Sassounian recollects his relationship with Kirk Kerkorian
By Marine Sarkisjan
There are moments when we pause — not to debate, but to honor.
To honor those who carried Armenia as a responsibility.
I had the privilege of receiving reflections directly from Harut Sassounian, who for many years worked closely with Kirk Kerkorian as Vice President of the Lincy Foundation in Los Angeles — the organization through which Mr. Kerkorian donated $242 million in support of Armenia’s infrastructure, education, and development.
Harut Sassounian has dedicated decades to ensuring that truth was never silenced. Through journalism and advocacy, he transformed memory into action and gave the Armenian cause intellectual strength and international visibility.
Kirk Kerkorian, in his own powerful way, strengthened Armenia’s foundations. Through strategic philanthropy and bold investment, he proved that patriotism is not only spoken — it is built.
One guarded identity.
One reinforced structure.
Both acted not for recognition, but for legacy.
This interview is a small gesture of gratitude — and a reflection on what true devotion to a nation looks like.
Question: As someone who knew Kirk Kerkorian as a colleague and friend, what defined him most in your eyes — the businessman or the patriot?
Sassounian: Kerkorian was a successful businessman and a very patriotic Armenian.
Question: What did collaboration with him teach you personally about responsibility toward the homeland?
Sassounian: As Kerkorian himself told me, “the combination of his generous donation and my dedicated efforts were the formula for success.
Question: How should today’s diaspora leaders honor his legacy in practical terms?
Sassounian: He was an extremely humble man. He never sought recognition. For many years, when he made a donation, he didn’t want anyone to know about it.
Question: Looking back, what moment best captures who he truly was?
Sassounian: When he and I met with Pres. Kocharian, the President asked him for a donation of $100 million for infrastructure projects. Without any hesitation, Kerkorian said, I will be happy to donate.
Question: When you reflect on both advocacy and nation-building, what message would you give to the younger Armenian generation today?
Sassounian: You need both. But, the most important thing Is to love and care about your people and your homeland.
Question: What kind of partnership model between Armenia and the diaspora would honor his legacy?
Sassounian: He always said that everyone must contribute whatever they can, even if it is a few dollars.
Question: What does true patriotism look like in action, when you think of Kirk Kerkorian?
Sassounian: He was a selfless man. Very polite and very humble. And very generous.
Question: Was there a private moment with him that revealed something about his character that the public never saw?
Sassounian: When he asked a question, he wanted very short answers. No need for lengthy explanations. He was a very impatient man. If you took more than a couple of minutes to answer, he would get up and walk away.
In listening to these reflections, one truth becomes unmistakable:
Nations are not sustained by words alone. They are sustained by character.
