[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 157 (Monday, September 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING VARTKESS BALIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 2008

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Vartkess Balian. Mr. Balian epitomized the life of a community leader. 
His contributions enriched the lives of countless Armenians and 
Armenian Americans. He will be remembered for his graciousness, 
compassion, and ingenuity.
  Vartkess Balian grew up in Beirut, Lebanon, in a family that taught 
him to value his Armenian ancestry. When he moved to the United States, 
he brought his love of being Armenian to his new home. Championing 
Armenian issues, Mr. Balian served in various leadership positions at 
the Armenian General Benevolent Union. Through his generosity and 
interest in enhancing the lives of Armenian youth, he and his wife, 
Rita Balian, spearheaded the AGBU's successful New York Summer Intern 
Program, giving hundreds of Armenian college students the opportunity 
for professional development and international experience in the United 
States.
  Mr. Balian also served as president of the Tekeyan Cultural 
Association. During this time he established the Vartkess and Rita 
Balian Press Award to foster excellence in the field of journalism by 
giving grants to promising correspondents. Dedicating himself to 
education, Mr. Balian helped found the Friends of Yerevan State 
University. This organization has raised millions of dollars to improve 
university facilities and provide for scholarship endowment funds.
  Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in 
celebrating the life of Vartkess Balian, and extending our sincere 
condolences and deep appreciation to Mrs. Rita Balian. Mr. Balian's 
efforts will continue to benefit and inspire Armenian youth and his 
many international colleagues and friends for years to come.

                          ____________________