70th Anniversary Gala
Celebrating 70 Years – Building the Future of Armenian Studies
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) marked its 70th anniversary with a gala evening at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston. Friends, scholars, students, and community leaders from across the United States and abroad gathered to honor seven decades of scholarship, community-building, and vision in Armenian Studies. More than 350 guests filled the historic ballroom to celebrate NAASR’s impact on the development of Armenian Studies and to help secure its future through a major endowment initiative.
The Gala paid tribute to two distinguished supporters whose leadership, generosity, and lifelong commitment have strengthened Armenian scholarship and community life: Pamela Wood Avedisian and Yervant Chekijian, each recognized with an Honorary Chair.
A philanthropist, humanitarian, and gifted musician, Pamela Wood Avedisian—together with her late husband, Edward Avedisian—has been a steadfast supporter of NAASR for many years. Edward, a longtime board member, and Pamela were major contributors to the NAASR building campaign, and it was their wish that the new headquarters be named in honor of Vartan Gregorian. Before devoting herself fully to philanthropy, Pamela worked for more than two decades as a legal secretary in a leading Boston law firm. A graduate of Endicott College with additional study at Stetson University’s College of Music, she has been deeply involved in mission-driven organizations focused on the arts, education, and human services. Following her marriage to Edward, she became increasingly active in philanthropic projects in Armenia, learning to read, write, and speak Armenian to support their work. She currently serves on the board of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) and has long been a member of the AMAA Orphan Child Care Committee. Having visited Armenia more than thirty times, she remains closely connected with programs such as the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School. A trained concert pianist, she continues to share her musical talent in her church, where she has served in multiple leadership roles, including Chair of Christian Education, Moderator, and Trustee.
Yervant Chekijian, born in Jerusalem to survivors of the Armenian Genocide, immigrated to the United States at sixteen and went on to build a distinguished career in international hospitality management, culminating in his leadership as President of Omni International Hotels. After graduating from Boston University and serving as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he established himself as an accomplished global executive known for strategic insight and organizational leadership. Yervant served on NAASR’s Board for more than twenty years, including six years as Chair before retiring in 2023. His tenure was marked by transformative accomplishments: he strengthened fundraising and strategic planning efforts, expanded NAASR’s visibility and partnerships, and led the building campaign that resulted in NAASR’s new headquarters. His leadership not only advanced NAASR’s mission but also secured its place as a vital institution in the global Armenian community.
In addition to the Honorary Chairs, the Gala featured a Tribute to Excellence in Service recognizing seven individuals whose scholarship, leadership, and devotion have profoundly shaped Armenian Studies and the Armenian community. Honorees included Dr. Anny Bakalian, a distinguished scholar of Armenian American identity; Dr. Kevork Bardakjian, a leading philologist and longtime mentor to generations of students; David Kherdian, one of the most influential Armenian American literary voices of the past six decades; Dr. Robert Mirak, historian, community leader, and author of the landmark study Torn Between Two Lands; Ruth Thomasian, founder of Project SAVE Armenian Photograph Archives and pioneer in the preservation of the Armenian diaspora’s visual history; and Dr. Khachig Tölölyan, founder of Diaspora and a central figure in the development of global diaspora studies.
The final honoree, Sandra Jurigian, was recognized for more than fifty years of extraordinary service to NAASR, during which her dedication, skill, and steady leadership were essential to the organization’s survival and growth. The names of these seven honorees will be added to NAASR’s illuminated manuscript Illuminators of the Future of Armenian Studies, and a room in the Vartan Gregorian Building will be dedicated in Jurigian’s honor.
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Dr. Anthony W. Marx, President and CEO of The New York Public Library. Dr. Marx reflected on the essential role of institutions like NAASR in preserving knowledge, supporting rigorous inquiry, and defending access to trusted information in a time of rapid change. Watch Dr. Marx's address below or at this link.
Launching the Next Chapter: Endowment Initiative
The Gala publicly launched a strengthened endowment to ensure NAASR’s long-term stability and capacity for growth.
In his remarks, NAASR Board Chair Ara Araz outlined a vision in which a strong endowment will allow NAASR to deepen its core work—supporting scholars, expanding the Mardigian Library’s collections and accessibility, broadening public programming, and fostering new partnerships with universities and cultural institutions. He announced NAASR's goal of reaching $10 million or more by its 75th anniversary.
These funds will help underwrite key priorities, including academic outreach, grants and fellowships, digital access to library resources, and the continued development of NAASR’s Belmont headquarters as an international hub for Armenian Studies.
Gala Videos
Building Upwards looks back at seven decades of leadership in Armenian Studies and forward to the work still to come. Watch below to explore NAASR’s story and its vision for the future.
Thank you to Artur Petrosyan, Karine Abalyan, and Christopher H. Zakian, who created Building Upwards on the occasion of NAASR's 70th Anniversary Gala.
Watch the full 70th Anniversary Gala video here, or browse the individual segments below to hear directly from our honorees, speakers, and community leaders who helped shape this celebration.
Photo Gallery
Photos of the Gala taken by Ken Martin. View all photos .
Continue the Momentum
The 70th Anniversary Gala marked both a milestone and a beginning. NAASR invites all friends and supporters to help build on this momentum:
- Contact us to make a gift to NAASR’s endowment at hq@naasr.org
- Join or renew your membership
- Become a Leadership Circle member
- Explore and support the Mardigian Library, one of the world’s premier research centers for Armenian Studies
Together, we can ensure that the next 70 years of Armenian Studies will be even more dynamic, inclusive, and far-reaching—enriching scholarship, inspiring new generations, and connecting communities across the globe.