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Leo Hamalian Remembered As a Literary Mentor

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  • Leo Hamalian Remembered As a Literary Mentor

    AGBU PRESS OFFICE
    55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022-1112
    Phone (212) 319-6383
    Fax (212) 319-6507
    Email [email protected]
    Webpage www.agbu.org

    PRESS RELEASE
    Tuesday, August 3, 2004

    LEO HAMALIAN REMEMBERED AS A LITERARY MENTOR

    New York - Friends, family and colleagues of Leo Hamalian attended a
    special commemorative ceremony to honor the memory of the longtime
    editor of AGBU's Ararat quarterly. Known as a distinguished writer,
    educator and editor, Hamalian had a great impact on Armenian and
    American literature not only through his work as an essayist, critic
    and anthologist, but also through his ability to recruit new writers
    and assist in their literary development. "Leo Hamalian has
    demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the role literature plays in
    defining the Armenian identity. As editor, he has fostered new talent
    and been supportive of Armenian American writers so that they feel
    part of a strong cultural community," AGBU President Berge Setrakian
    said about the long-time editor of Ararat.

    Emceed by Ararat Board members, Peter Sourian and Nishan Parlakian,
    longtime friends and colleagues, including Peter Balakian, Lynne
    Kassabian, Harry Keyishian and Valerie Krishna, spoke about Hamalian's
    life at the May 20th event at the New York Society of Ethical Culture
    on Manhattan's Upper West Side. Ararat Chairman and Interim Editor
    Aram Arkun welcomed the guests and thanked those that made the event
    possible.

    Each speaker reminiscenced about the genteel and insightful nature
    that was a hallmark of Hamalian's life and Balakian summarized
    Hamalian's gift to his readers and friends: "Leo's work as a writer,
    editor, scholar, teacher and cultural emissary and friend-meant a
    great deal to many people-people in this room tonight-and generations
    of his students scattered around the country. He was a true
    cosmopolitan; he brought the wider world of literature and culture to
    Armenians all over the world, and brought Armenians to that wider
    world. His good work made a difference; his kindness, his generosity
    touched many of us. We're indebted to him and we'll miss him."

    Kassabian refered in her words to Hamalian's remarkable role, "Leo was
    at the center of a giant, turning wheel, and probably the single
    vehicle that could contain us all-could carry us all-was the journal
    AraratA." Keyishian remembered Hamalian's sophisticated sensibility
    that easily engaged and celebrated every aspect of human
    experience. While Valerie Krishna shared a personal story about
    Hamalian's sensitivity that helped her overcome the sense of loss she
    felt from her mother's death-it was a moment, she said, that gave her
    insight into the beauty of his nature.

    The speeches were followed by a number of works performed by pianist
    Sahan Arzruni and the event concluded with a reading by James
    V. Hatch's of an excerpt from a seven-part poem by Hamalian entitled,
    "Suite for Shushanik".

    Over a hundred guests attended the event, and a special memorial fund
    has been established in Leo Hamalian's name to guarantee that the work
    of Ararat continues to foster a new generation of Armenian American
    writing. Donations can be mailed to: Ararat, c/o AGBU, 55 East 59th
    Street, New York, NY 10022-1112.

    A special memorial issue is also being prepared for release later this
    year that will highlight Hamalian's life and work for over four
    decades. For more information, please call, 212.319.6383, fax,
    212.319.6507, or email, [email protected].

    Established in 1959, Ararat has for over forty years been a leading
    forum for Armenian American literature and ideas. It is published by
    AGBU and is part of the organization's mission to promote Armenian
    culture and heritage around the world.
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