Rindge Taps Elanjian as `Man of the Year’
by Tom Vartabedian
November 23, 2012
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – George Elanjian, who provided the financial backbone
behind the $6.2 million Armenian Heritage Park project, is basking in
another moment of glory and accomplishment these days.
George Elanjian shares his Man of the Year Award from Rindge Tech with
wife Dottie.
He was named `Man of the Year’ by his alma mater, Rindge Tech, from
where he graduated in 1957.
Close to 350 people turned out at the school’s 55th reunion Nov. 19 to
applaud Elanjian for his community service, sound work ethics, and
ambassadorship to the school, which has never wavered over time. The
school boasts the oldest alumni association in the country, dating
back 116 years.
The tribute came only weeks following the death of his four-month-old
grandchild to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), a tragedy that
rocked the entire Greater Boston Armenian community. Elanjian managed
to keep his composure during an acceptance speech before his peers.
`Unfortunately and tragically, our family is still grieving the loss
of our grandson,’ he said. `My wife Dottie is the glue that has held
our family together through thick and thin.’
On hand to relish the moment were his two daughters, Janine and Loren,
along with some close friends.
In presenting the award, Ted Darling described Elanjian as a graduate
who embodied the true Rindge spirit of `service above self.’
`George has always carried the vision of our school no matter where he
has gone,’ said Darling. `He’s the perfect role model for others who
have attended this school. His work throughout the community and
business world has manifested itself in every facet.’
Among his deeds was chairing the All Gifts Committee, which resulted
in seeing the genocide memorial reach fruition this year at the Rose
Kennedy Greenway. Elanjian helped organized many a fund drive inside
area churches while tapping into all available resources to reach the
goal.
In his acceptance talk, he touched upon his proud Armenian ancestry
and being born to genocide survivors.
`My parents met here and brought other immigrants with them to
discover a new world and opportunity waiting,’ Elanjian said. `They
worked hard and coped with sacrifice. They stressed the importance of
education, church, and culture. I’ve tried to instill those same
values into my children.’
Elanjian was active with the Watertown Armenian Youth Federation
(AYF), played football at Rindge, and belonged to St. Stephen’s
Church, where he and Dottie were among the pillars of the Couples’
Club. He also served on the Board of Trustees.
After high school, Elanjian proceeded to Wentworth Institute of
Technology, where he secured a degree in architectural engineering. He
completed ongoing continuing education courses at Boston Architectural
Center before becoming registered in 1974.
>From 1972-93, Elanjian became principal architect with the firm of JGD
Inc. During that time, he was responsible for the design, bid
documents, and construction administration for Bentley College (now
Bentley University), which featured a 120-acre project worth more than
$100 million, along with a campus development plan of 1.2 million
square feet of new buildings, additions, renovations, and a pedestrian
bridge.
Since 1993, Elanjian has operated his own business called CGE and
Associates. As project architect, he has taken charge of many design
projects, including custom homes, multi-family residential units,
commercial office buildings, restaurants, and most recently, the
preliminary design phase of a 20-acre, $43.25 million housing project
in his hometown of Woburn.
The Elanjians have been blessed with three married children and five
grandchildren, alternating between their home in Woburn and another in
Gloucester.
A number of notable graduates have occupied this honor roll, which
came as a total surprise to Elanjian.
`Attending this school while growing up in Cambridge had a huge impact
in my life,’ he said. `The memories will always remain indelible.’