AESA MICHIGAN CHAPTER CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
By George Mouradian
Photo 1. Members of the AESA Michigan section, with Mr. Ashot Kirakosyan (back, second from left) and Prof. Ashot Chilingarian (back, 4-th from left)
The Armenian Engineering and Scientists of America-Michigan Section (AESA-MI) celebrated its 10th anniversary with a sold out banquet in the beautiful renovated hall of St. John Armenian Church in Southfield, MI on October 27 and hosted a reception on October 28 after church. Over 260 people attended the banquet chaired by Ned Apigian and over 50 people were present at the reception at St. John. All four Armenian Churches in the Greater Detroit area were well represented and supported the banquet. The keynote speakers at both events were Prof. Ashot Chilingarian, head of the Cosmic Ray Division (CRD) of the Alikhanyan Physics Institute in Armenia, and Mr. Ashot Kirakosyan, director of the Armenian Social Investment Fund (ASIF).
The objective of the AESA Michigan Section is to encourage technical and social interaction among Armenian architects, scientists and engineers in the State of Michigan, and to foster the dissemination of knowledge in science and engineering. Its important missions include generating and supporting worthwhile technical projects for the economical well-being of the Armenian homeland, to keep technical people in Armenia, and to encourage all technically oriented Armenians to join the AESA in this purpose.
At the Anniversary banquet and at the reception after church service on Sunday, Prof. Chilingarian as well as Mr. Kirakosyan gave a short updates about their projects in Armenia and expressed deep gratitude to the AESA Michigan Section members and patrons for their partnership and corroboration. Mr. George Mouradian, president of the AESA Michigan section, presented plaques to Prof. Chilingarian and to Mr. Kirakosyan recognizing their achievements for Armenia and for the world. Prof. Chilingarian presented a 10th anniversary congratulatory plaque to the president of AESA Michigan Section.
Prof. Chilingarian explained the vital importance of the strong Diaspora and CRD partnership that makes the internationally-recognized achievements of the CRD possible. He expressed his deep gratitude to the Diaspora for recognizing that science is a vital part of Armenia’s development, and that brain drain from Armenia is a very serious issue that we must tackle together. Hayastantsis and Diasporans have to work in partnership. At the Sunday afternoon session, Prof. Chilingarian answered many questions from the attendees who were very enthusiastic about the CRD achievements. Ms. Anahid Yeremian, Stanford University Accelerator Physicist, discussed the vital importance and undertakings of CRD. If you would like to join the strong global team that makes it possible for the Cosmic Ray Division of Alikhanyan Physics Institute to make a positive impact on the world from Armenia, or if you would like to make a contribution of your finances, time, or talent to support the CRD projects, please contact Anahid Yeremian, head of the AESA-CRD project, at anahid@slac.stanford.edu . Also visit www.crdfriends.org for additional information.
Mr. Kirakosyan explained the importance of improving the quality of life in the Armenian villages so that families will choose to stay there. He invited the Diaspora visitors to venture out of Yerevan, go to the small communities, and to explore Armenian life everywhere in the country. The villages are the heart of Armenia, and a little goes a long way there. Particularly effective is the World Bank’s Armenian Social Investment Fund which builds or repairs schools, hospitals and community centers in the villages in partnership with the community. Depending on the project, the World Bank increases donations up to ten fold for the construction and repair of village facilities. As an example, a donation of $10,000.00 would be increased to $100,000.00 by the World Bank to finance the work that has to be accomplished. Mr. Kirakosyan expressed his deep gratitude for the AESA Michigan Section’s support to help the villagers meet their portion of the financial obligation. For more information on the ASIF program or to support its worthy cause with your contributions, please contact Mr. Osep Sarafian, head of the AESA-ASIF project, at sarafian1@yahoo.com .
The 10th anniversary celebration also included a display of the “Future City” model which the students of the Armenian General Benevolent Union Alex and Marie Manoogian School had built with mentorship from the AESA Michigan section members. The Future City team won many awards for its display in competitions with other Michigan schools. Many of the attendees enjoyed the student presentation.
It was a weekend to remember!