Alumni Association’s Inaugural Fundraiser

The newly established Alumni Association of the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School hosted its inaugural fundraiser, Casino du Pilibos, at the school’s Karapetian Hall on Friday, November 6, 2009. Over 100 alumni attended the event, representing the earliest graduating classes to the most recent, and raised nearly $4,500 for the Alumni Fund.

This was the first formal function of the fledgling association, and graduates greeted each other enthusiastically on the school grounds. The school’s lunch area was converted into a casino: A blackjack table, craps table, poker and roulette table were filled with graduates and friends who had come to have some fun, show their unwavering support for the School, and to donate to the newly established Alumni Fund. They all enjoyed a palpable camaraderie and a wonderful evening in each other’s company—rediscovering classmates, reminiscing with old school stories, and sharing news and information on what they’ve been busy with over the years.

Alumni not only enjoyed a wonderful buffet and bar, but also got a chance to win a number of great raffle prizes, from Lakers tickets to spa certificates, all generous donations from committee members and local businesses.

The Alumni Association plans to use funds that are raised to create scholarship opportunities and help fund targeted infrastructure and/or activities. Alumni will also bring their experience and expertise to help current students and graduating seniors bridge the gap between high school and the real world. In the near future, alumni will participate in a mentoring program for high school students and discuss their own career choices in Career Day, in concert with the Rose & Alex Pilibos School’s Counseling staff.

According to its published mission statement on the School’s website (www.pilibos.org), the Alumni Association’s aim is to nurture lifelong relationships with and among its graduates, to create opportunities for former students to stay connected with Pilibos, and to cultivate personal and financial resources for the benefit of the School.

Suren Seropian (Class of 1981, Chair and Alumni Association coordinator), worked tirelessly with Pilibos administration to create lists of graduates from the very first graduating class, to establish contact with them using the school’s website, e-mail and Facebook and encourage their membership and participation. Alumni Association committee worked long and hard to ensure the success of this first event. Special thanks go to event committee members Lucy Ajdaharian (Class of 2000), Taleen Ansoorian (Class of 2010), Verkin Ansoorian (member of the first 6th grade graduating class), Elo Antonyan (Class of 1993), Hermine Barseghian (Class of 2002), Pateel Boyajian (Class of 1993), Aida Chapjian (Class of 2002), Ashkhen Hamparsomian (Class of 1983), Areknaz Kevorkian (Class of 1999), Simpat Kizirian (Class of 1981), Annette Kosker (Class of 1982), Suren Seropian (Class of 1981 and Chair), Vartouhi Tavoukjian (Class of 1983), Azniv Yeretsian (Class of 1985), Ani Boghigian (Board liaison), and Nazo Apanian (Principal). Special thanks to Susie Gadjian (Class of 1981, School administration).

The Alumni Association would also like to thank the many generous donors who offered their services and helped defray event costs. Very special thanks go to the 40th Anniversary Banquet Steering Committee, Sacco Sarkissian (Anoush Banquet Hall, Class of 2000), Sako Nikoghossian (Arbat Banquet Hall), Apo Boghigian (Asbarez Daily newspaper), Kevork Aslanian, Hratch Boyajian (DJ), Pateel Boyajian, Salpy Boyajian (Class of 1992), Robert Yepremian and Patti Kaplanjian (Crystal Cleaners), Mike Hamparsomian (Johnny Rockets, Encino), Silva Kevorkian, Mamma Mia restaurant, Tamar and Tina Arzoumanian (Princess Lulu Couture), Azniv and Dajad Yerestian (Sasoun Gifts), Catherine Hairabedian (Sheraton Universal Hotel), Aram Shorvoghlian, Michael Butler (Starbucks, Vermont & Prospect), Armen Srourian (Starmen, Class of 2001), Eddie Zaratsian (Tic Toc Flowers, Class of 1990), as well as the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School administration, staff, and Board of Directors.

Graduates who have not yet signed up for the Alumni Association are encouraged to visit the School’s website and sign up: The Alumni Association is only as strong as its members. The Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, in turn, is only as strong as its students, faculty, administration and extended alumni family. Each has an important role to play and each is instrumental in making the school the best that it can be. The Alumni Association encourages you to bring your voice, to bring your enthusiasm, & to bring your support.