HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2012

Armen Harootian

2012 Inductee - 1963 Graduate 

Armen Harootian, born and raised in Worcester, is known as much for his athletic abilities as for his charisma and leadership skills. A standout athlete at South High School, Armen set a record for the high hurdles. At Fitchburg State he was instrumental in the formal recognition of outdoor track, indoor track and cross country as varsity sports. He was selected captain for each sport's inaugural season, retaining these titles throughout his collegiate career. In addition, he played for the undefeated soccer team that twice won the New England Athletic Conference championship and the National Intercollegiate Athletics Final Four Tournament. Harootian's abilities extended beyond the field, and he was elected class president four times and king of the Carnival Ball in 1963, alongside queen-and future wife-Polly Pappas.

During his time at Fitchburg State, Armen also served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. While attending Fitchburg State, Armen was recommeded by President James J. Hammond as a teaching graduate assistant and served as editor and publisher of the departmental newspaper. He graduated in 1963 with a degree in industrial arts education and continued his education at the University of Maryland, earning a Master of Education in industrial arts education.

His three children joke that Armen, now 73, has more energy than his five grandchildren. He continues to work full-time, commuting three hours round trip daily from his home in Reading to his job as vice president of real estate development at High Rocks Condominiums in North Smithfield, R.I.