PRESS RELEASE
A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie Manoogian School
Lawrence Technological University
Contact: John Miskelly or Carolyn Assarian
Phone: (313) 982-1400
Unique Educational Partnership Begins Between A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie
Manoogian School and Lawrence Technological University
1/25/05
SOUTHFIELD, MI – At the A.G.B.U. Alex & Marie Manoogian School in
Southfield, an exciting partnership was officially formed as
administrators from the Manoogian School and Lawrence Technological
University participated in a signing ceremony (photo 1 attached). Titled
INSPIRE (Inspiring and Nurturing Students – A Partnership for Innovative
and Rewarding Education), the new program outlined in the signed
agreement offers Manoogian School seniors the opportunity to take
courses at Lawrence Tech for college credit.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Dr. Charles Chambers, president of
Lawrence Technological University, recalled a previous discussion with
Manoogian School founder Alex Manoogian. Dr. Chambers said, `(Manoogian)
believed in educational opportunities for young people,’ and he believes
the INSPIRE program follows the same lines Manoogian had intended for
the school. Dr. Chambers encouraged Manoogian students to apply for the
program in the future.
Dr. Nadya Sarafian, principal of Manoogian School, urged students to
take advantage of the chance to take courses at such an esteemed
university.
The ceremony also included the introduction of Manoogian’s three INSPIRE
students, who have already begun classes at Lawrence Tech: Vatche
Bassmagian, Avak Kahramanian and Mihai Untea. They were presented with
certificates and Lawrence Tech sweatshirts by Dr. Chambers.
In addition to Drs. Chambers and Sarafian, signing the agreement were
Dr. Lewis Walker, executive vice-president and provost, Lawrence
Technological University, Hosep Torossian, vice-principal, and Dr.
Richard Marburger, chair of the board of education, Manoogian School.
Also in attendance were several Lawrence Tech faculty members and staff;
Manoogian School board members, PTO members, parents, friends, faculty
and staff; and representatives from the Mayor of Southfield’s office and
Central Michigan University’s Charter Schools Office.
The Manoogian School is located in Southfield, Michigan. Established in
1969, the school was chartered by Central Michigan University in 1995.
Its curriculum follows the Michigan State Board of Education guidelines
for all schools, in addition to emphasizing the study of the Armenian
language, culture, history and arts.
Lawrence Technological University, also located in Southfield, is a
private university with a reputation for excellence. It boasts a
well-respected faculty in the fields of engineering, architecture and
design, arts and sciences, and management.
(1) Signing Ceremony Photo: Administrators from Manoogian School and
Lawrence Tech University sign the agreement outlining the new IGNITE
partnership, which allows Manoogian students to take college courses at
Lawrence Tech for college credit.
(2) INSPIRE Students Photo: Pictured with Dr. Nadya Sarafian, principal
of Manoogian School, and Dr. Charles Chambers, president of Lawrence
Tech University, are the three Manoogian students taking part in the
INSPIRE program: Vatche Bassmagian, Mihai Untea, and Avak Kahramanian.
Contact: John Miskelly or Carolyn Assarian
Phone: (313) 982-1400