Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th Street, NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email anca@anca.org
Internet
PRESS RELEASE
July 8, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
HOVIG APO SAGHDEJIAN MEMORIAL FUND CONTINUES TO HELP
RECENT GRADUATES PURSUE THEIR DREAMS IN NATION’S CAPITAL
— One Year after Hovig’s Tragic Death, Memorial Fund Creating
ANCA Capital Gateway Program Fellowships for Armenians
Seeking Careers in Public Policy, Government, and Media
WASHINGTON, DC – The support of the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial
Fund has fueled the growth of the ANCA Capital Gateway Program,
expanding opportunities for promising Armenian graduates to pursue
careers in government, media, and the public policy world, reported
the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
Family, friends and community activists from around the country
will gather this weekend to honor the memory of Hovig, a 23-year
old community activist from Fresno, California, who lost his life
one year ago in a tragic car accident. Last year, Hovig’s father
Apo, his mother Rosine, and sister, Nayiri established the Memorial
Fund in Hovig’s memory. These funds will be held in perpetuity,
with all the income from fund using to finance the participation of
young Armenian Americans in the ANCA Capital Gateway Program. This
innovative program provides qualified college students and
graduates the opportunity to secure part-time internship and full-
time government, public policy, and media-related job opportunities
in the nation’s capital.
Three recent graduates from top California universities
participated in the Capital Gateway program though the assistance
of the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fund, which has received well
over $55,000 from more than 250 donors over the past year.
Ani Bedrosian, the first Saghdejian Memorial fellow arrived in
Washington DC in December, 2004. A graduate of Loyola Marymount
University with a Bachelors Degree in Communications, she was the
first Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fellow. Bedrosian, whose older
brother Ara is a former Capitol Hill staffer, quickly secured an
internship with New Jersey Republican Congressman James Saxton.
Serving in this position, she gained valuable experience on the
inner workings of Capitol Hill. Within three months, she secured a
full-time position as Executive Assistant to another New Jersey
Republican Congressman, Rep. Frank LoBiondo.
Bedrosian commented on the important role the Hovig Apo Saghdejian
Memorial Fellowship played in starting her career on Capitol Hill.
“As a Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fellow, I have been given a
unique opportunity to carry on Hovig’s legacy of service. With the
help of the ANCA and the Capital Gateway Program, I am currently
working at Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo’s Congressional office in
Washington, DC. I would like to thank the Saghdejian family for
giving young Armenians like me the opportunity to keep alive
Hovig’s wonderful legacy by making a difference in the American
political system.”
Bedrosian was soon followed by Andrew Gregorian in early January of
2005. A graduate of UCLA with a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy,
Gregorian was quickly offered several internships with California
and Oregon Congressional offices. He chose to work with Oregon
Congressman Earl Blumenauer. His internship soon turned into a
paid position, focusing on constituent relations activities.
Gregorian is currently exploring new political opportunities both
on and off Capitol Hill.
“Being in Washington DC has been a life changing experience,”
explained Gregorian. “I am indebted to the Saghdejian Memorial Fund
for giving me the opportunity to come to our nation’s capital and
help in the cause that was so important to Hovig. We will all
continue to work to contribute to the work that meant so much to
him.”
The most recent Capital Gateway Saghdejian Memorial Fellow is
Vasken Kassakhian. A graduate of UC Berkeley in 2003 with a
Bachelors Degree in English Literature, Kassakhian arrived in
Washington, DC in June, 2005, with several years of political work
already on his resume. A veteran campaign worker, Kassakhian has
proven his political acumen in local, state and congressional
races, working with the Schiff for Congress, Scott for State Senate
and, most recently, for his brother, Ardy Kassakhian, in his
successful race for Glendale City Clerk. Prior to his arrival to
Washington, DC, the ANCA had arranged an internship for Kassakhian
with Rep. Schiff through mid-August. He is using his internship to
help him obtain the experience to secure a permanent position on
the Hill.
“I feel incredibly honored to be a Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital
Gateway Fellow and am greatly indebted to all those who contributed
to this fellowship fund for providing me with the opportunity to
come to Washington D.C. and learn about the political process
firsthand,” explained Kassakhian. “Ultimately, it’s through
initiatives like the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fellowship Fund
that we will empower the next generation of Armenian Americans to
effect positive change in their communities.”
Hovig’s sudden and tragic death last year has been a great loss for
his family, friends, and the Armenian American community–in the
Central Valley and around the nation. He was an exemplary son,
brother, grandson, nephew, and friend, who left a legacy of love
for his family and friends, and of selfless devotion to his fellow
Armenians and his cultural heritage. This proud son of the Armenian
nation was laid to rest at Fresno’s historic Ararat Masis Cemetery,
in the shadow of Armenian national hero Soghomon Tehlirian.
Hovig Apo Saghdejian was born on December 31, 1980 in Fresno,
California. He completed his elementary education at the Armenian
Community School of Fresno. After graduation from the Armenian
school, Hovig attended Kastner Intermediate and later Clovis West
High School, where he received his high school diploma, as an
Advanced Placement Scholar with Honors.
Early in life, Hovig became a member of the Homenetmen Armenian
General Athletic Union and Scouts, and he joined the ranks of the
Armenian Youth Federation (AYF). These were the stepping-stones on
which Hovig continued to live his life.
After graduating from Clovis West in 1998, Hovig attended Fresno
City College, California State University of Fresno, and the
University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in
Interdisciplinary Studies, with an emphasis on economics,
philosophy and film studies. While attending college, Hovig was
active in the Armenian Student’s Association. He also received
numerous honors, such as the Armenian Relief Society Merit
Scholarship and Foundation West Merit Scholarship. Hovig had a
passion for his Armenian culture that was instilled by his family.
As an active member of AYF and Homenetmen, as both a Scout and
athlete, he contributed to the welfare of the Armenian American
community and reinforced his commitment to his Homeland. He visited
Armenia with the Land and Culture Organization, and traveled to
Beirut, Lebanon with the Hamazkayin Cultural Society to broaden his
cultural understanding.
As a devoted son of the Saghdejian family, Hovig lived a life of
commitment to the Armenian Cause and his ancient Armenian homeland.
He breathed life into the ideals of his youth by working to
preserve and reinvent Armenian identity in America, while bringing
a sense of optimism to the people of Armenia for a better future.
As a volunteer with the Land and Culture organization, Hovig
traveled to Armenia during the summer of 2003 to work as a
volunteer in Ayroum, developing infrastructure and self-
sustainability for the impoverished population of this village.
Beyond the value of the hard work that contributed significantly to
the well being of the villagers, Hovig’s efforts helped bring hope
to all he came in contact with that the future held better things
for the people of Armenia. Commenting on his time in Ayroum, in a
testimonial on the Land and Culture website, Hovig explained that,
“I know that when I reflect back on this experience I will feel
ecstatic about the work we accomplished, the things we saw, and the
bonds we forged.”
Hovig performed his civic duties by being politically involved, not
only with the ANCA, but also with Congressman George Radanovich and
State Assemblymember Steve Samuelian on campaign and public policy
projects.
Hovig enjoyed life, family, and friends. He had a very special bond
with his parents, Apo and Rosine, and sister, Nayiri. He spent his
spare time helping his mother at the Adult Day Care Center, and his
father with the family business.
Besides being confident, intelligent, and a driven young man, Hovig
was also lovable, caring, witty, comical, laid back and very, very
charming. He was a fine young man who always wore a smile on his
face and somehow always managed to brighten up a room.