News > Lebanese Armenians > 20th anniversary of Kalousdian Pedagogical Center
ANTELIAS, Lebanon - Catholicos Aram I presided on 14 March 2008 over a graduation ceremony held in Antelias on the occasion of Khatcher Kalousdian Pedagogical Center's 20th anniversary.
The former director of the center, Krikor Shahinian, presented a brief history of the institutions in his opening remarks. He observed that during the 20 years of the center's operation, its staff have demonstrated a harmonious team effort, while the students engaged in systematic and serious efforts. Shahinian assured that the center's work will develop and progress under its new director, Garo Hovhannessian, an intellectual and an experienced teacher.
Shahinian concluded by expressing his gratitude to all those who contributed to the center's dedicated work. He particularly thanked the Pontiff, who consistently encouraged and sponsored the center's activities through all the means at his disposal.
The new director of the “Khatcher Kalousdian” center, Garo Hovhannesian, first upheld Krikor Shahinian's 20 years of contribution to the center. Hovhannessian pointed out that an exemplary teacher has three characteristics: he likes his career, he likes the subject he teaches and he likes his students. Addressing the alumni, he called on them to stand by the Armenian school and to keep its flag in their hearts.
Diplomas were then distributed to the following alumni.
Catholicos Aram I delivered the concluding remarks asserting that the most important key to success in life is to know how to respect and show gratitude. He pointed out that we should be looking upon the past with gratitude and respect, having in mind three people who established the basis of this collective, educational, cultural mission- Catholicos Karekin II of Cilicia, Prof. Khatcher Kalousdian and Mr. Krikor Shahinian. He explained that Khatcher Kalousdian came up with the idea and provided the funding for it, Catholicos Karekin II Sarkissian supported and sponsored the venture and Mr. Krikor Shahinian brought it to life, made it reality. His Holiness added that achievements require sweat, dedication, hope and faith, on the basis of which the “Khatcher Kalousdian” center functioned for 20 years and became a mission.
The Pontiff added that new projects are planned for the future and will be executed as much as possible. “The center is not one that provides knowledge; it is one that provides formation,” he stressed, adding: “With its unique role, the center belongs to the entire Diaspora.”
The Catholicos concluded his remarks assuring that Garo Hovhannessian will continue the center's mission with the same spirit and dedication.
Photo: 'Khatcher Kalousdian' graduates (photo: Alex Gurunian)
