GLENDALE—Harut Sassounian, an Armenian-American activist and publisher of the California Courier, has joined the roster of speakers at the landmark symposium celebrating the centennial of the Armenian Relief Society on Saturday, Sept. 18, at the University of Southern California. The public is invited to attend the Symposium, which is free, and details are below.
Sassounian, who served as a non-governmental delegate on human rights at the United Nations in Geneva for 10 years, will speak about his personal experience working with the U.N. and opportunities the U.N. provides for humanitarian groups. The ARS currently has consultative status on the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council.
The Symposium, “Building Blocks for the Future,” will focus on the ARS’ 100 years of humanitarian aid. The following topics will be covered:
- History of the ARS: Khatchig Mouradian, Clark University
- Cultural Preservation: Ani Moughamian, UCLA
- Philanthropy: Houry Sanderson, Fresno Superior Court
- Governance: William Bairamian, Columbia University
- Education: Paul Narguizian, California State University Los Angeles
- Empowerment of Women: Nyree Derderian, Stanford University
- United Nations: Harut Sassounian, Columbia University
- Moderator: Richard Hrair Dekmejian, USC
- Paul Schulz, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross’ Los Angeles Chapter, is the luncheon keynote speaker.
“Building Blocks for the Future” is sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA Regional Executive in partnership with the Institute of Armenian Studies at USC. The symposium will be held at the Town and Gown hall at USC, 665 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, on Saturday, September 18, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Symposium attendance is free, including breakfast and lunch. For further information, call 818-500-1343.
