On March 1, RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Ha-kobian received Chairman of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus and AGBU Central Board member Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Armenia Director Arpi Vartanian and AGBU Armenia Deputy Director Hovik Eordekian. Minister Hakobian emphasized the importance of implementing joint programs directed at solving key issues of pan-Armenian significance. Assistance programs for Syrian-Armenians organ-ized by AGBU and the Ministry are one of the most recent significant results of the cooperation. AGBU representatives briefed the Minister about their pro-gram of distributing winter clothing to Syrian-Armenians in Armenia. AGBU intends to continue

carrying out programs to assist Syrian-Armenians. Minister Hakobian proposed focusing on supporting those Syrian-Armenians who are taking their first steps in starting a business in Armenia.

ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION

The AGBU Central Board of Directors has announced that, at its meeting in Paris on February 1 and 2, 2013, Mr. Sam Simonian was elected Vice Presi-dent and Mr. Yervant Demirjian as Treasurer of the organization.

The Board also re-elected Berge Se-trakian as President; Sinan Sinanian as Vice President to serve with Mr. Simo-nian; Berge Papazian as Secretary and Sarkis Jebejian as Vice Secretary.

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTERAGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER Yerevan, Armenia

Issue 24, February - March, 2013 IN THIS ISSUE

AGBU Central Board Announcement (p. 1)

AGBU Delegation Received by RA Diaspora Minister (p. 1)

AGBU Delegation Visits Ukraine (p. 2)

AGBU Armenia Director Arpi Vartanian Visits NKR (p. 3)

Visit to AGBU “Hye Geen” Center in Talin (p. 4)

Warm Clothes to Syrian-Armenians (p. 4)

AGBU’s Surprise to Armavir Schoolchildren (p. 5)

Unforgettable Professional Experience in Europe (p. 5)

AVC Continues Virtual Tours for Students (p. 6)

AUA Enters a New Era (p. 7,8)

AGBU YP Yerevan Members Donated Blood (p. 8)

AGBU Yerevan Scouts: True to Their Word and Title (p. 9)

Lebanese-Armenian Benefactor Garbis Nazarian Awarded (p. 10)

Krekor Karaguezian New Chair of AGBU US Western District Committee (p. 10)

AGBU Summer Youth Pro-grams in Armenia (p. 11)

AGBU Educators Awarded (p. 12)

Sam Simonian Yervant Demirjian

AGBU DELEGATION RECEIVED BY RA DIASPORA MINISTER

AGBU Delegation at the RA Diaspora Ministry

Page 1

AGBU ANNOUNCES SAM SIMONIAN AS NEW VICE PRESIDENT AND YERVANT DEMIRJIAN

TREASURER OF CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(l-r) Vasken Yacoubian, Vice Secretary Sarkis Jebejian, Aris Atamian, Carol Aslanian, Noubar Afeyan, Treasurer Yervant Demirjian, President Berge Setrakian, Joseph Oughourlian, Arda Haratunian, Vice President Sam Simonian, Nazareth A. Festekjian and Vahe Gabrache.

Missing from photo: M. Michael Ansour, Joseph Basralian, Ruben Kechichian, Levon Nazarian, Berge Papazian, Vice President Sinan Sinanian, Dickran Tevrizian and Yervant Zorian.

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24, FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2013

Plans for a new AGBU Chapter in Ukraine are now underway, following an AGBU delegation visit to Kiev and Odessa on Feb-ruary 22-24. Delegation members met with political and community leaders to discuss the place and contributions of Armenians in Ukraine and ways in which a future AGBU Chapter can further strengthen them. The 300-500,000 strong Ukrainian-Armenian community is one of the oldest in Europe, tracing its roots to the beginning of the last millennium.

Ukraine Parliament member Arsen Avakov and his adviser Tigran Avagyan accompanied the AGBU representatives, comprised of AGBU Central Board Members Vasken Yacoubian and Yervant Zorian, AGBU Europe Board Mem-ber Nicolas Tavitian and AGBU Strategic Advisory Council Member Guy Markarian, throughout the trip. In Kiev, they met with Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Rybak and Mem-bers of Parliament Mher Mkhitaryan and Vilen Shatvoryan,

as well as the heads of several Parliamentary committees. Later that day, AGBU Europe Central Board member Gor Abgaryan joined the AGBU delegates, as well as Mr. Avakov and Mr. Avagyan, for further talks.

In Odessa, AGBU leadership caught a glimpse of the vi-brant Armenian diaspora communities that shape the country's social fabric. On Saturday, February 23, upon arriving in the city, they were welcomed by key commu-nity leaders from across Ukraine. In addition to meeting

with the city's Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Georgiy Muradyan, Archbishop Grigoris Buniatyan, Primate of the Ukrainian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and Odessa Armenian Community Chair Samvel Tigranyan, they paid their respects to the local Soviet World War II hero Marshal Hamazasp Babajanian during a memorial ceremony. At the nearby cultural center, they enjoyed a performance, including dance and opera pieces, organized in honor of their visit.

During their final meeting the following day, the delegation outlined concrete steps toward establishing the new AGBU Chapter, and ways to begin integrating Ukraine's Armenian diaspora into the organization's global network. With Mr. Avakov, his col-leagues Tigran Avagyan, Artyom Karadjian, and Alexander Avakov, they discussed initiating AGBU Young Professionals groups and establishing AGBU Armenian Virtual College laboratories in major Armenian communities within the country. Also on the agenda were plans to send students from Ukraine to Armenia through AGBU youth programs such as Camp Antranik, Discover Armenia, the Musical Armenia Program and the Yerevan Summer Internship Program.

As the weekend came to a close, Mr. Yacoubian com-mented on its success, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead, stating, "The Armenian community in Ukraine is a very important part of the Armenian world, and I am delighted that AGBU will be working here. We received a magnificent welcome, and could see how much potential there is. The onus is now also on AGBU to find the best ways to contribute for the benefit of the community here and the Armenian nation as a whole." His remarks under-score the great strides AGBU is making in expanding its global reach, fostering a deep sense of Armenian national identity that transcends borders.

Page 2

AGBU Delegation at the Parliament of Ukraine

Concert in Honor of the AGBU Delegation

AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian (right) and Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Volodymir Rybak (left)

AGBU DELEGATION VISITS UKRAINE TO LAY GROUNDWORK FOR NEW CHAPTER

Cultural Events and Working Meetings Mark Trip to Kiev and Odessa

AGBU ARMENIA DIRECTOR ARPI VARTANIAN VISITS REPUBLIC OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Between February 21-23, AGBU Armenia Director Arpi Vartanian visited the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) to meet with officials and become better acquainted with AGBU programs there. She was accompanied by Sassoun Baghdassarian, AGBU's NKR Program Coordinator. On February 21, Vartanian visited Schools #3 and #7 in Ste-panakert. She had the opportunity to witness first-hand the use of the XO laptops which children throughout Stepanakert, Shushi and Karintak are using in schools. The One Laptop Per Child program, launched in 2011, provides laptop computers to elementary schoolchildren. The innovative technology pro-gram, called the New Education Strategy (NUR) is imple-mented by the Fruitful Armenia Fund, in partnership with AGBU's on-the-ground support. Children, teachers, and even family members are benefiting from learning how to use the computers. With internet access at schools and throughout the city, new worlds have opened up for the children. Throughout her visit, students, teachers, parents and government officials commented on the benefits of the program. Later that day, Vartanian met with NKR President Bako Sa-hakyan. They discussed AGBU current and future programs. In particular, AGBU's latest project - the AGBU NKR Campus - was discussed. Vartanian noted that plans are underway to get the Campus operational as soon as possible. To that end, AGBU has invited the American University of Armenia, through its Extension Program, to begin operations before the Campus building is completed. So that NKR's population receives the maximum benefit, this part of the program will begin soon and will temporarily be housed in a location designated by the government. President Sahakyan expressed his highest regard for AGBU's role in the development and prosperity of our homeland and stressed the importance of this educational project. He looks forward to seeing it begin as soon as possible and expressed his support of the initiative. Vartanian met with Chairman of the NKR National Assembly Ashot Ghoulian. She briefed the Chairman on the status of the AGBU NKR Campus. The Chairman expressed his strong support for the project. He and Vartanian discussed other opportuni-ties for future collaboration. On February 22, Vartanian attended the rehearsal of the Karabakh Chamber Orchestra (KCO), where she had an opportunity to meet the musicians, the youngest of whom are just 16 years old. Since its establishment, and under the capable leadership of Maestro Gevork Mouradyan, KCO has revitalized the cultural life of Stepanakert. Today, only 5 of the 16 musicians are from

Armenia. Orchestra members contribute to developing the tal-ent of Karabakh’s youth. The concert hall is packed for each performance and the entire population looks forward to the concerts. With Mouradyan, and KCO Director Simon Sargsyan, Vartanian discussed some of the challenges facing the orches-tra. The orchestra was founded in 2004 at the request of former NKR President Arkady Ghoukassian, who approached AGBU to sponsor the project. AGBU proudly continues to sponsor this wonderful initiative. Later, Vartanian met with Minister of Culture Narine Agha-balyan in Shushi, where the Ministry recently relocated. The Minister emphasized KCO's impact on the cultural life of Kara-bakh and KCO's upcoming visit to Moscow to perform on April 24. Minister Aghbalyan and Vartanian discussed the challenges facing the Ministry and possible areas of cooperation, such as within the parameters of the AGBU NKR Campus. Vartanian met with Minister of Education Slava Asrian. Chal-

lenges facing the educational sector were discussed. Vartanian updated the Minister on the AGBU NKR Campus. He welcomed the new educational and cultural opportunities that will be provided for the people of Karabakh. During a meeting with NKR Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan and Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Aghabekian, issues and details pertaining to the AGBU NKR Campus were discussed. The Prime Minister specifically underscored the high regard in which he holds this new initiative, and his belief that it will be of great benefit to the people, and future, of Karabakh. Before returning to Yerevan, Vartanian met with Sergey Shahverdian, Head of the NKR Tourism Department. Shahverdian pre-sented the accomplishments of the tourism department, as well as the challenges facing tourism development in NKR.

For videos, please visit: AGBU Armenia Director in NKR, Arpi Vartanian Hosted by Artsakh TV or www.youtube.com/user/AGBUvideo

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24, FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2013

Page 3

Arpi Vartanian’s Meetings in NKR

Thanks to FAF and AGBU, Children at Schools Use XO Computers

The Government of the Republic of Armenia, the RA Diaspora Ministry’s Syrian-Armenians Relief Coordination Center NGO, AGBU, the Armenian Apostolic Church and others con-tinue various assistance programs for those Syrian-Armenians who were forced to move to Armenia due to the escalating conflict in Syria.

In January, a new assistance program - distrib-uting winter clothing - kicked off. Providing Syrian-Armenians with warm clothes to endure the cold winter of Armenia had become a mat-ter of considerable urgency, given that many of them had left their homes in Syria taking only items of vital importance.

Thanks to the generosity of German-Armenian philanthropist Mr. Suren Ohanian and his family, 16 tons of winter clothing and outerwear, for men, women and children of all ages, was sent to AGBU-Armenia. The clothing was transferred to the Syrian-Armenian Relief Coordination Center NGO. Cloth-ing was distributed at the AGBU and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Children's Center in Nor Nork. For just over two months, at least 3 times a week, volunteers from the AGBU Syrian-Armenians Assistance Committee, AGBU Yerevan Scouts, AGBU Yerevan Young Professionals and the Syrian-Armenian Relief Coordination Center NGO distributed cloth-ing to more than 1,000 families. The quantity of clothing so generously donated by Mr. Ohanian was so great that clothing was also donated to nearly 30 organizations such as orphan-ages, senior citizens centers and more throughout Armenia.

On March 22, Mr. Ohanian visited Armenia. At the AGBU-Armenia office, he met with AGBU representatives and members of the AGBU Syrian-Armenians Assistance Committee.

For videos, please visit: AGBU Distributes Warm Clothes to Syrian-Armenians or www.youtube.com/user/AGBUvideo

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24, FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2013

Page 4

VISIT TO THE AGBU “HYE GEEN” PREGNANT WOMEN’S CENTER IN TALIN

On April 2, AGBU Armenia Director Arpi Vartanian visited the AGBU “Hye Geen” Pregnant Women’s Center in Talin. She met with specialists working at the Center and talked to the women present at the day’s gathering. The women expressed their

gratitude to the founders of the Center and to AGBU. The group meetings provide an opportunity for the women to dis-cuss their needs, issues, concerns, and to form long-lasting bonds with one another. With Vartanian, they shared their con-cerns about the everyday problems they and their families face, such as unemployment, the need for a park for their children, how best to raise their children, and more. AGBU “Hye Geen” Center in Talin was established in 2009. It provides expectant mothers with regular medical examinations, training, pre-natal care and individual meetings and consulta-tions with doctors, psychologists and lawyers. The Center pro-vides care for up to 20 pregnant women at a time. The first AGBU Pregnant Women’s Center was established in 2002 in Gyumri. Later, similar centers were opened in Vanad-zor, Talin, Yeghvard and Yerevan. The goal of these centers is to improve the health of pregnant women and reduce the alarm-ing rates of infant mortality and complicated pregnancies in

Armenia. To date these centers have served the needs of more than 800 pregnant women. These Centers have become possible through the efforts of AGBU Souther California “Hye Geen” Committee.

Pregnant Women at AGBU Hye Geen Center in Talin

16 tons of Warm Clothes to Syrian-Armenians

German-Armenian Philanthropist Suren Ohanyan (front, center) at AGBU Yerevan Office

WARM CLOTHES TO SYRIAN-ARMENIANS

In 1987, in New York, AGBU established its first internship program, inviting youth of Armenian descent from all over the world to intern at some of the best companies and organizations in New York. Later, three more internship programs were added to the AGBU youth programs, in Paris (2003), Yerevan (2007) and Moscow (2011). This year’s Paris internship program is already underway and three 4th-year students of the French University of Armenia (UFAR), Yevgine Ter-Ohanyan, Lilit Arzoyan and Ani Galstyan are currently interning at prestigious companies such as Estrade, Azad and Harutyunyan law firm, Grant Thornton audit company and Voyage Loisirs tour agency. AGBU Europe has been cooperating with the French University of Armenia since 2005 sponsoring the internships of the best students of UFAR in Paris. One student from the Law, Marketing and Management Departments are selected each year. Be-tween March 24-April 22, these three students will have the once-in-a-lifetime oppor-tunity to live and work in Paris - interacting with their peers and making new connec-tions, sightseeing, enjoying the delicious French cuisine and experiencing springtime in Paris. They will also meet with the Armenian community. Since 2005, AGBU has sponsored the internships of 40 UFAR students in Paris.

AGBU’S SURPRISE TO ARMAVIR SCHOOLCHILDREN Semi-finals of the 7th Republican Interschool Chess Tournament

Between March 25-April 10, people of all ages throughout Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and Javakhk (Georgia) were once again submerged into the passions of chess. The winners of the 2nd phase continued to compete in the semi-finals of the 7th Republican Interschool Chess Tournament. Close to 5,000 students, ages 7-17, between grades 1-12 and representing over 1,000 schools, participate in the annual tournament, sponsored by the Chess Academy of Armenia, RA Ministry of Education and AGBU. During Round 1, the tournament was held within schools. Winning teams proceeded to Round 2 and competed against other schools within their same communities. Winners went on to regional semi-finals competitions. During the semi-finals, AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian, AGBU Armenia Director Arpi Varta-nian and AGBU Armenia Special Projects Coordinators Inessa Margaryan and Anna Aghajanyan visited all the regions of Armenia and Stepanakert to distribute prizes. All participating teams were awarded victory cups, sta-tionery sets and USB Memory sticks. Winners of the semi-finals received cellular phones and trophy cups. Se-lected regional chess academies, also received projectors. The regional winners will move on to compete in the national finals to take place in Tsakhkadzor (Kotayk re-gion) between May 7-10. AGBU will again provide awards to the winning teams and their coaches. While all semi-final tournaments and awards ceremonies were special, the visit to Armavir was exceptional – both for the students and for AGBU. Grandmaster Tigran Pet-rosyan, two-time Olympic Champion, accompanied the AGBU delegation to Armavir, helped distribute prizes and played a rapid chess match with the students. The unforgettable surprise visit by the Grandmaster is sure to prove inspira-tional for these young students of chess who hope to one day follow in the footsteps of their hero. The awards ceremony in Yerevan was attended by the Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan, Chess Academy President Smbat Lputyan, AGBU Central Board Member Vasken Yacoubian and AGBU Armenia Director Arpi Vartanian. Since 2008, the Interschool Tournament, an initiative of the Armenian Chess Federation, under the auspices of the Republic of Armenia's Ministry of Education and Science, has produced many players who graduate to the professional level. One winner, when asked what she got out of playing chess, simply said, "Chess is my life."

For videos, please visit: 7th Republican Chess Tournament, In Armavir with T. Petrosyan, Semifinals in Gegharkunik, Semifinals in Artsakh or www.youtube.com/user/AGBUvideo

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24, FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2013

Page 5

UNFORGETTABLE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF EUROPE

AGBU Interns in Paris

Semi-finals of the 7th Republican Interschool Chess Championship

A different language is a different vision of life - the words of the great Federico Fellini best describe what the AVC virtual tours are all about. Thanks to these events, AVC students not only learn the Armenian language, but they also feel and live it, reas-sessing their visions and viewpoints on life, traditions, culture and art.

During the Winter 2013 academic term, AGBU’s Armenian Virtual College invited its students to two online social events, the religious holiday and ritual of Barekendan and a journey into the life of world-renowned Armenian-American artist Arshile Gorky. Designed to supplement the learning process with extra-curricular educational and entertaining programs, these events were added to the growing list of social activities conducted each academic term.

Special arrangements made by AVC online instructors set a very enthusiastic and entertaining mood

for the virtual tour of Barekendan, a pre-Lent holi-day of religious origin. True to the spirit of the ritu-als and celebrations that are associated with the holiday, the event was highly theatrical. AVC online instructors and students met in a live group video conference in costumes and masks.

The instructors demonstrated the Aklatis, a puppet made of onion and chicken feathers and resembling a scarecrow, shared the rhymes and songs of the holiday, as well as recipes for food and pastries ty-pically associated with that holiday.

Nay El-Helou, an AVC Student from Lebanon noted, “Before the tour, Barekendan was a word I didn’t understand. Through the tour I learned everything about this holiday. I hope I will be able to participate in it live one day as it is really interesting and means Good Life.”

The Arshile Gorky event was very warmly received by students. The participants were curious to

learn even more about the extraordinary life and works of the great artist. Some students were surprised to find out that the foun-der of the Abstract Expressionist art movement in post-World War II American painting was of Armenian origin.

The online instructors invited students to look beyond the tones and colors of Gorky’s work. Gorky’s brushstrokes were inspired by his lost Armenian highlands, by the azure tones of Lake Van and by the picturesque nature of his homeland in historic Arme-

nia. The event describing the artist’s extraordinary life moved some stu-dents to tears.

Henry Israyelian, AVC Student from Russia, shared his impressions on Gorky: “I was impressed by his great talent, by his ability to translate the Armenian soul into his paintings. The memory of the homeland he was born in always lived in his heart.”

Another student, William Luiz from the USA, spoke of Gorky’s life and art in a very expressive way, “I was impressed by the extreme hardships that Arshile experienced growing up and how he overcame them. His dedication to his work and family was seen by never perfecting his painting The Artist and His Mother. Arshile lived an amazing life that was unfor-tunately cut short with his early passing.”  

Past social activities with AVC include virtual tours to Armenia’s most prominent museums, sites of histori-

cal and cultural interest, virtual tours in the streets of Armenia’s capital Yerevan, and many others. In addition to enriching students’ knowledge and understanding of Armenian history and culture, both past and present, these instances of virtual, live socialization create an “on-campus” feeling

among students who are otherwise confined to an online learning environment. The list of events continues to grow under the careful assessment by AVC of students’ learning needs and in consideration of students’ expectations and demand for such events.

BAREKENDAN

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24, FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2013

Page 6

ARSHILE GORKY

A TRIP TO THE ARMENIAN SOUL AGBU Armenian Virtual College Continues Virtual Tours for Students

Gorky’s Famous The Artist and His Mother

The American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted its second Undergraduate Open House on Saturday, March 2, welcoming over 350 prospective students and their parents to campus for college tours, presentations, academic program visits, and faculty

and staff introductions. The event was part of the university’s outreach efforts for the Fall 2013 launch of AUA’s undergraduate program, which will offer majors in Business, Computational Sciences, and English & Communications. Staff members led information sessions about the new programs, financial aid opportunities, the application process, and career paths available to students after graduating from AUA.

Afterwards, students and parents engaged in a mock English class led by AUA Provost Dr. Dennis Leavens and partici-pated in an interactive scavenger hunt throughout the cam-pus. AUA students and alumni contributed by leading cam-pus tours and answering prospective applicants’ questions. The university offered another Open House on March 23, for prospective Graduate students, seeking information about AUA’s various master’s degree programs.

For more information on AUA’s Graduate Program, visit: http://aua.am/ugrad and http://aua.am/graduate.

The AGBU Papazian Library at the American University of Armenia is developing an institutional repository to preserve and disseminate archival material and academic work conducted at AUA.

To prepare for the transition, the Library organized an information session on February 22, 2013, inviting Carolyn Runyon, Digital Collections Archivist of the University of Cairo, to present the background and benefits of institutional repositories.

In her lecture, titled Using Institutional Repositories to Democratize Knowledge, Runyon presented the value of an institutional repository as both a promotional and a research tool.

An expert on institutional repository management, Runyon will assist AUA’s librarians and tech support team in the development of an institutional repository through a series of trainings and workshops.

During her presentation, Runyon explained the purpose of an institutional repository, describing it as an online locus to digitally disseminate the intellectual output of an institution. The new repository will allow AUA to pre-serve archival materials, as well as enhance the univer-

sity’s research profile. By increasing the availability of scholarly communications, academic work produced at AUA will re-ceive more views, more citations, and more recognition within the global audience.

In addition, the new institutional repository will serve as an invaluable learning tool making information more freely accessible at the university, according to Runyon. AUA students will benefit with more timely and effective academic research.

“If every scholarly work were free and searchable to teachers, school children, university students, and brilliant autodidacts, we would be able to use the internet as a true source of learning,” she explained, adding that it is with this hope in mind that AUA plans to create its own institutional repository.

AGBU Papazian Library at AUA to Establish New Institutional Repository

Undergraduate Open House at AUA

Potential Students Get Acquainted with AUA Programs, Courses and Scholarship Opportunities

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24, FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2013

Page 7

AUA UNDERGRADUATE OPEN HOUSE SHARES UNIQUE EXPERIENCE WITH PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

AGBU PAPAZIAN LIBRARY AT AUA TO ESTABLISH NEW INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY

The American University of Armenia reaffirmed its commitment to developing the study and practice of quantitative economics in Armenia at the public launching of its new Master of Science (MS) in Economics program on February 7. During the Open House, the program was introduced to prospective students, finance professionals and the broader community.

“AUA is proud to do what we can to improve the state of quantitative economics, econometrics, and economic model-ing in Armenia,” said AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian, emphasizing the significance of the new program, specifi-cally designed with Armenia’s needs in mind. “It is with these goals in mind that this program has been developed. We see it as a natural priority to build this kind of human capacity in Armenia, and a central component of Armenia’s economic future.” The new program, devised by AUA with the cooperation and encouragement of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA), will prepare students for careers and advanced studies in a wide range of fields in economics. Career options may include sectors such as public and private banking, insurance, con-sulting, quantitative analysis, and others. CBA’s new center in Dilijan will provide internship and job

opportunities for students, as well as engage students and graduates in extensive research and policy analyses projects under the guidance of prominent international and senior CBA researchers and policy makers. The February 7 event served as an opportunity to welcome Dr. David Blake, the recently appointed Interim Dean of AUA’s Col-lege of Business and Economics. Dr. Blake has joined AUA from the University of California, Irvine, where he previously served as Dean of the Paul Merage School of Business. Following opening remarks, Director of Admissions Arina Zohrabian highlighted AUA’s mission as an American institution of higher education, stressing the university’s principles and values. Zohrabian also presented the targeted learning outcomes of the program and practical applications of a Master of Science in Economics degree, underscoring the theoretical knowledge, quanti-tative skills and analytical abilities students will gain. After a brief reception, prospective students gathered for a detailed presentation about the university as whole, as well as the structure of the Master of Science in Economics program. AUA’s Financial Aid Coordinator Gayane Davoyan described financial assistance and scholarship opportunities, while Admis-sions Coordinator Karina Satamyan outlined the application process. The 15-month program is a division of the AUA College of Business and Economics and is scheduled to begin in Summer 2013. For updates and information, please send inquiries to Econ@AUA.am.

AUA Launches MS in Economics Program

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24, FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2013

Page 8

AGBU YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF YEREVAN VISIT ARMENIAN BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRY, DONATE BLOOD

On February 23, members of the AGBU Young Professionals (YP) Yerevan team visited the Ar-menian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) and donated blood to the charity trust. ABMDR was founded in 1999 as an independ-ent, non-governmental, non-profit organization. Its mission is to ensure that every ethnic Arme-nian struck with a life-threatening, blood-related illness can find hope for long-term survival through the identification of a genetically suit-able bone marrow match. Dr. Sevak Avagyan, ABMDR Executive Direc-tor, presented the organization’s activities, goals and achievements. YPs toured the center and became better ac-quainted with the facilities, equipment and ser-vices offered. Possible areas for future cooperation between the AGBU Young Professionals of Yerevan and the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry were also discussed during a separate meeting with Dr. Avagyan.

AUA TO CHANGE LANDSCAPE OF ECONOMICS STUDY IN ARMENIA AUA Offers Master of Science in Economics Program

AGBU Yerevan YPs Donate Blood

AGBU YEREVAN SCOUTS: TRUE TO THEIR WORD AND TITLE

The AGBU Scouts firmly believe that their duty as citizens is to always stand by our sol-diers. AGBU Yerevan Scout movement has some similarities with the army by its structure

and discipline. From time to time, they or-ganize visits to different military units to meet with the soldiers and express their sup-port.

Most recently, on the occasion of Interna-tional Book Day, AGBU Scouts visited the Nubarashen Military Unit and donated 500 books to the library. Books had been do-nated by the Scouts, their families and friends. The librarian at the Nubarashen Military Unit said there are a great number of soldiers who desire to read and, despite how tired they are, it is only a matter of pro-viding literature. The Scouts’ donation will most certainly provide interesting reading material for the conscripts.

Later, the scouts took time to become better acquainted with the soldiers. They described scouting life and learned about the everyday activities of the soldiers. The soldiers per-formed a brief concert program. The unit’s brass band performed musical pieces and the scouts joined them by singing along. Our national anthem was followed by the song Getashen. The scouts learned the history of the military unit, visited the unit’s museum, where the weapons and armaments from the Artsakh war are kept with care.

In past years, AGBU Yerevan Scouts have visited the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy, “Mouratsan” University Hospital and other sites.

Charity and lending a helping hand is one concept of the Scouting movement. These concepts are within the Scouts’ oath: Scouts pledge to always help each other and help others in need.

In January, Mr. Suren Ohanian, a German-Armenian philanthropist, donated 16 tons of winter clothing and outerwear to Syrian-Armenians who have recently sought shelter in Armenia. In Yerevan, the AGBU Scouts and Brownies played an instrumental role in helping to distribute the clothing. They generously donated their time, and actively and enthusiastically assisted the other volunteers.

On March 21, AGBU Scouts visited needy families, single mothers and families with many children in Gyumri and distributed more than 1,000 pieces of clothing for all age groups.

Hundreds of families benefited from Mr. Ohanian’s generosity. The Scouts played an important role in distributing the clothing, and, at the same time, learned the importance of helping others in need.

For videos, please visit: AGBU Yerevan Scouts help families in need in Gyumri or www.youtube.com/user/AGBUvideo

VISIT TO MILITARY UNIT

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24, FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2013

Page 9

AGBU Yerevan Scouts at Nubarashen Military Unit

VISITING GYUMRI

AGBU Scouts Distributing Clothing in Gyumri

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24, FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2013

Page 10

LEBANESE-ARMENIAN BENEFACTOR GARBIS NAZARIAN AWARDED WITH RA PRESIDENT’S MOVSES KHORENATSI MEDAL

At an official ceremony at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to Lebanon on March 7, RA Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Lebanon Ashot Kocharyan presented the RA President’s Movses Khorenatsi medal to prominent Lebanese-Armenian philanthropist Garbis Nazarian for his contribu-tion to the preservation of the Armenian identity and many other national and patriotic services.

The award ceremony was attended by Bishop Norayr Ashegyan, representative of the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I, Primate of the Lebanese-Armenian Diocese Archbishop Gegham Khacherian, Garbis Nazarian’s family members, representatives of the Armenian General Benevolent Union and the Armenian Youth Association, and numerous other guests.

For many years, Garbis Levon Nazarian, the 98-year-old veteran member of the AGBU, and the Nazarian family in general, have brought their invaluable contri-bution to the Armenian nation in the Diaspora and Armenia through AGBU and many educational and cultural programs, including the Armenian Embassy building in Lebanon. They also established the Garbis and Areg Nazarian Pub-

lishing Foundation.

Mr. Nazaryan has won numerous state awards and medals, as well as Pontifical Condacs.

RA President Serzh Sargsyan’s address was read by Ambas-sador to Lebanon Ashot Kocharyan, who also shared RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobian’s congratulatory message.

Jirayr Danielian, former Principal of the AGBU Tarouhi-Hovagimian School delivered a speech on behalf of the Nazarian family. AGBU President Berge Setrakian’s mes-sage was presented by Artoun Hamalian, Director of AGBU Education Department in New York City.

The AGBU Central Office has announced that Krekor Karaguezian has been appointed Chair of the U.S. Western District region for a term of two years beginning on January 1, 2013.

Mr. Karaguezian, a lifelong member of AGBU, has demonstrated a strong sense of leadership in the global Armenian community. He was active in the AGBU-AYA scouting movement in Beirut, and played an instrumental role in organizing the first scouting movement in California prior to taking on the Vice Chairman position of the AGBU Asbeds.

The following individuals have been appointed to serve under his leader-ship: Tom Alexanian, Vice Chair; Avedis Markarian, Treasurer; Aline Yete-rian, Secretary; and Julia Aghishian, Aram Aginian, Harry Balian, Benjamin Charchian, Silva Nazaretian and Krikor Simonian, members.

(l-r) Archbishop Gegham Khacherian, Garbis Nazarian and Ashot Kocharyan

Garbis Nazarian

Krekor Karaguezian

KREKOR KARAGUEZIAN NEW CHAIR OF WESTERN DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF UNITED STATES

AGBU DIASPORA YOUTH PROGRAMS IN ARMENIA FOR SUMMER 2013

ANTRANIK SCOUT CAMP

Ages: 13-18 Dates: July - August, 2013 Price: 100 USD (air travel not included)

For more information, please contact: New York Kevork Santourian +(212) 319 6383 +(374 10) 51 22 51 youth@agbu.org +(961 3) 37 52 24 www.agbu.org antranik.agbulb@yahoo.com www.agbu.am/am/children-youth-3/antranik-scout-camp

DISCOVER ARMENIA YOUTH TRIP

Ages: 15-18 Dates: August 5 - 22, 2013 Price: 1000 euro (air travel not included)

For more information, please contact: Hermine Duzian +(374 10) 51 22 51 +(374 93) 68 31 73 +(33 6) 76 48 58 73 hduzian@agbueurope.org www.discoverarmenia.org/ www.facebook.com/#!/AgbuDiscoverArmeniaYouthProgram

MUSICAL ARMENIA PROGRAM

Ages: 18 and over Dates: July 15 - August 4, 2013 Price: 1500 USD (air travel not included)

For more information, please contact: New York Yerevan +(212) 319 6383 Inessa Margaryan musicalarmenia@agbu.org + (374 10) 51 22 51 www.agbu.org/musicalarmenia

YEREVAN SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Ages: 18-26 Dates: June 22 - August 5, 2013 Price: 1950 USD (air travel not included) Scholarships available

For more information, please contact: New York Yerevan +(212) 319 6383 Anna Aghajanian ysip@agbu.org +(374 10) 51 22 51 www.agbu-internship.org

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24, FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2013

Page 11

Get the most up-to-date news, photos & videos about what’s happening!

AGBU: www.agbu.org and www.facebook.com/agbu.org AGBU Armenia: www.agbu.am and www.facebook.com/AGBUyerevan

AGBU Yerevan Young Professionals: www.facebook.com/ypyerevan AGBU Yerevan Scouts: www.facebook.com/AGBUScoutYerevan

AGBU Internships: www.agbu-internship.org AGBU Discover Armenia: www.discoverarmenia.org and www.facebook.com/#!/AgbuDiscoverArmeniaYouthProgram

Armenian Virtual College: www.avc-agbu.org and www.facebook.com/Armenian.Virtual.College American University of Armenia: www.aua.am and www.facebook.com/AmericanUniversityofArmenia

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/AGBUvideo Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/agbu/

AGBU ARMENIA NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24, FEBRUARY - MARCH, 2013

ST. SAHAG-ST. MESROP MEDAL BESTOWED UPON THREE AGBU EDUCATORS

On March 16, at a ceremony held at the Nazarian Center in Canoga Park, California, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians awarded the St. Sahag-St. Mesrob medal to Mr. Kevork Agopian, Mrs. Hermine Sahagian and Mrs. Zarmouhy Mi-nassian - three distinguished members of the Armenian community and retired teachers who have been part of the fabric of the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian school for over a quarter cen-tury. The religious ceremony, officiated by His Eminence Arch-bishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, was followed by a 90-minute program dedicated to the three honorees. Keynote Speaker Mr. Sinan Sinanian, AGBU Vice President and Chairman of the School Board of Trustees, highlighted the role of AGBU and its educational institutions in the struggles and triumphs of the Armenian people during the past century. He paid tribute to the dedication, commit-ment and contributions of the three honorees in promoting academic excellence during their years of outstanding service to the students and community of the Manoogian-Demidjian school. Members of the school staff, family representatives, and the three honorees took to the podium to speak about their experi-ences and impressions on this historic occasion. Chairman Paul Kousharian presented the honorees with plaques on be-half of the AGBU Melkonian Alumni Organization. Senior class student Aneesa Youssefi took the stage to sing a beautiful song, entitled Dear Teacher, accompanied on the piano by mu-sic teacher Ms. Arus Andreassian. The event was attended by a large number of school alumni who came to show their respect and gratitude to their mentor teachers. The honorees were overjoyed at receiving bouquets of flowers from their former students. The entire program was masterfully conducted by Mr. Hratch Sepetjian, the head of the Armenian department at the Manoogian-Demirdjian school. Over 300 attendees enjoyed the company of the honorees and their families during the reception that fol-lowed the program. This special and most memorable evening was organized jointly by the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School and AGBU Melkonian Alumni Organization.

The honorees alongside AGBU Vice President Mr. Sinan Sinanian, AGBU MDS Principal Mr. Hagop Hagopian,

and DHS Vice Principal Mrs. Nalbandian-Pezeshkian.

EXPLORE AGBU ARMENIA

Please be advised that in the event of any full or partial reference or citation of the texts above AGBU Armenia Newsletter must be mentioned. All rights reserved.

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 400,000 Armenians around the world.

ARMENIAN GENERAL BENEVOLENT UNION

NEW YORK YEREVAN 55 East 59th St. 9 Alex Manoogian St. New York, NY 10022-1112 Yerevan 0070, Armenia Phone: (212) 319 6383 Phone: (374 10) 51 22 51 agbuny@agbu.org agbuarm@agbu.am www.agbu.org www.agbu.am

PREPARED BY AGBU ARMENIAN REPRESENTATION Page 12