Washington, DC - Last month, long-time Armenian Assembly Board Member and Life Trustee Joyce Philibosian Stein received the 2012 Ellis Island Medal of Honor, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). Joyce Philibosian Stein receives 2012 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Armenian Assembly Chairman Hirair Hovnanian, on behalf of the entire Board, applauded Joyce's dedication and praised her for serving the "community with distinction" and "setting standards for exceptional leadership." Throughout her tenure on the Assembly's Board, Joyce, along with her husband Joe, have provided invaluable insights and have graciously given their time and talent to further the activities of the Assembly for the betterment of all Armenians. "It was a great honor and privilege to join with those individuals, past and present awardees alike, who through their actions and deeds, have made a positive impact not only in America, but in their respective ancestral homeland," said Joyce. "It was especially rewarding to be in the company of so many Armenians. Joe and I commend the important work of the National Ethnic Coalition, and its mission to honor and preserve the diversity that is America and to foster tolerance, respect and understanding among religious and ethnic groups." Established in 1986 by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO), the Ellis Island Medal of Honor celebrates the richness and diversity of American life and pays tribute to the ancestry groups that comprise America's unique cultural mosaic. Past Medalists include six Presidents, as well as Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, education, the arts, sports and government. Recognized by the United States Senate and House of Representatives, Ellis Island Medal recipients are also read into the Congressional Record. Fellow Armenians Nancy Arabian; Nishan Goudsouzian, MD; Kevork I. Karajerjian, AIA; Dalida Keuroghlian; Papken Megerian; Ohannes A. Nercessian, MD; and Alice Petrossian also received the 2012 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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