The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research is proud and thrilled to recognize our illustrious Board member, Edward Avedisian, who is also the principal building donor for our new global headquarters, on receiving an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Rhode Island at its commencement in Kingston, RI, on May 19, 2019. Mr. Avedisian, the son of Armenian Genocide survivors, became a clarinetist with the Boston Pops for 35 years and the Boston Ballet Orchestra for more than 40, and has devoted himself with the same heartfelt dedication and excellence as a philanthropist in Armenia and the U.S. Click here to learn more about Mr. Avedisian, read his full bio from the University of Rhode Island commencement.  Photo credit: The Providence Journal / Steve Szydlowski.

Founded in 1955, the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research is one of the world’s leading Armenian Studies centers, promoting knowledge of Armenian culture, history, and identity and connecting scholars with a broad public worldwide to build a global community. At this pivotal moment, NAASR is celebrating 65 years of achievement while transforming its goals for the future to welcome the next generation and launch a beautiful, new, world-class research center and gathering place.