Inductee Details

< Back

Dr. Vartan Gregorian

(1934-) ~ Inducted 1998

Dr. Vartan Gregorian is an Armenian-American academic, a former president of Brown, Dr. Gregorian is now the president of Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Vartan Gregorian was born in Iran, and attended the College Armenien in Beirut, Lebanon, where he earned a degree in Armenian studies in 1955. After earning a scholarship to study overseas, Gregorian entered Stanford University, earning a bachelor's degree in history and humanities within two years before completing a Masters degree.

His affiliation with Brown University began in 1984, when he was awarded an honorary degree from Brown for his work at the New York Public Library. Gregorian was elected president of Brown in 1988. During his tenure, he instituted the President's Lecture Series, bringing prominent scholars, leaders, and authors to campus. He also oversaw the building of a residence quadrangle and taught classes. Dr. Gregorian often spoke to the Brown community of Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America. Gregorian also led a capital campaign that raised over $500 million, and by the end of his presidency, Brown's endowment had passed the $1 billion mark.

President Gregorian's tenure was marked by increased international prominence for Brown and a significant rise in demand for admission. Equally, the student body grew more diverse than ever. Gregorian left Brown in September 1997. He made and kept a promise to attend the commencement ceremony and shake hands with all undergraduate students who had matriculated during his presidency. Thayer Street Quadrangle was renamed in his honor in 1999.

See more inductees in:

- Education & Universities

< Go back

Browse through our collection of 750+ amazing Rhode Islanders:

Search by Name or Keyword:

Area of Accomplishment:

Inductee Details

Dr. Vartan Gregorian

See more inductees in:

Search by Name or Keyword:

Area of Accomplishment:

Browse Years of Induction: