The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) will be honoring Life Trustees Peter and Irene Vosbikian with the Global Humanitarian Award at the Philadelphia Celebration on Saturday, April 28 at the National Constitution Center.
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Irene Vosbikian, Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), and Peter Vosbikian
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Mr. and Mrs. Vosbikian are longtime members of the Assembly, and continue to be leading figures in advocacy and philanthropy. Mr. Vosbikian was on the Board of Directors from 2000-2006, and served as Chairman in 2002 and 2003. He also served on the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee from 2007 through 2009. During his Chairmanship, Mr. Vosbikian encouraged more delegations of public policy makers, and trustees and member mission trips to visit Armenia and Artsakh, especially for young Armenian Americans.
They have contributed to many different program areas, especially the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program. Mr. and Mrs. Vosbikian have previously hosted interns in their summer home in New Jersey and encouraged students to participate in the internship programs the Assembly offers in Washington, D.C. and Yerevan, Armenia.
“Peter and Irene represent the very best of our values and ideals. Their passion for Armenian issues knows no bounds, and their steadfast commitment to the Assembly over the decades is truly remarkable,” Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny said. “The Philadelphia Celebration will not only honor the Vosbikians, but is also an opportunity for Young Professionals, Assembly intern alumni, and our friends in the community to connect with one another and enjoy a fun-filled evening,” he added.
Additionally, Peter and Irene are major donors to the Armenian Sisters Academy in Radnor, PA and the Armenian Prelacy. Peter and Irene support many other causes, most importantly The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, PA, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN.
Both Peter and Irene were born in Philadelphia and grew up in nearby neighborhoods in Pennsylvania. It wasn’t until college, at Temple University in Philadelphia, where Peter and Irene first met. On November 8, 1964 Peter and Irene were married and had four children – Paul, David, Terry, and Mary.
At the very same time, the Armenian Sisters of the Immaculate Conception arrived in Philadelphia to open a new Armenian school. Prior to the opening of the school, Irene visited the Sisters every week in order to learn the Armenian language. Having mastered Latin in High School, Irene learned very quickly and within two years she was able to read, write, and speak Armenian. She did this primarily to converse with Peter’s parents.
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Irene Vosbikian signing her book Bedros at the Assembly’s annual Members Meeting in Boca Raton, Florida in 2015
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Irene was fascinated by the hardships endured by Peter’s parents. She spent countless hours with Peter’s father listening to the nightmare he experienced in Turkey prior to escaping the Armenian Genocide. This resulted in Irene’s first novel, titled Bedros, which was originally published in 1983 then re-published in 2013. In 2015, Irene read passages from her book during one of the Assembly’s annual Members Meeting in Boca Raton, Florida. She signed copies for guests who purchased the book, with all proceeds benefitting the Armenian Assembly.
Not long after, Irene authored the book The Carnation Tablet, based on the life of her father Rudolph and his tragic death in 1944. The Carnation Tablet was actually the diary that her father kept during the War. He made entries into this diary several times a week up until the time of his death.
Peter joined the family business after graduating college in 1963. Quickie Manufacturing Corporation was in the business of manufacturing and marketing household cleaning tools. He became Chairman and President of the Company in 1971. When Peter retired in 2004, Company market share had grown to the number one position in the U.S.
Today, Peter & Irene reside in Moorestown, NJ surrounded by their four children, their respective spouses, and eleven grandchildren.
Click here to purchase your ticket. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the evening, contact Assembly Development Director Nazanee Topian at (202) 393-3434 ext. 345 or [email protected]. Please RSVP by Friday, April 16, 2018.
To learn more about the Philadelphia Celebration, please visit www.aimhye.com or the Armenian Assembly of America Facebook Page.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.