The Armenian National Committee of America – Burbank announced its 2013 honorees. At its 6th Annual Banquet, slated for May 31st, ANCA – Burbank will recognize John Krikorian, posthumously with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Marsha Ramos with the Citizen of the Year Award, Timmy Mardirosian with the Business Civic Leadership Award, and Woodbury University with the Organization of the Year Award. The Honorable Jack Hadjinian, Montebello City Councilmember will act as Master of Ceremonies.
“The four honorees embody our organization’s mission of advancing the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of our community members. They have and continue to be a source of inspiration to all of us. These four are true champions of freedom and democracy and reminders of what makes this community and country great” said Armond Aghakhanian, Chair of the Banquet Committee.
Born in Hartford, CT, on August 24, 1932, John Krikorian had more than 50 years of business and marketing experience. He began his media career at the “Hartford Courant” newspaper and later became Vice President/Advertising Director of the Times (now Tribune) newspaper in Hartford. John and son Greg established “Business Life” magazine in 1990, which over the years sponsored and hosted many business events. In 1997, they began publishing “Senior Living” magazine to serve the specialized interests of those over 55. Both publications continue today.
Krikorian served on numerous boards, including the Los Angeles County Small Business Commission, County of Los Angeles Human Relations Corporate Advisory Council, Glendale Adventist Medical Center Advisory Council, Pasadena Mayor’s Committee for the Employment of People with Disabilities, Woodbury University President’s Executive Council, and Pasadena Special Olympics.
At the age of 80, Krikorian passed away from heart failure on Saturday, April 6th.
Marsha Ramos, former Burbank Mayor, was elected to City Council in 2001 and served two terms, after serving on city boards for many years. Most recently, in the March 5 special election, she was instrumental, as Chair of the Friends of Burbank Schools, in the victory of Measure S, a general obligation bond, which will bring $110 million into the Burbank Unified School District for infrastructure upgrades, technology upgrades, and security improvements.
Ramos works full time as the managing partner of Geosystems Inc., a Glendale- based firm that provides geotechnical engineering and environmental assessment consulting services. She is a founding board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and is a graduate of Burbank’s John Burroughs High School and California State University, Northridge. She served for many years as a member and president of the Burbank Human Relations Council, addressing injustices as they arose in the city and striving to develop stronger bonds of community among all residents. She currently serves the American Lung Association, Family Promise of the East San Fernando Valley, Burbank Art Association, and Organizing Committee—Women Achievers— Business Life Magazine. She has also been involved with local and state campaigns for candidates and ballot measures.
Timmy Mardirosian is the founder of numerous successful business enterprises mainly focusing in the area of transportation management. A truly beautiful story of realization of the American dream, Mardirosian, an immigrant, has worked hard and smart over the last four decades to become an exemplary entrepreneur. He has always been a supporter of numerous worthy causes, projects and organizations serving the needs of especially youths in the community.
Woodbury University, located in Burbank, has continuously provided support to the Armenian American community. Last year, Woodbury University honored four students with the first ANCA – Burbank Armenian Genocide “Rebirth Humanitarian Scholarship”. Funded by a generous donation from the Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center, this scholarship recognized students who were able to demonstrate strong commitment to service activities and/or the community while maintaining a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.
Additionally, Woodbury University Center for Leadership andthe Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter in cooperation with the ANCA PN hosted their inaugural ‘Elevate 2012’ Leadership Development Conference Seminar Series in September. The conference’s primary focus was to identify, motivate, and train future Armenian-American community leaders with featured speakers including the President of Woodbury University, Dr. Calingo.
If you have questions or concerns, please email info@ancaburbank.org. Tickets can be purchased from www.itsmyseat.com/ANCAB or email RSVP@ancaburbank.org.
