Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Rindge Taps Elanjian as `Man of the Year'

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Rindge Taps Elanjian as `Man of the Year'

    Rindge Taps Elanjian as `Man of the Year'
    by Tom Vartabedian


    http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/11/23/rindge-taps-elanjian-as-man-of-the-year/
    November 23, 2012


    CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - George Elanjian, who provided the financial backbone
    behind the $6.2 million Armenian Heritage Park project, is basking in
    another moment of glory and accomplishment these days.


    George Elanjian shares his Man of the Year Award from Rindge Tech with
    wife Dottie.
    He was named `Man of the Year' by his alma mater, Rindge Tech, from
    where he graduated in 1957.

    Close to 350 people turned out at the school's 55th reunion Nov. 19 to
    applaud Elanjian for his community service, sound work ethics, and
    ambassadorship to the school, which has never wavered over time. The
    school boasts the oldest alumni association in the country, dating
    back 116 years.

    The tribute came only weeks following the death of his four-month-old
    grandchild to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), a tragedy that
    rocked the entire Greater Boston Armenian community. Elanjian managed
    to keep his composure during an acceptance speech before his peers.

    `Unfortunately and tragically, our family is still grieving the loss
    of our grandson,' he said. `My wife Dottie is the glue that has held
    our family together through thick and thin.'

    On hand to relish the moment were his two daughters, Janine and Loren,
    along with some close friends.

    In presenting the award, Ted Darling described Elanjian as a graduate
    who embodied the true Rindge spirit of `service above self.'

    `George has always carried the vision of our school no matter where he
    has gone,' said Darling. `He's the perfect role model for others who
    have attended this school. His work throughout the community and
    business world has manifested itself in every facet.'

    Among his deeds was chairing the All Gifts Committee, which resulted
    in seeing the genocide memorial reach fruition this year at the Rose
    Kennedy Greenway. Elanjian helped organized many a fund drive inside
    area churches while tapping into all available resources to reach the
    goal.

    In his acceptance talk, he touched upon his proud Armenian ancestry
    and being born to genocide survivors.

    `My parents met here and brought other immigrants with them to
    discover a new world and opportunity waiting,' Elanjian said. `They
    worked hard and coped with sacrifice. They stressed the importance of
    education, church, and culture. I've tried to instill those same
    values into my children.'

    Elanjian was active with the Watertown Armenian Youth Federation
    (AYF), played football at Rindge, and belonged to St. Stephen's
    Church, where he and Dottie were among the pillars of the Couples'
    Club. He also served on the Board of Trustees.

    After high school, Elanjian proceeded to Wentworth Institute of
    Technology, where he secured a degree in architectural engineering. He
    completed ongoing continuing education courses at Boston Architectural
    Center before becoming registered in 1974.

    >From 1972-93, Elanjian became principal architect with the firm of JGD
    Inc. During that time, he was responsible for the design, bid
    documents, and construction administration for Bentley College (now
    Bentley University), which featured a 120-acre project worth more than
    $100 million, along with a campus development plan of 1.2 million
    square feet of new buildings, additions, renovations, and a pedestrian
    bridge.

    Since 1993, Elanjian has operated his own business called CGE and
    Associates. As project architect, he has taken charge of many design
    projects, including custom homes, multi-family residential units,
    commercial office buildings, restaurants, and most recently, the
    preliminary design phase of a 20-acre, $43.25 million housing project
    in his hometown of Woburn.

    The Elanjians have been blessed with three married children and five
    grandchildren, alternating between their home in Woburn and another in
    Gloucester.

    A number of notable graduates have occupied this honor roll, which
    came as a total surprise to Elanjian.

    `Attending this school while growing up in Cambridge had a huge impact
    in my life,' he said. `The memories will always remain indelible.'

Working...
X