Gradzhyans build nest at La Verne
Campus Times
November 8, 1996
Reviewing calculus with junior Sergio Velasquez, junior chemistry major
Tagui Gradzhyan tutors students in both mathematics and chemistry. Her brother
Zograb, a sophomore, and her cousin Marine, a senior, also attend the University.
Greater opportunities expanded for junior Tagui Gradzhyan, and her family
nearly seven years ago, when they immigrated from Leninakan, Armenia to
the United States.
The chemistry major can be found most of the time at La Verne
studying on A-top of the Oaks residence halls on campus.
When considering where she wanted to go to college, Tagui Gradzhyan had
chosen UC Santa Barbara as her first choice. The small community atmosphere
at the University of La Verne was what drew her here.
During a Spotlight weekend, she decided La Verne was what she wanted out
of college, according to Tagui Gradzhyan.
Her cousin senior Marine Gradzhyan, an English major, already attended ULV,
and introduced her to the college.
According to Tagui Gradzhyan, ULV could offer her more than just a number,
but provided her with a good student/ teacher ratio.
Had her family not moved to the United States, she would probably not be
getting a college education. Instead she would be working to help support
her family, due to the educational standards and financial status of Armenia,
according to Tagui Gradzhyan.
Marine Gradzhyan's father, Arutyun Gradzhyan brought his family to the United
States on August 28, 1989, to fulfill the "American Dream," according
to Marine Gradzhyan.
With Tagui Gradzhyan's uncle, Arutyun Gradzhyan already residing in the
United States, her family had plans of one day joining him.
On October 31, 1989, they made the move to America, where a whole new life
and future awaited them.
It has not only been an academic opportunity that Tagui Gradzhyan has been
given, but on the extracurricular end, Tagui has been given a chance of
experiencing Greek life.
With friends in Sigma Kappa, she wanted to be involved with the sorority,
and share a " closer bond with them," said Tagui Gradzhyan.
Outside of her school work and ULV activities, Tagui enjoys dancing, rollerblading,
and spending time with her family, by watching movies.
Zograb Gradzhyan, Tagui's brother is a sophomore at ULV, where he is majoring
in math and computers. Another cousin of Tagui's is also considering La
Verne as a college choice, making ULV a family affair.
Missing Armenia, Tagui Gradzhyan would like to one day visit her native
land, but feels after the earthquake in 1988, it just would not be the same
to live there.
Looking to the future, Tagui Gradzhyan is still undecided of how she will
apply her chemistry background. However, she does know that graduate school
is ahead of her after ULV.