An Assyrian - Dream The Mirza Family Story

About the Book

This is the story of a young boy, Julius W. (Jay) Mirza, born into a Christian Assyrian Family, living in a Muslim nation, who emigrates from Iran. He and his little brother must leave the bosom of their loving family to seek an education in a foreign country in order to live a better life – a life of both personal responsibility and freedom.

He must enter a British boy’s school in India, without any knowledge of the English language. He will not see his family but once in six years. After graduation, his education takes him first to England, then America, where he graduates with a degree in Architectural Engineering.

The heart wrenching sacrifices of his parents for their son’s education finds full reward in Jay’s success in life – his architectural practice—his family, his home and his community involvement.

This is a story of an immigrant to America for whom, with hard work and dedication, the American dream came true.

About the Author

Julius W. (Jay) Mirza was born in Kermanshah, Iran, to Christian Assyrian parents, William and Grace Mirza. Jay is a 1952 graduate of St. Paul’s School, Darjeeling India, and holds a degree from Cambridge University, Oversea Certificate A. While waiting for his American student visa, he attended the University of Leeds, England, school of architecture and in 1958, received a BS degree in Architectural Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. After working for Mau, Barnum & Folsom architects, he received his architect’s license from the State of California in 1964. He became a partner in the firm of Mau, Barnum, Folsom & Mirza in 1968 and practiced until 1986. In 1987 he was retained by the California Department of Transportation to manage the Architectural Consultant Services Unit. Later he served on the consultant selection committee for the design of the east replacement spans of the San Francisco - Oakland Bay Bridge. Jay has been active in community work, serving in the Rotary Club and the Salvation Army Advisory Board. He served as President of the Central Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (CVCAIA) in Sacramento in 1984. Jay lives in Turlock, California. He was married to Jeannette Joseph who has since passed on. His daughters Lisa and Allison and grandchildren Maggie, Charlotte and Matthew live in the Bay Area.