The University Record, May 7, 1996
$3 million Mardigian gift will help fund Cancer and Geriatrics Center building
A 1994 artist’s rendering of the Cancer and Geriatrics Center building.
The Edward & Helen Mardigian Foundation has pledged $3 million toward the new facility to house the Cancer and Geriatrics Centers on the Medical Campus. In recognition of the gift, the University will name the lobby of the new building the Edward & Helen Mardigian Lobby.
The Cancer and Geriatrics Center building currently under construction will bring together research and treatment activities scattered across campus, fostering multidisciplinary interaction among investigators and clinicians and enabling patient care to be focused in one place.
The Mardigian family has a strong interest in cancer and geriatric patient care, research and education and recognizes the University’s leadership role in these areas with this gift.
“We have always believed in sharing,” Helen Mardigian said, in announcing the gift. “And we have always wanted to do something for the Hospital. Edward would be very pleased.”
A philanthropist and lifelong member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, the Mardigians supported educational, cultural and religious institutions throughout the world, including Saint John’s Armenian Church in Detroit, the Edward and Helen Mardigian Museum in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem, and the museum in the Armenian monastery in Geghard, Armenia.
Gifts from the Mardigians also have benefited the U-M-Dearborn campus, where the library is named for them.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 1996. Dedication ceremonies will be in 1997.
