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Armenian Assembly of America Mourns the Passing of Former Board Member Savey Tufenkian
Assembly Announces Endowed Internship in Her Memory
WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) mourns the loss of longtime Assembly Trustee and Board of Directors member, Mrs. Savey Tufenkian.
A leading benefactor of the Assembly’s Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC, she and her husband Ralph contributed immensely to the program by establishing the Richard Tufenkian Memorial Fund, in loving memory of their son Richard, who was an Assembly Summer Internship Program alumnus. The Tufenkians regularly and thoughtfully supported the Armenian American community through a range of initiatives, including educational, cultural, and humanitarian endeavors.
Savey Tufenkian served with grace and distinction as a member of the Assembly’s Board of Directors during the 1990s. Along with then Assembly Board Members Flora Dunaians and Elizabeth Agbabian, Tufenkian was a dynamic force and spearheaded many Assembly initiatives, including the Assembly’s successful Galas in California. Savey and Ralph’s generosity and support throughout the diaspora and in Armenia and Artsakh was extensive and all-encompassing.
The Assembly recognized Ralph and Savey Tufenkian at the Assembly’s Gala in Newport Beach, CA in 2017 for their passion and dedication, especially with regard to the Assembly’s Internship Program.
“On behalf of the Armenian Assembly of America, we express our deepest condolences to her loving husband Ralph and members of her family, including their son and daughter-in-law Greg and Caroline Tufenkian and their children, as well as their daughter and son-in-law Sandra and Paul Kalemkiarian and their children and grandchildren. Savey’s commitment and philanthropic work for the betterment of the Armenian people was exemplary and will be sorely missed,” stated Assembly Board Co-Chairs, Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian.
“In her memory and honor, the Assembly is pleased to announce a new endowed internship, the Savey and Ralph Tufenkian Internship,” the Co-Chairs added. “This initiative will provide opportunities for Armenian American students for years to come, as Savey’s legacy continues throughout our community.”
Armenian Assembly of America Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian Travels to Armenia, Meets with Government Leaders
Washington, DC – Anthony Barsamian, Co-Chair of the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly), traveled to Armenia and met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and former President Robert Kocharyan this summer.
Joined by the Assembly’s Regional Office Director Arpi Vartanian, the meeting focused on relations between Armenia and the United States. Barsamian stated that the Assembly will continue its efforts to enhance Armenian American activism based on mutually shared values.
During the meeting, Barsamian also extended his condolences to the Armenian Republic and families of the soldiers killed in the Artsakh war last Fall.
While in Armenia, Barsamian was interviewed by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, where he elaborated on U.S.-Armenia relations under the Biden Administration and its increased humanitarian assistance and involvement in the region. He commented on the importance of building infrastructure in Armenia, alongside U.S. partnership, to assist in strengthening Armenia’s security and prosperity.
Regarding the post-war situation, Barsamian urged for the immediate release of Armenian prisoners of war and intensified efforts from the OSCE Minsk Group to negotiate a comprehensive peace agreement. Barsamian cited security as the primary issue for Armenia at the moment.
Despite the milestone of U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, Barsamian noted the work of the Assembly carries on as the international trend of affirmation continues. Barsamian also noted the importance of Turkey coming to terms with its past.
“This visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen relations and discuss current developments in Armenia and the United States as we all work toward a secure and peaceful Armenia and Artsakh,” said Assembly Regional Director Arpi Vartanian.
Armenian Assembly of America South Florida Reception & Briefing
The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) will host a reception and briefing in Boca Raton, Florida, generously hosted by Bruce and Lu Ann Ohanian. New members are invited to join, and current members to attend at the $250 level and above.
The briefing will take place on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 6:30PM to 8:30PM at the Royal Palm Beach Yacht & Country Club in Boca Raton. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served.
Please RSVP by February 14th to info@aaainc.org. For questions call (202) 393-3434.
Florida Armenians 