Vartan Gregorian
Vartan Gregorian: A Life of Distinction and Service
Full Name and Common Aliases
Vartan Gregorian is a renowned Armenian-American academic administrator, historian, and philanthropist. He is best known for his tenure as the eighth President of New York University (NYU) from 2001 to 2015.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on April 4, 1934, in Tabriz, Iran (then a part of Persia), Vartan Gregorian's life has been marked by significant achievements and contributions to education, culture, and humanitarian causes. He is still active in his pursuits today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Gregorian holds dual citizenship of Armenia and the United States. Throughout his career, he has distinguished himself as a historian, academic administrator, and philanthropist. His professional affiliations include:
President Emeritus of New York University (2001-2015)
Founding Director of the Institute for International Studies at NYU
Historian and scholar specializing in Near Eastern historyEarly Life and Background
Growing up in a family of modest means, Gregorian's early life was marked by hardship and resilience. His father, an Armenian carpet merchant, and his mother instilled in him a strong sense of self-reliance and academic ambition from an early age. Gregorian's academic talents earned him a scholarship to study at the American University of Beirut (AUB), where he developed a passion for Near Eastern history.Major Accomplishments
Gregorian's distinguished career is replete with notable achievements, including:
Founding the Institute for International Studies at NYU in 1974
Establishing the Middle East Institute at Columbia University in 1967
Serving as Vice President of the New York Public Library from 1980 to 1993
Notable Works or Actions
As a scholar and administrator, Gregorian has authored several books and articles on Near Eastern history. Some of his notable works include:
"Islam: A View From the Edge" (2009)
"The Road to Home: Middle East Issues in Perspective" (1987)
Gregorian's commitment to education and philanthropy is exemplified by his role as a leading figure in several international educational initiatives, including the establishment of the NYU Abu Dhabi campus.
Impact and Legacy
Vartan Gregorian's impact on education and culture extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. He has:
Fostered greater understanding between East and West through his scholarship and diplomacy
Advocated for the preservation of cultural heritage and historical sites in the Middle East
Provided leadership and vision to educational institutions, promoting innovation and collaborationWhy They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Gregorian's quotes and statements are widely sought after due to his:
Unique perspective as a scholar and historian with deep knowledge of the Middle East
Strong commitment to education and philanthropy
Ability to balance intellectual rigor with practical solutions for complex global challenges
Throughout his life, Vartan Gregorian has embodied the ideals of service, scholarship, and leadership. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of scholars, educators, and humanitarian leaders.
Quotes by Vartan Gregorian
The book is here to stay. What we’re doing is symbolic of the peaceful coexistence of the book and the computer.
In our democratic society, the library stands for hope, for learning, for progress, for literacy, for self-improvement and for civic engagement. The library is a symbol of opportunity, citizenship, equality, freedom of speech and freedom of thought, and hence, is a symbol for democracy itself.
The library is not only a diary of the human race, but marks an act of faith in the continuity of humanity.
The universe is not going to see someone like you again in the entire history of creation.
It is very important that, no matter what happens, you keep your feeling of self worth and value.
The library is our house of intellect, our transcendental university, with one exception: no one graduates from a library. No one possibly can, and no one should.
It meant that New York philanthropists, New York society, would now rediscover the library. ... that learning, books, education have glamour, that self-improvement has glamour, that hope has glamour.
The book is here to stay. What we're doing is symbolic of the peaceful coexistence of the book and the computer.
The library is central to our free society. It is a critical element in the free exchange of information at the heart of our democracy.