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The American University of Armenia (AUA) is deeply saddened by the passing of longtime AUA supporter and Pillar Edward Misserlian. We offer our condolences to his family during this difficult time. Edward Misserlian was born in Aleppo, Syria on June 11, 1938. He attended Haigazian elementary school and Karen Heppe secondary school and also served as an active boy scout. At the young age of 16, Edward commenced his lifelong dedication to the Armenian cause. In 1962, he left Aleppo for Beirut, Lebanon, where he worked until 1965, before moving to Montreal, Canada. In Canada, Edward continued his involvement with the Armenian community, launching the Armenian Radio Hour and helping countless Armenian immigrants hailing from Syria to Armenia. In 1972, he married his wife Vergine, and a year later, they welcomed their first son, Mihran. Soon after, in April of 1973, they settled in their new home of San Francisco (SF), California. In San Francisco, the family planted their new roots and Edward continued his work as an exemplary diasporan leader. He founded the SF Hamazkayin chapter in 1974 and once again introduced the SF Armenian Radio Hour, which subsequently led to the series also broadcasting in Los Angeles. In his new community, he helped spearhead the renaming of the Mount Davidson Cross as an Armenian Genocide memorial. In 1980, his family grew with the birth of his second son, Nareg. A successful businessman, Edward opened a new family business with his wife called Edward’s Jewelry & Imports. Though his entrepreneurial endeavors grew, he nevertheless remained staunchly committed to philanthropy. |
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Edward & Vergine Misserlian in their jewelry store |
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Throughout the past 25 years, Edward spent weeks at a time in his beloved homeland of Armenia as well as Artsakh. He was involved in various projects, including aiding locals in rural regions to find financial sustainability by donating farmland, supporting the Armenian arts, funding various book publishings and seminars, and more — all of which led to his recognition with a medal of honor from the former president of Artsakh, Bako Sahakyan. Along with his wife Vergine, Edward was also strongly committed to supporting students at AUA and they established a named endowed scholarship fund in support of veteran students at the University. Upon joining the exclusive group of 100 AUA Pillars, the Misserlians commented, “When AUA opened its doors, we knew that it would produce a correct-minded generation, which would be empowered to create a strong Armenia. We all would like to see Armenia prosper and become a proud home for all Armenians worldwide. We would like to see AUA students acquire the knowledge and skills they need to build successful careers, learn Armenian history, and preserve our cultural heritage. AUA holds a critical role in the betterment of Armenia.” Together, the Misserlians instilled a strong sense of responsibility towards supporting the homeland in their two sons, who carry on their legacy as steadfast AUA supporters. Edward Misserlian was a kindhearted, generous individual who was passionate about Armenia and empowering future generations to pave the way toward a brighter future. He has impacted the lives of many across Armenia and Artsakh, and we are forever grateful for his support. Thank you, Mr. Misserlian. |
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