By Florence Avakian
Special to the Mirror-Spectator
ELLIS ISLAND, N.Y. — With his family watching proudly, entrepreneur and philanthropist
Papken Megerian was one of 104 distinguished recipients, (including eight other Armenian-Americans) of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor on Saturday, May 12 at Ellis Island at its 26th annual ceremony.
This award is given yearly to individuals who “represent the very essence of the American way of life, having greatly contributed to its national identity while preserving the distinct values and heritage of their ancestors, individuals who took the American dream from just a hope and made it a reality.”
As his wife, Anahid, and son, Dr. Garo Megerian, watched, Papken Megerian’s joy was palpable. “I feel so deeply honored, and am so proud of my fellow recipients. They all deserve this honor. It has given me the inspiration to contribute even more to the Armenian nation, the Armenian community and organizations,” he said.
Megerian’s distinguished record speaks for itself. A prominent businessman and CEO of the Advanced MRI Center, he came with his wife in 1978 to the United States from Aleppo, Syria, where he was born to Armenian parents who escaped the Armenian Genocide. In his new land, he quickly rose in the financial field, becoming vice president of Philadelphia’s Fidelity Bank, managing the international banking department. In 1978, he launched anindependent career, which included owning and operating several businesses. He is the managing partner of a real estate investment company, 3 MB Partnership L.P., as well as a shareholder and treasurer of Four Meg Inc.
Devotion to Church, Community And Nation
