Little Armenia, California – January 16, 2025
As we embark on an exciting new year in 2025, the Rose & Alex Pilibos School is thrilled to
unveil plans for a transformative campus expansion. This bold initiative aims to provide
state-of-the-art learning spaces and additional unique resources for Scholars, reflecting our
commitment to advancing education and shaping the future of our Armenian school community
Since acquiring the multi-unit residential property adjacent to St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic
Church earlier in 2024, we have taken deliberate steps to assemble an outstanding team in the
planning and development of this project. Rather than rushing into planning without foresight,
the school has prioritized developing a thoughtful and comprehensive strategy, guided by
expertise and insight, to lay the foundation for an academic complex that will serve Scholars for
decades.
To bring this vision to life, we have assembled a team of experts to plan and execute the
expansion. Our team includes:
Dr. Robert Dillon is a school space consultant with a proven track record of transforming
educational environments into dynamic, engaging spaces that support Scholar success.
Dr. Dillon’s expertise ensures that every aspect of the expansion is designed to meet the
needs of the Scholars and educators, not just for today but for future generations
Mr. Aram Alajajian, a renowned and respected architect with Alajajian Marcoosi
Architects, is known for designing innovative and community-focused spaces, whose
portfolio includes notable projects such as the Armenian American Museum in Glendale,
showcasing his ability to create environments that inspire and serve their communities.
Dr. Souzy Ohanian and Dr. Alina Dorian, with their combined experience of over 50
years in education, are leveraging their extensive expertise and deep understanding of
our school’s unique needs to guide the process and maximize the space’s usage.
Having been intimately involved in the school’s education and operations for decades,
they bring unparalleled insight into its specific challenges. This intimate familiarity
uniquely positions them to craft solutions that address these challenges effectively and
ensure the expansion meets the long-term goals of the school community.
Mr. Edgar Khalatian, Esq., and Mr. Arteen Mnayan, Esq., of Mayer Brown LLP, are reputable land use attorneys with extensive expertise in land use and development strategy, supported by a global reputation for excellence. Specializing in navigating complex projects through legal, regulatory, and community landscapes, their strategic insight will play a vital role in ensuring that this expansion complies with all legal standards while maximizing its potential to benefit the school and community effectively.
Ms. Vicky Tavitian, a proud Pilibos alumnus and Principal Land Use Planner at Sheppard
Mullin, brings over 10 years of experience managing complex land-use entitlement
processes. Ms. Tavitian was involved in redeveloping Harvard-Westlake’s River Park
campus and previously served as a City Planner and Council Liaison for the City of Los
Angeles Department of City Planning. Vicky’s track record of building trusted
relationships with city departments, stakeholders, and developers ensures her projects
receive broad support and deliver exceptional results.
The extraordinary collaboration of this all-star group of individuals, coupled with the unwavering
support of our community and school board is driving a project designed to redefine excellence
in education. Our vision is to create a campus that not only meets the highest standards of
design and sustainability but also provides all our Scholars with an enriching environment that
inspires creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, setting them on a path to future success.
To bring this ambitious vision to life, we rely on the generous support of our community. Our
fundraising efforts are already well underway, and we are deeply grateful for the contributions
we have received in advance of our 55th Anniversary Gala, scheduled for March 15, 2025.
As we enter the new year, we look forward to your continued support to ensure this expansion
becomes a reality, leaving a lasting legacy for current and future generations of Armenian
scholars.
