The Garbis Der-Yeghian
Memorial Endowment for Peace
With the passing of PDG Garbis Der-Yeghian in January 2021 due to complication of COVID-19, an endowment has been established to carry on his legacy as a Rotarian of action and international peace builder. This endowment will be used to support a broad range of peace-related programs, including peace building/conflict resolution efforts here and abroad, scholarships, exchange programs, and contests such as Art for Peace. It will have an impact on District 5300’s students, Interactors, Rotaractors and Rotarians both here in our district and around the world.
About the Garbis Der-Yeghian Endowment for Peace
The Endowment accepts tax-deductible gifts to the Rotary District 5300 Foundation for the Garbis Der-Yeghian Memorial Endowment for Peace to be used to support a broad range of peace-related programs, including peace building/conflict resolution efforts here and abroad, scholarships, exchange programs, contests such as Art for Peace, and funding to ensure the District 5300 Peace Conference continues.
Garbis worked in so many ways to bring peace to our world, and your gift will help ensure that work continues in his memory. Donors of $1,000 or more will receive special recognition as Founders’ Circle Members. Of course, your gift at any level is welcome, as it will help advance world understanding and ensure that the work and legacy of a devoted Rotarian continues for decades to come!
Your gift to Rotary District 5300 Foundation, designated for the Garbis Der-Yeghian Memorial Endowment for Peace, is a wonderful way to pay a lasting tribute to an outstanding Rotarian and peacemaker. Garbis worked tirelessly in District 5300 and around the world to promote peace through understanding and action. You can help ensure his work continues for years to come. The earnings from the endowment will be used to fund the peace building activities of District 5300’s students, Interactors, Rotaractors and Rotarians both here in our district and around the world. Please join us in ensuring Garbis’ legacy as a Rotarian dedicated to peace by making your gift today!
To view or download a copy of the Endowment brochure, CLICK here
Garbis Der-Yeghian
A Man of Peace
Biography
1949-2021
Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, of Armenian heritage, Garbis Der-Yeghian learned first-hand about the terrible consequence of conflict. Nevertheless, he dedicated himself to the service of others. Garbis earned a Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science/Public Administration and Mathematics (Summa Cum Laude) as well as Master’s degrees in Educational Administration and International Relations from the American University of Beirut. At the age of 17, he began teaching at both the elementary and high school levels in Beirut before serving as a high school principal in Lebanon at the age of 22. After moving to the United States, he earned a doctorate in Human Development and Social Policy, as well as, a doctorate in Educational Management and Organizational Leadership.
He joined the Rotary Club of La Verne in 1981, served with distinction as president in 1984-1985, and began a long history of service to our district, our zone and to Rotary International. He became District 5300 Governor in 1999-2000 earning numerous distinctions. Garbis delivered more than 1,500 speeches to Rotary clubs throughout the world, and initiated numerous new programs promoting international understanding. Sadly, after a lifetime of “Service above Self,” we lost Garbis in 2021.
District 5300 Peace Conference
While only one part of his incredible history of service, the District 5300 Peace Conference he founded in 1990 is probably what we know Garbis best for. During almost all of the last 31 years he served as its chair. He brought speakers to us from around the world. He put into action, through the conference and much more, the Rotary principle of promoting peace through understanding and helped to ensure that we did, too.