AUA’s First Graduating Class Launches Precedent-Setting Alumni Endowment Fund

YEREVAN—The American University of Armenia’s (AUA) first graduating class of 1993 celebrated its 20th reunion on campus from July 11-14. The program included meetings with university leadership, walks down memory lane, tours of the AUA campus and facilities, and a visit to the AUA Center, where 10 years ago they planted a tree in honor of the AUA founders.

Members of the Class of 1993 present their check to AUA President Dr. Bruce M. Boghosian.

The 20^th year alumni, many of whom reside in Armenia, expressed their gratitude for the education they received. “After all these years, AUA continues to be a big part of our lives,” said Gagik Yegiazarian. “AUA taught us to become successful in a global economy,” noted Zakar Boyajian.

“We are very grateful to AUA for the excellent education we received at the first American-model higher educational institution in Armenia,” noted Anahit Ordyan, the visionary behind the event. “My classmates and I have stayed in touch, and we realize what a difference AUA has made in our lives, allowing us to go on to [have] successful careers.”

In his welcoming remarks, AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian thanked the Class of 1993 for their leadership. “Your many successes make us all proud. We welcome you back to your alma mater. This will always be your home,” he said.

Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, one of the founders of AUA, personally conveyed his congratulations during the gatherings. “Our success as a university is in our graduates,” he noted. In speaking about the nearly 2,500 graduates of AUA, he said, “We are so proud that a large majority of our graduates have stayed in Armenia, to contribute to the local society and economy.”

Congratulations were also received from AUA Founding President Dr. Mihran Agbabian, Elizabeth Agbabian, long-time AUA supporter Savey Tufenkian, and classmates Armen Martirosian and Suzy Sahakian, who shared their thoughts via video messages from Los Angeles.

Alumni Endowment Fund established

“For our 10^th reunion, we donated $5,000 to AUA’s AGBU Papazian Library. For our 15^th reunion, we increased our donation to $11,000, contributing to the construction of the Paramaz Avedisian Building. For our 20^th reunion, we decided to launch an Alumni Endowment Fund to help future students receive the education we were so fortunate to receive,” remarked Ordyan.

The enthusiastic group surpassed their fundraising goal of $20,000; by the time the formal check presentation was made to President Boghosian, the amount of the endowment had reached $35,000.

“In launching the Alumni Endowment Fund we hope to galvanize those who graduated after us to follow our lead,” noted Suren Shahinyan.

“We would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Zaven and Sonia Akian for generously underwriting the reunion festivities,” Ordyan said. “And special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian for their support. The generosity of the Akians and the Tufenkians helped us plan for this successful event.”