Los Angeles, CA – The Armenian National Committee – Western Region (ANC-WR), in 2006, established an endowment fund in the name of the late Haroutioun Kasparian of Los Angeles. The endowment fund has been used to support the ANC-WR Internship and Externship Program (ANC-WR IEP) as well as to educate Armenian American youth on issues related to the Armenian Cause. Endowment funds such as this are instrumental in facilitating exceptional programs such as the ANC-WR IEP which to date has had 28 graduates.

“The ANC has long understood that the successful pursuit of the Armenian Cause requires a commitment that transcends generations and survives the passing of its beloved volunteers,” stated ANC-WR Chairman Vicken Sonentz-Papazian. “We are doubly blessed by friends and patriots like Haroutioun Kasparian since we receive the enormous benefits of his lifetime of service and dedication as well as the resources to build on these successes through his vision and generosity. Through the endowment, Haroutioun’s love of nation and dedication to his people is as alive today as when he selflessly and relentlessly worked with the ANC to achieve a just resolution to the Armenian Cause,” concluded Sonentz-Papazian.

Haroutioun Kasparian, a lifelong supporter of the ANCA, passed away on June 23, 2006. Among his memoirs, Kasparian wrote the following of his passion for the Armenian Church and the Armenian Cause: “I would like to convey, after my passing, that you [the Armenian people] must love the Armenian Church because it is the Armenian Nation. And the nation has an obligation to work for Hai Tahd [the Armenian Cause] which is both our national pride and obligation.”

“The Kasparian Family is proud of the ANC’s achievements over the past two years with the help of the Endowment Fund,” said Arsho Aghjayan, daughter of Haroutioun Kasparian. “We believe in the Armenian Cause and would like to encourage others to enlarge the scope of the ANC by establishing similar funds to keep Hai Tahd alive and active through the efforts of our youth,” she added.

Established in June 2006, the ANC-WR IEP is a selective and intensive program that provides student leaders and activists with an opportunity to participate in a program designed to provide an in-depth introduction to Armenian American issues as well as advocacy efforts at the federal, state and local levels of government. The program hosts spring, summer and autumn sessions.

For those who wish to create an endowment like the Kasparian Endowment, please contact ANC-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian at (818) 500-1918 for more information.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.