AGBU MDS Celebrates the Blessed and Benevolent Life of Nazar Nazarian

On September 1st, AGBU MDS elementary and high school students, faculty, board members, and guests gathered to pay tribute to a distinguished man and benefactor, Mr. Nazar Nazarian, who passed away
on August 28th, 2023, at the age of 98.

The assembly, which was led by Mrs. Voskian, began with a prayer by Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, followed by messages from Mr. Ghoogasian and Mr. Zoryan. Sentimental memories were shared by Mr. Sinanian and Mr. Dermirdjian. To honor his memory, AGBU-AYA Scouts hoisted the AGBU flag and lowered it to half-staff.

The underlying sentiment from all our speakers and the entire community has unequivocally been the same. Mr. Nazarian along with his wife Artemis, who passed away some years ago, was an incredibly generous, devoted, and remarkable family, truly philanthropist at heart. They gave to Armenian Churches, Armenian communities, and organizations around the world, AGBU, and more specifically, to our school.

Mr. Nazarian's contributions have left an inedible mark on our campus. The Artemis Nazarian Preschool stands as a testament to his generosity and commitment to the education of our children. In addition, with his brothers Noubar and Garbis, the Nazarian Center (our gym) was built to serve the young generations of Armenians.

We join AGBU in extending our deepest condolences to Mr. Nazarian's family including his daughter, Seta, his son, and Central Board Member, Levon and his wife Claudia, his grandchildren William, Matthew, Nicholas, Daniela, Gregory, and their families, including great-grandchildren, Henry and Madeline, as well as the greater Nazarian family.

In honor of Mr. Nazarian's deep love of his community, AGBU, and the Armenian Church, donations in lieu of flowers can be made at www.agbu.org/memory-Nazar-Nazarian

In addition, those wishing to leave a note for the family or share a memory of their beloved friend and community benefactor may do so at www.rememberingnazar.com

To view our school's tribute to Mr. Nazarian, please visit our YouTube page: CLICK HERE

On Friday, September 1st, Artemis Nazarian Preschool students, faculty, Director Tagoush Khodabakhshian, and Head of School, Mr. Ghoogasian gathered in the preschool playground as our littlest Titans paid tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Nazarian, the benevolent couple whose contributions have allowed our youngest students to flourish in their "home away from home."

Mrs. Khodabakhshian enlightened the children about their preschool's importance and the enduring support provided by the Nazarian family to AGBU and the Armenian community for many years. The toddlers joyfully sang the Artemis Nazarian Preschool song and marveled at pictures depicting the origins of their beloved preschool.

16 years ago, on Thursday, September 6, 2007, AGBU MDS held the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Artemis Nazarian Preschool with Mr. Nazar and Mrs. Artemis Nazarian in attendance. Mrs. Nazarian when asked to speak, recounted in her remarks: "Nazar came one day and said to me I am sponsoring the AGBU Preschool in your name as a birthday gift. I was elated and pleased that a preschool will be named after me since I have always been close to children and enjoy great satisfaction seeing them grow in a nurturing environment," said Mrs. Nazarian. She then told the audience about the realization of their dream and the enjoyment they get by giving back to the Armenian community in the Diaspora and in Armenia. She thanked the school for the opportunity and pledged further support when needed.

We join AGBU in extending our deepest condolences to Mr. Nazarian’s family, including his daughter Seta, his son and Central Board member, Levon and his wife Claudia, his grandchildren William, Matthew, Nicholas, Daniela, Gregory, and their families, including two great-grandchildren, Henry and Madeline, as well as the greater Nazarian family.