Spring 2009-2010 - Haigazian University

HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY
H
erald
Inspirit
Special Issue
Issue № 19 – Spring 2009 -2010
Preserving & developing that which is valuable...
2
Inspirit • Issue № 19 – Spring 2009 -10
PRESIDENT’S WORD
“This is the Day that the Lord
has made; let us rejoice and be
glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Contents
“If our gift for the 50th
Anniversary was this valuable
piece of property; then the
launch of the 55th Anniversary
starts with the inauguration of
the Heritage Building.
Haigazian University and
Mexique Street have been
closely associated for 55 years.
The less known street name is
Michel Chiha on which our
culturally classified Mugar
Building stands leading
to Hamra. Now, we will learn to also associate the Haigazian
University name with May Ziadeh.
Michel Chiha, thinker, editor, and Parliament member,
once escaped the Ottoman rule in Lebanon and then returned
to participate in laying the legal financial foundations on which
Lebanon stands and became one of the authors of the Lebanese
constitution.
Mexique, representing the migrant Lebanese worker who
once emigrated from Lebanon but did not really leave Lebanon
behind. Mexique therefore is a reminder of the two wings of
Lebanon here and there.
Then May Ziadeh, a Lebanese-Palestinian writer, poet, and
worker for the emancipation of the Arab woman.
Heritage and memory are those powerful tools that one
tends to neglect thinking they represent too much baggage
to carry, forgetting that heritage has also the tools of our
emancipation from our current ambiguities. How good it is
to remember that once, there were other people, good people,
famous and less famous names who walked these streets. There
were designs, signs, creative works that represented depth of
spirit and character.
With such a strong sense of heritage, our Armenian ancestors
in Lebanon and the USA, who had survived a Genocide that is
still an item of international political maneuvers here and there,
had helped our communities reestablish themselves: to establish
not only to live, but also to serve others.”
Rev. Paul Haidostian, Ph.D.
President
From his word at the
Heritage Building Inauguration
April 29, 2010
President’s Word
2
A Year of MOUs
3
Minister Hagopian Visit
4
The Annual Business Symposium
5
Derian Library News
6
Matossian Art Gallery
7
Heritage Building Inauguration
8
Board of Trustees in Lebanon
11
Public Events
12
Lectures
13
Student Life
14
Publications
16
Faculty & Staff News
18
Miscellaneous
19
Editorial Team
Vartoug Balekjian
President’s Secretary
Mira Yardemian
Director of Public Relations
Rev. Greg Lee-Parker
Campus Minister
Photography
Haigazian University staff
Mr. Raffi Berberian
Mr. Mahmoud Kheir
Mr. Harry Koundakjian
3
A Year Of MOUs
HU - Trad Hospital
O
n December 8, 2009 a memorandum of understanding was
signed between Trad Hospital & Medical Center and Haigazian
University, which will allow for a training program at the hospital
for the Haigazian University students majoring in Nutrition.
HU - VIVACELL - MTS
President Haidostian with Dr. Trad
O
n Wednesday, the 24th of February 2010, Haigazian University
President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, and Vivacell-MTS General
Manager, Mr. Ralph Yirikian, signed a memorandum of understanding,
which will allow for a regular and pre-graduate internships to a number
of Haigazian University students on a yearly basis, thus, strengthening
and deepening their theoretical and practical knowledge using modern
technologies. Also, the MOU will enhance joint lectures, scientific
research, and pedagogical activities.
HU - ARS
President Haidostian with Mr. Ralph Yirikian
O
President Haidostian with ARS representative
n May 7, 2010, an MOU was signed between The Armenian Relief
Society (ARS), based in Boston, MA and Haigazian University.
This agreement paves the way for one student every year from Artsakh
and Chavakhk to follow a four-year program of study at the University
exclusively in the Faculties of Humanities and Social & Behavioral
Sciences.
HU - Goguikian Foundation
O
n May 18, 2010, Haigazian University signed a memorandum of understanding with the Goguikian Foundation,
in the UNESCO Palace, Beirut. The Foundation’s intent is to encourage young Lebanese students of Armenian
origin to obtain a university education in Lebanon in specific fields provided that they perform according to
the Foundation’s academic standards, volunteer for social work and work primarily in the Lebanese public sector after
their graduation. HU will collaborate with the Foundation by financing 50% of the tuition of the selected students.
Lifelong Learning & Said Foundation
H
aigazian University-Lifelong Learning and the Said Foundation
signed an agreement for teacher training on May 31, 2010.
Ms. Ailsa McLardy, Director of Lifelong Learning, signed for Lifelong
Learning, the continuing education division of Haigazian University.
Ms. Layla Rahmeh, Programme Manager, Syria Programme, signed
for the Said Foundation, a charitable organization registered in
England and Wales. Under the two-year agreement Lifelong Learning
will provide training in Damascus to a group of thirty teachers selected
through the Syrian Ministry of Education.
Ms. Layla Rahmeh & Ms. Ailsa McLardy
Minister Hagopian
Visit
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Inspirit • Issue № 19 – Spring 2009 -10
O
n Friday, March 26, 2010, Minister Hranush
Hagopian visited Haigazian University.
During an hour-long meeting with the Armenian
students, Minister Hagopian expressed her pride
towards Haigazian University as being the only
Armenian higher education institution in the Diaspora.
She then discussed major challenges facing Armenia
and the Diaspora, such as globalization, drug addiction,
climate change, terrorism, human rights and poverty.
The solutions which she suggested were to invest
thoroughly in human capital and information
technology.
Minister Hagopian in the Media Center meeting with HU students,
staff & faculty
President Haidostian, Minister Hagopian & Ambassador Kocharian
O
n Saturday, March 27, 2010, Minister of Diaspora
of the Republic of Armenia, Mrs. Hranush
Hagopian addressed a large group of Armenian
educators in Lebanon, during a fellowship evening
The awardees with Ambassador Kocharian
A question and answer session followed.
Question & answer period
jointly organized by Haigazian University and the
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Lebanon.
University President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian,
welcomed the audience and introduced the Minister.
Hagopian discussed Armenia’s general social
issues, concentrating on education.
She acknowledged the obligation of morally
and financially supporting the Armenian educators,
and in this respect, and by virtue of a presidential
decree, she decorated two educators with the “Movses
Khorenatsi” medal. The recipients were lecturer
and linguist Garo Arakelian, and long time theatre
teacher and director Robert Arakelian.
Finally, certificates of appreciation were presented
from the Ministry to Mrs. Santoukhd Bertizlian
(AKA Shahantoukhd), Mr. Hovig Bertizlian and
Mrs. Shake Yakoubian.
The Annual Business
Symposium
O
n Friday, June 4, 2010, the Faculty of Business
Administration & Economics held its annual
business symposium with the theme of Human
Resources Management under the patronage of
Minister of Labor, Mr. Boutros Harb, who delivered
the keynote speech. Minister Harb addressed the issue
of corruption, as well as the potential developments
in the Lebanese social security department in the coming
two years including free healthcare for pensioners.
In his welcoming address, Dean Fadi Asrawi
emphasized that “the importance of human resources
management within an organization is becoming
increasingly understood in today’s rapidly changing
and uncertain business environment… With the ability
to cut costs, save time and increase productivity,
an H.R. Management system is an investment
that companies will long reap benefits from.”
Minister Harb speaking
Asrawi highlighted the fact that Human Resource
Management is a new emphasis at Haigazian University
which received accreditation this year.
President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian placed
importance on the human resource as one of the
“God-given resources” that Lebanon has in abundance.
Addressing the need for good human resources
management, Haidostian added that “much effort is
needed to turn the preparation of professionals
in Lebanon to benefiting from these same professionals
in Lebanon as well.”
The symposium included a number of distinguished
speakers. Fay Niewiadomski, Founder and CEO of
ICTN, who discussed contemporary trends in
human resources and their impact on local and
global economies. Renalda Hayek, Head of Group
Human Resources Division at Byblos Bank, talked
about case studies of actual human resource
practices in Lebanon. Dima Malak, assistant manager
at the auditing firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers, covered
human resources in the auditing field and Amine Dib,
from the Phoenicia Intercontinental Hotel, talked
about attitudes versus skills. Kunjala Chandole,
from ICTN, discussed whether the human resource
curriculum reflects the needs of businesses in Lebanon,
and Layal Darwiche, from the AVERDA Group,
concluded the symposium with a talk about the
impact of human resources on development and
performance.
Dean Fadi Asrawi
Audience of the symposium
5
6
Derian Library
News
Inspirit • Issue № 19 – Spring 2009 -10
The Derian Armenological
Library Friends Presented
“The Armenian Book 2009 Publications”
O
n the occasion of UNESCO’s declaration, “Beirut World
Book Capital for 2009”, the Friends of Haigazian
University’s Derian Armenological Library organized a
celebratory evening entitled “The Armenian Book - 2009
Publications.” The event, which took place on Friday,
January 22, 2010, in the University Auditorium, opened
with the welcoming word of the University Librarian, Ms.
Sonia Sislian.
The keynote speaker, Director of the Khatcher Kaloustian
Educational Center, Mr. Garo Hovannessian, pointed out
that in today’s difficult circumstances, publishing Armenian
books is considered as a heroic act, which requires an
equivalent attention and appreciation.
After a short musical interlude, a piano piece, and a
poem, performed by HU students, University President,
Rev. Dr. Haidostian expressed his words of thanks and
Mr. Garo Hovannessian
The university Librarian, Ms. Sonia Sislian, giving a welcoming word
gratitude to all the authors. The event concluded with the
presentation of special recognition certificates to the authors
and the representatives of editorial committees. The recipients
were: Kevork Apelian, Barouyr Aghbashian, Father Hovsep
Topalian, Sona Khedechian-Dzarouguian, Levon Djermaguian,
Mesrob Hayouni, Aline Hagopian, Shahantoukhd, Zani
Shahinian-Mesrobian, Father Krikor Chifchian, Aram
Sepedjian, Bebo Simonian, Boghos Snabian, Loussig
Somounjian-Afarian, Anahid Doniguian, Yervant Pamboukian,
Yervant Kassouny, Salpi Kurkjian-Tashjian, Father Varant
Kortmossian, Aghavni Festekjian, Antranig Dakessian from
the Haigazian Armenological Review team, and Garo
Hovannessian from the HASG Armenological Yearbook team.
The ceremony ended with cutting the celebratory cake
Annie Shiraz Visit
O
n Thursday, the 6th of May, Annie Shiraz, daughter of
renowned Armenian poet Hovhaness Shiraz visited Haigazian
University Derian Library. She was invited to Beirut by Armenian
Dzaghig Weekly Magazine on the occasion of her late father’s
95th birthday.
Ms. Annie Shiraz in the Derian Library
Ms. Shiraz met president Haidostian in his office before
attending the event organized by the Derian Library. Staff,
faculty, students and guests were happy to get acquainted with Ms.
Shiraz, hear her memories of Hovhannes Shiraz and receive
cards bearing her signature.
Matossian Art Gallery
7
“Colors of Time”:
The Recent Works of HRAIR
at Haigazian University
O
n Friday, October 30, 2009, opened the painting
exhibition of Hrair, entitled “Colors of Time”,
at the Haigazian University Art Center, Matossian
Gallery.
Hrair is inspired by the Byzantine iconography,
and the history of the Armenian miniature art.
Over 20 paintings featuring Hrair’s marvelous icons
of gold and purple, in addition to the strong and
expressive horses, were on display.
The artist Hrair
Collective Exhibition: “Heritage and Identity”
O
n Friday, December 11, 2009, creative ideas were displayed by 10 artists: Mohammad Abdallah, Ludmilla Alikian,
Charbel Samuel Aoun, Zeina Badran, Sirvart Fazlian, Mireille Goguikian, Vartan Khabayan, George Mattar, Ossana
Telfeyan, and Sarkis Touloujian, who showcased their personal, passionate tempers and technical skill to broaden the
audience’s point of view about the model society.
Photo Exhibition: Armenian Churches
T
he late George-Azad Apelian’s photos of Armenian Churches both in the Republic of Armenia and the
ones in Western Armenia (modern-day Turkey) were exhibited in the Matossian Art Gallery.
Armen Topjian Caricatures
A
n exhibition was organized on February 25, 2010, to display the caricatures of former HU student Armen
Topjian (1950-1980) and the launching of the book entitled “Caricatures”, the revenue of which was donated by
the family to Haigazian University.
“Springtime Melodies”
O
n Friday, April 16, 2010, opened the painting
exhibition of Lotti Adaimi, entitled “Springtime
Melodies,” at the Haigazian University Art Center,
Matossian Gallery.
The multi-talented Adaimi expresses a harmonious
blending between East and West in the 37 paintings
that were put on display. Inspired by Oriental mosaics
and patterns, her art is a creative amalgam of shapes,
beautifully represented in vivid colors.
The artist Lotti Adaimi (left) receiving a bouquet from one of the guests
8
The Heritage Building
Inspirit • Issue № 19 – Spring 2009 -10
Inauguration Ceremony
The guests during the National Anthem
Haigazian University held the inaugural
ceremony of the Heritage Building
(originally built around 1930) as a proud
culmination of five years of fundraising,
planning, construction and hard work.
Hel d u nd e r t he Hi g h Pat ronage of
the President of the Council of Ministers,
H.E. Mr. Saad Hariri, this event was attended
by Cabinet ministers, members of the Lebanese
Parliament, representatives of the commanders
of the three military branches of the country,
a number of clergymen, diplomats, community
leaders and dignitaries, in addition to Haigazian
faculty, staff and students.
Welcoming
the architect
Mr. Nachaat
Oueida
Dr. Ani Darakjian, the Chair of the HU Board
of Trustees, acted as the MC and gave the
introductory and welcoming remarks.
The program included a musical prelude
of classical pieces, and the song, “The Prayer”.
Rev. Meguerdich Karageozian offered
the Prayer of Dedication.
President of the Armenian Missionary
Association of America, Dr. Hrair S. Aharonian
conveyed the greetings of the AMAA.
MC of the event,
Dr. Ani
Darakjian
A congratulatory word was then given
by Mr. Walid Joumblat, Member of Parliament,
who was introduced as a neighbor of HU.
In the festive spirit of the occasion, the
Haigazian University Dance Club performed
a traditional dabkeh.
Musical prelude
9
UAECNE President
Rev. Meguerdich Karageozian
“The Prayer” sung by alumna Joyce Saddi & Ricardo Daou
In his President’s Address, Rev. Dr. Paul
Haidostian thanked all those who worked
hard to make this building possible, highlighting
the fact that it was the fruit of three years of
hard work and hundreds of laborers.
Minister of Culture Salim Wardé addressed
the audience on behalf of H.E. Mr. Saad Hariri
to express his gratitude and congratulations. He
praised the role Haigazian University played in
preserving this Heritage Building.
Dr. Hrair S. Aharonian, on behalf of the AMAA
President Haidostian
speaking
Neighbor and MP Mr. Walid Joumblat
Some of the Clergy at the inauguration
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Inspirit • Issue № 19 – Spring 2009 -10
Minister Salim Wardé, representing PM Saad Hariri
Ribbon cutting
Sirpuhe P. Conte Hall
T
he audience entered the building to attend the
unveiling of the plaque that revealed Sirpuhe
Philibosian Conte Hall as the name of the
multipurpose hall. Mrs. Joyce Stein, daughter of
Sirpuhe, emotionally expressed the vision of her
parents and their sustained love and support of
Haigazian University.
The program concluded with a reception
accompanied by live music by HU graduate,
Shahan Kilaghbian on the keyboard.
At the opening of the Conte Hall
Mrs. Stein unveiling the Conte Hall plaque
Board members in front of the Heritage Building
11
Board of Trustees
in Lebanon
Board of Trustees
Annual Meeting
Held in Beirut
F
Recognition of Mr. Herair Mouradian
Mr. Levon Filian
Ambassador Kocharian
rom April 30 to May 1, the Haigazian
University Board of Trustees conducted their
annual two-day meeting in Beirut. Of the issues
discussed were the continuous fundraising for
major capital, the restructuring of the Board
committees and sub-committees, in addition
to the budget. In terms of steps towards academic
development, the Board decided to
boost and support University research
and publications.
Following the inauguration ceremony
of the Heritage Building, University
President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian
hosted a dinner for Board members
and friends at the Golden Tulip Serenada
Hotel in Hamra, and a special recognition
was made of Mr. Herair Mouradian for
his long years of service and dedication
as member and Chairman of the Board.
Several speeches were made at the dinner: the
Executive Director of the AMAA, Mr. Levon Filian,
spoke of the mission of Haigazian University;
the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon, H.E.
Mr. Ashod Kocharian, highlighted the continued
cooperation between Haigazian University and
various universities in Armenia; the US Ambassador
to Lebanon, Ms. Michele Sison, shared her fondness
for Haigazian University and proclaimed its
efforts “truly worthy of admiration.”; and President
Haidostian thanked the Board for their dedication
and focused on the multidimensional identity of
Haigazian University.
HU staff members & Ambassador Sison
Public Events
Inspirit • Issue № 19 – Spring 2009 -10
The Cultural Hour, a prestigious platform for
lectures and cultural activities, embarked on
its 12 th year this October.
Dr. Pierre Zalloua
O
Dr. Najwa Nasr
O
n October 29, 2008, Dr. Pierre Zalloua from the LAU Dept. of Genetics and the National Geographic
Genographic Project lectured on “The Genetic Landscape of the Levant”.
n November 25, 2009, Dr. Najwa Nasr, a Full Professor of English
Linguistics at the Lebanese University, and a lecturer at Haigazian
University, lectured on “A Journey of Survival: The Lebanese
Emigration at the Turn of the Century.”
Dr. Najwa Nasr
Prof. George
Abdelnour
O
Dr. G. Abdelnour with the Mexican Ambassador & Dean Ekmekji
n January 28, 2010, Prof. George Abdelnour, visiting
Fulbright scholar from the USA and teaching English
at Haigazian University, delivered a lecture entitled
“400 Years Later: the Muslim Expulsion from Spain
(1609-1610).”
Dr. Berge Traboulsi
O
n February 25, 2010, Dr. Berge Traboulsi, Associate
Professor of History, Religion and Intercultural
Studies at Haigazian University, and the Director of the
Orientation Program, delivered a lecture entitled
“Secularism in a Multi-Confessional Lebanon: Religious
Obstacles and Prospective Solutions’’, at the Cultural Hour
in the University Auditorium.
Dr. Berge Traboulsi
Ana Clavel
O
n March 5, 2010, with the Collaboration of
the Mexican Embassy in Lebanon and on the
occasion of a conference hosting Ibero-American
writers in Lebanon, Haigazian hosted Mexican
Novelist Ana Clavel who talked about her personal
experience on the “Art and Passion of Writing”.
Anna Abrahamian Shamlian
O
n March 26, 2010, the Cultural Hour hosted
Armenian born, Brussels based, Anna Abrahamian
Shamlian who talked about “Armenia in the European
Neighborhood Project: Currents and Public Affairs.”
13
Lectures
Mr. Fadi Yarak
O
n March 10, 2010, Mr. Fadi Yarak, Director General
of the Ministry of Education, delivered a lecture
entitled “The Current Challenges of Basic Education
in Lebanon”, in the Haigazian University Auditorium.
The lecture was organized by the Alumni Office of the
University, on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, and attended
by a number of University professors, school teachers and
principals.
After the opening words of alumna and teacher Ms. Anita
Moutchoyan, Mr. Yarak was introduced to the audience
by the University President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian.
Mr. Yarak presented the Ministry’s vision towards
problems and solutions, in addition to a number of
Mr. Yarak lecturing
suggestions for the near future.
He then shared with the audience the goals of
the education-sector programs for the coming five
years, which included launching of a comprehensive
development program for the teachers.
Mr. Missak Keleshian
O
Keleshian presenting “Orphans”
n the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,
Haigazian University hosted Mr. Missak Keleshian, a popular name
in the Armenian community for his surveys of Armenian historical facts,
photos, monuments and heritage sites. On April 7, 2010, he presented
a very inspiring lecture on the Armenian orphans and immigrants,
following the 1915 Genocide.
Mr. Kelechian showed photos of the various orphanages in the Near
East, focusing on two Lebanese orphanages; the Aintoura orphanage
which sheltered thousands of Armenians, and the hand made rug
prepared by the orphans of Ghazir, which is currently displayed at the
White House.
Lens on the Middle East by Harry Koundakjian
T
he Middle East was the focus on Thursday, May 19, 2010 at Haigazian
University, during an evening with veteran international photojournalist
Harry Koundakjian, an event organized by Haigazian University on the
occasion of the Lebanese Martyrs’ Day.
The former chief Middle East photographer for the Associated Press
Harry Koundakjian was introduced to the audience by University Public
Relations Director, Ms. Mira Yardemian.
Mr. Koundakjian with one of the new generation
photographers in the Mehagian courtyard
Through an engaging slide presentation featuring notable photos of
events and people that have shaped the latter part of the 20th century, Harry
Koundakjian, a.k.a. “Harry the Horse” by his colleagues and superiors,
touched the audience with his unique humor, deeply moving them by
the saddest and happiest of events. Featured were, along with the tragic
events, political leaders such as presidents Chamoun, Assad, Sadat, and
Clinton; kings such as King Hussein, King Saoud, Queen Elizabeth and the
Shah of Iran; political leaders such Arafat and late Prime Minister Hariri;
celebrities such as Gary Cooper, Shirley Temple, Dizzy Gillespie, Laurence
of Arabia, and William Saroyan.
Student Life
Inspirit • Issue № 19 – Spring 2009 -10
8 th Annual Inter-University
Chess Championship
O
n March 6 Haigazian University organized its
eighth Annual Inter-University Chess Championship. 51 students from 13 universities competed
in this tournament under the auspices of the Sports
Federation of Lebanese Universities (FSUL).
Chess Championship participants competing against each other
The HU team comprised of Krikor Oknayan,
Christian Karadaghlian, Hagop Ghazarian, Raffi
Papazian and Ara Abadjian came in third place.
HU President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian and FSUL
president Judge Nasri Lahoud presented the awards.
The Lebanese University came first in both the
team and the individual competitions, with one player
winning all six of his rounds.
Futsal team wins the 3rd
place in Barcelona, Spain
T
wenty-seven HU athletes went to Barcelona
from April 8 to 13 to participate in EuroEsade
2010, an exciting international sports competition,
that included universities from all over Europe and
the Middle East. The two HU Futsal teams, as well
as the Women’s Basketball team, participated in the
tournament.
The students had the opportunity to play against
teams from other countries and explore the magnificent
Catalan city of Barcelona.
Out of 25 professional futsal teams, the first HU
team made it to the semi-finals, after playing against
teams from France, Italy, Spain and Lebanon, and ended
up in third place.
The football team in Barcelona
teams before eventually losing to a Spanish team. The
Women’s basketball team won one match and lost two.
The second HU team won two games against Italian
The Dance Club
F
or the 5th consecutive year on a row, the Haigazian University Dance Club
organized its annual public dance performance. 68 dancers were on stage
performing various kinds of dance including: Rhumba, Waltz, Jive, Merengue, Tango,
Bachata, Hiphop, Armenian, Dabkeh, and Indian. It took the students some eight
months of hard work to prepare for the event.
From the steps of the Dance Club
15
The Actors Club
O
n May 7th, 8th, and 9th the Haigazian University
Actors Club performed a play called “We Won’t
Pay! We Won’t Pay!” by the Nobel Prize-winning
Italian playwright Dario. The Actors Club, which
produces one major production almost every year,
is a place for students to nurture their artistic and
theatric talents, mastering new skills.
Our actors
Commemorating the Armenian Genocide
O
n the occasion of the 95th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide, the Haigazian University Heritage Club
hosted the Director of the Civilitas Foundation, Ms. Salpi
Ghazarian. In her presentation, Ms. Ghazarian called on
reassessing ways and strategies to present the issue of the
genocide, noting that there is a clear distinction between
personal tragedy and political crime.
The program also included a flute and piano duo,
a solitary dance performance and a poem recital in
Armenian. Rev. Dr. Haidostian made the closing
statements for the afternoon. Outside the auditorium
awaited a replica of the Dzidzernagapert monument with
a flame burning in the center, and students placed
flowers inside it.
In the Mehagian courtyard
Second USAID
Grant to Haigazian
University
A group of HU students went on a pilgrimage to Deyr
Zor, on Friday April 23rd.
O
n Thursday, June 28, 2009, Haigazian University
received a grant of $770,000 from the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The grant will benefit 329 Haigazian University students
as they pursue their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The USAID Lebanon Mission Director, Ms. Denise
A. Herbol presented the check to University President
Dr. Paul Haidostian, who was accompanied with three
university students with outstanding academic records:
Faysal Bou Zeineddine, Loucine Basmadjian and Diana
Assaf. During this meeting of fellowship and discussion
they shared with Ms. Herbol their educational experience,
career goals, and gratefully acknowledged the fact that
financial aid grants helped them actualize their dreams
in pursuing their studies in a reputable higher learning
institution, such as Haigazian University.
16
Publications
Inspirit • Issue № 19 – Spring 2009 -10
At Haigazian University
Armenians of Lebanon:
From Past Princesses and Refugees
to Present-Day Community
The book entitled “Armenians of Lebanon: From Past
Princesses and Refugees to Present-Day Community”,
containing the proceeding of the multidisciplinary
conference held in September 2005, was launched at
Haigazian University.
The event began with a short introduction delivered
by the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Patrick Farajian who
stressed on the importance of the work as a research
material.
Mr. Patrick Farajian
Keynote speaker and editor of the book, Dr. Aïda
Boudjikanian, who came specially from Montreal, Canada,
warmly thanked all those who helped her make this book
become a reality. Dr. Boudjikanian then proceeded to
give her audience a brief glimpse into the content of the
book and its fourteen chapters, as diverse in topics as the
languages they were written in.
Next to speak was Member of Parliament Dr. Farid El
Khazen, who celebrated the book as the fruit of Haigazian
University’s 50th Anniversary conference, urging that
more research needs to be done on the evolution of Armenian
institutions in Lebanon.
HU students Shoushan Artinian and Maria Palazian performing
MP Dr. Farid El Khazen
Dr. Aïda Boudjikanian signing the book
After a shor t musical interlude, Rev.
Dr. Paul Haidostian addressed the audience
with words of appreciation for everyone involved in
the process of creating this book, including
the co-publisher, the Armenian Heritage Press,
which is part of the National Association for
Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR).
Commenting on the book, Rev. Haidostian added:
“This book, in addition to its various Armenian
merits, is to be considered as a chapter in Lebanese
history and culture.”
17
The AMAA Publishes Dr. John Markarian’s
The Thirsty Enemy: A Memoir
We received the memoirs of the Haigazian University founding President,
Dr. John Markarian, The Thirsty Enemy (Press, 2009). The book spans the early
years of the Lebanese civil unrest that began in the mid-seventies, documenting the
human side of the history that unfolded during those days. Told in Dr. Markarian’s
pleasantly unique style, the book includes stories of what the University went
through in the Kantari region of Beirut, in the midst of warring factions.
Bedros Alahaydoyan
O
n April 13, 2010 HU hosted the launching of Bedros Alahaydoyan’s
(Pasadena, CA) monumental book, “The Folk Music Collection of Palou
and the Neighborhood”.
Mr. Bedros Alahaydoyan
Mr. Alahaydoyan with his book
The Genocide against the Armenians
1915-1923 and the Relevance of the
Genocide Convention
HU published The Genocide Against the Armenians 1915-1923 and the Relevance
of the Genocide Convention written by Prof. Alfred de Zayas, who is a professor of
International Law at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and the former Chief of Petitions
at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The 100-page
book is a legal discussion of the Armenian Genocide.
To obtain information on these books, please write
to publications@haigazian.edu.lb
Armen Topjian
In addition, an exhibition was organized on February 25, 2010, to display
the Caricatures of former student Armen Topjian (1950-1980) and the launching of
the book entitled “Caricatures”, the revenue of which was donated by the family to
Haigazian University.
Faculty & Staff News
Promoting HU
T
he Chair of the English Department at Haigazian
University, Dr. Suha Safiyiddeen, was elected
the President of TESOL – Lebanon. TESOL Lebanon’s
mission is to foster high quality English teaching by
giving its members resources, support, and guidance.
I
n January 2010, Mrs. Sahar Hamzeh of the
English Department conducted two teacher training
workshops on integrating skills and using reading
strategies for all grade levels. The first workshop was
at Shouf National College in Baakleen, while the
second was at Tanoukhieh National School. Around
thirty teachers from seven different schools attended
the workshops.
D
r. Mohamad Ladan, the Division Chair of
Mathematical Studies, was invited to be a
member of the National Scientific Committee and
to be a judge (along with other professors from
leading Lebanese universities) in the project
evaluation committee that will evaluate science
projects presented by different high schools. The
event, Mobarat Aloloum, is an annual event and
sponsored by the Ministry of Education. This
year the competition in Beirut had around 60
participating high schools.
D
r. Arda Ekmekji participated in the annual
Civilization Sequence Program (CVSP) Forum –
Workshop (May 14-15, 2010) organized by the
American University of Beirut. It was organized as
an exchange among professors from universities
in the region that offer such programs, to share
ideas, challenges and experiences. She took part
in the panel discussion “Sources and Resources”
within the topic “Revisiting Great Books/Culture
Studies Courses: Theory and Practice.”
D
r. Fadi Asrawi represented Haigazian University
in the annual meetings of the Association of
American International Colleges and Universities
(AAICU), of which HU is a founding member. The
meetings took place in the John Cabot University of
Rome, Italy, from April 23-24, 2010.
Mabrouk!
M
s. Dalia Haddad, the Assistant Accountant at the Student Billing Office, was
wedded to Mr. Jacques Elias on July 26, 2009.
A
second son, Daniel, was born to Dr. Berge
Traboulsi and his wife Eliane on Arpil 23,
2010, in Vienna, Austria.
Miscellaneous
19
Friends, supporters, and alumni
of Haigazian University
are invited to contribute generously.
For ways of giving, you may write to the
following addresses:
president@haigazian.edu.lb
LHKurkjian@aol.com
amaa@amaa.org
Haigazian University is exempt from
US Federal Income Tax under
section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code as a non-profit 501(c)(3)
organization.
Salpi Jalian, Joumana Hamoush, and Sonia Sislian
HU Participates in MercyCorps’
“Towards Inclusive
Development” Program
SAVE THE DATE
HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY
55TH ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATORY
BANQUET
Friday, November 12 th , 2010
Glendale Hilton - Los Angeles
California
http://www.haigazian.edu.lb/Alumni/
Pages/Default.aspx
Haigazian University - Alumni Office
Tel: +961-1-353010/1/2, +961-1-349230/1
Ext. 252
Email: rozinem@haigazian.edu.lb
alumni@haigazian.edu.lb
www.haigazian.edu.lb
H
aigazian University was one of ten chosen organizations to
participate in the “Towards Inclusive Development” program
designed to increase the inclusion of persons with disabilities
in Lebanon’s social and economic development. It was funded by
USAID, and carried out by Mercy Corps in collaboration with local
partners Youth Association of the Blind and Lebanese Physically
Handicapped Union.
Haigazian University agreed to train Ms. Joumana Hamoush,
who has a physical disability, as an Assistant in the Library under the
supervision of the Librarian Ms. Sonia Sislian.
Also, within the scope of the program, five ramps were installed
to help facilitate the access of persons with disabilities to the ground
level across the University Campus. These ramps were installed
through the generous support of USAID & Mercy Corps.
The project’s final session took place on May 26, 2010 at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel in Beirut where Haigazian University was
presented with an award of appreciation for its participation in the
program.
Representing Haigazian University, the HR Coordinator Ms.
Salpi Jalian, thanked the organizers of the program and stated the
University’s commitment “to maintain HU as an institution which
respects and promotes the rights of persons with disabilities and
stands as an advocate for their full participation in society.”
H
erald
Inspirit
Special Issue
The Haigazian University Newsletter Herald Inspirit,
the magazine for alumni and friends of Haigazian
University, is published by the Office of the President.
Need to reach Herald Inspirit?
Mexique Street, Kantari Riad el Solh 1107 2090
P.O.Box: 11-1748
Beirut, Lebanon
Telephone: 961 1 739 412 • Telefax: 961 1 350 926
Website:
www.haigazian.edu.lb/inspirit
Design & Printing Chirak Printing Press