Gregory Seferian
Campus mourns Gregory Seferian, a graduate student in comparative literature.
A graduate student in comparative literature, he had been at Binghamton University since fall 2016. Known for his kindness and keen intellect, he received his master's degree in spring 2019, and planned to pursue doctoral studies.
- Gregory Seferian, 33, died Saturday, Jan. 2, in Vestal.
Campus mourns Gregory Seferian, a graduate student in comparative literature
Gregory Seferian, 33, died Saturday, Jan. 2, in Vestal.
A graduate student in comparative literature, he had been at Binghamton University since fall 2016. Known for his kindness and keen intellect, he received his master's degree in spring 2019, and planned to pursue doctoral studies.
“Greg wanted to study and live with purpose,” said Luiza Moreira, professor and chair of the Department of Comparative Literature. “A warm, thoughtful and generous friend, he was also talented, with interests that ranged far and wide.
“He wrote with insight about time in the great novels of the 20th century, even as he also cared deeply about organic farming and the people who work the land, in the U.S., in Armenia, or in Mexico, and learned to speak their languages.
“He will be greatly missed by our students and faculty.”
Professor Zoja Pavlovskis-Petit, who recently observed Seferian teach a class on the Buddhist classic, The Dhammapada, found his teaching admirable, writing: "It is regrettable that I had no opportunity to attend such a course in my own student days, but even so I was inspired to re-read The Dhammapada and think about its teachings again, to the best of my ability."
Omid Ghaemmaghami, an associate professor of Arabic and near eastern studies, was a close friend and mentor who is devastated by the loss of his student and friend.
"A sensitive reader with an insatiable appetite for knowledge, he possessed a keen intellect that blended a penetrating mind with deep intuition,” Ghaemmaghami said. “Contemplating a well-known Islamic tradition that speaks of God being a Hidden Treasure who loved to be known, Greg applied his burgeoning study of Arabic into comparing the image and analogy of the mirror in Islamic mystical exegesis and in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Every one of my encounters with him was marked by his exceeding politeness and unstinting courtesy. He embodied what in Arabic is known as adab, the code of interpersonal etiquette, marked by refinement, decorum, and humaneness, that is the hallmark of Islamicate ethics.”
Seferian is survived by his father, Karnik Seferian, mother, Virginia "Ginger" and an older brother, Haig.
Funeral services will be held at the Armenian Church of Holy Martyrs in Bayside at the convenience of the family. The church is limiting attendance to the funeral to 30, which will be taken up by family, and burial will be in the family cemetery.
For those in need of counseling services, the University Counseling Center (UCC), along with the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team, can offer support. To reach someone after hours or for emergencies, students should call 911 or the UCC after-hours counselor by calling 607-777-2772 and selecting #2. During business hours, students who would like to speak to someone should reach out to the UCC by calling 607-777-2772 or the Dean of Students Office and CARE Team by calling 607-777-2804.
Faculty and staff seeking assistance should contact the Employee Assistance Program at 607-777-6655 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. An off-campus coordinator can be reached after hours by calling the 24-hour EAP call line at 1-800-822-0244.
The Binghamton University Interfaith Council is also available to students, faculty and staff via email at buic@binghamton.edu.
Comments:
From Greg's advisor, Prof. Omid Ghaemmaghami:
"I am devastated by the loss of my student and friend, Gregory Seferian. A sensitive reader with an insatiable appetite for knowledge, he possessed a keen intellect that blended a penetrating mind with deep intuition. Contemplating a well-known Islamic tradition that speaks of God being a Hidden Treasure who loved to be known, Greg applied his burgeoning study of Arabic into comparing the image and analogy of the mirror in Islamic mystical exegesis and in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Every one of my encounters with him was marked by his exceeding politeness and unstinting courtesy. He embodied what in Arabic is known as adab, the code of interpersonal etiquette, marked by refinement, decorum, and humaneness, that is the hallmark of Islamicate ethics."
From the comparative literature GSO:
"Whether casually hanging in the TA office or adding to conversation in seminars, Greg was a kind, wise, and firm presence who never selfishly demanded attention, but rather garnered it naturally through the recognized importance of his contributions. His love of the world and those dwelling there has inspired us and will be greatly missed. We hope his friends, colleagues, and loved ones can find peace as we learn to deal with this loss."
A personal message to Greg from Prof. Jeroen Gerrits .
A lovely Class Observation report from Prof. Zoja Pavlovskis-Petit .
Personal notes from graduate students:
“Dear Greg, you will be dearly missed and will always be present in our hearts.” (Ali Alshhre)
