Fundraiser Event In Support Of Syrian-Armenian Students At Haigazian University

An “Evening in the Garden,” a dinner-dance to support Haigazian University, was held on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Descanso Gardens in La Canada. The event began with a social hour, and was followed by a dinner. The Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian attended the event and represented the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.
 
The evening was planned by advocates of the only Armenian University in the Diaspora, Haigazian, located in Beirut, Lebanon. The event was designed specifically to provide Syrian-Armenian students with tuition and housing during this critical time. Currently, 39 Syrian Armenian students are studying at Haigazian, most receiving financial aid based on need. Three of this year’s graduating class were from Aleppo.
 
The University operates on the American model of higher education in a Christian environment. English is the language of instruction and academic freedom is important. Haigazian educates its students in the fields of Business, Economics, English, Armenian, Biology, and Chemistry. Among its other majors are Computer Science, Math, Physics, Education, Political Science, Social Work, and Psychology.
 
In Beirut, Lebanon, the passionate President of this liberal arts university is Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian; the dedicated Dean of Arts and Sciences is Dr. Arda Ekmekji. In Los Angeles the devoted Chairperson of the Haigazian Board of Trustees is Dr. Ani Darakjian; the enthusiastic President of the Haigazian Alumni is Raffi Kendirjian.