Beirut Meets Hollywood at the Ebell of Los Angeles Celebrating Haigazian University’s 70th Anniversary

By Louisa Janbazian, AMAA Public Relations/Communications Director

 

Los Angeles, CA – Haigazian University’s yearlong 70th Anniversary celebrations, launched in New Jersey and carried through New York, Yerevan, Dubai, Beirut, Montreal, Riyadh, Cairo, Athens and Doha, reached a memorable and elegant culmination in Los Angeles on January 24, 2026. Under the theme “Beirut Meets Hollywood,” nearly 300 spiritual leaders, educators, alumni, benefactors, community representatives, and distinguished guests gathered for the gala at the of Los Angeles to honor the University’s enduring legacy and impact.

The evening, co-chaired by trustees Tina Segel and Raffi Kendirjian, also served as a tribute to longtime trustee and benefactor Joyce Philibosian Stein, recognizing her decades of commitment and service to Haigazian University.

The program opened with welcoming remarks from the co-chairs, who introduced Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America; Rev. Hendrik Shanazarian, Minister to the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches of North America; Rev. John Khanjian, Ph.D., former President of Haigazian University; Rev. Paul Haidostian, Ph.D., current President of Haigazian University; Inge Markarian, wife of founding President Rev. Dr. John Markarian; Gary Phillips, AMAA Board President; and Serge D. Buchakjian, AMAA CEO/Executive. The Co-chairs also recognized the former Women’s Auxiliary of Haigazian, who for decades worked tirelessly to raise support for the University, many of whom were present in the audience.

Following the national anthems of the United States, Armenia, and Lebanon performed by Nazani Mncherian, Kendirjian introduced the former President of Haigazian University Rev. Dr. John Khanjian and invited him to the podium for the invocation. In his prayer Rev. Dr. Khanjian remembered the founding members of Haigazian University, the Armenian Missionary Association of America, and the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East. He gave thanks to God for their vision and faith in establishing the University in 1955, and for the countless lives blessed through Haigazian’s mission over the past seventy years.

A video presentation followed, highlighting the University’s history, spirit, and legacy. Dr. Hasmig Baran, Chair of the Board of Trustees, then greeted the guests on behalf of her fellow trustees and introduced Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian.

In his address, Rev. Dr. Haidostian reflected on the significance of the moment, stating: “We conclude Haigazian University’s 70th anniversary with remarkable elegance here in Los Angeles, yet this conclusion is, in truth, a beginning, the start of a new phase in a rapidly changing world. At Haigazian University, it is not global threats or local uncertainties that define us, but our unwavering commitment to educating future generations with professionalism, teamwork, ethics, faith, and a lifelong devotion to learning and service.”

The highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation honoring Joyce Philibosian Stein for her extraordinary contributions to Haigazian University. In her remarks, Mrs. Stein expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Gala Committee and attendees for the honor. She recalled that the University’s founding was made possible through the generosity of Mary Mehagian, daugther of Dr. Armenag Haigazian—an Armenian Genocide martyr for whom the University is named and her husband Avak (Steven) Mehagian, and through the vision and leadership of her father, Stephen Philibosian. Mrs. Stein shared how the idea of establishing an American style liberal arts University in Beirut, Lebanon was first conceived and born in 1955 at her father’s hilltop home in Radnor, Pennsylvania. “Without doubt, Haigazian became my father’s passionate vision,” she noted.

University leadership presented Mrs. Stein with a special award in recognition of her decades of service, generosity, and dedication—contributions that have left an indelible impact on the institution and its students.

Adding to the evening’s celebratory spirit, world-renowned Armenian pianist Vahagn Hayrapetyan and his ensemble, who traveled from Yerevan for the occasion, delighted guests with a special musical performance, as well as one of the greatest Oud players in the world, Naser Musa.

The celebration concluded with the ceremonial cake cutting, accompanied by the Haigazian University Alma Mater, and a closing prayer.

Reflecting on the spirit of the evening, the co-chairs said in their message: “For seventy years, Haigazian University has been a place where Christian faith, academic excellence, and Armenian heritage come together to educate and inspire generations of leaders, thinkers, and servants. Through decades marked by civil war, regional challenges, and severe financial crises, the University has remained steadfast in its commitment to integrity, service, and intellectual inquiry.”