Juskalian Family Donates $100,000 to Sisters’ Academy

LEXINGTON, Mass.—The family of the late Edward M. Juskalian recently donated $100,000 to the Armenian Sisters’ Academy of Lexington, where Edward’s granddaughter is currently a student.

Edward was a second generation Armenian American whose family emigrated from Kharpert in the late 1800’s. He grew up in Medford and along with his wife, Barbara, raised three children who were taught Armenian culture and values, and given a very strong sense of self and community.

When his grandparents Setrak and Satenig arrived in the United States in the late 19th century, they too faced some of the discrimination many immigrants experience. The need to integrate quickly, learn the language, and earn an income was a daily challenge. But they were not unfamiliar with triumph over struggles.

These difficulties only strengthened the resolve of the Juskalians to be strong and be successful. They worked hard to provide for their family, and teach their growing family the values of commitment, perseverance, and dedication to a goal.

After returning from his US Army service in Korea, Edward joined his father Mehran in their heating business, and together built a reputation for quality workmanship and attentive customer service.

Edward’s parents, Mehran and Queenie, in turn taught their son about the value of hard work and the responsibility to give back to the community and always find the good in people. These lessons led Edward to the Armenian Sisters’ Academy through his son, Eddie Juskalian, Jr., and his granddaughter, Emma.

Edward was so delighted when his four-year-old granddaughter began speaking Armenian in full sentences and singing Armenian songs he had heard as a child. He was impressed with the Academy and the commitment and dedication of the Sisters and teachers at the school. He spent some time with the Sisters, learning about the school and its teaching philosophies and methods. He felt the school went beyond being just a school—it was a community that offered something unique. He felt “at home” at the Academy.

In his vast experience as a businessman, Edward was a “bottom line” kind of man. He was able to recognize a great value when he saw one—and he really saw one at this school, with its lean operation and an administration that needed so little to deliver so much. There was not a lot of fanfare and frivolities, and certainly no waste.

Everything at the school centers on the students, their academic and religions education, and every attempt is made to teach not only academics, but lessons about giving back, being a responsible member of the community, and the value of hard work. Edward found that he could really trust the education of his granddaughter at this school. In that very sense, he found what he called “an undiscovered treasure” at the Armenian Sisters’ Academy. He called the Sisters and the teachers the “unsung heroes” of our community. And he believed that investing in this institution was the best way to preserve our Armenian culture.

Edward dedicated his life to his wife and family. He lives on through his three children, their families, and his four grandchildren. The Armenian Sisters’ Academy gratefully acknowledges this significant donation and thanks the family of the late Edward M. Juskalian for their gift.