BEVERLY HILLS — The American University of Armenia (AUA) raised $11 million at its 35th Anniversary Gala on November 7 at The Beverly Hilton. The event brought together alumni, philanthropists, and institutional partners to celebrate the University’s impact and invest in its next chapter.
Held under the theme Paving the Way for Armenia’s Future Leaders, the gala marked 35 years since AUA’s founding in 1991 and recognized the supporters who have helped expand educational opportunity and academic excellence in Armenia.
Gala co-chairs Liza Bagamian and Tanya Tsarukyan welcomed guests and reflected on the significance of the anniversary.
“AUA’s mission is personal to both of us. Seeing this level of unprecedented support from our community was deeply moving, and we are grateful to everyone whose continued generosity carries AUA’s vision forward,” Bagamian and Tsarukyan said.
In his remarks, AUA President Dr. Bruce M. Boghosian reflected on the University’s 35-year journey and the opportunities ahead, emphasizing the role of philanthropy in advancing its mission.
“We cannot predict exactly what Armenia or the world will look like in 10, 20, or 35 years. Many of the students walking in the hallways of AUA today will work in fields that probably do not yet exist. Our students will face challenges we cannot yet foresee. What we can give them today, however, is the ability to think, to question, to learn, to create, and to lead. That is what preparing future leaders means to me, and it is why I am confident about AUA’s next chapter. I am convinced that AUA’s best days lie ahead of us,” said Dr. Boghosian.
The evening featured a keynote address by entrepreneur and investor Magdalena Yeşil, who reflected on the transformative role education played in her life and the importance of preparing Armenia’s next generation for the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world.
“The only reason why I am here today is my engineering training. That put me on the map. That gave me a trajectory. And I truly believe that Armenia is particularly well suited to educate the next generation of Armenian engineers who don’t just change Armenia, but can change the world. Armenia is our home,” Yeşil said. “No matter where we live, we have to focus on the future of Armenia. And why I am excited about AUA is that this institution is focused on nothing else but the future of Armenia,” she added.
AUA co-founder and President Emeritus Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian presented the inaugural AUA Founders’ Award for Academic Stewardship recognizing three philanthropic commitments to the University’s academic future through the establishment of endowed visiting professorships at the Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering:
- Magdalena Yeşil Endowed Visiting Professorship
- Drs. Ara and Alice Apkarian Endowed Visiting Professorship
- Dr. Jack Munushian Endowed Visiting Professorship
The endowments will enable AUA to bring distinguished scholars to Armenia for extended academic appointments, strengthening teaching, research, and collaboration with students and faculty.
“When we founded AUA 35 years ago, we could not have imagined all that the University would become. We knew that if we built it well, others would carry it forward. Tonight, I see that founding vision sustained by the people who continue to invest in AUA and believe in what it can make possible for Armenia,” Dr. Der Kiureghian said.
AUA’s Vice President of Advancement Gaiane Khachatrian thanked the donors whose generosity over the years has helped build a university that has influenced higher education and broader change in Armenia.
“This remarkable institution has prepared a strong workforce for Armenia, educating generations of engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs, public health professionals, political scientists, and ethical journalists, but most importantly, responsible citizens,” said Khachatrian. She recognized the benefactors of the evening, whose transformational gifts will support the advancement of AUA going forward, and honored members of the AUA community who are no longer with us but have been instrumental in building AUA since its inception.
Zaven P. Akian, chair of AUA’s Board of Trustees, outlined a vision for the University’s next phase of development, including campus expansion, new academic programs, and a greater role in Armenia’s digital transformation.
“For Armenia, AUA is more than a university. It is a strategic national asset. And for Armenians in the diaspora, it provides one of the most meaningful ways to participate in Armenia’s future. It allows us to invest in the next generation of Armenian leaders,” Akian said.
The gala also featured reflections from two AUA alumni whose experiences underscored the University’s impact beyond the classroom.
Hakob Janesian (BSDS ’24) traced his connection to AUA from attending its Afterschool English Program as a child to studying data science as an undergraduate. “At AUA, I found the freedom to ask questions, explore new perspectives, and pursue a better future, and the resilience to keep moving forward. I am grateful to the donors who make that opportunity possible for students like me,” Janesian said.
Vanane Ararktsyan (LL.M. ’11), executive director of the Keron Development Foundation, reflected on her family’s longstanding relationship with AUA. Her father, Babken Ararktsyan, supported the University’s establishment as a founding member of the first government of the Republic of Armenia. “My father believed in AUA at a defining moment in Armenia’s history, and I had the privilege of experiencing its impact firsthand as a student. Today, 35 years later, I am proud to carry forward my family’s connection to the University and the vision of an educated, independent-minded generation capable of contributing to Armenia’s future,” Ararktsyan said.
The gala concluded with a musical performance by award-winning Armenian singer Emmy Bejanyan.
As AUA marks 35 years since its founding, the fundraising milestone reflects a shared commitment to an institution that connects education with Armenia’s long-term development.
Featured during the 35th Anniversary Gala, Paving the Way for Future Leaders and Powering Armenia’s Future with Our Partners videos reflect the story of AUA’s 35-year legacy and the community that helps carry it forward.
