YEREVAN— On September 25, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted a celebratory evening at the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall to mark the University’s 35th anniversary. Bringing together members of the AUA community, including students, alumni, faculty, and staff, as well as AUA Board members, government representatives, distinguished guests, and University supporters, the evening honored AUA’s journey over the past three and a half decades and looked ahead to the opportunities that lie before the University.
Held under the theme Paving the Way for Future Leaders, the celebration highlighted the University’s continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities, advancing research and innovation, and contributing to Armenia’s development. The anniversary also served as an opportunity to reaffirm AUA’s investment in the generations of students, researchers, and professionals, who will help shape Armenia’s future.
Over the past 35 years, AUA has grown into a vibrant academic community. Today, more than 2,800 students and a community of approximately 8,000 alumni are contributing to Armenia and communities around the world as entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, physicians, public servants, educators, researchers, and innovators. Their accomplishments and contributions stand among the University’s most enduring legacies.
AUA was founded through a unique partnership between the Government of the newly formed Republic of Armenia, the University of California (UC), and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). This partnership established the foundation for an institution that would connect Armenia to international academic networks while contributing to the country’s educational, economic, and social development.
The evening began with a film produced by the AUA Media Lab, highlighting the University’s growth over the past 35 years, its impact today, and its plans for the future. The film set the stage for the official celebratory program, which featured remarks from the AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian; Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia and AUAF Board member Dr. Zhanna Andreasyan; former UC Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Public Policy at UC Berkeley, Dr. Katherine S. Newman; AGBU Armenia President Vasken Yacoubian; and AUA co-founder and President Emeritus Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian.
In his remarks, President Boghosian spoke about AUA’s role in connecting Armenia with the world through education and research and outlined the University’s priorities for the years ahead. “Part of AUA’s mission has always been to connect Armenia with the wider world through education and research. Today, that connection is arguably working in both directions. We bring global knowledge, partnerships, and opportunities to Armenia, while our students, graduates, and researchers carry Armenian ideas into the world. AUA’s diverse student body, faculty, and staff create that two-way bridge,” he remarked.
Dr. Boghosian highlighted AUA’s plans to expand academic programs in fields of growing importance to Armenia, including artificial intelligence, engineering, applied mathematics, economics, public health, environmental sustainability, and public policy. He also highlighted plans to strengthen AUA’s research capacity, expand international partnerships, and create greater opportunities for faculty and students to pursue research and innovation. The University also plans to expand its physical campus and further develop a diverse academic community connecting Armenia with the world. “I am convinced that AUA’s best days lie ahead of us. The University is a shining example of how to build bridges connecting some of the finest minds of this country with top institutional and academic leaders globally,” he remarked.
In her remarks, Minister Andreasyan highlighted the important role of the Republic of Armenia in the establishment and development of AUA. “Founded in the year of Armenia’s independence, AUA’s history is closely intertwined with our country’s journey toward building and strengthening an independent state. Over the past 35 years, the University has become one of Armenia’s important and recognized higher education institutions, making a significant contribution to the development of our country through its educational, research, and public mission,” she remarked. “The University’s journey demonstrates that sustained effort, academic freedom, high standards of educational quality, and a culture of international collaboration can create an educational environment where knowledge and innovation become a genuine force for the country’s development,” she added.
Delivering video remarks on behalf of the University of California, Dr. Newman reaffirmed UC’s commitment to AUA, highlighting the recent agreement extending the partnership for another 10 years. “Your work is built in an institution of lasting importance to Armenia and to the world,” she remarked.
Reflecting on AGBU’s longstanding partnership with AUA, AGBU President Yacoubian spoke about the University’s enduring role in Armenia’s educational and intellectual landscape. “For AGBU, it is a great source of pride to have been one of the founding partners behind AUA’s vision,” he said. “Today, AUA is one of Armenia’s most important educational institutions: a bridge of knowledge, innovation, and international collaboration that connects Armenia with leading educational and research institutions around the world.”
The celebration also marked the successful conclusion of the Pass the Mic to the Future, an initiative dedicated to the University’s 35th anniversary. The campaign raised $35,000 in around two months to name the AUA Media Lab podcast room the AUA Alumni Podcast Room. The campaign represents the first collective alumni naming opportunity at AUA and underscores the continued connection between the University and its growing alumni community.
Speaking on behalf of the alumni community, Edita Ghazaryan (MPSIA ’15), executive director of the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE), reflected on the role AUA has played in shaping the experiences and paths of its graduates and on the responsibility of the alumni community to contribute to the University’s continued development.
In his remarks, Dr. Der Kiureghian congratulated the AUA community on this milestone and reflected on the University’s remarkable journey, from its founding vision to the institution it has become today. Looking to the future, he expressed confidence in AUA’s continued growth and potential. “Reflecting on how far we have come, I am confident that there is no limit to what AUA can accomplish,” he said.
Following Dr. Der Kiureghian’s remarks, President Boghosian presented him with the University’s Presidential Commendation award, AUA’s highest honor, which recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions and demonstrated distinguished service in advancing education, research, outreach, and innovation with a profound impact on Armenia. Established by Dr. Der Kiureghian himself in 2017, the award made the recognition particularly meaningful, honoring his longstanding contributions to AUA and Armenia.
The program continued with a concert by the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, providing a fitting artistic finale to an evening dedicated to celebrating AUA’s history, community, and future.
The evening concluded with a reception, during which members of the AUA community, partners, supporters, and guests celebrated the University’s journey in a warm and relaxed setting.
AUA acknowledges the generous support of the event’s legacy partner Evocabank, and sponsors Minas Wines and Pepsi.
