Executive Committee
ARMENIAN HERITAGE CRUISE COMMITTEE
From all over the United States, individuals have volunteered to work on this fabulous event. Each area of the country and even Europe is represented. Dedicated individuals working to enhance the Armenian Community. Proceeds from this cruise is given to the Armenian Cultural Association of America, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that primairly assist in Armenian research, culural events, and especially provides primary assistance to the Armenian language newspapers.
Bedros C. Bandazian
Executive Committee Chairman
(804) 358-5543
(804) 358-5590 Fax
Bedros Bandazian was born in Richmond, Virginia and attended the Richmond Public School system. After graduating from the Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Business & Accounting, he entered into the accounting profession. In 1974 the real estate firm of Bandazian & Co. was formed and its speciality is Property Management and Commerical Investment in the urban real estate market of Richmond, Virginia.
He is married to the former Stella Georges for almost 35 years and they have three sons, Khoren II, Raffi and Diran. Khoren’s wife is the former Lucie Kouyumdjian and they have given the grandparents two lovely grandaughters, Ana & Ema. Khoren is a licensed attorney in New York & New Jersey. Raffi Bandazian works with Goldman Sachs on Wall Street and has just formed an Armenian entertainment production company called, BANDAZ PRODUCTIONS. Raffi is married to the former Elizabeth Kilercjian. Diran is a C.P.A. and in presently working for the Disney Corp. as a financial officer in their Burbank, California corporate home office. Diran recently married the lovely, Houri Kupelian.
Bedros Bandazian is a member of the ACAA Board of Directors and Chairman of the Armenian Heritage Cruise Commitee. Active in the Democratic Party of Virginia and former member of the Armenian National Commitee Board. A member of St. James Armenian Church in Richmond, Virginia and former Parish Council Chairman, Diocesean Delegate, Managing Trustee for the St. James Armenian Church Endowment Funds, the ACAA Endowment Funds and the Hairenik Endowment Funds. The Governor of Virginia has just appointed Bedros Bandazian as Chairman of the Virginia Armenia Advisory Commission. This is the first commission of its type in the United States.
With the help and dedication of Committee members throughout the United States, Bedros Bandazian has enjoyed being part of the Armenian Heritage Cruise.
Vasken Aivazian
Executive Committee Vice Chairman
(847) 228-5523
(847) 228-5536 Fax
Vasken Aivazian has been associated with the Armenian Cultural Association of America and its afliated organizations for most of his life. Vasken graduated from Northwestern Univeristy in Chicago, IL in 1964. In 1966 he graduated from the Cambridge University Law school in London, England. His father, Aram Aivazian, was the former President of Shell Oil Corporation in the Middle East and is author of many books on Armenian history. Vasken married his wife Berjouhi (A Dentist) in 1969. They have two sons, Aram and Chris. Aram is also a dentist in Chicago and manages their second dental office in Mt. Prospect, Illinios.
After law school at Cambridge University in England, he joined the Federal Reserve of Chicago where he worked in managment until his early retirement in 1996. Vasken Aivazian was the Chairman of the ACAA and Board Member of the ANC and ARF for many years. While Chairman of the Armenian Cultural Association, the Armenian Heritage Cruise concept was developed. Working with the original organizers, Angele Manoogian & Azad Merian, as Chairman of the ACAA, he promoted the cruise idea and initial events. With his guidence and encouargement, the Armenian Heritage Cruise continued and has now been a distinct event in the Armenian social scene.
Antranik Boudakian
Executive Committee Member
Office: (718) 261-8461
Home: (718) 575-0142
Fax: (718) 261-8496
Antranik Boudakian was born in Aleppo, Syria and educated at the Hagazian School. Moved to the United States at a very young age in 1964. He is a member of the St. Sarkis Armenian Church in New York and on its Board of Trustees.
In 1971 he opened a jewelry business in Forest Hill, New York under the name of Lorill Jewelers. A few years later a second store was opened in Springfield, Massachusetts. A distinguished member of the American Gem Society and Forest Hill Civic Association. Most active with the The Armenian Prelacy and on the Prelacy Endowment Fund Committee.
A political activist for the Armenian Cause and a recognized humanitarian. Married in 1965 to the former Mariam Marashian. Mariam is most helpful with the Armenian Heritage Cruise and assists in promotional activities. They have three children Lisa, Seta and Greg. Seta and Greg are in the jewelry business with their father.
Antranig’s dedication and support is one of the driving forces of the Armenian Heritage Cruise. With his ever reaching ability into the Armenian Communites, our cruise has become a real happening on the Armenian social scene.
His support of the Armenian National Committee activities in the New York Area has proven invaluable. He never tires and is available 24 hours a day to help.
Bedros Der-Bedrossian
Office: (954) 401-9787
Fax: (954) 938-8966
Born in Alexandria, Egypt to Vahan & Dikranouhi Der-Bedrossian. Attended Instituto Don Bosco Italian Technical School; and like thousands of other Armenians in the Middle East, The family moved to Montreal, Canada in 1968 for a better future and better opportunities. Moved to Florida in 1981 and established a Photographic & graphic design business in Ft. Lauderdale. He is a Member of the Armenian National Committee of Florida, is the Parish Council Chairman of the Armenian Church of Ft. Lauderdale; Member of Better Business Bureau, Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce as well as various other Civic Organizations. His wife Siran (Adjemian-DerBedrossian) is a successful Real Estate broker in South Florida (Armen Realty
Shakeh & George Basmajian
Executive Committee Member
Office: 248-569-6747
Home: 248-683-8666
shakehb@aol.com or gbasmajian@aol.com
Shakeh Basmajian has been an active member of the Detroit, Michigan Armenian Community for over 25 years. Her husband George and their family are members of the the St. Vartan Armenian Catholic Church in Dearborn, Michigan. Shakeh is presently an officer of the Armenian Relief Society – Central Executive Board.
Her philantropic work is known worldwide. Her engery and dedication is one of the prime reasons the Armenian Heritage Cruise has attained such success. With dedication and enthusisum, she has worked on this project since the beginning. Her time is always available for the Armenian Cause. With the support of George & Shake Basmajian, there is no wonder that the Armenian Heritage Cruise has been this successful.
Shakeh was born in Beirut, Lebanon. Attended Tarouhi Hagopian Secondary School BBA, American University of Beirut. Has worked at the American University of Beirut as an Executive Secretary, in The Nursing School, Arts & Sciencess Dean’s Office. She has four children, Roger, Serouj, Hrayr & Hourig. Imigrated to USA in 1979 and with her husband opened a successful jewelry business.
