Henry and Anahis Derian

PRESS RELEASE
Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director
Haigazian University
Rue Mexique - Kantari
P.O. Box 11-1748
Riad El-Solh 1107 2090
Beirut - Lebanon

November 21, 2005

BEIRUT, Lebanon --- In the largest single donation of the 50th anniversary of Haigazian University, Mr. & Mrs. Henry and Anahis Derian of Pasadena, California have announced that they are making a $500,000 gift to the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) for Haigazian University, in particular for its future building needs and Armenian Library.

To honor the Derians for their generous gift, the Haigazian University Board of Trustees has authorized the naming of the Armenian Library of the university as the Derian Library. The Armenian Library, with its rich collection of rare 18th and 19th century books and contemporary collections, currently contains 32,600 volumes, including 5,860 volumes of bound periodicals.

"Most meaningful in this donation," said Haigazian University President Paul Haidostian "is the commitment of the Derians to the core values of Haigazian University and its founders. We are proud and grateful that the general appreciation of the American Armenian community to Haigazian University continues to be translated into concrete support of its future plans, academic aspirations and building projects. We at Haigazian remain committed to serving our young generations in their quest for growth and excellence."

The President added, "The Derian donation will further strengthen the AMAA's fifty-year support of and commitment to the mission of Haigazian University and the pivotal role it plays in higher education in the Middle East."