Last week, the Near East Foundation (NEF) lost a cherished member of our community, Arman J. Kuyumjian, who passed away on October 16, 2025. For more than 15 years, Arman generously shared his time and brilliant legal mind with NEF as our pro bono legal counsel along with his firm, Baker Botts, where he was a Partner. He was deeply passionate about our mission and especially dedicated to helping vulnerable Armenian children. Beyond his invaluable counsel, he was also a generous donor to our organization.

Arman had a great sense of humility and empathy being the grandson of survivors of the Armenian Genocide, one of whom was rescued as an orphan by the Near East Relief. He was extremely proud to serve the organization that had once saved his grandmother along with so many others. He felt it was his duty to help those in need today.

We are forever grateful for Arman’s extraordinary contributions, his integrity, and his unwavering commitment to advancing NEF’s mission. Our hearts are with his parents Drs. Jirair and Rita Kuyumjian, his wife Taline, and their daughter Sevan during this difficult time. Arman will be deeply missed, and his legacy of generosity, intellect, and compassion will continue to guide and inspire us.