Five Armenian Leaders Awarded Ellis Island Medal Of Honor

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They are: Tavit O. Najarian, ScD; Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Legate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) and President of the National Council of Churches; Diocesan Council Members James Kalustian and Oscar Tatosian, as well as George Pagoumian.

Najarian is the founder and president of Najarian Associates, Inc. He was recognized his achievements not only as a successful businessman, engineer and scientist, but also as a humanitarian who has had a positive impact on his local community and his ethnic ancestral country of Armenia.

Najarian is an expert in the field of water resources. Over the past 30 years he has been involved with the development, adaptation and application of mathematical models for hydrodynamic and water quality simulations of aquatic systems. Najarian is a trustee of Monmouth University, board member of FAR and Parish Council member at St. Stepanos Armenian Church, Elberon, NJ.

The other nominees are all successful in their fields and contribute to the greater community. Tatosian is owner, along with his brother, of Oscar Isberian Rugs in Illinois. He has been a longtime supporter of Armenian causes and other charitable organizations in Chicago. He is also a patron of the arts.

Kalustian has been a deacon at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cambridge. He is both a successful businessman and activist in Massachusetts. He successfully spearheaded the campaign for the Armenian park in the Rose Kennedy Greenway project.

Pagoumian is founder/CEO and chairman of Napco LLC’s.

Past awardees include six US presidents, a number of Nobel Prize winners, and various religious leaders. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), was presented with the Medal of Honor in 1998. The previous Diocesan Primate, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, was awarded the medal in its inaugural year, 1986.

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