AMAA, Haigazian Host Friendship Dinner in NJ

By Gilda Buchakjian (Kupelian)

PARAMUS, N.J.—The Seasons Banquet Hall was abuzz with guests at the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA)-Haigazian University (HU) Friendship Dinner on Feb. 7, graciously hosted by Serge and Anita Buchakjian. AMAA Board members, HU trustees, alumni, and friends were delighted to celebrate the only Armenian University in the diaspora, in high spirits, camaraderie, and philanthropy.

In his welcoming address, Serge Buchakjian, a member of the HU Board of Trustees, offered heartfelt words about his first alma mater on the occasion of its 60th anniversary this year. How fortuitous that HU was the launching pad for his education and career in the aerospace industry, only two decades after the production of the first rocket in the Middle East led by Manoug Manougian and his HU team. Buchakjian underscored the fact that in addition to preserving the Armenian heritage, “[HU] impacts lives beyond just education. It teaches tolerance and fosters a culture of understanding through the open exchange of ideas across ethnic and religious backgrounds.” Buchakjian said he was proud to call HU “a jewel of a university.”

Rev. Berj Gulleyan, pastor of the Armenian Presbyterian Church of Paramus, said grace with an inspirational invocation.

The new executive director and CEO of the AMAA, Zaven Khanjian, was pleased to ascertain that education was the legacy of the Armenian Evangelical community to the nation. Khanjian spoke of the pioneering work in creating “a colossal network of educational institutions from kindergartens to elementary and secondary schools, institutions of higher education–colleges and schools of theology. We have pioneered in the education of women, introduced music and physical education, and raised the level of literacy, education, enlightenment, and culture within our people,” said Khanjian, adding, that the genocide “severed the trunk of our existence. It wiped out innumerable dreams and the unlimited potential of a nation.”

Still, continued Khanjian, “out of the ashes the Phoenix rose again, the AMAA was born in 1918. Education took precedence. Schools were built again and spread wherever our remnants took refuge. Visionaries were active again, and so in collaboration with the AMAA, Haigazian was born.” Khanjian concluded his remarks by praising the spirit of philanthropy that has supported the efforts of all those who stood steadfast behind this institution.

As a token of appreciation, Khanjian offered the hosts, Serge and Anita Buchakjian, whose wedding anniversary coincided on that day, a sculptural artifact of the ark on Mt. Ararat, by artist Michael Aram, symbolizing overcoming adversity and reaching new heights.

The dynamic president of HU, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidotsian, thanked the hosts, the AMAA, and its board members for their support. Haidotsian pointed out that “2015 coincides with the 60th anniversary of Haigazian University. … many events and celebrations will be planned in Beirut, Dubai, and the U.S. But more meaningfully, our institution is named after a famous educator, Armenag Haigazian, who fell victim to the genocide, and we are honoring and paying homage to his legacy as well.”

“How can one tell whether Haigazian University is still true to its mission, and successful at that?” asked Haidotsian. “Our graduates are doing very well in graduate programs around the globe. They are successful in the job market. Our financial aid office is one of the most central functions at HU, and the support to Syrian-Armenian students was yet another testimony of that. Our community outreach, research, and publication efforts are bearing fruit. And we are regularly organizing conferences and educational events. We are still preparing leaders for the community, and acting as bridge-builders among all parties. What will sustain these efforts is the need for ongoing and generous support of everyone in more significant ways than before.”

Joyce Philibosian Stein, a staunch supporter of HU for decades, following in her parents Stephen and Sirpuhi Philibosian’s footsteps, was happy to herald the call for continued philanthropic efforts to help sustain the level of excellence achieved by HU, over the years.

Similarly, Tina Siegel continues her commitment to this institution of higher learning that has remained a solid beacon of erudition despite years of trials and tribulations. Siegel’s journey with HU began when she overheard her mother and uncle repeatedly use the words AMAA and Haigazian in their household. That piqued her interest and, after visiting the university with her parents, she embarked on her philanthropic work following in her parents Joseph and Joyce’s footsteps.

Friends, alumni, HU Trustees Chair Dr. Nazareth and Dr. Ani Darakjian, Haigazian University Board members Gary Phillips and his wife Arsine, Hasmig Baran and her husband Arsen, Harry Najarian and his wife Cheryl, Robert Kurkjian, AMAA Past President Andy Torigian, West Coast Executive Director Levon Filian, Dr. Raffy and Shoghag Hovanessian, Khoren and Seta Nalbandian, Maurice and Berjouhi Gulesserian, and many others enjoyed a cheerful evening replete with good food, music, and dancing—all for a good cause. After all, as Buchakjian so aptly put it, “Heat warms the body, but friendship warms the heart.”