Dr. Garbis Der-Yeghiayan (middle) being honored at La Verne’s City Council meeting on Monday, October 17, 2016 with Former Mayor, Jon Blickenstaff (left) and current Mayor Don Kendrick
LA VERNE, California—The City of La Verne paid a special tribute to Dr. Garbis Der-Yeghiayan at its City Council meeting on Monday, October 17, 2016. Former Mayor, Jon Blickenstaff, joined Mayor Don Kendrick and members of the City Council in presenting a special proclamation to the honoree exalting his unique virtues as a distinguished member of the La Verne community admirably volunteering his time, knowledge and resources, visionary college president and devoted professor, prominent scholar and prolific author, extraordinary leader in Rotary International and relentless peacemaker.
Kendrick congratulated Der-Yeghiayan on his 40th year of service to higher education as well as for forging an impressive legacy in academia and for being one of the most highly regarded and beloved professors among students and faculty. He thanked the honoree for his important role in furthering recognition of the City of La Verne on an international level and for facilitating the establishment of a sister-city relationship with the City of Etchmiadzin in Armenia during Blickenstaff’s visit to Armenia in 1985. Kendrick spoke very highly of Der-Yeghiayan’s untiring efforts and peacemaking endeavors having organized more than 20 pilgrimages to Historic Western Armenia, and 27 annual peace conferences under the banner of Rotary International.
Der-Yeghiayan thanked Mayors Blickenstaff and Kendrick, as well as the City Council members for the great honor bestowed upon him. “This tribute obligates me to work harder, to serve better, and to strive higher as a community member, educator and peacemaker,” he said. He then introduced his family members as well as La Verne Armenian community representatives, and La Verne Rotarians in attendance. “In all I say and in all I do, I promise to bring honor to the City of La Verne and to the Armenian people that I belong to, and above all, glory to God Almighty from Whom all blessings flow,” concluded Der-Yeghiayan.
Source: Asbarez
Link: La Verne Honors Dr. Der-Yeghiayan