George Mandossian

Community recognition

George Mandossian Honored

August 7, 2018

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The Armenian Mirror-Spectator

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By Kevork Keushkerian

ALTADENA, Calif. – George Mandossian was honored for his 30 years of dedicated service to the Tekeyan Cultural Association’s Beshgeturian Center on the evening of July 28. He was the driving force in getting the necessary funds from benefactors Vahan and Nartoui Beshgeturian and once the building was completed, he served on its Board of Trustees for over 30 years. His sharp negotiating skills concerning the rental of space to cellphone companies at the center made it possible for this center to be not only self-sufficient, but a profitable enterprise as well.

The event was organized by the Board of Trustees of the TCA Beshgeturian Center, with Kevork Keushkerian serving as the master of ceremonies.

Kevork Keushkerian serving as master of ceremonies [photo: Aram Arkun]

Dinner was served following the blessing of the food by Archpriest Fr. Zaven Arzoumanian. During dinner, guests enjoyed a performance of light classical music provided by the renowned violinist Merujan Margaryan.

Violinist Merujan Margaryan (photo: Aram Arkun)

TCA Los Angeles Chapter Chair Parsegh Kartalian was called upon to deliver his remarks. Kartalian had served with Mandossian on the Board of Trustees of the TCA Arshag Dickranian school for over 30 years. He also recalled the good times when they both served as deacons on the altar of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in Pasadena.

Parsegh Kartalian (photo: Aram Arkun)

Asdghig Dadourian (photo: Aram Arkun)

Kartalian’s remarks were followed by a poetic recitation by Asdghig Dadourian. She eloquently interpreted the prince of poets Vahan Tekeyan’s “Hashvehartar,” [Reckoning] which is a pragmatic evaluation of his life. It starts with the famous line “What is left to me of my life…” and ends with the similarly famous line “That, which I gave to others…”

Khachig Nahabedian singing, accompanied by Paul Ishkanian (photo: Aram Arkun)

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“Ode to Father” was an Armenian song appropriate for the occasion. It was a very emotional piece presented by Khachig Nahabedian, with Paul Ishkanian accompanying on the guitar. Both Khatchig and Paul are trustee members of the TCA Beshgeturian Center.

George Mandossian, left, receiving commendation certificate from Ara Aharonian (photo: Aram Arkun)

Ara Aharonian, a City of Glendale commissioner, presented the honoree with commendations from US Representative Adam Schiff, California State Senator Anthony Portantino and Honorable Armela Shakaryan, Consul of the Republic of Armenian in Glendale.

Edmond Y. Azadian was the keynote speaker. Azadian is the president of the Central Board of Tekeyan Cultural Association of the United States and Canada. Azadian is also a renowned columnist, whose weekly political-analytic articles appear in both the English-language Armenian Mirror-Spectator and Armenian-language Baikar weekly newspapers.

Azadian fondly recalled his student years at the American University of Beirut, where George Mandossian was also a student. He mentioned that George was a handsome young man, who was the envy of his friends, because George attracted all the pretty female students on campus.

Azadian mentioned that George was born in Jerusalem and during the Arab-Israeli war, he immigrated to Amman, Jordan. George was an athlete, playing basketball with the Armenian Youth Association there.

Azadian and Mandossian served long years as vice-presidents of the Central Board of Directors of the Tekeyan Cultural Association. Azadian’s testimony concerning George Mandossian’s diligent and methodical hard work was centered around the TCA Arshag Dickranian School in Hollywood and the TCA Beshgeturian Center in Altadena.

The Armenian Mirror-Spectator

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Azadian mentioned that George was a man of a few words, but his work spoke volumes about him and his dedication to his community. George was one of the founders of the Armenian Genocide Monument that was built in Montebello, California about fifty years ago.

At the close of his warm and heart-felt remarks, Azadian presented the honoree with a plaque, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Tekeyan Cultural Association of United States and Canada.

George Mandossian, left, receives award from Edmond Azadian, with Hasmig Mandossian at right (photo: Aram Arkun)

At this time, Mandossian was asked to cut the 30-year service cake, surrounded by his wife Hasmig, Azadian, and members of the TCA Beshgeturian Board of Trustees.

Cutting the cake (photo: Aram Arkun)

Finally, Mandossian went to the podium to deliver his remarks on this auspicious occasion. He thanked the organizers, all those who had taken part in the program, his relatives and friends who had attended this event and finally, but not last in order of importance, his wife who had stood by him, especially in his days of illness.

At the conclusion of the event, a group picture was taken in front of the special TCA banner, which was prepared for this occasion. It was an evening of well-deserved recognition that I am sure will linger in everyone’s memory for a long time to come.

George and Hasmig Mandossian with members attending from the Tekeyan Central Board of Directors

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