LOS ANGELES–Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School welcomed VivaCell-MTS CEO Ralph Yirikian on April 15. VivaCell-MTS is the largest mobile phone operator in Armenia.
Yirikian was visiting the United States with the purpose of meeting Armenian school and university students. VivaCell-MTS is planning to expand its corporate responsibility programs outside Republic of Armenia. Yirikian and his staff members were warmly welcomed to the campus by Principal Nazo Apanian. Prior to meeting students, Yirikian was briefed about the school by Apanian during which various facets of the school were discussed and ideas were exchanged. Accompanying Yirikian during his visit was the Chairman of Armenia Fund U.S. Western Region Ara Aghishian and the Fund staff members.
The school had organized a student assembly meeting with Yirikian. Before engaging on a question and answer session with students, Yirikian spoke about his experience of moving to the Homeland and setting up a mobile phone company. In addition, he stressed the importance of not only maintaining one’s Armenian identity, but also strengthening it. He called all students to further energize their activism and continue working towards the betterment of Armenia and Artsakh.
Principal Apanian thanked Yirikian for taking the time to visit Pilibos. He noted that Yirikian’s exemplary story will inspire students to expand their horizons and always strive to the top with their strong and growing Armenian identities.
“Part of our expanding programs here at Pilibos is to make sure that students go beyond textbooks and classrooms through interactive meetings with special guests like Yirikian. This allows our students to interact, challenge, and engage with individuals who have achieved milestones across the globe,” stated Apanian.
In addition to meeting with the Principal and the students, Yirikian and his team toured the campus, including the Pilibos Ark Library and Gymnasium. Yirikian and his team thanked the school and Apanian for the warm welcome.
