Saturday, May 27, 2006

Embassy of Armenia Salutes James Mark Keshishian

PRESS RELEASE
January 13, 2004

Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington , DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: armpr@speakeasy.net ; Web: www.armeniaemb.org
Embassy Hosts Christmas Open House, Concert by Zulal Trio

On January 9, 2004, the Embassy of Armenia hosted the traditional Christmas Open House reception for the Armenian American community of Greater Washington area that featured a concert by the Zulal trio. Before the concert, Armenian Ambassador to the U.S. , Dr. Arman Kirakossian spoke briefly on Armenia 's achievements and challenges in 2003, emphasizing the need for continued economic, political, humanitarian, and commercial cooperation between the Diaspora and Homeland to sustain the high economic growth and help address the social needs of the vulnerable people in Armenia . Ambassador Kirakossian also presented his vision for the U.S.-Armenian bilateral relations and cooperation in 2004.

The Armenian Ambassador then presented a moving tribute to the recently deceased Armenian-American enterprenuer, benefactor, community activist, and author James Mark Keshishian who has helped the Armenian Embassy, promoted better understanding of Armenian culture in his capacity as President of the Armenian Rugs Society, and supported political candidates defending issues of interest to Armenia and the Armenian people.

The reception featured a recital by the New York-based Zulal trio, which presented a beautiful a capella rendition of traditional Armenian folk songs. Zulal singers Anais Tekerian, Yeraz Markarian, and Teni Apelian who formed the trio in 2003 have already performed successfully before Armenian and non-Armenian audiences in the United States .

The reception was attended by members of the Armenian-American community, including members of the late James M. Keshishian's family, distinguished visitors from Armenia , and State Department and USAID officials, including Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Vahram Nercissiantz , U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Ordway, and USAID Mission Chief in Armenia Keith Simmons.

Monday, May 01, 2006

TimesDispatch.com | DECISION MAKERS - Howard New

TimesDispatch.com | DECISION MAKERS: "DECISION MAKERS

Richmond Times-Dispatch Apr 24, 2006

Murray Howard
Howard New position: director of historic architecture, Commonwealth Architects Previous position: curator and architect, Academical Village, the University of Virginia Birthplace: Talladega, Ala. Education: bachelor's degree in architecture, Auburn University; master's degree in architecture and doctorate in history of art and architecture, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Career: principal, Disegno, Charlottesville; adjunct professor of architecture, U.Va. Best career move: "Leaping into the unknown on several occasions, finding the surest path to growth in ways I had not imagined." Career goals: "Finding creative outlets in my work until the last day of life." The best advice he ever received: "Treat others as you would like to be treated." His parents Career tip for students: "Fill your life with variety in order to understand how the rest of the world thinks. Work or study abroad whenever the chance arises." What motivates him? "Treating life as a banquet for everyone to enjoy." Role model: "The individual who believes that bringing out the best in another person may be one's highest calling." Pastimes: Study of Oriental rugs and reading, usually biographical and historical works. The most memorable book: "The Razor's Edge" by W. Somerset Maugham Favorite food: French lemon tart at Fleurie in Charlottesville Ideal vacation: Spending April or October anywhere in Italy"