The gift of learning: Two major bequests to Armenian Endowment Fund to strengthen Armenian education in Toronto

Toronto’s Armenian community celebrates two transformative gifts to the Armenian Endowment Fund (AEF) that honour heritage, support education, and inspire future generations. Hagop and Sirarpi Yeramian’s significant bequest will be allocated to the A.R.S. Armenian Private School while Annie Demirjian’s legacy endows scholarships through Hamazkayin Toronto for Armenian students pursuing studies in human rights, inclusiveness, and environmental protection.

A gift for generations: Siblings Hagop and Sirarpi Yeramian’s major bequest to the ARS Armenian Private School

In an extraordinary act of dedication to their heritage and community, Hagop and Sirarpi Yeramian have left a bequest of $728,317.66 to the AEF, specifically to support Armenian education in Toronto. This major bequest, made by the late siblings who devoted their lives to the Armenian cause, will directly enhance resources for the ARS Armenian Private School, empowering future generations to embrace their heritage and pursue academic excellence in a nurturing, Armenian-centred environment.

Hagop Onik Yeramian and Sirarpi Eftik Yeramian, born in Istanbul, journeyed through Iraq, the United States, and Canada, always fostering a deep love for their Armenian identity. Hagop, an English professor, author, and active community member, dedicated his life to education and Armenian cultural preservation. His academic path led him from the American School for Boys in Baghdad to Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania, where he earned a BA in English Literature, followed by a Master’s in Science at Boston University. After a brief return to Baghdad, where he taught English and contributed to the Iraq Times, Hagop relocated to Canada in 1967, beginning a distinguished teaching career at Humber College in Toronto. His commitment to Armenian culture extended beyond the classroom; he contributed articles to various Armenian publications, including The Armenian Reporter International and The Armenian Weekly, sharing his passion for Armenian history, literature, and culture.

Sirarpi Yeramian, equally devoted to her community, worked as a fashion designer in Iraq before moving to Toronto to care for her ailing mother. Despite these responsibilities, she remained deeply involved in Armenian community life, supporting church and cultural events alongside her brother. Together, they became well-known figures at the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto, and in 2004, they sponsored a classroom at the Armenian Youth Centre (AYC), underscoring their belief that education is the foundation of preserving Armenian identity and heritage in the diaspora.

Reflecting on the Yeramians’ bequest, AEF president Levon Hasserjian expressed: “This generous contribution will provide essential resources to enrich our programs, empowering the next generation to thrive while nurturing a deep pride in their Armenian heritage. Their legacy will serve as a powerful example of community dedication and educational commitment.”

Their remarkable bequest to the AEF, a fund founded in 1985 to support Armenian institutions like the ARS Armenian Private School, underscores their enduring commitment. The AEF, which has grown to a capital base of over $11 million, provides crucial financial support to Armenian institutions through annual disbursements exceeding $400,000. Governed by a board of trustees accountable to its donors, the AEF ensures responsible stewardship through independent audits.

The Yeramians’ legacy will directly benefit the ARS Armenian Private School, Ontario’s largest Armenian educational institution, which integrates Armenian language, history, and culture into its Ontario Ministry of Education-accredited curriculum. With over 650 students, the school serves as a vibrant hub for Armenian education in Canada, helping young Armenians connect with their heritage and thrive academically within a supportive community.

A lasting impact: Annie Demirjian’s bequest to provide scholarships to Canadian-Armenian students

Complementing the Yeramians’ extraordinary contribution, Annie Demirjian’s bequest will support Armenian students in Canada through scholarships provided by the Hamazkayin Amenian Educational and Cultural Society’s Toronto Klatsor chapter. Her bequest, received by the AEF a few months ago, focuses on fostering studies in human rights, gender equality, inclusiveness, and environmental protection—fields to which she dedicated her own life.

Demirjian, who passed away on July 25, 2022, was a public servant and an inspiring leader in academia. She served as the director of the School of Public and International Affairs at Glendon Campus, where she established programs to promote diversity, foster global connections, and support student success. Known for her kindness and intelligence, she worked tirelessly to prepare her students for careers in public service, often hosting UN-related events and Glendon Global Debates.

Born into an Armenian family, Demirjian came to Toronto from Syria as a teenager, overcoming language barriers to pursue her education. She completed her undergraduate degree at Glendon and later earned an MSc in Economics and Project Management from Université du Québec à Montréal. Her public service career included roles with CUSO, the Federal Government of Canada, and the United Nations, and she remained deeply connected to her Armenian roots, actively supporting various Armenian causes. In addition to her bequest to AEF, Demirjian made substantial contributions to the Hayasdan Foundation Toronto, ARS Canada, and the Armenian Catholic community of Toronto, reinforcing her lifelong dedication to Armenian charitable work.

Her bequest to the AEF is to provide scholarships for Armenian students enrolled in Canadian universities, with a particular emphasis on social and environmental justice studies. Demirjian’s legacy will enable Armenian students to excel in fields that promote inclusivity and ethical leadership, ensuring her commitment to social good lives on.

“These noble initiatives by the Yeramian siblings and Ms. Annie Demirjian should serve as examples to all in our community,” said Hasserjian. “The Armenian Endowment Fund invites community members to follow in their footsteps by establishing endowments or participating through legacy bequests in the mission of Armenian preservation. Every contribution, large or small, ensures that our children and grandchildren will continue to receive education in Armenian schools, gain experience in our organizations, and proudly carry on our heritage.”

The Armenian Endowment Fund invites community members to consider creating their own lasting legacy. Each contribution, large or small, strengthens the foundation for future generations, ensuring the continuity of Armenian education and culture. Those interested in exploring how to honor their loved ones or support meaningful causes through legacy giving can contact the AEF at aefcanada@gmail.com. ֎