LOWELL, Mass.—Throughout their distinguished ARF careers, Joseph Dagdigian and Stephan Dulgarian symbolized the very best as 50-year members of the Lowell Gomideh.
Members of the growing Lowell ARF 50-Year Club are, from left, Aram Jeknavorian, Joseph Dagdigian and Stephan Dulgarian.
The two were honored on their golden anniversaries during a gala celebration Dec. 6 at St. Gregory Church in North Andover, attended by a large and spirited audience.
They join Aram Jeknavorian, who was honored a year ago, giving the Lowell Gomideh three members who have reached this celebrated plateau, with others in close proximity.
The Lowell ARF represents the first organized Gomideh in the United States, followed by Lawrence and Haverhill, giving the Merrimack Valley a dash of historic prestige.
“They are the role models to which we truly aspire and the Armenian patriots who never let down their guard,” praised Gomideh Chairman Tom Vartabedian. “Our community would not be as vibrant were it not for these two individuals. As patriots, they have often gone above the call to help their fellow Armenians, whether physically, morally or fraternally.”
During his half-century with the Gomideh, Dagdigian has made annual trips to Armenia, documenting and photographing the country-at-large. What he brings back home, he shares with others during lectures and presentations.
A course he offered at NAASR titled “A Visual Journey Through Armenian History” covered 3,000 years of Armenian history and culture. A portion of those proceeds were donated to the Shengavit Historical and Archeological Cultural Preserve in Armenia.
He has been heavily involved with ANCA work throughout Merrimack Valley and is a member of the Knights of Vartan. Through his efforts, the Cosmic Ray Division in Armenia—a scientific research station on Mount Aragats—has realized thousands of dollars raised for its cause.
Presenting him with his award was his brother John, who is close to 50 years himself.
For more than 20 years, Dulgarian served as an advisor to the Armenian Youth Federation, taking members under his wing and guiding them through a more productive Armenian lifestyle.
A son of genocide survivors, he is currently serving on a committee to erect an imposing genocide memorial by Lowell City Hall.
His personal letter-writing campaigns to government officials have gone a long way to create awareness and understanding, not to mention his association as caretaker of the 50-year-old Lowell ARS Community Center.
Dulgarian was presented the Vahan Cardashian Award in 2011 given by the Armenian National Committee of America for dedicated community service.
Speaking on his behalf were two of his four children, Stepan and Sona (Gevorkian), who outlined the influence their dad had upon their active AYF careers.
The main speaker was Dr. Dikran Kaligian, who updated the audience on significant events taking place in Armenia.
A musical interlude was provided by soloist Nina Hovsepian, accompanied by pianist Mary Barooshian.
A reflection on the 25th anniversary of the earthquake in Armenia was provided by Dr. Ara Jeknavorian with visuals and commentary. Jeknavorian also gave an update on the Lowell Memorial, which will be dedicated next April during a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall.
Prayers were offered by Rev. Stephan Baljian, pastor.