AGBU-AYA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS UNION’S 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

1980 05 04 AGBU-AYA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS UNION’S 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION --- 1980 May 4, AGBU–AYA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS UNION’s 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION------------ On Sunday morning, May 4, 1980, the AGBU–AYA University Students Union marked, with an appropriate ceremony held at the AYA Alex Manoogian Center, the 40th anniversary of the founding of the University Students Union.---------- The opening address was delivered by one of the Union’s former chairmen, Dr. Simon Keoshgerian. In concise terms, he presented the historical background of the Union and its principal mission: to bring together Armenian male and female students attending foreign universities under the national spirit of AGBU and AYA, to protect them from assimilation, to familiarize them with Armenian culture, and to inspire them with Armenian values.------------ He emphasized the development of sound patriotism among students and the preparation—through their ranks—of tomorrow’s devoted, principled, and selfless intellectual leadership, upon which the success of the sacred struggle for national preservation depends. He further stressed the importance of educating Armenian university students as exemplary citizens and of fostering healthy social relations by cultivating a spirit of cooperation among Armenian university students.---------- Concluding his remarks, Dr. Keoshgerian stated: “At this sacred moment of the 40th anniversary of our founding, we pledge to stand by our organizations—the AGBU and the AYA—at all costs, remaining their tireless devotees and standard-bearers in every national endeavor they undertake.”-------------- A welcoming address on behalf of the AYA Central Executive Committee was delivered by its Executive Secretary and Director of the Alex Manoogian Center, Mr. Artoun Hamalian.--------------------- This was followed by an address by Mr. Ara Toptchian, the distinguished principal of the AGBU Hovagimian–Manoogian School.---------------- After Mr. Topchian’s speech, a swearing-in ceremony of a group of university students as AYA members took place, conducted under the leadership of Mr. Ara Keshishian, Vice-Chairman of the Beirut Chapter Committee.--------------- Subsequently, in a warm and convivial atmosphere, Mr. Vahe Bahadrian, the eldest present among the former chairmen of the University Students Committees, cut the special 40th anniversary cake.---------------- With this jubilee celebration, the AYA University Union officially inaugurated the series of events planned in honor of the Union’s 40th anniversary. (Kh, May 1980, pp. 9–12)-------------