INSPIRIT No. 23 - Spring 2012 - Haigazian University

HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY

Special Issue

Inspirit Issue № 23 – Spring 2012

Empowered to Empower!

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Inspirit • Issue № 23 – Spring 2012

President’s Word Contents

President’s Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Various Events at HU.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 HU Celebrates Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

he pieces of news and the assortment of pictures presented in this issue of the Inspirit are meant to describe the Haigazian University atmosphere of the past months where, alongside the seriousness of academics, daily events that promote cultural value are combined with gestures of generosity and friendship. It is common for us at Haigazian, both administrators and students, to say that we are not to simply echo all the negative vibrations of our respective societies, and that we are called to create a new atmosphere on campus, one in which harmony, respect and service prevail. However, good campus life is not our main goal. How to move beyond our walls and prepare students to change and make a difference out there, where increasing political, social, sectarian, and religious tensions arrest the potential of our youth to grow, and work and create, as God intended for humanity to be and do. This Inspirit is also an invitation to our friends, alumni/ae and supporters to stay connected with us and to continue to empower us to do things better and to go deeper into quality of spirit and mind and activity. Another academic year is about to end and we have a sense of fulfillment regarding much that happened in the past year. The main question however, is that of the next year, and the next generation of students. We need to be ready for them, and for the world of upcoming events, activities, challenges and prospects. Dear friends, on behalf of Haigazian University, do accept our gratitude, and join us in vision and action. Rev. Paul Haidostian, Ph.D. President Haigazian University

Lectures & Book Signing Ceremony .. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Matossian Art Gallery .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 BOT in Lebanon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Faculty Achievements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Faculty & Staff News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 HU Student News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Editorial Team Mary Ghazarian President’s Secretary Mira Yardemian Director of Public Relations Rev. Greg Lee-Parker Campus Minister

Photographers Haigazian University staff Mr. Raffi Berberian Mr. Mahmoud Kheir Ms. Garin Haidostian Photo Ashnag

Date of issue: July 2012

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Various Events at HU

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Haigazian University Launches its Newly Established

Armenian Diaspora Research Center

O Donor Mr. Yercho Samuelian receiving the plaque

Unveiling the plaque

n Wednesday, January 25, 2012, Haigazian University held the formal opening ceremony of t he Ar meni an Di asp ora Research Center (ADRC) with the unveiling of the plaque in the Heritage Building by University President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian and Mr. Yercho Samuelian, whose donation made the launching of this center possible. The center was established to study diverse aspects of the Armenian Diaspora communities in the Middle East and the rest of the world, with particular focus on their history, culture and issues of identity and integration.

U.S. Celebrates Merit-Based Scholarship Students at Haigazian University

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Students who received merit-based scholarships at HU

n January 31, 2012, the U.S. Ambassador Maura Connelly congratulated the 65 student-scholars at Haigazian University who received the merit-based scholarships upon the upcoming completion of their first semester. The 65 scholars are part of the United

US Ambassador Maura Connelly

States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) unprecedented program in Lebanon, the University Scholarship Program, which awards merit-based undergraduate scholarships to students from Lebanese public schools to attend Lebanon’s most prestigious universities.

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Ride to Remember: A Bike Rally in commemoration of the 97 th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

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n Sunday, April 29, 2012, the Haigazian University Student Life Office, in collaboration with the Cadmus Project, organized a bike rally on the central streets of Beirut. The objective of the activity was to spread awareness on the significance of the day among the Lebanese public and encourage all, including non-Armenian bikers, to participate in the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The Bike tour covered Kantari – Hamra – Sadat Street – Emile Edde Street – Sanayeh – Spears – Ring – Bourj El Ghazal – Martyrs’ Square – Bab Idriss – Starco – Kantari – back to Haigazian. Media partners were Radio Sevan and Radio One, the supporters were the Armenian Genocide Center Central Youth Committee of Lebanon, and the sponsors were HU Alumnus Mr. Sebouh Mekhjian, Sports Experts, Loyalty Insurance, and Poppins.

500th Anniversary of Armenian Printing (1512-2012)

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n Saturday, May 5, 2012, Haigazian University launched the first of a series of fine events dedicated to the 500th Anniversary of Armenian Printing (1512 – 2012), which coincides with the 100th Anniversary of Armenian Press in Lebanon (1912 – 2012). This kick-off event started with a delegation from the University, headed by President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian and media editors, at Martyr’s Square in Downtown, Beirut, coincid-

The Committee of the 500th Anniversary events

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ing with the commemoration of May 6, the Lebanese Press Martyrs’ Day. The delegation adorned the monument to the martyrs with a wreath of flowers and Rev. Megerditch Karageozian, president of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, offered a prayer. Dr. Baruyr Aghbashian

The event then continued at Haigazian University, where various media personnel, including editors, columnists, copy-editors, photographers and others, were invited from 25 different published media outlets to honor the workforce of the Armenian print media in Lebanon, including newspapers, magazines and journals.

The honored editors

Miss Sonia Sislian

100th Anniversary of Armenian Press in Lebanon

President Haidostian

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Minister of Information H.E. Walid Daouk

Dean Dr. Arda Ekmekji

n Monday, May 7, 2012, Haigazian University hosted its second event under the umbrella of the 500th Anniversary of Armenian Printing and the 100th Anniversary of Armenian Press in Lebanon.

Launched under the patronage of Minister of Information, H.E. Me. Walid Daouk, and in the presence of Minister of Industry, Mr. Vrej Sabounjian, MPs Hagop Pakradouni and Serge Toursarkissian, former MPs and government officials, an outstanding and unique exhibition traced the century-long history of Armenian print media in Lebanon, dating back to 1912.

Ribbon Cutting

Dr. Armen Urneshlian

The audience at the Mugar Garden

HU Celebrates Christmas


Christmas Spirit All Around HU!

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he President’s annual Christmas dinner for HU staff, faculty and some Board members took place on Thursday, December 22, 2011 in the Auditorium. >>> he Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Arda Ekmekji, and the Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration & Economics, Dr. Fadi Asrawi, hosted an end of the year reception for faculty members on Thursday, December 16, 2011. During the warm and festive gathering in the Matossian Gallery, faculty members mingled together, sharing food, Christmas spirit and quality time. >>> he HU Custodians had their Christmas Lunch on December 30 at the “Petania” Center.

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Staff Christmas Lunch

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Custodians᾿ lunch

Faculty Christmas Reception

Christmas Chapel at Haigazian

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ne of the most popular chapel services of the year at Haigazian University is the annual Christmas chapel, which reminds people of the reason for the season. On Wednesday, December 21, 2011, the University Auditorium was packed with faculty, staff and students, as well as several guests from outside the University to celebrate Christmas together. Everyone was

greeted by the cheerful music played by the seven-member band, which included three former HU students who came especially for this chapel. Reverend Greg Lee-Parker, the Campus Minister, delivered his message on the first Christmas, and reminded all who were there about the first Christmas and what it means for us today.

Haigazian University Business Society involved in community service

Haigazian University is about service

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n an effort to encourage social responsibility in the business students, the Haigazian University Business Society (HUBS) collaborated with “Cup of Cold Water”, a non-profit charity organization, to organize two events over the Christmas season.

The first of these events consisted of a calendar sale that took place on campus on December 21, 2011. HUBS set up a small booth where students sold a large number of beautiful calendars, designed and prepared by “Cup of Cold Water”. Following this successful fundraising effort, the students gathered on January 3, 2012, for their second project, paying a visit to “CAHL”, an elderly rest home, to wish the elderly a very happy new year.

Lectures & Book Signing Ceremony

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Prof. Levon Yepiskoposyan on the “Azokh Cave”

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n Thursday, January 26, 2012, Professor Levon Yepiskoposyan delivered a lecture on the “Azokh Cave, Nagorno-Karabakh: Searching for our Caucasian Ancestors” at the Cultural Hour.

Dr. Anne Sa’adah on “Education and Political Change in the Arab Thursday, February 23, 2012, the Cultural Middle East” OnHour hosted a lecture by Dr. Anne Sa’adah entitled “Thinking is the Solution! Education and Political Change in the Arab Middle East”.

Dr. Seta Dadoyan on “Rethinking the Armenian Experience in the Near East”

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n Thursday, March 22, 2012, Haigazian University hosted a lecture entitled “Rethinking the Armenian Experience in the Near East”.

Dr. Barouyr Aghbashian’s Book Launch

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he book launching of Dr. Baruyr Aghbashian was held on 18 March, 2012. The book is a compilation of a number of articles the author published in the “Zartonk daily” newspaper, which were later translated into Arabic. The articles reflect the views and

attitudes of a thinker vis-à-vis Lebanese domestic social, political, cultural and economic issues. It touches on issues related to the Lebanese Armenian relations, Turkish-Lebanese and TurkishArmenian relations, as well as the Palestinian issue.

Prof. Rempel on “Economic Justice”

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n May 17, Henry Rempel, Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba, presented a public lecture entitled “Sacred Values: the Soul of Economic Justice”. The lecture derived an

understanding of economic justice by drawing on core values inherent to dominant cultures in Lebanon and the surrounding Region.

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Matossian Art Gallery


Exhibitions

“Vahramart” The Recent Works of Vahram Najjar Aghazarian at Haigazian University

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n Friday, March 2, 2012, the art exhibition of Vahram Najjar Aghazarian, entitled “Vahramart” opened at Haigazian University’s Matossian Gallery. Vahram with his parents

The exhibition featured 86 works of art of various sizes. Vahram’s works were mosaics made painstakingly by applied steel screws of different measures and color, built on painted wooden tablets.

Artist with the Art Committee

“On the Camino” The recent works of Martha Hraoui at Haigazian University

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n Wednesday, May 16, 2012, the art exhibition of Martha Hraoui, entitled “On the Camino,” opened at the Haigazian University Art Center – Matossian Gallery.

The Artist posing in front of her painting

Former First Lady Mrs. Mona Hraoui with the Art Committee

This exhibition was inspired by the Artist's pilgrim road which she undertakes yearly to France and Spain. The exhibition featured 45 works of art of various sizes. Hraoui's works have received international acclaim by art critics and the public alike.

BOT in Lebanon

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Dr. Ani Darakjian unveils a plaque in memory of her mother, Armine Darakjian

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n Thursday, April 25, 2012, the Chair of the Haigazian University B oard of Trustees, Dr. Ani Darakjian and her husband Dr. Nazareth Darakjian unveiled a plaque at the new Heritage Building, in memory of her late mother, Mrs. Armine Darakjian, Registrar at Haigazian University from the year 1969 to 1974.

Drs. Nazareth and Ani Darakjian with Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Haidostian

The event was attended by Haigazian University Board of Trustees members coming from the USA for the annual Board meetings, along with the local Board members, University staff and faculty members.

Nutrition Lab Opening

HU Board of Trustees members at the opening of the Nutrition Lab

Dr. Hassoun, Chairperson of the Natural Sciences Department

The author

Chris Bohjalian visited

Haigazian University and presented to President Haidostian his upcoming book

“The Sandcastle Girls”.

Faculty Achievements


Ms. Sahar Hamzeh & Caitlin Cornell A full time faculty at HU and Ms. Caitlin Cornell, English Language Fellow, conducted on March 24, 2012, a Language and Technology training workshop at Haigazian University for 80 school teachers. The workshop proved to be incredibly useful and professional.

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n Saturday, May 26, 30 teachers from the Evangelical schools in Zahle, Ain Zhlata and Anjar participated in a repeat offering of the 2012 Language and Technology Workshop conducted by the Center for Language and Technology at Haigazian University that occurred in March. The event was held at the Secondary Evangelical School in Zahle, and demos on how to use wikis, VoiceThread, Photostory, Voxopop, and Jing in English classes were presented by Ms. Caitlin Cornell and Mrs. Sahar Hamzeh.

Dr. Berge Traboulsi presented a paper entitled “Being Fruitful and Filling the Earth: A Theological and Bioethical Dilemma about Technology and Surrogacy” at the Fourteenth European Conference on Science and Theology [ECST XIV] (ESSSAT 2012) on “What is Life?” held in Tartu ESTONIA, from 24 to 29 April, 2012.

Dr. Mohamad Ladan • “Web Services Security Standards: Classification and Challenges”, accepted to be published in the International Journal on Web Services Practices (IJWSP) ISSN 1738-6535. • “Bioinformatics Web Services”, submitted to an IEEE international conference, Jan 2012.

• “Mobile Computing: Security Issues”, submitted to an IEEE international conference, Feb 2012. • Working on a research paper to be funded through the CNRS. Prof. Ladan continues to be a member of the International Domain Experts Board (IDEB) of the International Journal of Patterns (IJOP). Part of his volunteer duties include: Serving as a specific domain expert advisor to the editor, and assisting with the solicitation and publication of research articles. He is also a program committee member and a referee in a couple of international conferences on IT and Computers and Communications.

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Dr. Samih Azar (1) Estimating the probability of a bank run by Monte

Carlo simulation, Academy of Banking Studies Journal, 2012.

(2) On the specification of the asset evolution equa-

tion in consumption models, Applied Economics Letters, 2012, 19, 2, 113-116.

(3) Gold as a hedge and a diversifier: the perspective

from Lebanon, International Review of Applied Financial Issues and Economics, 2012.

(4) Commodity price indexes and the US money

supply in the long run: further tests, Journal of Financial Markets Research, 2012.

(5) Commodity prices and the US money supply in

the long run, International Journal of Trade and Global Markets, 2012, forthcoming.

(6) Calibration of a model of the interbank market,

Academy of Banking Studies Journal, 2012.

Dr. Fadi Asrawi & Mr. Nazim Noueihed A research paper entitled “An inventory Model for items with depreciated market value and a random demand rate” by Dr. Fadi Asrawi and Mr. Nazim Noueihed was accepted for presentation and publication in the proceedings of the International Academy of Business and Public Administration conference that will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 1-5, 2012.

Dr. Basma Faour • Presented at the Regional Meeting on Early Childhood Care and Education: Promoting ECCE Policies in Arab States, UNESCO-Beirut, Lebanon (April 25-26, 2012). • Served as a Consultant for “Nour AL-Hameed” NGO in Tripoli, Beirut, from September till March 2012. • Working with the Regional Office of UNESCO on launching the Arab Regional Network on Early Childhood.

Ms. Rita Merhej • Recently published her new book in Arabic entitled Our Children “Awladouna”. • Gave a lecture at Notre Dame des Apôtres in Zahle for a fund-raising lunch on Mother’s Day (24 March 2012). • Gave a lecture entitled “Differences in Academic Achievement and Motivation Among Adolescents” to an audience of high school teachers at Leon and Sophia Hagopian College / Bourj Hammoud (18 February 2012). • Gave a presentation on Media Psychology at the AUSACE Conference at AUB, an event organized by AUB Media Studies Program (30 October 2011). • Gave several radio-interviews in Arabic for BBC Extra (Arabic) on children’s mental health issues (between October 2011 and March 2012). • Interviewed by Daily Star on the case of the Family Murder which took place in Beirut in October 2011.

Ms. Sarar Maalouf Appeared in the TV program Helwe Beirut, LBCI to promote the Center for Continuing Education (CCE) program at HU, February 16, 2012.

Faculty & Staff News


Meet the New Staff at HU

Shaghig Belikerekian Junior Accountant -- Graduated from HU (2011) Faculty of Business Administration & Economics. -- Animal & nature lover. -- Staff since July 4, 2011.

Taline Djeghelian Student Recruitment & Marketing Officer -- Graduated from HU, majoring in Business Administration; she continued her education and received her MBA with emphasis in Marketing. - - Her hobbies are extreme sports and SCUBA diving. -- Staff since: 2011.

Mary Ghazarian President’s Secretary -- Graduated from HU (2007), majoring Biology and Teaching Diploma (secondary classes). In July 2011 she received an MA in Education, with an Emphasis on Administration and Supervision. -- Her hobbies include writing poetry, photography and organizing events. -- Staff since: 2011.

Diana Maddah Head Resident -- Graduated from the Lebanese University with a BS – Razmig Kaprielian Houry Ellezian Laboratory Technician and Administrative Coordinator, Student Life Admissions Office Assistant currently pursuing her MS Office -- Graduated from AUB (1985), in Biochemistry at American -- Graduated from HU (2008) BA - Business Master’s Degree in Geology; University of Beirut. Administration, currently working on New Horizons: web design -- Her hobbies include listening his thesis for his MBA. still ongoing. to music, attending and pre-- Her hobbies include inves- - His hobbies include Basketball, Football, paring workshops, and tigating, graphic design, and sports in general walking. dancing, and swimming - - Staff since: 2011 -- Staff since: 2011. -- Staff Since: October 10, 2011.

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Bidding Farewell to Campus Minister Rev. Greg Lee-Parker

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n January 29, a small group of students and staff gathered at the President’s residence for Rev. Greg Lee-Parker’s farewell tea.

The 32 nd AR AB- ACR AO Conference

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he 32nd Conference for the Arab Countries Registrars and Admission Officers Organization (ARAB-ACRAO) took place in Beirut, at Hotel Commodore from March 26 – 29, and was hosted by AUST.

Many Universities participated from different Arab countries and Lebanon. Haigazian University was represented by Anahid Fermanian, Registrar and Tamar Keshishian, Admissions Office Senior Administrator.

Mrs. Fermanian (right) and Ms. Keshishian representing Haigazian University

Open House at HU

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he Open House organized by the Admissions Office/Recruitment department took place on Thursday, April 19 and Friday, April 20, 2012, and started at 10:00 a.m. and extended until 1:00 p.m. Around 300 students and representatives from different schools participated. The students were divided into groups according to their different arrival times. Dean Dr. Arda Ekmekji, Dean Dr. Fadi Asrawi and representatives from different departments met each group of students in the Auditorium and conveyed their messages; after which the students went on a tour on campus led by student assistants. They visited the computer labs, science labs and the libraries, followed by a reception in the Quad garden. The students were very happy and satisfied with this event. Hopefully this activity will be repeated in the future and with a larger number of students attending.

HU Student News


2010-2012 Theses of the Masters Program Alieh Hout, Hanadi

The relationship between teachers’ job satisfaction and symptoms of depression Relationship of disordered eating habits and

Zeitounalian, Gary Leon low body esteem among individuals of different sexual orientations in Lebanon

Rifai, Faten M.

The role of religious faith and psychological wellbeing on fear of death The relationship between extracurricular

Ghazarian, Mary Yeghia activities, academic achievement and self-

esteem among Lebanese high school students

Daaboul, Juliet

Depression, anxiety and self-esteem of institutionalized and non-institutionalized Lebanese adolescents

Daccache, Zeina

Drama therapy in a Lebanese prison

Harakeh, Mayda

The interrelationship between love styles and relationship satisfaction among Haigazian University students in Lebanon

Fiani, Natalie J.

Attitudes, beliefs and expectations towards maternal employment and non-parental care among female university students

Balekjian, Guluzar (Vartoug)

The relationship between school building condition and student behavior and achievement in the Lebanese Armenian schools

Arakelian, Ani

Fear of failure and motivation on behavior of choice among high school students

Nadjarian, Ani

Stress testing of four Lebanese banks

Barikian, Annie Sandra

Margin lending & factors influencing debit interest rates: a case study of a Lebanese investment bank

Dagher Bassous, Rachel

The impact of Lebanese middle class parental practices on youth maladjustment Perceived collective continuity between minority

Demirjian, Hovig Samuel and majority groups Yoghourdjian, Lale

The effect of chronotypes on motivation and academic achievement in elementary students

Vartan, Grace

Parental affectionate communication and youth fear of relational intimacy

Karibian, Levon

The determinants of gold price in US Dollars and Lebanese Pounds

Education

(Counseling)

Psychology (Clinical)

Education

(Counseling)

Education

(Supervision & Administration)

S. & B. Sciences Psychology Psychology (Clinical)

Psychology Education

(Supervision & Administration)

Psychology (Clinical)

Business (Finance)

Business (Finance)

Psychology (Counseling)

Psychology S. & B. Sciences

(Education)

Psychology (Counseling)

Business

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Student Enrollment at HU Semester Fall 2004 Spring 2005 Fall 2005 Spring 2006 Fall 2006 Spring 2007 Fall 2007 Spring 2008 Fall 2008 Spring 2009 Fall 2009 Spring 2010 Fall 2010 Spring 2011 Fall 2011 Spring 2012

Undergraduate Graduate Program Program 674 62 669 66 745 57 724 59 687 55 676 56 703 67 667 75 649 88 628 96 645 95 622 97 700 100 665 118 805 110 782 119

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Undergraduate Program

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Graduate Program

Volunteer Student Assistance (VSA) Program – by Nada Al Housaini VSA is a community service project launched in March 2012 by the Ambassador Merit Scholar Nada Al Housaini who is part of the USAID University Scholarship Program (USP). USP not only grants scholarships but also forms future leaders in Lebanon. After obtaining the permission from the Ministry of Education to enter into public schools, 14 volunteers, all Haigazian University students recipient of the USAID university scholarship, were recruited to help with daily support in after-school classes in sciences and English to students who are in academic need. The Zahia Kaddoura public school’s principal has shown great appreciation towards this program and will offer each volunteer a certificate of achievement.

Rawad Malaeb, a Mathematics and Physics volunteer, reported that one of his students progressively became more focused, he “felt proud to be part of her academic development”. This experience has also been rewarding for himself, as he expresses it: “VSA is one of my most important experiences: It is a way for me to discover my abilities and gain self-confidence”. Shortly after the launch of VSA, Shakib Erslan public school also asked for volunteers from the program. Heba El Houjeiry, a Life Sciences Chemistry volunteer, identified a knowledge gap among students so she expressed enthusiasm in “sharing all my knowledge in order to help them pass their official exams”. As a result, the students have shown grate-

fulness and have requested an additional four sessions per week. Both students and volunteers have found this one of a kind program extremely gratifying. It is very exciting for such an initiative to be growing and spreading out so fast.

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Future Armenian Leadership Fund Pledges & Donors

Amount ($)

Donor A New Scholarship Opportunity

The National Christian Foundation

37,500

Future Armenian

Mr. Robert Kurkjian

25,000

Mr. & Mrs. Levon Filian

10,000

Mr. Armen Haroutiounian

12,500

Leadership Fund (FALF)

will make an immediate impact ONE Haigazian University student at a time. Haigazian University is the only Armenian university in the Armenian diaspora and has faithfully served the Armenian community since 1955. Graduates of HU have gone on to serve in leading positions around the world. Haigazian University has grown at a rate of 83% during the last 10 years.

Mr. Avedis Demirjian Mr. & Mrs. Hratch and Helga Sarkis

Total

2,500 12,500

100,000

Pledge by Mr. Harry Nadjarian

Haigazian University thanks the ongoing generosity and kindness of Mr. Harry Nadjarian and his long-term pledge to support the mission of the University. This is an invitation to Haigazian University alumni worldwide to join the group and use it as a way to find, reach out, connect with more Haigazian alumni and direct them to the Haigazian Online Community for active networking.

Join now: http://www.facebook.com/groups/119197151505406/

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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 | P.O. Box: 11-1748 Riad el Solh 1107 2090, Beirut – Lebanon Telephone: 961 1 739 412 • Telefax: 961 1 350 926 Website: www.haigazian.edu.lb/inspirit

Design & Printing Chirak Printing - Publishing