He was an inspiring teacher, innovative leader, and dedicated advocate for students. Armen Sarafian, born in 1920, was the son of educated immigrants who taught him that attaining higher education would pave the way to a fulfilling life and successful career. As an educator, Armen Sarafian became known for saving colleges-and in one case an entire community college district-from the brink of failure and transforming them into thriving institutions that continue today. While he was president of Pasadena City College from 1975–1986, he developed an early form of remote learning, created a program that taught students skills for working in the TV and radio industries, and hired high quality teachers and up-and-coming coaches such as Jerry Tarkanian, Harvey Hyde, and Skip Robinson. While he was president of La Verne University he also established the first American Armenian International College. In his lifetime, Armen Sarafian was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. Though he died in 1989, he is remembered as an outstanding leader who guided thousands of students to success. This is his story.
