Armenian Couple Leaves Csun Its Largest Cash Gift

[kakachik77]

Couple leaves CSUN its largest cash gift

By Lisa M. Sodders, Staff Writer

 

LA Daily News

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

 

NORTHRIDGE -- A former San Fernando High School art teacher and her

husband, who amassed a small fortune through real estate investments,

have donated their $7.3 million estate to California State University,

Northridge, officials announced Tuesday.

 

The cash donation from the late Mary and Jack Bayramian is the largest

in the university's 48-year history -- topping Disney CEO Michael

Eisner's $7 million gift in 2002.

 

It will fund two scholarship programs, including $2.3 million in

student scholarships for the future Valley performing arts center.

 

"This remarkable gift from Mary and Jack Bayramian will empower the

university to support outstanding students," said CSUN President Jolene

Koester. "The Bayramians, who were devoted to each other during more

than 60 years of marriage, now have extended that caring to improve

the lives of hundreds of students."

 

Mary Bayramian, who died in November 2002, and her husband, who died

early this year, were born a month apart in 1921 -- each the child

of Armenian immigrants. They both graduated from Hamilton High School

in 1939 and married three years later.

 

After serving in the Navy during World War II, Jack Bayramian worked

as a vacuum cleaner salesman and owned a Van Nuys electrical shop. He

then worked 20 years -- as a switchboard installer, technician and

system troubleshooter -- for Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Co.

 

Mary Bayramian was a homemaker who enrolled in college in her 30s. She

earned an associate degree from Pierce College, then attended San

Fernando Valley State College, which later became CSUN, early in the

1960s, earning a bachelor's degree in art and a teaching credential.

 

She taught at San Fernando High School, where she was known as

"Mrs. B," until 1970.

 

"They were very people-oriented people, especially Mary, when it came

to her students," said Don Barsumian of Westchester, a nephew. "She

loved young people. She had high school photos from all of her students

that they kept in this album, hundreds of them.

 

"Her students loved her, and she loved her students," he said. "They

believed in education and in giving young people chances."

 

The couple lived in Reseda and Northridge until their retirement in

1971, when they moved to Laguna Beach. They invested in real estate in

the Valley and in Laguna Beach, where they bought fixer-upper homes,

renovated them and resold them.

 

Mary Bayramian suffered a stroke and died Nov. 24, 2002, at age

81. Jack Bayramian, who had Parkinson's disease, died Jan. 29 this

year at age 83. Their only son, Ronald, died in 1998, but they are

survived by five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

 

Their $7.3 million bequest will create the Bayramian Family Scholarship

Fund.

 

Earnings from $5 million will fund the Mary and Jack Bayramian

Presidential Scholars program, providing scholarships to at least two

dozen high-achieving upper-division students each year. Recipients

will partner with faculty members on scholarly projects and will each

receive a $5,000 award and other benefits.

 

The remaining $2.3 million will fund the Mary Bayramian Arts Scholars

program, the largest gift to date to Imagine the Arts, the fundraising

campaign for the $100 million, 1,600-seat performing arts center

planned for CSUN.

 

The CSU Board of Trustees also approved the renaming of the student

services building to Bayramian Hall in the couple's honor.

 

San Fernando High School Principal Jose Luis Rodriguez said he hopes

the couple's gift will inspire San Fernando High School graduates to

apply for the scholarships at CSUN.

 

"What a wonderful gift for CSUN," Rodriguez said. "It speaks well

for the school, and for the family."

 

Lisa M. Sodders, (818) 713-3663 lisa.sodders@dailynews.com

[gamavor]

It is not my business, but they could have donated 100K to Armenia's National gallery or make an investment to open at least few jobs in Armenia, or re-forest the parks of Yerevan, or make Vernisage street more appealing, etc. etc.. eh.

[kakachik77]

lots and lots of Armenians in Southern California attend CSUN.

[MosJan]

http://www2.myoc.com/community/beaches/laguna/beach1_19980811.jpg

 

http://www2.myoc.com/community/beaches/laguna/beach3_19980811.jpg

 

http://www2.myoc.com/community/beaches/lag...beach011w.shtml

[MosJan]

did a search on Googallllll

Mrs merry is a good cook

 

http://www.google.com/search?q=Mary+Bayram...l&start=10&sa=N

[MosJan]

It is not my business, but they could have donated 100K to Armenia's National gallery or make an investment to open at least few jobs in Armenia, or re-forest the parks of Yerevan, or make Vernisage street more appealing, etc. etc.. eh.

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Gamavro jan jisht es

sakayn

you take some and you gave back wan you have it now it was the time to gave back - in this case it's CUSN

 

ARmenia and Armenian problems are ##1 on our list ...

[Killuminati]

wow....i could really use some of that money

 

/the system

[Anoushik]

It is not my business, but they could have donated 100K to Armenia's National gallery or make an investment to open at least few jobs in Armenia, or re-forest the parks of Yerevan, or make Vernisage street more appealing, etc. etc.. eh.

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Maybe they did?

[Sip]

Obviously they were nothing more than just people of Armenian decent. If they were Armenian, I'm sure they would have found better ways to spend that money (from the Armenian perspective) than to waste it like that.

[phantom22]

What a shock it must have been for them to lose their only child at age 55 to cancer.

 

They wanted to do something for Armenian young persons here and for others also.

 

Do you think that after what happened to those doctors from Rhode Island that any American Armenian would trust their $$ in the ROA? Kerkorian has so much that he can gamble a few million. They wanted their 7.3 million to do some long range good here.

Edited July 21, 2005 by phantom22

[vava]

Obviously they were nothing more than just people of Armenian decent. If they were Armenian, I'm sure they would have found better ways to spend that money (from the Armenian perspective) than to waste it like that.

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I wouldn't qualify it as 'waste' Sip - I'm sure you'Ve benefited from scholarships that have their root in someone's benevolance, and regards towards education. I think there are far worse things they could have done. Although I do agree that an 'Armenian' approach would have been preferable (from my perspective), it is still a significant & honourable contribution towards education & art.

[Sip]

I meant "waste" more from the Armenian perspective so yah, it didn't come out right. I would think sponsoring some promising college students from Armenia to go abroad to a top university through scholarships and stipends or to finance some visiting professors to Armenia might have been better use of that money in this context than CSUN.

 

Though I must say in the last decade or so, CSUN has been moving up a lot and unfortunately, since it does not offer a doctorate degree it is not ranked with the big boys like UCLA and USC. But the level of education they provide is in some cases far superior to that of those provided by the other more research oriented power houses. The other downside it has is the average student population is not the "cream of the crop" so to say ... but yah, I have to agree that the $7 mil should do wonders if used properly.

 

But then again, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few "athletic scholorships" pop up at CSUN in the near future to try to boost their NCAA standings... unless the donation had some fine-print terms in addition to the fine arts scholarships... but I am rambling now.

Edited July 21, 2005 by Sip

[Azat]

It is not my business, but they could have donated 100K to Armenia's National gallery or make an investment to open at least few jobs in Armenia, or re-forest the parks of Yerevan, or make Vernisage street more appealing, etc. etc.. eh.

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I applaud you Master Gamavor... Why give it to some university in the US when you can make a difference to your homeland.

[Arpa]

I applaud you Master Gamavor...  Why give it to some university in the US when you can make a difference to your homeland.

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There may be a method to this “madness”.

 

This is not the first time, nor will/should be the last when a successful Armenian has contributed to their local philanthropy. Some time ago there was a story about a gift to a hospital in New Jersey, Hackensack to be exact, by a local successful Armenian, Hekimian. I could not find it on the net. How many local philanthropic gifts do/have the Hovnanians contributed? I don’t know. Conduct a google search, using “lincy foundation”, “kerkorian“, “philanthropy” , or any combination thereof and see how many hits you get.

 

To take nothing away from our incurable, yes incurable ethnocentricity, everyone else is in some way ethnocentric as well. Our ethnocentricity may be understandable and forgivable, and it can be best illustrated by parents who, besides having 3 healthy, well adjusted and successful children may also have a child with special needs, be it physical, social or psychological. At times the over protective doting of the parents will create an atmosphere of resentment for the other siblings.

 

At one of our Armenian “philanthropic” societies, whenever the agenda was allocating financial assistance to worthy causes, of course there would always be the churches, and or some worthy cause in the homeland, one of our officers, who was highly successful in his own right, would always propose to also include a local, not necessarily Armenian charity in our allocation. You guessed it. He would be voted down time after time. And now you wonder why our neighbors don’t even know what and who an Armenian is?

 

On this forum and on any other Armenian forum we constantly speak about three ethnicities. One is, naturally Armenian, the other is Turkish and the other….???

 

Italian Americans, the Irish, the Zimbabweians …. who else? also help their ancestral lands

 

Visit any public establishment, be it a hospital, a school, a university, a museum, a place of art, music, theater, what have you, and read the plaques of dedication placed on the outside of the building or at the door of a wing or addition, and tell us about the ethnicity of the names of the donors. Of course, those donors don’t openly and explicitly require that they be identified as such, but you can imagine the PR created. Do those donors also contribute to their own ethnic causes and to the homeland of their kind? Of course! No wonder our lobbies are as impotent as can be. How many plaques with Armenian names have you seen on public buildings. Armenian churches and parochial schools don’t count.

 

Coming back to the parents, thank Aramazt I don’t have first hand experience, We as parents of a special sick child, our budding homeland, cannot be blamed for concentrating all of our attention to that “child with special needs”. We cannot do enough to see that “child” with special needs prosper and grow to be a healthy wealthy member of the family of nations, yet we also cannot afford to totally ignore our other children, we cannot deny the generosity of our host countries, and once in a while return the favor. If not out of generosity and goodwill, but consider the Public Relations aspect.

 

Some may call it PROPAGANDA. So be it.

 

Will those who read the plaque of dedication on those buildings realize that it was donated by a GRATEFUL Armenian?

Edited July 22, 2005 by Arpa

[Anileve]

Visit any public establishment, be it a hospital, a school, a university, a museum, a place of art, music, theater, what have you, and read the plaques of dedication placed on the outside of the building or at the door of a wing or addition, and tell us about the ethnicity of the names of the donors. Of course, those donors  don’t openly and explicitly require that they be identified as such, but you can imagine the PR created. Do those donors also contribute to their own ethnic causes and to the homeland of their kind? Of course! No wonder our lobbies are as impotent as can be. How many plaques with Armenian names have you seen on public buildings. Armenian churches and parochial schools don’t count.

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Actually a while back there was a terrific exhibition on Mesopotamia at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the donator of the collection was Armenian. I was childishly giddy with delight and pride. I really think that there is a lot of funding that is being invested into Armenian matters, so honestly I don't think they really deprived the community. The best thing that can be done for Armenia is to open more businesses in order to increase employment opportunities and restructure the present government a bit. Sending more money will not do anything more than what it has been doing previously, funding summer homes for Armenian politicians.

 

I think it's a very noble cause, and it's true many Armenians attend that college. Besides, state colleges are always struggling with gov. budget, so it's a great thing that they are receiving this donation.

 

Also it's very impressive that Mary went to college at 30 and obtained an art degree. Her students loved her and she adored the students. So as MosJan said, sometimes you give back and what better way to give back than to an educational system in the country that empowered you with such opportunities.

[Z'areh]

Sending more money will not do anything more than what it has been doing previously, funding summer homes for Armenian politicians.

 

I think it's a very noble cause, and it's true many Armenians attend that college. Besides, state colleges are always struggling with gov. budget, so it's a great thing that they are receiving this donation.

 

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Well put!

 

As I was reading this story my first thought was 7.3M would have helped a lot of programs in Armenia, enhance living/teaching conditions in orphanages/schools etc...etc...

 

We always associate an Armenian name with an Armenian soul, I cannot help but think that they must have felt American first and foremost, which is fine and their generosity and kindness is in no way diminished just because they didn't donate to an Armenian entity. Personally I feel proud that an Armenian name is associated with such a generous gift to a society.

 

This should also make us think why they did not donate to Armenia? Could it be that Yerevan just sits back and "expects" Armenians in Diaspora to "donate" out of feeling of obligation? What about the institutionalized corruption? How hard do government authorities, or the opposition for that matter, work to inspire confidence among the potential donators in Diaspora in the workings of aid distribution?

 

Anileve's point of "funding summer homes for Armenian politicians" is not just a sneering commentary on the present state of affairs in Armenia, it is the truth unfortunately. Multi-Million dollar Grand Palace Hotel built and owned by a government official, Mr. Chsmaridian, with a humble government salary is but the latest of such "inspiring" stories.

 

So before we get mad for an Armenian not "thinking" about Armenia let's try to answer some very fundamental questions about ourselves.

[ED]

I would have been pissed if the money was spended buying a luxury yatch, nothing wrong to give it a university, and, which, (CSUN) has the biggest Armenian student population.

[gamavor]

How hard do government authorities, or the opposition for that matter, work to inspire confidence among the potential donators in Diaspora in the workings of aid distribution?

 

I agree! Armenian political class is in the Stone Age. I saw a video taped interview with one of Armenia's opposition leaders which made me upset. The so-called 'politician' openly smoked a cigarette during the interview as if he was at a briefing at the local Communist party club. Most are basically 'kughatsi'.

 

The ruling political class in Armenia (opposition included) is interested in power so long they can profit of it. That is not purely Armenian phenomenon but in the case of Armenia is simply degrading.

 

Unfortunately, Diaspora Armenians who are interested in Armenia's politics are not too different (not in terms of profiting but the same 'kughatsi' approach)- Raffi Hovanessian comes to mind.

 

Private donations however in the sphere of culture, ecology, infrastructure should be encouraged. Hard cash does little good to the economy. Actually in many cases it is counter-productive and not necessarily because of corruption but that too.

[gamavor]

Just few comments about the Diaspora investments:

 

Firstly, they should not be conditioned upon political considerations. There are number of International mechanisms guaranteeing the security of the investments - most are under the auspices of WTO.

 

Secondly, the only criteria that should be applied to measure successful political governance and leadership should be the ability of the ruling political entity to implement and stick to the international and European standards to which Armenia subscribes.

 

Thirdly, Armenian national cause - legitimate territorial claims against Turkey, international recognition of the Genocide and the fate of Artsakh should be maters of pan-Armenian agenda and NO political party should ever speculate, alter and use them for populist partisan political goals. Every time some political figure opens his mouth commenting about them, then they spent at least six months to repair the damage.

[Azat]

I am glad that not all people think that donating money to Armenian causes go to corrupt politicians. because if everyone did that and did not donate Armenian would be MUCH worse off.

 

Is it true that there is corruption and politicians take some of the donations? Absolutely, but name me a country where they do not do that? Do you think Haliburton is not going to give a dollar or two to Chainey after he retires?

 

I think CSUN is a great university and I attended CSUN as well. I would have actually loved to read couple donates half their fortunes to CSUN and half to Azat Fund in Armenia, but to not give to an Armenian group is a slap on the face.

[gamavor]

I would have actually loved to read couple donates half their fortunes to CSUN and half to Azat Fund in Armenia, but to not give to an Armenian group is a slap on the face.

 

Or even better: They could have donated half of their estate to Gamavor's NFOPF (NOT FOR OBVIOUS PROFIT FOUNDATION) "Iresponsible sex, drinking and driving for ever" VLTD - with very limited liability!

[Z'areh]

I am glad that not all people think that donating money to Armenian causes go to corrupt politicians.  because if everyone did that and did not donate Armenian would be MUCH worse off.

 

Is it true that there is corruption and politicians take some of the donations?  Absolutely, but name me a country where they do not do that?  Do you think Haliburton is not going to give a dollar or two to Chainey after he retires?

 

I think CSUN is a great university and I attended CSUN as well.  I would have actually loved to read couple donates half their fortunes to CSUN and half to Azat Fund in Armenia, .

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Azat, Armenia simply cannot afford Reaganesque "trickle-down" economic/cultural funding for Armenia from Diaspora. Your Halliburton example is a very good case study for corruption but in our case the resources are not limitless and eventually if attitudes and the mentality among the men of politics in Armenia do not change then Armenians will be worse off.

 

In regards to this story, maybe this "slap on the face" will wake everybody up to realize that Diasporan money is not an open cheque-book for Armenia. The amount is huge enough to feel the pain of such a slap.

[Armen]

Thirdly, Armenian national cause - legitimate territorial claims against Turkey, international recognition of the Genocide and the fate of Artsakh should be maters of pan-Armenian agenda and NO political party should ever speculate, alter and use them for populist partisan political goals. Every time some political figure opens his mouth commenting about them, then they spent at least six months to repair the damage.

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This sequence of priorities and their rigidness will effectively make us the second Jews of this world in its full sense, Gamavor. I think we should prioritise Artsakh because there are Armenians leaving there.

[gamavor]

Maybe you are right. Artsakh is already a priority. The sequence that I pointed out is random. Honestly, I don't even care about recognition of the Genocide, but I do care about getting back what is OURS!

 

The comparison with the Jews is not very accurate since the later are famous for taking what is not THEIRS!

[phantom22]

Gams,

 

I could not agree with you MORE. Genocide recognition is secondary. I really don't care to make the Turks look bad in the eyes of the world. If they agree to give us back what is ours, not only financial and land, but our HISTORY, our ACCOMPLISHMENTS our SENSE OF BEING, mere Genocide recognition is secondary. They already agree that a multitude of Armenians died. The whole world knows that these people did not die a natural death.

 

We need to look at the present circumstances in Turkey. Why are churches not allowed to fix their roofs? Why does the Turkish community go into hysterics when it is revealed that Ataturk's adopted daughter was Armenian? Why is Armenian a dirty word in Turkey?

Edited July 24, 2005 by phantom22