As the readers of this blog know our daughter Ani is in Armenia now with my in-laws who have a house in the Arabkir district of Yerevan and she loves it there. Ani is surrounded by neighbors and relatives who visit her on a daily basis, not to mention all the playmates she has acquired. The most important thing to me in this child's first 3 years of life is that she is surrounded by love, the second most important thing is that for the first time in 4 generations my side of the family has produced a native speaker of the Armenian language, I cannot express how important this is to me. My personal joy when I hear her recite Ayb, Ben, Gim or sing Mer Hayastan, is indescribable, it's the ultimate music to my ears. This is what it is all about as you know, for us in the Diaspora to refocus our attention not on ourselves, but back towards our culture, our free and independent motherland which is developing at an impressive rate. Many of our nations benefactors have made it their personal responsibility to contribute very generously and have helped our nation in ways that most of us will only spend our lives dreaming of being able to do.
For my part, I am stuck in a sort of cruel limbo. I acknowledge in my heart that God has clearly spoken to me and told me that I must dedicate my life's work to my nation, and I have not only accepted that, but embraced everything it means to me. I have accepted repatriation as a must, and I now see it as a great honor, and am truly excited about it. However, I simply haven't found the opportunity to make that next chapter in my life open.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tribute to Uncle Edward Mardigian
Well I recently wrote this article on the life of a relative, the late Edward Mardigian, thought I would share here for those interested.
Edward Mardigian (October 25, 1907 - November 3, 1993) was an engineer, Leader, Philanthropist.
Early Life
Edward Mardigian was born in Constantinople on October 25, 1907. He was the youngest of Stephen Mardigian's children, and was only six when he immigrated to the United States. Stephan Mardigian, who had been working as a Butcher in Toledo, OH, saved enough money to bring the family to the United States in October 1914, on the eve of the Armenian Genocide.
Stephen Mardigian's first order of business, once settled was to ensure for his children, the best educational opportunities and benefits that America had to offer, and which had been denied to his people in Turkey. Luckily, an excellent student blossomed in Edward, who couldn't seem to surround himself with enough books to satisfy his thirst for knowledge, particularly for the automotive industry and technology.
Education and Career
Losing his mother at the age of 12 was very difficult for young Edward, but was not enough to slow him down, and by the age of 15 he joined his brothers at the Ford Motor Company, enrolling in the Trade School in Highland Park, MI. He entered the industrial field as a tool and dye designing apprentice student. He graduated in 1928 with excellent marks and was offered a great position with Ford Motor Company in Detroit.
In 1930 Mardigian left Ford Motor Company and joined Chrysler Corporation, which allowed him to attend night classes at the Detroit Institute of Technology and Wayne State University, where he soon would earn the equivalent of a high school diploma and the training of a mechanical engineer.
By 1933 he had the knowledge, education and passion to begin an exciting and successful career. In that year, Mardigian accepted the position of Assistant Chief Tool Designer with Briggs Manufacturing Corporation. In 1934 Briggs sent Mardigian to London, England to supervise the first major tooling program at their Dagenham plant, and in 1936 he returned to the United States to head up the process and estimating department, which he would lead through the difficult and early part of the second World War.
Mardigian left Briggs in 1943 and formed a tool and die company called Oakman Engineering Co., and the following year bought a major stake in Northern Engineering Co. These two companies would later enter the production realm and become known as the Mardigian Corporation.
Family
Edward Mardigian is survived by his wife, Helen and family. He was the Uncle of Philanthropist Aram Abgarian.
Armenian Community
In 1984 Mr. Mardigian helped assure the future of the then forming Armenian Assembly of America by making a contribution to that organizations endowment fund. Helen Mardigian is a life Trustee of the Armenian Assembly of America.
Armenian Church
The Helen and Edward Mardigian Institute is a highly successful training program for educators, particularly for Sunday School teachers without a professional education background. The program helps them reach out to children by providing on-going training, inspiration, and encouragement free of charge to local Sunday School staffs across the Eastern Diocese. The program takes place bi-annually at the Diocesan Center in New York City and at the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary.
The Mardigian Institute was founded in 1978 and has trained more than 350 Sunday School educators. The program is organized by the staff of the Diocese’s Department of Youth and takes small groups of around 10 students at a time for 1 week courses which include demonstrations, lectures and discussions of Christian faith.
Along with Alex and Marie Manoogian, Edward and Helen Mardigian were major benefactors of St. John’s Armenian Church in Southfield, MI.
Academia
In 1987, Helen and Edward Mardigian donated $500,000 to the Armenian Research Center endowment and $350,000 to an endowment for the campus library. Pleased with the work of the Armenian Research Center and with the generosity of the Mardigians towards the University, which has extended beyond their original contributions, the then Chancellor of the Dearborn campus, William A. Jenkins, recommended to the President of The University of Michigan, at that time Harold Shapiro, that the University name the campus library the Edward and Helen Mardigian Library. This the Regents did the following year.
The University of Michigan In 1996, a $3 million gift from the Mardigian Foundation in honor of the late Detroit-area industrialist and philanthropist Edward Mardigian and his wife, Helen, helped in the construction of the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center and Geriatrics Center Building. In recognition of the family foundation’s generosity, the building’s lobby was named the Edward Mardigian Memorial Lobby. “We have always believed in sharing,” Helen Mardigian said in announcing the gift. “We have always wanted to do something for the Hospital. Edward would be very pleased.”
The Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital Funded by a $1 million donation from the Edward Mardigian Family, the Mardigian Family Surgery Center at the Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital provides a comfortable and bright waiting area for family members, flooded with the warmth of daylight from the skylights above. The area features a children’s playroom and a business center with computer access and health care information. To enhance patient privacy, coaster pagers, similar to those used in restaurants, summon waiting family members to the postsurgery consultation with the surgeon.
Location of the Edward and Helen Mardigian Museum of Armenian Art and History in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem
Art, Culture and History
Opened in 1979, the Edward and Helen Mardigian Museum of Armenian Art and History of Jerusalem is located in a 200-year-old building that once housed the Armenian Patriarchate’s Theological Seminary, The Mardigian Museum of Armenian Art and Culture present a picturesque overview of Armenian history, religion and cultural heritage.
Exhibits include historical and religious artifacts, many brought to Jerusalem by pilgrims, including hand-woven rugs, a collection of Armenian coins, huge copper cauldrons crafted by Armenian smiths, colorful tiles from the world-famous Kutayha district, and a map of the ancient world printed in Armenian. There is also a replica of Gutenberg`s original printing press, the first to be established in Jerusalem in 1833.
Awards
The Armenian Students' Association of America awarded Mr. Mardigian the Sarafian Award for Good Citizenship in 1986.
Edward Mardigian (October 25, 1907 - November 3, 1993) was an engineer, Leader, Philanthropist.
Early Life
Edward Mardigian was born in Constantinople on October 25, 1907. He was the youngest of Stephen Mardigian's children, and was only six when he immigrated to the United States. Stephan Mardigian, who had been working as a Butcher in Toledo, OH, saved enough money to bring the family to the United States in October 1914, on the eve of the Armenian Genocide.
Stephen Mardigian's first order of business, once settled was to ensure for his children, the best educational opportunities and benefits that America had to offer, and which had been denied to his people in Turkey. Luckily, an excellent student blossomed in Edward, who couldn't seem to surround himself with enough books to satisfy his thirst for knowledge, particularly for the automotive industry and technology.
Education and Career
Losing his mother at the age of 12 was very difficult for young Edward, but was not enough to slow him down, and by the age of 15 he joined his brothers at the Ford Motor Company, enrolling in the Trade School in Highland Park, MI. He entered the industrial field as a tool and dye designing apprentice student. He graduated in 1928 with excellent marks and was offered a great position with Ford Motor Company in Detroit.
In 1930 Mardigian left Ford Motor Company and joined Chrysler Corporation, which allowed him to attend night classes at the Detroit Institute of Technology and Wayne State University, where he soon would earn the equivalent of a high school diploma and the training of a mechanical engineer.
By 1933 he had the knowledge, education and passion to begin an exciting and successful career. In that year, Mardigian accepted the position of Assistant Chief Tool Designer with Briggs Manufacturing Corporation. In 1934 Briggs sent Mardigian to London, England to supervise the first major tooling program at their Dagenham plant, and in 1936 he returned to the United States to head up the process and estimating department, which he would lead through the difficult and early part of the second World War.
Mardigian left Briggs in 1943 and formed a tool and die company called Oakman Engineering Co., and the following year bought a major stake in Northern Engineering Co. These two companies would later enter the production realm and become known as the Mardigian Corporation.
Family
Edward Mardigian is survived by his wife, Helen and family. He was the Uncle of Philanthropist Aram Abgarian.
Armenian Community
In 1984 Mr. Mardigian helped assure the future of the then forming Armenian Assembly of America by making a contribution to that organizations endowment fund. Helen Mardigian is a life Trustee of the Armenian Assembly of America.
Armenian Church
The Helen and Edward Mardigian Institute is a highly successful training program for educators, particularly for Sunday School teachers without a professional education background. The program helps them reach out to children by providing on-going training, inspiration, and encouragement free of charge to local Sunday School staffs across the Eastern Diocese. The program takes place bi-annually at the Diocesan Center in New York City and at the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary.
The Mardigian Institute was founded in 1978 and has trained more than 350 Sunday School educators. The program is organized by the staff of the Diocese’s Department of Youth and takes small groups of around 10 students at a time for 1 week courses which include demonstrations, lectures and discussions of Christian faith.
Along with Alex and Marie Manoogian, Edward and Helen Mardigian were major benefactors of St. John’s Armenian Church in Southfield, MI.
Academia
In 1987, Helen and Edward Mardigian donated $500,000 to the Armenian Research Center endowment and $350,000 to an endowment for the campus library. Pleased with the work of the Armenian Research Center and with the generosity of the Mardigians towards the University, which has extended beyond their original contributions, the then Chancellor of the Dearborn campus, William A. Jenkins, recommended to the President of The University of Michigan, at that time Harold Shapiro, that the University name the campus library the Edward and Helen Mardigian Library. This the Regents did the following year.
The University of Michigan In 1996, a $3 million gift from the Mardigian Foundation in honor of the late Detroit-area industrialist and philanthropist Edward Mardigian and his wife, Helen, helped in the construction of the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center and Geriatrics Center Building. In recognition of the family foundation’s generosity, the building’s lobby was named the Edward Mardigian Memorial Lobby. “We have always believed in sharing,” Helen Mardigian said in announcing the gift. “We have always wanted to do something for the Hospital. Edward would be very pleased.”
The Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital Funded by a $1 million donation from the Edward Mardigian Family, the Mardigian Family Surgery Center at the Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital provides a comfortable and bright waiting area for family members, flooded with the warmth of daylight from the skylights above. The area features a children’s playroom and a business center with computer access and health care information. To enhance patient privacy, coaster pagers, similar to those used in restaurants, summon waiting family members to the postsurgery consultation with the surgeon.
Location of the Edward and Helen Mardigian Museum of Armenian Art and History in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem
Art, Culture and History
Opened in 1979, the Edward and Helen Mardigian Museum of Armenian Art and History of Jerusalem is located in a 200-year-old building that once housed the Armenian Patriarchate’s Theological Seminary, The Mardigian Museum of Armenian Art and Culture present a picturesque overview of Armenian history, religion and cultural heritage.
Exhibits include historical and religious artifacts, many brought to Jerusalem by pilgrims, including hand-woven rugs, a collection of Armenian coins, huge copper cauldrons crafted by Armenian smiths, colorful tiles from the world-famous Kutayha district, and a map of the ancient world printed in Armenian. There is also a replica of Gutenberg`s original printing press, the first to be established in Jerusalem in 1833.
Awards
The Armenian Students' Association of America awarded Mr. Mardigian the Sarafian Award for Good Citizenship in 1986.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Helen Mardigian has passed away
It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing of Aunt Helen Mardigian. I was fortunate enough to have spent some time visiting with her at home and speaking with her by phone several months ago and I can honestly say she was one of a kind. It's hard to grasp everything that her and Uncle Eddie have done not only for Armenians but for Michiganders as well, but I can tell you they were very kind, caring and generous people. Aunt Helen will be missed but I have fond memories to hold on to. Astvats Hokin Lusavor
Friday, March 26, 2010
On the 30th anniversary of the passing of Rafik Ordyan by Minas Kojayian
Rafik Ordyan’s Enduring Odyssey
The GT-77 Race Car
Every time I reminisce about blooming Hollywood stars of the past, such as James Dean, I come face to face with the highly talented artist and clown who passed away before his prime, circus star of Armenia and the former Soviet Union, the late Leonid Yengibarian. I also remember an extraordinary and uniquely gifted young man from my university years in Armenia, automotive pioneer, inventor and designer Rafik Ordyan.
Rafik would have turned 61 years old this year had the medical world taken his heart condition more seriously. Having departed from this world at the tender age of 30, Rafik’s love, determination and creative talents in the field of automotive design could have earned him a well-deserved place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
In the 18th century, Rafik’s forefathers emigrated from the city of Ordubad in the Nakhijevan region to Armenia’s northeastern province of Tavush and the village of Aygedzor. Young Rafik’s keen interest in the sciences and creative arts became a driving force in his persistent efforts to gain knowledge of mechanical engineering in both the Armenian and Russian languages. In the eighth grade, with the use of objects found at home, Rafik had already created an FM radio transmitter in the compact size of a cigarette box.
At the age of 14, upon reading about a hand-crafted model truck in the Russian-language monthly journal Young Designer, Rafik vows to create his own model vehicle. Upon graduation from high school, Rafik is accepted by the cybernetics department of Yerevan’s Polytechnic University. Prior to his enrollment exams, however, Rafik had already designed and built his first automobile, and Armenia’s first ever convertible car.
Rafik was a special student. During his university years, Rafik’s interest in the field of physics propelled him to dream of defending his Master of Science thesis in the physics “capital” of the Soviet Union, the city of Dubna. During his graduating year at the university, he devotes himself to the initial preparation of a blueprint for his dream car. Rafik’s hard work and tenacity in building his dream car comes to fruition six years later.
Rafik the inventor had to start everything from scratch. During the process of building his famous GT-77 race car, Rafik’s hands as well as personal connections were put to good use in his quest to find accurate automotive parts. Despite working for the Transportation Ministry of the USSR, Rafik spent his non-working hours at the ministry by going through great lengths to find, inspect, modify, and incorporate correct and dependable automotive parts for his GT-77. When interviewed, Rafik stated that he had “one purpose… to create a contemporary and unique automobile, which would be distinctly different than any other automobile.” Specifically, Rafik incorporated a Skoda 1202 47HP engine manufactured in Czechoslovakia, and a Moskvich 412 gearbox. In June 1977, all of Yerevan was raving about Rafik Ordyan’s orange GT-77 race car.
August 6, 1977 was a special day in the life of Rafik Ordyan. The USSR’s Grand Prix was set to begin in Moscow. Over 2000 automobiles and their drivers, including Rafik and his GT-77, participated in this event. A number of scholarly journals and publications throughout the Soviet Union, in addition to prominent scientific institutions, the Zaporozhets factory in Ukraine and the YERAZ factory (Yerevan Automotive Factory) in the Kanaker district of Yerevan all expressed serious interest in Rafik’s creative prowess. The Grand Prix commenced in Moscow’s Gorky Park, en route 2500 miles to the Black Sea port of Sevastopol in the Crimea. Among 2000 participants, Rafik Ordyan became the champion of the Grand Prix, earning several accolades and worthy attention throughout the Soviet Union, and bringing pride to his native Armenia. Thanks to Soviet newspapers and television, over 250 million people familiarized themselves with the young Armenian inventor and his “baby”, the GT-77.
Rafik was a rising star with a promising future ahead of him, who would have brought pride to any nation. Sadly, his life was cut short at the age of 30, due to a heart condition which could have been properly treated had he undergone the correct medical procedures. Rafik Ordyan passed away on May 31, 1979 in Moscow.
The Armenian nation never forgot her native son. Due to the efforts of Rafik’s friends and admirers, the annual Ordyan Prize was established in recognition of an inventor who has built the best automobile by hand. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Rafik’s passing, a decision was made by the Ordyan family to restore the GT-77 race car, in addition to publicly exhibiting a collection of Rafik’s photographs, trophies and medals, letters, and the designs of his automobiles.
Written by Minas Kojayan
Translated from Western Armenian by Mihran Toumajan
The GT-77 Race Car
Every time I reminisce about blooming Hollywood stars of the past, such as James Dean, I come face to face with the highly talented artist and clown who passed away before his prime, circus star of Armenia and the former Soviet Union, the late Leonid Yengibarian. I also remember an extraordinary and uniquely gifted young man from my university years in Armenia, automotive pioneer, inventor and designer Rafik Ordyan.
Rafik would have turned 61 years old this year had the medical world taken his heart condition more seriously. Having departed from this world at the tender age of 30, Rafik’s love, determination and creative talents in the field of automotive design could have earned him a well-deserved place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
In the 18th century, Rafik’s forefathers emigrated from the city of Ordubad in the Nakhijevan region to Armenia’s northeastern province of Tavush and the village of Aygedzor. Young Rafik’s keen interest in the sciences and creative arts became a driving force in his persistent efforts to gain knowledge of mechanical engineering in both the Armenian and Russian languages. In the eighth grade, with the use of objects found at home, Rafik had already created an FM radio transmitter in the compact size of a cigarette box.
At the age of 14, upon reading about a hand-crafted model truck in the Russian-language monthly journal Young Designer, Rafik vows to create his own model vehicle. Upon graduation from high school, Rafik is accepted by the cybernetics department of Yerevan’s Polytechnic University. Prior to his enrollment exams, however, Rafik had already designed and built his first automobile, and Armenia’s first ever convertible car.
Rafik was a special student. During his university years, Rafik’s interest in the field of physics propelled him to dream of defending his Master of Science thesis in the physics “capital” of the Soviet Union, the city of Dubna. During his graduating year at the university, he devotes himself to the initial preparation of a blueprint for his dream car. Rafik’s hard work and tenacity in building his dream car comes to fruition six years later.
Rafik the inventor had to start everything from scratch. During the process of building his famous GT-77 race car, Rafik’s hands as well as personal connections were put to good use in his quest to find accurate automotive parts. Despite working for the Transportation Ministry of the USSR, Rafik spent his non-working hours at the ministry by going through great lengths to find, inspect, modify, and incorporate correct and dependable automotive parts for his GT-77. When interviewed, Rafik stated that he had “one purpose… to create a contemporary and unique automobile, which would be distinctly different than any other automobile.” Specifically, Rafik incorporated a Skoda 1202 47HP engine manufactured in Czechoslovakia, and a Moskvich 412 gearbox. In June 1977, all of Yerevan was raving about Rafik Ordyan’s orange GT-77 race car.
August 6, 1977 was a special day in the life of Rafik Ordyan. The USSR’s Grand Prix was set to begin in Moscow. Over 2000 automobiles and their drivers, including Rafik and his GT-77, participated in this event. A number of scholarly journals and publications throughout the Soviet Union, in addition to prominent scientific institutions, the Zaporozhets factory in Ukraine and the YERAZ factory (Yerevan Automotive Factory) in the Kanaker district of Yerevan all expressed serious interest in Rafik’s creative prowess. The Grand Prix commenced in Moscow’s Gorky Park, en route 2500 miles to the Black Sea port of Sevastopol in the Crimea. Among 2000 participants, Rafik Ordyan became the champion of the Grand Prix, earning several accolades and worthy attention throughout the Soviet Union, and bringing pride to his native Armenia. Thanks to Soviet newspapers and television, over 250 million people familiarized themselves with the young Armenian inventor and his “baby”, the GT-77.
Rafik was a rising star with a promising future ahead of him, who would have brought pride to any nation. Sadly, his life was cut short at the age of 30, due to a heart condition which could have been properly treated had he undergone the correct medical procedures. Rafik Ordyan passed away on May 31, 1979 in Moscow.
The Armenian nation never forgot her native son. Due to the efforts of Rafik’s friends and admirers, the annual Ordyan Prize was established in recognition of an inventor who has built the best automobile by hand. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Rafik’s passing, a decision was made by the Ordyan family to restore the GT-77 race car, in addition to publicly exhibiting a collection of Rafik’s photographs, trophies and medals, letters, and the designs of his automobiles.
Written by Minas Kojayan
Translated from Western Armenian by Mihran Toumajan
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