Arman Marwah remembered for compassion, devotion to friends and family


Arman Marwah, a current student on leave from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, died suddenly on Dec. 26. He was 22.

“The USC Annenberg community is deeply saddened by the loss of this young man. Our thoughts and condolences are with Arman’s family and friends” said Annenberg Dean Ernest J. Wilson III and Sarah Banet-Weiser, director of the School of Communication, in a joint statement to the Daily Trojan.

Marwah was born and raised in Hong Kong, though he finished high school in New York at The Dwight School.

Gideon Welles, a friend of Marwah and USC alum, remembers Marwah for his fun-loving spirit.

“Arman was always the entertainer,” Welles said. “Even after 10 years of knowing him, his ability to light up a room with humor never ceased to amaze me. Such was his charm that strangers quickly became friends. He was sure to leave an impression.”

After taking leave from USC in spring 2014, Marwah returned to Hong Kong to work in international business development. He had recently been promoted to a manager position.

According to Marwah’s sister, Alia Eyres, Marwah treasured his time at USC.

“Arman loved living in California during college and made friends for life at USC and in his fraternity [Sigma Phi Epsilon],” she said.

Marwah was on vacation in Laos with a friend he met at USC when he passed away.

Marwah, who was the youngest of seven siblings, was known for being devoted to his family and especially close to his niece and nephews.

“He spent a lot of time with his nephews and niece, and although he had a reputation for being cool, most people didn’t know that he went to play with his nephews most days after work,” Eyres said.

Many remember Marwah as a faithful, caring friend.

“Arman was one of the most genuinely compassionate human beings I’ve ever met in my life,” said David Bessin, a friend of Marwah and USC alum. “He was always there for me and had undying loyalty to his friends.”

Marwah is survived by his parents, grandparents, four sisters, two brothers and four nieces and nephews. A memorial for Marwah will be held in Hong Kong on Jan. 2.

Saharra Griffin contributed to his report.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story stated that Marwah graduated from USC. That is incorrect. He was a current student on leave from USC. The Daily Trojan regrets the error.