REV. PAUL HAIDOSTIAN DISCUSSES HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY’S CHALLENGES AND RESILIENCE
On Friday, February 28, Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, received Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, President of Haigazian University in Beirut. During their meeting, the Prelate and his visitor discussed the current situation in Lebanon and the state of the Armenian community in the Middle Eastern country. Rev. Haidostian sat down with “Crossroads” for a brief interview:
CROSSROADS: What is the purpose of your visit to the United States this time?
REV. HAIDOSTIAN: The main purpose is to speak at Columbia University on the topic of “Education, Peace, and the Bridge-Building Role of Middle East Christianity: A Contemporary and Critical Perspective,” organized by the Armenian Center at Columbia University and dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Haigazian University. Additionally, I will be one of the speakers at the ARS Norian Youth Connect Program, where my topic will be “Symbols and Stories: The Hidden Architects of Who We Are.” The third event is a Haigazian University 70th-anniversary dinner in New Jersey at the invitation of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA).
Can you give us your opinion about the situation in Lebanon in general and the Armenian community in particular?
It is obvious that an already tense situation in the Middle East is currently going through transitions, and we are not sure how the future political scenario will evolve. The current hope in Lebanon is to move towards a stronger central government and focus on a rebuilding of the country physically, economically, and socially. The recent election of a President energized the country, but, of course, the challenges are many. The Armenian community continues its vital ministries and institutions, and we try to keep our community as stable as possible.
How did the events of the last few years in Lebanon affect Haigazian University?
In addition to months of terror in Lebanon from September to the end of November due to a cruel war, the people, Haigazian University included, faced various economic difficulties. We had to raise additional funds for scholarships and tried to keep things in balance. We are grateful that the university continued to be a peaceful space in all possible ways.
Has the emigration from Lebanon impacted both the student body and faculty of at the university in terms of quality and quantity?
Some new waves of emigration took place during the war months, but many of our students came back. We only faced minor issues with faculty who traveled for a short time.
In general, we will continue to be a positive influence on society and demonstrate that the Armenian community in Lebanon has a nation-building purpose.