Following a very successful fundraising campaign to promote genocide awareness, Alpha Epsilon Omega (AEO), a Southern California-based University fraternity, recently donated $3500 to the Zoryan Institute and the International Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies.

The Institute’s Chairman, Prof. Roger Smith, said “We are deeply gratified and touched by the enthusiasm and determination that these young men from California exhibited in their fundraising campaign. This effort confirms that people of all ages are concerned and engaged by universal human rights and freedoms."

Narek Zohrabyan, the Chair of AEO's Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee, stated, "We have seen the level of Zoryan Institute's work and what it has accomplished over the years with various scholars. The Institute's track record is second to none in terms of research,
publication, academic foresight and technical support to aspiring researchers. Because of the tremendous value of the work they do, the Alpha Epsilon Omega Fraternity felt motivated to select Zoryan as one of the charitable organizations to receive proceeds from our 'Never Again' fundraising campaign."

In March of 2005 AEO embarked on an ambitious fundraising drive, which they trademarked the “Never Again” campaign in preparation for the Armenian Genocide’s 90th Anniversary on April 24th. The endeavor involved the sale of black wristbands with the slogan “Never-Again” embossed on the rubber bracelets. As the project gained momentum and through an effective communications program, the final amount raised was over $10,000 and more than doubled AEO’s initial forecasts.

Heros Leask, Development Officer at the Zoryan Institute, declared "As members of a scholarly research institute, we at Zoryan have a natural affinity with university students and identify with them on multiple levels .We are humbled by AEO's recognition of our work and by their belief and faith in our mission. It is encouraging to see that these students are investing in human rights and genocide studies and it demonstrates that young people are committed to making the world a better place."

The Zoryan Institute is the first non-profit, international center devoted to the research and documentation of contemporary issues related to Armenian social, political and cultural life. To this end, the Institute conducts multidisciplinary research, publication, and educational programs dealing with Armenia, the Armenian Genocide, and Diaspora, within a universal context.