishian said.

Impact of an Ancient Nation by Lena Maranian Adishian and Nareg Seferian is a follow-up to the hugely successful year-long online educational initiative that the pair ran to mark the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide last year.

Impact of an Ancient Nation includes updated and revised versions of the 100 facts published on the project’s website. In addition, there are five bonus facts researched and written just for the book. The facts cover Armenian history, including entries on the Armenian Genocide, as well as profiles of Armenian Diaspora communities around the world, famous Armenians, music and dance, religion and language, and even sports and entertainment.

Impact of an Ancient Nation includes updated and revised versions of the 100 facts published on the project’s website.

“Lena and I really wanted to put together a work that showcases the depth and breadth of the Armenian experience. Certainly, we cover the Armenian Genocide as the major turning point in modern times, but we also highlight many other notable aspects to Armenian history and culture that are worth knowing about, celebrating, and sharing. We hope this book makes its way into households and schools and libraries and classrooms, whether being perused by Armenians or non-Armenians,” Seferian said.

Impact of an Ancient Nation is an excellent educational resource—as a family reference book, Sunday school library addition, a commemorative gift to odar friends, or as a way to share the Armenian heritage with a new generation of children and grandchildren, nephews and nieces, cousins, and community members.

Impact of an Ancient Nation is an excellent educational resource—as a family reference book, Sunday school library addition, a commemorative gift to odar friends, or as a way to share the Armenian heritage with a new generation of children and grandchildren, nephews and nieces, cousins, and community members. The page-long facts serve as a great overview of a particular aspect of Armenian history and culture, with resources for further research available in the book’s reference section.

The book is a not-for-profit publication made possible with the generous support of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Foundation (Los Angeles) and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Lisbon).

The book is a not-for-profit publication made possible with the generous support of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Foundation (Los Angeles) and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Lisbon). Impact of an Ancient Nation was designed by Harut Genjoyan of AlphaGraph LLC and features images by Armen Arakelyan and Aram Jibilian.

Impact of an Ancient Nation is available through the online store at 100years100facts.com.

Impact of an Ancient Nation is available through the online store at 100years100facts.com.

The 100 Years, 100 Facts Project ran from April 24, 2014 to April 24, 2015 in 6 languages and received more than 150,000 visitors from over 120 countries and all 50 of the United States, garnering thousands of followers through social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and Reddit.

 Sold-Out Audience Enjoys Experimental Multimedia Installation and Concert

On May 4, the AGBU Performing Arts Department welcomed jazz prodigy Tigran Hamasyan and his Luys i Luso project at the Bric House Ballroom in Brooklyn. The project, Hamasyan’s rearrangement of 5th to 20th-century sacred Armenian music for piano and voices—in collaboration with the Yerevan State Choir—is a multimedia installation and concert that uses life-sized screens to project his 2,000-mile pilgrimage through historical Armenia, documented by filmmakers Alex Igidbashian and Emily Mkrtichian.

On May 4, the AGBU Performing Arts Department welcomed jazz prodigy Tigran Hamasyan and his Luys i Luso project at the Bric House Ballroom in Brooklyn.

The audio-visual installation uses Berlin’s Studio Ondè’s projection technologies, sound design, and animations that transform historic spaces around the world into living, breathing digital recreations. During the performance, Hamasyan improvised a live soundtrack to the installation and then invited his award-winning Mockroot trio—Sam Minaie on bass and Nate Wood on drums—to join the concert.

“I was very glad to see that the audience was composed of Armenians and non-Armenians of all backgrounds and ages. Together we traveled to the places in Hamasyan’s installation through music and images, learning about Armenian history along the way. Hamasyan’s fusion of jazz, metal, electro, techno and alternative made traditional Armenian music modern and appealing to younger non-Armenian audiences. In a way, Hamasyan is a representative of a new kind of Armenian culture,” said Hayk Arsenyan, director of the AGBU Performing Arts Department.

Hamasyan is the winner of numerous prestigious prizes in music, including first prize at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and International Instrumentalist of the Year in Piano at Echo Jazz 2015 for his debut album Mockroot. The name Mockroot touches on a theme that permeates the music—one of the natural world always triumphing over human complexity. “It is inspired by the photograph on the album cover,” says Hamasyan. “It is a picture that my friend Karen Mirzoyan took of a tree—almost dead—emerging from a lake. It was taken in a part of the world where people had deliberately raised the water level to irrigate land. And yet this tree just carried on, defiantly. It’s the idea that nature is constantly mocking humanity. Whatever we impose upon it, nature will always win. Mockroot is a sort of longing and nostalgia for a human nature that’s more spiritual, more loving, more together with its roots. There is a sacrifice in it—sacrifice to try to elevate spiritually. Many of the tracks are inspired by poetry, in particular the flowering of Armenian and Russian verse in the late-19th and early-20th centuries.”

For more information on AGBU Performing Arts, visit www.agbuperformingarts.org.

Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world’s largest non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural, and humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 500,000 Armenians around the world.

By Ani Melkonian

YEREVAN—Armenia Tree Project (ATP) is not just any environmental NGO. It is one of those great stories you wish you could be a part of. A story set in the early 1990’s about an Armenian-American activist named Carolyn Mugar who had the wisdom and foresight to start an organization that would work to prevent Armenia from desertification.

Volunteer Natalie Shahbol planting her first tree with ATP at Yerevan’s Pokr Mher Military Educational Complex

Flash-forward 22 years later and the organization is responsible for planting more than five million trees throughout Armenia and Artsakh. ATP has created hundreds of green jobs in Armenia and even taken important strides in the sphere of environmental education. Its mission is larger than life: planting and caring for trees, these mystic beings without which life on earth would not be possible.

The story has inspired thousands of people as well as organizations such as Birthright Armenia, Armenian Volunteer Corps and the U.S. Peace Corps, whose volunteers have offered their time and skills to ATP over the years.

Birthright Armenia in particular aims to tie diasporan youth to the homeland and to strengthen their identity through volunteer service and internships. So, naturally, ATP and Birthright have collaborated for many years.

“Partnerships multiply the reach, the impact and the value that each organization creates. Our 12-year collaboration with ATP embodies this spirit,” says Birthright Armenia Country Director Sevan Kabakian.

“Volunteering with ATP offers the perfect opportunity to give back and make a difference. It makes for a rich and diverse experience. Whether you’re looking to learn and see more of Armenia, exchange skills, work with village residents, or help educate children in the ways of the environment,” explains Communications and Outreach Manager Kristine Hovsepyan, who also manages ATP’s volunteer program. “Whether you’re a ‘treehugger’ or just someone who cares about nature and people, ATP has a green job for you.”

There are several areas where volunteers can assist ATP: in the Community Tree Planting program, the Forestry division, the Environmental Education department, the PR department or at one of ATP’s tree nurseries.

Natalie Shahbol, a Water Science major from California was the latest ATP volunteer from Birthright. During her two-month stay Natalie went to Karin Village on a weekly basis to assist with lessons at the Michael and Virginia Ohanian Environmental Education Center. Her activities included assisting the teacher, preparing presentations, and conducting games and activities for visiting schoolchildren.

A group of volunteers from Birthright Armenia helped ATP establish a small community forest in Paruyr Sevak Village.

“Having the chance to interact and learn from students has to be one of my favorite parts of volunteering at ATP,” says Natalie.

Details about ATP’s volunteer program are posted on the “Get Involved” tab of their website. Typically, volunteers are required to be a part of the Birthright Armenia program, which provides some financial support and structure including homestay housing, language training and a network of other volunteers who participate in excursions and group events.

Candidates for the ATP program must be 20-32 years old and must have graduated from high school. Candidates must also have a minimum stay of four weeks in Armenia in order to be able to volunteer for ATP, and placement depends on the candidate’s background and specific area of interest which should be outlined in their ATP application form.

“When it comes to non-profits, every small action contributes to something bigger.

Ultimately, when volunteering for ATP you are volunteering in the greening of Armenia so if the cause strikes a chord with you then be prepared to get your hands and shoes muddy,” notes Hovsepyan. “If this speaks to you then it’s time to sign up and help create a greener, more sustainable Armenia.”

Armenia Tree Project has planted more than five million trees since its inception in 1994. The NGO is the only major tree planting program in the country and in its 22 years has successfully established four nurseries, two environmental education centers and has greened community areas in every province of Armenia and Artsakh. In the process, the organization has provided employment for hundreds of people and provided vital resources to thousands of village residents. For more information, visit the website www.armeniatree.org.

Los Angeles-based art director and first-time author Dicran Y. Kassouny has published an elegant and important volume, 100 Years Strong: The Armenian Genocide in Posters 1915-2015. The book is a visual compilation and analysis of Armenian Genocide and post-genocide era posters produced in the United States and Great Britain in the 1910’s and 1920’s, and by Diaspora Armenian organizations starting in the 1970’s through 2015.

The cover of 100 Years Strong: The Armenian Genocide in Posters 1915-2015

Kassouny showcases close to 90 genocide posters, some never-before-seen, categorizing them chronologically under four headings: “Near East Relief and Foreign Charity,” “National Identity,” “Struggle and Sacrifice,” and “Commemoration and Recognition.” The book includes a comprehensive “Instead of a Forward” section, titled “The Evolution of the Armenian Question,” penned by Kassouny’s father, Yervant H. Kassouny, Ph.D. The article provides a lucid narrative of the political, geopolitical, social, and economic dimensions of the injustices inflicted on the Armenian nation since the 19h century.

Under the heading “Near East Relief and Foreign Charity,” Kassouny discusses the importance of the posters produced by the American Near East Relief Committee and by the British Lord Mayor’s Fund in collecting charitable funds in support of the stricken victims of the Near East during and after World War I. In doing so, the posters bear witness to the brutal atrocities committed against the native Armenian population of the region, which endured genocide, famine, and forced deportations. They also enrich our knowledge of the massive international humanitarian and charitable efforts that, at the time, succeeded in raising close to $117 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance to the region, while the Lord Mayor’s Fund raised tens of thousands of British pounds.

Not unlike the American and European Genocide posters, the posters produced in different corners of the Armenian Diaspora, such as in the Armenian communities of Lebanon, Iran, Canada, Cyprus, and the United States, drew attention to the calamity with the aim of commemorating the memory of the victims, mourning the loss of homeland, demanding justice, reparations and the return of the homeland, appealing to the world for justice and recognition, and recognizing the heroes of the armed struggle for justice.

Kassouny’s 100 Years Strong is a fitting and visually rich tribute to the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Its collection of historically important posters marks the different stages of the ongoing development of the Armenian nation, in particular, the growth of its diaspora since the tragedy that befell the nation 100 years ago.

100 Years Strong: The Armenian Genocide in Posters 1915-2015 is available on Amazon.com at http://goo.gl/mzaTjw. For more information, visit 100yearsstrong.com or kassounydesignstudio.com.

Rep. Klint Kesto: ‘We Must Make Every Effort to Ensure our Youth Are Taught the History of Genocide’

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.—On June 27, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed into law HB4493 mandating the teaching of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, as well as other genocides in Michigan public schools. This new law recommends a total of 6 hours devoted to the teaching of genocides at some point within Grades 8-12.

On June 27, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed into law HB4493 mandating the teaching of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust, as well as other genocides in Michigan public schools.

Both the Armenian and Jewish community of southeastern Michigan combined grassroots efforts to advance the bill.

The official signing of this law took place at the Holocaust Memorial Center in Farmington Hills. Several members were present from the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Michigan that were instrumental, including Lara Nercessian (chair), Raffi Ourlian, Ara Topouzian, Hayg Oshagan, Helena Bardakjian, Shant Jamgotchian, Toros Chopjian, Ani Attar, and Hovig Kouyoumdjian.

The ANC of Michigan worked alongside the Armenian Genocide Education Committee, led by Edward Haroutunian. Other committee members included Gregory Dildilian, Father Hrant Kevorkian, and Father Shant Barsoumian.

“This is an extremely important day for our ancestors. After over a hundred years, the children in Michigan will learn about all forms of genocide, such as the Armenian Genocide and Jewish Holocaust. They say history can repeat itself if we do not learn from it. Hopefully the children of the future will learn and understand so as never to see such violent crimes against humankind again,” said Nercessian.

HB4493 is co-sponsored by Rep. Klint Kesto (Mich.-39), a long-time friend of the ANC of Michigan. In April 2015, he co-sponsored the House resolution (HR-61) commemorating the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide.

“It has been an honor to work with the Jewish and Armenian communities as we advanced this legislation. In a time when genocide is occurring now in the Middle East, we must make every effort to ensure our youth are taught the history of genocide, so they may understand the world around them, and have the skills to prevent future genocides,” said Kesto.

Governor Snyder will appoint a 15-member genocide education panel, which is also required by this new law.

WASHINGTON—A bright and determined group of students from across the U.S. arrived at the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) offices for the 31st annual session of the Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Program, a landmark civic initiative that trains Armenian American youth to serve as effective ambassadors of the Armenian Cause.

“For over 30 years, the ANCA has been blessed with more than 200 bright and committed university students—from across North and South America and around the world—all committed to expanding their leadership and advocacy skills in service to the Armenian Cause,” said ANCA Legislative Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian. “Today they serve in all aspects of Armenian American community life—advancing American civic virtues and the Armenian nation’s core values wherever they go.”

ANCA Legislative Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian with Leo Sarkisian Summer Interns Peter Sahagian, Alyssa Dermenjian, Nayiri Partamian, and Paul Iskajyan.

Each of this year’s interns— Alyssa Dermenjian, Paul Iskajyan, Nayiri Partamian, and Peter Sahagian— chosen through a competitive application process, are looking forward to a life-changing experience, with the hope of making a difference on a nation-wide scale.

Interns, who participate in a wide variety of projects based on their individual interests, are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the American political system. Their bi-weekly lecture series features guest speakers, including public officials and Armenian American leaders.

The ANCA Leo Sarkisian Summer interns and friends at the annual charity Congressional Baseball game.

The first week included an in-depth discussion with Nagorno-Karabagh Republic Representative to the U.S. Robert Avetisyan regarding the challenges and opportunities facing Artsakh and the Armenian nation. Later in the week, interns joined with Armenian Ambassador Grigor Hovhannisyan in celebrating the 65^th anniversary of the Voice of America— Armenia Service with the dedicated journalists of the department and community leaders who have supported the program. The annual tradition of cheering on pro-Armenia Senate and House members at the charity Congressional Baseball game continued— with the Republican team winning this year.

NKR Representative to the U.S. Robert Avetisyan and ANCA Legislative Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian with ANCA Leo Sarkisian Interns

The ANCA Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship is running in parallel to a series of summer legal fellowships, organized in coordination with the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program. Shahan Goenjian, Knarik Gasparyan, and Anna Mehrabyan are spending the summer researching a broad range of Armenian rights and reparations related issues— all the while exploring various legal opportunities Washington DC has to offer.

The ANCA’s Kate Nahapetian with Anna Mehrabyan, Knarik Gasparyan, and Shahan Goenjian.

Leo Sarkisian Summer Interns and Legal Fellows with Armenian Ambassador to the US Grigor Hovhannisian and ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.

Meet the 2016 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Participants

Alyssa Dermenjian

Alyssa Dermenjian is a junior at the California State University of Northridge. She is majoring in Political Science- Law and Science and minoring in English- Writing and Rhetoric. Alyssa is a former intern of the ANCA-Western Region and is currently serving on the Government Affairs committee. She is also an active member in the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) North Valley “Artsakh” Chapter, With Our Soldiers AYF Campaign, Armenian Relief Society (ARS) North Valley “Lori” Chapter, and a member of the ARS Javakhk Fund Committee.

“I am honored to participate in the Leo Sarkisian Internship. I am eager to learn how the Armenian nation is represented within the American political system. I intend on applying this knowledge and acquired skills to educate others on the importance of unity and community involvement.” She added: “I look forward to putting my new skills to work here in America, and in my future work in Armenia and Javakhk.”

Paul Iskajyan

Paul Iskajyan is a rising junior at U.C. Berkeley, majoring in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and minoring in public policy. He is currently serving in his second year as a board member for Berkeley’s Armenian Students’ Association (ASA). He is also involved in his school government and is the Chief of Retention for Student Action, a student political party. Apart from the Leo Sarkisian Internship he is active in the Armenian Youth Federation, ANCA Hye-Votes, Habitat for Humanity, Homenetmen, and his Residential College. “Just a few days into the program it is very clear that this incredible opportunity puts young Armenians in positions to affect change. Not only are we applying what we learned in our classrooms to real world politics, but we are also learning from the program and our Armenian peers.”

Nayiri Partamian

A recent graduate and 2016 Fulbright Finalist-Austria from the University of California, Irvine and the University of Vienna, Austria, Nayiri Partamian possesses a B.A. in International Studies with a focus in European Languages in German, French, Italian and Croatian. She is also active in the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), United Human Rights Council (UHRC), and the AYF’s With Our Soldiers (WOS) campaign in the Western Region. Her main interest is business relations between Armenia and the West. “I hope to better understand the cross-cultural relations between Armenians and other similar cultures: Lebanese, Serbians, Greeks, etc. through business relations conducted between their countries. Armenia has been building business relations with France for example with France-Arménie International Résau (FAIR) and although I do wish to see Armenia become part of the EU someday, I am here to first learn about how Armenia conducts private business relations with countries aside from their own neighbors in the Caucasus.”

Peter Sahagian

Peter Sahagian is a rising senior at Tufts University in Medford, Mass. He is currently studying International Relations, with a concentration in the Middle East and South Asia, as well as Arabic. At Tufts, Peter is a member of the local Armenian Club and attends events, dinners, and dances at both Tufts and other northeastern universities. In addition to his studies, Peter is a parishioner of the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe in Haverhill, Mass., and an active member of the Church’s chapter of the ACYOA. He also worked as a volunteer-intern for the United Independent Party in Massachusetts where he helped campaign to raise voter registration and party awareness. “I hope to gain invaluable work experience from a professional setting that I will take with me as I begin my career after college. I have always been interested in my culture and heritage which is reflected in my work at church. However, I have not been heavily involved in the nationwide Armenian-American community and the organizations that serve its interests. Therefore, I am immersing myself in ANCA’s Leo Sarkisian Internship program as it provides me with just the opportunity to help realize the goals of the Armenian Americans everywhere.”

Meet the 2016 Legal Fellows

Knarik Gasparyan

Knarik Gasparyan holds M.Sc. in Security Studies from UCL School of Public Policy and is currently a Juris Doctor Candidate at USC Gould School of Law. Her interests include international and cyber security, and Intellectual Property and Government Relations law. “The Law Fellowship is a unique opportunity to be exposed to the many facets of the legal profession, and gain first-hand experience in international law and government relations arena. Be it working with the attorneys on relevant legal issues, participating in events or networking with prominent legal practitioners and academics, it all helps me to better understand the field and the stakeholders, expanding what I believed possible for my legal career.”

Shahan Goenjian

Shahan Goenjian is a third year law student at the Pepperdine University School of Law, and member of the Armenian Law Students Association. He is interested in a legal career in the shipping industry, which entails international business, maritime, and insurance law. He received his B.A in History with a minor in Economics from the University of California – Riverside. “The legal internship serves a dual purpose—both for the community and for me, personally,” explained Goenjian. “The Armenian Cause is furthered and as a law student I am gaining valuable legal research and writing experience which will undoubtedly help me procure further employment as a legal professional.”

Anna Mehrabyan

Anna Mehrabyan is a rising 2nd year student at American University seeking a B.A. in Law and Society with a minor in International Service. She is a Politics, Policy, and Law Scholar, and will be graduating with the rest of her program in 2018. She is the current Vice President of the Armenian Students Association of American University and helped organize cultural events and showcases last year. Anna is also an avid singer of Armenian folk music and often gives concerts at St. Stepanos Church in New Jersey. She is passionate about constitutional law and hopes to attend law school after receiving her undergraduate degree. “I am incredibly excited to work with the team as part of the Capital Gateway Program,” said Mehrabyan. “I hope to learn more about the legal history of Armenia and the international law surrounding its existence and issues.”

By Paul Boghosian

Robert “Bob” Semonian died at age 77 on June 22 following a prolonged bout with colon cancer.

Bob Semonian

Bob had a distinctive and driven personality that gave impetus to his legendary networking abilities as a vitally social member of the Massachusetts Armenian community. As a gregarious patriot of Armenian causes and organizations, he made continuous and significant contributions to the Knights of Vartan, National Association for Armenian Studies and Research, Armenian Library Museum of America, Armenian Tree Project, and St. James Armenian Church among many other Armenian civic and community organizations that made him the “Uncle Bob” of the Armenian community.

Bob was also a 45-year member and past president of the Armenian Students Association. As a life member, he served on the board of trustees until his passing.

Over the years, Bob’s reputation and his extensive national, political, and business contacts made him the “go to” person to the Armenian organizations and prominent leaders whenever fundraising was needed for projects that benefitted the Armenian community.

In recent years, as chairman of the Speaker’s Committee of the Men’s Club of St. James Armenian Church, Bob arranged dozens of prominent Armenians to speak who provided inspiration, guidance, and leadership to this always-popular program that attracted hundreds of people each month.

As treasurer of the “Improper Bostonian,” founded by Bob’s nephew Mark Semonian, Bob became further known as an accomplished networker throughout the greater Boston business, civic, and political communities. His welcoming spirit soon made him known as “Uncle Bob” to them as well.

Bob’s leadership in the aftermath of the 1988 Armenian earthquake as a founding director of the Boston Earthquake Coalition, he was responsible for generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in products, merchandise, and donations for humanitarian relief in Armenia. His networking talents got the mayor of Boston involved in helping raise money and provide aid to the Armenian victims of the devastating earthquake, including arranging a team of more than 30 doctors to be sent to Armenia.

Bob had a passion for politics and was a longtime leader in Massachusetts Republican circles. He was particularly proud of being a delegate from Massachusetts at eight Republican National Conventions. He was a highly valued member of the Massachusetts Republican establishment and was state chairman for Pat Buchanan’s and Pat Roberston’s presidential campaigns.

Bob’s Republican activities included providing significant assistance in organizing ethnic groups throughout the state—particularly the Armenian, Asian, and Indian communities—to support the Republican candidacies of William Weld, Mitt Romney, and Charlie Baker. He was extremely well regarded by the Republican governors and appointed to various commissions during their administrations because of his dedicated work and support. Bob was touched by a lengthy conversation with Governor Baker while he was in the hospital.

At one point, he served as chairman of the Watertown Republican Town Committee. He was the Massachusetts state vice chairman for Ronald Reagan, and NATIONALITIES CHAIRMAN in the state. Through his nationwide political contacts, Bob provided the vitally important link to get eight states to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

As an avid traveler, Bob took great pride in representing the Boston Armenian community at the Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe at conferences that took place in Brussels, Budapest, Venice and Uppsala, and Sweden. Bob always enjoyed the companionship and the associations he developed throughout the United States, particularly in California, and the friends he made in South America.

Born and raised in Watertown, the son of Leon and Veron Semonian, Bob was a lifelong resident and thoroughly enjoyed the community life of the city. He was regarded as a convivial and always-to-be-counted-upon friend, contributor, and associate of all the organizations to which he belonged.

Bob leaves his brothers, Leon and wife Marion, and Suren and wife Carol; his late sister Grace and Harry Ahmadjian; his nephews Mark Semonian and Paul Semonian; his nieces Wendy Semonian, Nancy Day, Janis Baer, June Darmanian, Joan Ahmadjian, the late Leslie Semonian, and innumerable close friends.

Funeral services were provided by the St. James Armenian Church of Watertown on June 28.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. James Armenian Church (for the Leslie Semonian Computer Center) or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Brookline, Mass. (for Leslie’s Links Ewing Sarcoma Fund).

Action to Provide Refugee Assistance to Armenia, Continued Aid to Artsakh, Increased Support for Armenia

WASHINGTON, DC–The full U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee–following the lead of Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)–voiced their continued support for direct U.S. aid to Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh/NKR) on June 29. The program has, with bipartisan backing, provided humanitarian aid to the citizens of NKR since 1998, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The Senate spending panel also recommended funding to support assistance for refugees in Armenia, a major ANCA legislative priority.

Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.)

With respect to refugee assistance to Armenia, the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 State and Foreign Operations Spending bill includes the following report language: “The Committee supports assistance for refugees in Armenia, particularly minority groups from the Middle East who have fled persecution and conflict in Syria and Iraq.”

With regard to Nagorno-Karabagh, the report language reads: “The Committee recommends assistance for victims of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict in amounts consistent with prior fiscal years, and for ongoing needs related to the conflict. The Committee urges a peaceful resolution of the conflict. The Committee recognizes that Nagorno-Karabagh has a per capita landmine accident rate among the highest in the world, and that mine clearance programs have been effective where implemented. The Committee is concerned with territorial restrictions on demining activities in the region and recommends continued funds for, and the geographic expansion of, such programs.”

Senate Appropriations Committee Ranking Democrat Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has been an ongoing supporter of demining efforts in Nagorno-Karabagh and around the world.

“We very much appreciate the work of U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) in supporting continued U.S. assistance to Nagorno-Karabagh and backing refugee assistance for Armenia,” remarked ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We value the U.S. Senate’s strong support for demining efforts in Nagorno-Karabagh and look forward to working with House and Senate leaders to increase funding levels for Nagorno-Karabagh and also to ensure that rehabilitation programs there are fully supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development.”

“The ANCA also welcomes the Senate’s acknowledgement that refugee assistance is urgently needed to help Armenia to effectively transition refugees fleeing Syria and Iraq,” added Hamparian.

The Senate Appropriations Committee made a specific recommendation of $24.1 million in aid to Armenia and $10.9 million for Azerbaijan. With respect to the International Military Education and Training program, the Senate spending panel provided $600,000 for Armenia and $1 million in Foreign Military Financing for Armenia.  Overall assistance to Armenia is $3 million more that President Obama’s budget request.

Earlier this year, the ANCA Legislative Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian submitted testimony to Congress, outlining the Armenian American community’s foreign aid priorities.  The Obama-Biden Administration released its FY2017 budget earlier this year which called for $22 million in U.S. economic assistance to Armenia while maintaining parity in appropriated military aid to both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The White House’s budget proposal did not cite a specific aid level for Nagorno-Karabagh no targeted funding for refugee assistance in Armenia.

Carnegie Corporation of New York, Established by Scottish Immigrant Andrew Carnegie, Thanks Immigrants for Contributions to America 

NEW YORK—On June 30, 100 LIVES and Aurora Prize Co-Founder Dr. Noubar Afeyan was named one of Carnegie Corporation of New York’s “Great Immigrants: Pride of America” honorees. Afeyan’s distinction identifies him as one of the most prominent and influential naturalized citizens in the United States. As Americans prepare to celebrate the most patriotic of their holidays on July 4, Carnegie Corporation of New York pays tribute to the role immigrants play in strengthening the country and its democratic society.

Noubar Afeyan

The Carnegie Corporation recognizes significant naturalized citizens every year to salute the legacy of Andrew Carnegie and other immigrants. Previous honorees include Aurora Prize Selection Committee Co-Chair Elie Wiesel, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, TV producer Lorne Michaels, and CEO and co-founder of Argo Tea Arsen Avakian, among others.

Afeyan has contributed a great deal to the American community, while honoring his Armenian descent. As founder, senior managing partner, and CEO of Flagship Ventures, Afeyan has helped build and foster more than 35 successful life science and technology startups. He has also contributed to the successful launch of 100 LIVES and the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, a new $1 million humanitarian award to be presented on April 24 of each year in Yerevan, Armenia. Afeyan also served as chairman for the National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide Centennial events that took place in May 2015 and brought over 2,000 Armenians to Washington, D.C.

Afeyan serves on a number of public and private company and organization boards, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, MIT Board of Trustees, UWC Dilijan College in Armenia, and an organization promoting economic development in Armenia.

Each year since 2006, the philanthropic foundation has recognized the contributions of naturalized citizens with its “Great Immigrants: The Pride of America” initiative. For 2016, the corporation named 42 honorees who represent some 30 different countries of origin, a wide range of personal immigration stories, and inspiring professional accomplishments.

“These accomplished Americans are immigrants like our forefathers, who founded this nation of nations,” said Vartan Gregorian, the president of Carnegie Corporation of New York. “They are representative of the millions of immigrants who have come to the United States for economic opportunity, education, political or religious asylum, security, or reunification with families and relatives. They, like all Americans, share a common faith in this country.”

Nearly 9 million legal permanent residents (LPRs) are currently eligible to naturalize and become U.S. citizens. In keeping with the mission of its founder, Andrew Carnegie, the corporation is committed to the integration of immigrants with the goal of helping them become citizens who can participate fully in our democracy. Together with grantees and partner organizations, the “Great Immigrants” initiative works to raise awareness about the naturalization process and provide helpful resources that will assist LPRs, including the free online application system Citizenshipworks. Carnegie Corporation also supports the New Americans Campaign, the nation’s largest network of non-profits focused on naturalization.

The 2016 Great Immigrants and their countries of origin are:

Noubar Afeyan, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, philanthropist (Lebanon)

Selu Alofipo, artist, White House “Champion of Change” honoree (Island of Samoa)

Samantha Bee, actress, comedian (Canada)

Len Blavatnik, industrialist, philanthropist (Ukraine)

Roberta Capp, assistant professor, University of Colorado Medical School; Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science recipient (Brazil)

Jim Carrey, actor, comedian (Canada)

Mariano Castillo, journalist; Soros Fellowship for New Americans recipient (Peru)

Marcelo Claure, president and CEO, Sprint (Bolivia)

Nadia Comaneci, five-time Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics (Romania)

Ronald J. Daniels, president, Johns Hopkins University (Canada)

Michaela DePrince, ballerina, Dutch National Ballet (Sierra Leone)

Jaha Dukureh, founder, Safe Hands for Girls (Gambia)

John L. Estrada, U.S. ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago (Trinidad and Tobago)

Florent Groberg, U.S. Army captain, retired; Congressional Medal of Honor and Bronze Star Medal recipient (France)

Peter Blair Henry, dean, Leonard N. Stern School of Business, New York University (Jamaica)

Farnam Jahanian, provost, Carnegie Mellon University (Iran)

Sally Jewell, U.S. secretary of the interior (England)

Jan Koum, co-founder and CEO, WhatsApp (Ukraine)

Fei-Fei Li, director, Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab and Stanford Vision Lab (China)

Viet Long, brigadier general, U.S. Army (Vietnam)

Iqram Magdon-Ismail, co-founder, Venmo (Zimbabwe)

Vikram Malhotra, chairman of the Americas, McKinsey & Company (India)

Mehret Mandefro, physician, anthropologist, filmmaker (Ethiopia)

Michael Moritz, chairman, Sequoia Capital (Wales)

Bharati Mukherjee, National Book Critics Circle Award-winning author (India)

Peter A. Nadosy, managing partner, East End Advisors (Hungary)

Graham Nash, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter

Jaqueline H. Nguyen, judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit (Vietnam)

Deogratias Niyizonkiza, founder and CEO, Village Health Works (Burundi)

Bennet Omalu, forensic pathologist, discoverer of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, CTE (Nigeria)

Jorge M. Pérez, chairman and CEO, Related Group of Florida (Argentina)

Thuan Pham, CTO, Uber Technologies, Inc. (Vietnam)

Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google (India)

Ana Luz Porzecanski, director, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History (Bolivia)

Wolfgang Puck, chef and restaurateur (Austria)

Azita Raji, U.S. ambassador to Sweden (Iran)

Shaiza Rizavi, partner, Gilder, Gagnon, Howe & Co. (Pakistan)

Isabella Rossellini, actress, model, filmmaker (Italy)

Aziz Sancar, Nobel Prize-winning biochemist; president emeritus, Aziz and Gwen Sancar Foundation (Turkey)

Piers J. Sellers, former NASA astronaut; deputy director, NASA Sciences and Exploration Directorate (England)

Hari Sreenivasan, anchor and senior correspondent, PBS NewsHour (India)

Fernando Valenzuela, Major League Baseball pitcher, retired (Mexico)

Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. In keeping with this mandate, the corporation’s agenda focuses on the issues that Andrew Carnegie considered of paramount importance: international peace, the advancement of education and knowledge, and the strength of our democracy.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.—The Telly Awards has named Ara Topouzian as a bronze winner in the 37th Annual Telly Awards for his film documentary titled, “Guardians of Music: A History of Armenian Music in Detroit.” With more than 13,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries, this is truly an honor.

The Telly Awards has named Ara Topouzian as a bronze winner in the 37th Annual Telly Awards for his film documentary.

“Guardians of Music” is a one-hour film documentary produced and narrated by 2012 Kresge Artist Fellow Ara Topouzian, a Detroit Armenian musician that benefited from the history of the Armenian music masters. The film features visits to local metro Detroit locations where Armenian music was once prominent, as well as rare interviews with some of the musicians and nightclub patrons of that era. Topouzian shares rare photographs, film archives, and newspaper clippings that promoted music in the clubs and dance halls, showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of the Detroit multicultural music scene during that time period.

On March 16, 2015, “Guardians of Music” made its premiere on Detroit Public Television (DPTV). As part of Armenian Heritage Night, the documentary helped raise more than $70,000 for DPTV in one evening.

“I am honored that my film won a Telly Award, especially under the category of Best Use of Music—seems very appropriate!” said Topouzian.

The Telly Awards was founded in 1979 and is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and online commercials, video, and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.

A prestigious judging panel of over 500 accomplished industry professionals, each a past winner of a Silver Telly and a member of the Silver Telly Council, judged the competition, upholding the historical standard of excellence that Telly represents. The Silver Council evaluated entries to recognize distinction in creative work. Entries do not compete against each other; rather, they are judged against a high standard of merit.

“The Telly Awards has a mission to honor the very best in film and video,” said Linda Day, executive director of the Telly Awards. “Ara Topouzian’s accomplishment illustrates his creativity, skill, and dedication to his craft and serves as a testament to great film and video production.”

For more information about “Guardians of Music: A History of Armenian Music in Detroit,” visit https://hyetimesmusic.com/guardiansofmusic/.

Jeffrey Jones in ‘On Air’

SAN DIEGO, Calif.—Scripps Ranch Theatre, located on the campus of Alliant International University, presents its 5^th annual “Out on a Limb—New Plays from America’s Finest City,” for two weekends, July 14-17 and July 21-24. Scripps Ranch Theatre is a leader in the Southern California arts community in developing and producing new plays. The festival features all new, world-premiere plays written by area playwrights.

One featured play at this year’s festival is “On Air,” written by Armenian-American playwright, Lisa Kirazian. In “On Air,” a young Armenian-American professor at a San Diego community college navigates his family obligations and professional ambitions against the backdrop of a campus in crisis from the Vietnam War.

San Diego Critics Circle Award-winning Equity actor, Jeffrey Jones, also of Armenian heritage, will appear in “On Air,” in the leading role.

Kirazian’s plays include “On Air,” “The Blackstone Sessions,” “Switch,” “The Visitor,” “Soul Fire,” “Six Views,” and “Armenian Voices,” with productions in Los Angeles, San Diego, and New York. Her publications include pieces in Audition Monologues for Young Women, the Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union Tribune, Performing Arts Magazine, and The Dramatist. Kirazian is a San Diego native and Stanford graduate. She blogs about writing at lisakirazian.wordpress.com. Her website is www.lisakirazian.com.

“On Air” will be directed by Liz Shipman, a nationally recognized director, choreographer, acting teacher, and co-artistic director of the Meisner/Chekhov Integrated Training (MCIT) Studio in San Diego.

The founder and director of the festival, Robert May, shared, “We are excited to be gearing up for our 5^th Annual Festival of New Plays. At Scripps Ranch Theatre we continue to look for ways to encourage development of new works from our diverse community that reflect the San Diego experience. This year, three of the four winning scripts are written (and directed by) women. Historically, women playwrights are under-represented and produced. The abundance of female talent in this festival is incredible and reflects a shift in that paradigm. We are also excited to watch the growth of Lisa’s play ‘On Air’ from its original one-act production in the first ‘Out on a Limb’ Festival in 2012 to a full-length production in 2016.”

“On Air” runs from July 21-24 at 8 p.m. Thursday performances are $16. Friday/Saturday performances are $20. For more information, call (858) 578-7728 or visit www.Scrippsranchtheatre.org.

Cover of volume 24 of the Journal of the Society for Armenian Studies

The Society for Armenian Studies recently announced the release of volume 24 of the Journal of the Society for Armenian Studies (JSAS), edited by Dr. Sergio La Porta. Volume 24 includes 5 articles, 4 communications, an addendum, a review essay, and 3 book reviews. The articles in this issue address topics in art history, the Armenian Genocide, Armenian identity, and contemporary church history.

The volume begins with an essay by Cristelle Baskins that analyzes the representation of the Armenian merchant Khoja Sefer in the Quirinal Palace in Rome. Based upon a wide array of archival documents, Baskins provides a vivid depiction of Khoja Sefer’s travels to Italy as well as of the variety of identities he could embody.

In his article, Dickran Kouymjian investigates the book illuminations of the somewhat overlooked book artist, Grigor Marzvanec‘i. Working in the first half of the 18th century, Marzvanec‘i produced a number of large illuminated works that continued to be used and copied after the artist’s death.

Khatchig Mouradian’s examination of the Meskeneh concentration camp presents the camp as a case study of how prisoners collaborated with, appeased, manipulated, or resisted the system in order to survive. In doing so, Mouradian explores the dynamics of camp life and restores agency to the deportees who inhabited them.

In his essay, Daniel Fittante examines the theoretical debate surrounding the question of Armenian identity and argues that theorists of Armenian identity have borrowed the terminology of nationalists who often use rigid models of national identity to describe a dynamic and fluctuating phenomenon.

In the first part of his two-part study of the last three catholicoi of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Levon Petrosyan examines the policies of Vazgen I and Garegin I and how these two catholicoi faced the challenges of the end of Soviet rule and of the early years of the Republic of Armenia.

In addition to these articles, volume 24 contains four communications on a wide range of topics. The first, by Albert Stepanyan, is a reexamination of the famous passage in Plutarch’s Life of Crassus that describes the defeat of the Roman general at Carrhae. The second, by Smbat Hovannisyan, is a reflection on how Braudel’s theory of civilizations can be applied to Armenian early modern history. In his communication, Stefan Ihrig emphasizes the utility of German sources as evidence for the perpetration of the Armenian Genocide. In their study, Russell Kashian and David Luhrssen use the Armenian settlement in South Milwaukee as a case study to examine patterns of ethnic clustering and dispersion.

Volume 24 also contains a review essay by Kouymjian on the recently published catalogue of the Alex and Marie Manoogian Museum in Detroit and three books reviews.

The Journal of the Society for Armenian Studies is a peer-reviewed journal and is published annually by the SAS. Copies of the latest volume, and back issues, are available by contacting the SAS secretariat by calling (559) 278-2669 or by e-mailing barlowd@csufresno.edu. Copies may also be ordered online at societyforarmenianstudies.com.

By Arpi Arukian

On Sat., May 21, the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) community gathered at the North Hills Country Club in Manhasset to celebrate its beloved school. The annual gala dinner dance, a lavish affair organized by the Friends of HMADS fundraising committee, once again proved itself to be the school’s most significant fundraiser. More than 200 friends and supporters socialized and danced the night away at the bittersweet event, which would be the last under the school leadership of adored principal Zarminé Boghosian, whose retirement was recently announced.

On May 21, the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS) community gathered at the North Hills Country Club in Manhasset to celebrate its beloved school.

The event was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. Representing the Armenian Ambassador at the United Nations Zohrab Mnatsaganian was Tigran Samvelian.

Guests were welcomed to North Hills Country Club by the Friends of HMADS Reservations Committee, a subcommittee of the dedicated group responsible for organizing the evening. During cocktail hour, everyone mingled, sipped cocktails, and sampled delicious appetizers from various hors d’oeuvres stations. The doors of the spacious ballroom then filled with guests of every facet of the HMADS family: benefactors, school board members, committee members, staff, parents, alumni, and students from the current graduating class. Guests ranged in age from young to young-at-heart, all with a common bond: love and praise for their beloved school and Armenian community.

Guests were welcomed to North Hills Country Club by the Friends of HMADS Reservations Committee, a subcommittee of the dedicated group responsible for organizing the evening.

The main festivities began as Friends of HMADS chairman Hovannes Malikyan welcomed everyone and expressed his appreciation for their continuous support. He then invited Boghosian to the podium to share the accomplishments of the school’s current students and alumni. Throughout the night, international singer Bartev entertained guests with his vocals, luring them to the dance floor, especially for “shoorch bars.” During a brief interlude from dancing, Friends of HMADS committee members approached tables and encouraged diners to try their luck in the raffle drawings for prizes that are generously donated each year by school supporters.

The gala dinner dance, co-chaired by Arpi Candan and Hagop Semerdjian, was once again a remarkable success, honoring Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School as the acclaimed academic institution that it is.

Haig Aghjayan

Haig Aghjayan, 80, of Lincoln, R.I., passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, June 30, at the Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Agnes (DerManuelian) Aghjayan; they were married for 55 years.

Born in Boston, Mass., he was the son of the late Malikof and Pailoon (Demirjian) Aghjayan.

Haig served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was a graduate of Providence College, earning a bachelor of arts degree. Haig was a very avid athlete, playing semi-professional football and baseball. He was a fan of all the New England sports teams, particularly the Red Sox and Patriots, loved music and spending time with his family and friends.

Besides his devoted wife, Haig leaves his two children, Pauline Getzoyan, and her husband, Ara, of Lincoln, and George M. Aghjayan, and his wife, Joyce, of Westminster; four loving grandchildren, Dalita Getzoyan, Christopher Aghjayan, and his wife, Katrina, Sarah Aghjayan, and Kathryn Aghjayan; a sister-in-law, Rose (DerManuelian) Vartanian; and a brother-in-law, Peter Kallanian. He also leaves many cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend a memorial service on Sat., July 9, at 2 p.m., in Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, followed by a grave blessing. In lieu of flowers, donations in Haig’s memory may be made to Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, R.I. 02909, or the D.A.V. Chapter 21, c/o James Pesetta (Commander), 21 Hunter Road, North Providence, R.I. 02904. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, Providence. For online condolences, visit boyleandsonfuneralhome.com.

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Condolences

The ARF Eastern Region Central Committee Extends its deepest condolences to former ARF Eastern Region Central Committee member Unger George Aghjayan, and his family, on the passing of Haig Aghjayan.

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The editors and staff of the Hairenik and Armenian Weekly newspapers extend their deepest condolences to the family of Haig Aghjayan.