HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY
From: Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director
Rue Mexique – Kantari
P.O. Box 11-1748
Riad El-Solh 1107 2090
Beirut – Lebanon
HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY WOMEN’S AUXILIARY RECOGNIZES DISTINGUISHED LEBANESE
MOTHERS
As a continuing tradition, for yet another year, Haigazian University’s
Women’s Auxiliary honored five distinguished women from Lebanon, who have
inspired, mentored, nurtured and cared for their communities. All women
were recognized for their role in developing their people, by giving them
room to grow and inspiring them to realize their full potential.
The event, under the high patronage of H.E. Mrs. Leila Solh Hamade, the
Vice President of the Al-Waleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation in
Lebanon, took place on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at the Bristol Hotel in Beirut.
Present were two hundred women from various regions and communities in
Lebanon, among whom were wives of government ministers and parliament members.
The honorees of this year were:
Mouftieh Sabahat Sabounji from Tripoli. She represents the symbol of
motherhood in the North, as her home is considered to be the place where
all disputes are settled and solved. Mrs. Sabounji had started and presided
over many educational, religious, and social associations, all aiming at
empowering women.
Ms. Ani Boudjikanian from Beirut, an exceptional social worker and
pharmacist, was honored for her achievement of the EHLAN Social Housing
Project, which provides decent housing for needy Lebanese Armenians. Ms
Boudjikanian represents the coexistence of a loving heart and an
intellectual mind in one body.
Mrs. Zeinab Osseiran from Saida was appreciated for her establishing the
Jabal Amel Women’s Association, for building a nursing school and reviving
the silk industry in the South. Mrs. Osseiran is a woman of vision and a
believer in continuous learning.
Mrs. Maya Chami was recognized for founding the “Association de Dame de la
Charite”. She has succeeded in developing a teamwork spirit amongst the
social workers.
Princess Hayat Arslan was honored for founding the Society of Lebanon the
Giver, an institution which deals with social problems, and generates
income through creating various social projects.
After a welcoming word by the Haigazian University Women’s Auxiliary chair
Mrs. Terine Hasserjian, HUWA member Mrs. Mayda Keleshian led the audience
in a half hour audio-visual journey, “down memory lane”, presenting the
lives of the five honorees in mesmerizing detail. In her conclusion, she
praised the women who have tried hard to restore and strengthen the dignity
of those who had lost it, and badly needed to regain it.
Mr. Abdel Salam Marini, director of the Al-Waleed Bin Talal Humanitarian
Foundation in Lebanon, praised Haigazian University for its pioneering role
in the Lebanese society. On this special occasion, the institution was
generous in offering the university a fully equipped exam room, in addition
to LCD projectors for all the classrooms. Mr. Marini announced that this
donation represented the beginning of cooperation between the university
and the Al-Waleed Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation.
Haigazian University President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian explained the
concept of servant leadership. “The mmission of Haigazian University from
the beginning has been to appreciate, encourage and promote an
understanding of leadership that is well-equipped, well-trained, but also
well-prepared to serve”, said Haidostian. Moreover, he considered an honor
for Haigazian University to be recognized and appreciated by the Al-Waleed
Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation.
Then each of the five honorees received a special plaque from the hand of
Mrs. Solh and in return President Haidostian awarded her excellency with a
golden plaque of appreciation.
The program was concluded with a luncheon of fellowship during which the
attendees had the opportunity to meet the various members of the HUWA,
converse with Mrs. Solh and familiarize themselves with the academic
services of Haigazian University.
In addition to the enjoyment of the event as a whole, the attendees
expressed deep appreciation for the participation of some Haigazian
University students who during the celebration presented a special musical
interlude, and an Armenian traditional dance during the luncheon.