The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) has received a very generous bequest of $1,206,705 from the estate of Bernard L. Zulalian of Belmont, MA. Among NAASR’s longest serving members, Mr. Zulalian joined the organization in 1964 and was a staunch supporter for over 55 years. He passed away in May 2020.

He cared deeply about NAASR’s mission advancing Armenian Studies. Throughout the years, he took on a variety of roles, serving on various NAASR committees and contributing generously, and he regularly attended programs at the NAASR center. His generous gift will support NAASR’s programming and activities for generations to come.
 
Bernard was the son of the late Madeline (Aslanian) and Tatoul Zulalian. A graduate of UMass Amherst, he received his MBA in 1960 from Babson College, majoring in finance and investments, and worked as an Accounting Manager at Raytheon for many years. He served in the U.S. Army and was active in local Belmont government, serving as a Town Meeting member, a member and Chair of the Recreation Commission, and a member and Chair of the Housing Authority.

“It is a true honor that Bernard, a quietly devoted NAASR member for decades, chose to make this substantial bequest,” said NAASR Board Chairman Yervant Chekijian. “It shows his deep commitment to NAASR’s mission and his wish for the organization to continue to attain our goals even after he is gone. We are deeply grateful for his thoughtfulness and dedication.”

Founded in 1955, NAASR is one of the world’s leading resources for advancing Armenian Studies, supporting scholars, and building a global community to preserve and enrich Armenian culture, history, and identity for future generations.