AUA Luncheon in Los Angeles Celebrates Elizabeth Agbabian

LOS ANGELES  — On March 1, the Los Angeles community gathered at the California Club in Downtown Los Angeles to celebrate Elizabeth Agbabian, the first lady of the American University of Armenia (AUA). The event, titled A Legacy of Grace: Honoring Elizabeth Agbabian, honored her decorated life of service and philanthropy in Armenia and beyond.

The program was filled with inspiring tales from Elizabeth’s grandchildren: Sabrina, Erika, Lori, and Arman. They each took their turn on stage speaking to their grandmother’s character and recalling their fondest memories with her throughout their childhood. Dr. Karen Israyelyan, the consul general of Armenia in Los Angeles, provided remarks about the Agbabian family’s philanthropy in AUA and Armenia.

AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian then took the stage to highlight Elizabeth’s pivotal role in the early years of AUA alongside her late husband, Dr. Mihran Agbabian, and the many ways their sons and daughters-in-law continue to carry forward the legacy of philanthropy they established for the institution. He proceeded with the Legacy of Grace Award presentation, in which Elizabeth, supported by her sons Paul, Bryan, and Michael, took the stage to accept the honor. “I’m happy to be here. Thank you for coming. I know that my husband is watching us to see what wonderful supporters we have here: the presidents, the trustees, and all of you, dear friends,” she said, before elaborating further on AUA’s history. “I want you to know that perseverance and hard work lead to success,” she added.

Several musicians took part in the program, including pianist Vardan Ovsepian; violinist Sevana Abramyan accompanied by pianist Tomomi Kojima; as well as Arman Agbabian, playing a couple of his grandmother’s favorite compositions.

Vice President of Development Gaiane Khachatrian was pleased to share with the community that over $172,000 was raised through the event, which would be directed towards establishing the Elizabeth Agbabian Endowed Scholarship Fund, helping to provide access to an AUA education for countless students in Armenia, in perpetuity. She also mentioned the cherished relationship between Elizabeth and AUA alumni, reading an excerpt from a note by Anahit Ordyan (MBA ’93), who currently serves as assistant vice president at AUA.

Surprise components of the program included AUA alumna Nare Sedrakyan (BAB ’17; MSCIS ’19), a recipient of the AIWA – LA Elizabeth Agbabian Scholarship during her time at AUA. “As a scholarship recipient, I am immensely grateful to Mrs. Agbabian for making this dream a reality. AUA was not just a university for me; it shaped me as a professional and as a person. It provided me with the foundation to build a successful career and opened the doors to a bright future,” she said. In addition, Lorraine Alexander, former vice president of Development at AUA, made a surprise appearance and spoke to the impact Elizabeth had through major AUA event committees she partook in.

Dr. Lawrence H. Pitts, chairman of the AUA Board of Trustees, provided closing remarks, mentioning, “The Agbabian family is a wonderful family that has been part of AUA since the outset.” He also highlighted the importance of the younger generations and their impact on the future of society. “AUA is here to help educate young people. Our investment in them and their future is what AUA is all about,” he said.

Overall, the event was a resounding success and the entire AUA community is grateful to have had the opportunity to celebrate Elizabeth Agbabian for her longstanding commitment and dedication to furthering the mission of the University.