BOSTON—History was made on October 5 as the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted its inaugural gala in the eastern United States, Catalysts for Change: Honoring the Avedisian Family, raising more than $2.7 million to support the university’s mission of providing world-class education in Armenia.
Held at the Oakley Country Club in Greater Boston, the event was a celebration of AUA’s achievements over the past three decades and recognized the extraordinary contributions of the late Edward Avedisian and his wife, Pamela.
The evening opened with a convocation prayer by Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalyan, followed by remarks from gala co-chairs Arminé Manukyan Humphrey and Katrina Menzigian.
AUA alumna Alisa Chalakhyan, who also served as the event’s emcee, shared her personal journey with AUA, reflecting on how the university paved the way for her graduate studies at Columbia University and her doctoral research at Pennsylvania State University.
Chalakhyan credited AUA for her professional achievements, including her work with the university’s Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC), where she launched the STRIVE Pre-Incubation Program.
“With over 500 graduates, STRIVE is shaping the entrepreneurs of tomorrow,” Chalakhyan said. “It’s an honor to reinvest what I’ve learned back into AUA.”
AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian outlined the university’s recent accomplishments, including its re-accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). He announced new projects supported by USAID’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA), such as a state-of-the-art Media Lab and a new Advanced Biology, Life, and Environmental Sciences Lab, funded by a $1.8 million grant. Dr. Boghosian also highlighted AUA’s expanding partnerships with institutions like Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and revealed plans to introduce new academic programs.
Central to the evening was the recognition of the Avedisian family’s long-standing philanthropic partnership with AUA.
“AUA’s success today would not be possible without the Avedisian family,” Dr. Boghosian remarked, emphasizing their significant role in the university’s growth since its founding. Guests watched a tribute video honoring the family’s contributions, followed by the presentation of the Visionary Philanthropist Award to Pamela Avedisian.
“Our aim is for the Avedisian family legacy to continue to grow and support AUA as a leader in new and exciting interdisciplinary fields that will educate the students of today into the leaders of tomorrow,” Avedisian said upon receiving the award.
She then recited a few lines from a poem by one of Edward’s favorite writers, Paruyr Sevak, titled To My Son:
“I would not want that your life be like that/
A flat gravel way/
Don’t pass over the asphalt road/
You must prefer to build a road.”
She concluded, “That’s what our family wants for the sons and daughters of Armenia: to equip them to be the next leaders and builders.”
A panel discussion followed, featuring experts including Dr. Aram Adourian from Flagship Pioneering and MIT professor Dr. Areg Danagoulian. The panel explored the evolving role of higher education in addressing global challenges, the impact of artificial intelligence, and AUA’s contribution to Armenia’s technological and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Later, alumna Lida Asilyan, currently pursuing studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, highlighted the life-changing impact of scholarships she received.
“Supporting AUA is an investment in Armenia’s future,” Asilyan said. “By changing one life, we can change many.”
Vice President of Development Gaiane Khachatrian concluded the event by acknowledging key benefactors, including K. George and Dr. Carolann Najarian, and celebrating a $1 million gift from Matthew and Margarethe Mashikian. Funds raised from the gala will advance AUA’s mission of delivering quality education and fostering innovation.
Andre Khatchaturian
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