On April 28, Literacy Partners lost a dear friend and charismatic ambassador of literacy, Clare Russell Gregorian.
Clare joined Literacy Partners as a volunteer tutor in 1981. After a decade of distinguished service teaching adults to read and write, Clare joined the Literacy Partners Board of Directors in 1993. She became President in 1998 and Chairman in 2000. During her tenure, Literacy Partners was transformed by the drive to professionalize services and to expand our reach to serve more New Yorkers in need.
Clare Gregorian’s leadership was significant and long-lasting. She was a prodigious fundraiser and an extraordinary spokesperson, introducing Literacy Partners to many prominent New Yorkers in her circle of acquaintances. And she did it all with first-hand knowledge of what it means to help an adult learn to read. In recognition of her formidable talent, Literacy Partners created the Clare R. Gregorian Volunteer of the Year award in 2002.
Claire was a unique and dedicated individual who was steadfast in the causes she believed in. A proponent of adult literacy education, Clare was also invested in women’s rights and the arts, earning her widespread recognition and awards throughout the nonprofit and philanthropic community. Well-respected and highly sought-after, Clare devoted herself to making the world a better place for all people, citizens and immigrants alike.
We will miss Clare’s spirit and generous support and remember her fondly. We are grateful to have known her and to have collaborated for so many years to improve the lives of many thousands of New York families through the gift of reading.
Clare is survived by her husband, Vartan Gregorian, who is president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. She is also survived by her three sons: Vahé, Raffi, and Dareh.
A memorial service will be held in New York City. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Clare’s name can be made to Literacy Partners. You can donate today in her honor.