Board of Directors Hold Fiscal and Academic Year-End Meeting
On May 20, prior to the graduation ceremony, the board of directors met in the St. Nersess Library for their fiscal and academic year-end meeting. The meeting was presided over by the Primate of the Eastern Diocese, the Very Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan who is also the President of the Board. Chairing the meeting was Karnig Durgarian, chairperson of the board.
In his report, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean, announced that another Master of Divinity student from the Western Diocese will start in September. He discussed the enhancement programs the students enjoy – vocal training and personal training – that are fully funded by Dean Shahinian, Esq., as well as the new CPR training class that was recently given by board member Dn. Diran Jebejian. The upcoming 12 Vocations Banquet on November 4 and the St. Nersess Theological Review publication were also discussed.
He reviewed the upcoming youth summer programs, which will include the High School Summer Conference, Deacons’ Training Program, and the Youth Choir Workshop fully funded by the Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Fund. This summer, after a two-year COVID-related interruption, three upper class students from the Sts. Tarkmanchatz School of Jerusalem will attend our High School Summer Conference.
Der Mardiros mentioned the series of lectures and workshops offered to students and the public during the academic year, as well as the parish visits, parish pilgrimages, and programming he leads or facilitates in the Western Diocese 2-3 times a year.
The board reviewed the seminary finances for the fiscal year ending May 31 presented by board treasurer, Richard Papalian, and passed the budget. Following, the board had an opportunity to meet with Dn. Serop Krajekian, who graduated that evening, as he presented his life before seminary, during his time at the seminary, and his hopes and dreams for the future.
Fundraising & Marketing Director, Donna Sirounian, briefly updated everyone on the latest fundraising, development and marketing initiatives and analytics. There were also discussions surrounding strategic development plans. The Board will meet again in the Fall.
