The twenty-sixth graduation ceremony was held at AAU (English version and photos below)

PRESS RELEASE

YEREVAN, Armenia – S.t. On June 9, the American University of Armenia (AAU) hosted bachelor’s and master’s graduation ceremonies, during which more than 500 students received their graduation diplomas. Family members of the graduates, friends, graduates of previous years, members of the AAU board of trustees, ambassadors, guests from the diaspora, as well as honored guests from the RA government were also present at the ceremonies.

At the beginning of the event, the President of AAU Dr. Armen Ter Kyureghyan. He noted that the graduation ceremony is a celebration for professors, students, their parents, as well as all organizations and individuals supporting the University.

Dr. Ter Kyureghyan thanked the founders, supporters, administrative staff and professors of the University for their efforts and many years of service to the University. The president also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGUM), the University of California, a partner of the American University, as well as the “American Universities and Hospitals Abroad (AUS)” program of the American International Development Program, whose donation of $650,000 made it possible to build a student dormitory next to the Paramaz Avetisyan building for the continuous support provided to the American university. a center for the union and faculty, as well as an outdoor amphitheater.

AAU Board of Trustees Chairman Lawrence Pitts then addressed the audience on behalf of the University of California. He concluded his speech with words of gratitude to the board members, their families, and the AAU faculty for their support of the board of trustees.

Dr. Ter Kyureghyan emphasized the achievements of the students during the past year. He also addressed the family members of the graduates, asking them to stand up and thanking them for their hard work and sacrifices that have helped the students achieve their educational goals. Once again congratulating the graduates of the bachelor’s programs on receiving their scientific degrees, the president urged them to give credit to their families, communities and the entire Armenian nation on their way to development. Dr. Ter Kyureghyan also emphasized the role of AAU graduates in the future of the University and Armenia. He mentioned the names of several graduates who took up ministerial positions in the newly formed government, and also referred to the grant fund created by the graduates of 1993, which he considered a generous initiative.

Nubar Afeyan, a well-known Armenian entrepreneur and co-founder of the “Aurora” humanitarian initiative, who is a co-founder of more than 40 successful startups aimed at improving human health and global stability, delivered a graduation address for the bachelor’s graduates. Dr. Apart from humanitarian activities, Afeyan is also involvedAGBU, IDeA Foundation and UWC Dilijan International School Board of Trustees member. He urged the graduates to think about their future and important values. Based on his many years of experience, Dr. Afeyan said:“You have acquired learning skills during your years of study here. I think you have to put a lot of effort into making that skill a habit.”

The bachelor’s graduation ceremony was continued by Raffi Sahakyan, a student of the Business Administration Department, and Iren Stepanyan, a student of the English and Communication Department, giving a farewell speech in Armenian and English, respectively. Sahakyan appealed to his fellow students. “Don’t seek to create financial prosperity, seek to create beneficial change. Inspire others so that one can educate the other. And conquer your dreams.” In his speech, Stepanyan emphasized the role of all those people who make AAU so special.

A member of the AAU Board of Trustees, a senior at the University of California, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor this year.vice presidentBerkeley University physics professor emeritus Dr. William Fraser.The certificate states:“In gratitude for Mr. Fraser’s crucial role in the creation of the American University of Armenia and for serving as founding chairman of the Board of Trustees.” Not being able to personally attend the ceremonies, Dr. Frazier expressed his gratitude for the award via video message. He thanked Dr. Ter Kyureghyan and the graduates called neverkeep in touchwith the University, to remain a part of this big family, to be active alumni, because, he said, “without the support of alumni, the University cannot achieve full success.”

Later, Dr. Dr. Kathleen Druckup delivered her message to the 2018 MA graduates. Dr. Druckup is internationally recognized as a leader in cardiovascular nursing. In his speech, he mentioned the problems he faced in choosing a profession when he was young. Addressing the graduates, he said: “Armed with the knowledge and critical thinking skills that you have received at American University, you will be able to take a special approach to the challenges of the time and make important investments in your field and in your country.”

Tina Kharatyan, Master of Political Science and International Relations Department, gave a farewell speech in Armenian, and Astine Badeyan, Master of Law Department, in English. Kharatyan mentioned in his speech. “This university has given me more than just knowledge. It pushed to broaden the horizon of thought and analyze, to weigh instead of judging, not to be ashamed of what one does not know and endlessly search and dig and find the answers one does not have.” Badeyan proudly said: “I will not exaggerate if I say that AAU is unique from many points of view. It is liberal and student-centered, and I am sure that we, the graduates, have confirmed over the years that attending this university was one of the best decisions we have ever made.”

Some professors and students of the University also received awards in three nominations: Vardges M. Balian Scholarship, Excellence in Teaching Award and Excellence in Research Award. Having received the award for excellence in the field of teaching, Ara Chalabyan, a lecturer of the Faculty of Business and Economics, generously announced that the money given with the award is going to be donated equally to the AAU alumni endowment fund and the Arar Foundation. The latter installs solar panels at the positions of the front line of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Chalabyan mentioned that his decision is due to the fact that the two most important areas for him are Armenia’s national security and education.  

The most anticipated moment of the graduation ceremonies was the awarding of certificates and diplomas to the 2018 bachelor’s and master’s graduates. Wishing success to the graduates, Dr. In his final speech, Ter Kyureghyan expressed confidence that they will justify the high expectations of the University and our country, as well as give AAU a reason to be proud of their achievements.

The formation of AAU in brief

On September 21, 1991, the American University of Armenia was founded by the joint efforts of the RA Ministry of Education and Science, the University of California, and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGUM). The region’s first American university has been continuously sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union since its founding. The United States Agency for International Development and the Linsey Foundation also provided great support. The university came into life with the direct support of the Armenian government. The RA government provided building conditions, and the University of California provided AAU with educational and educational facilities organizational support.

The American University of Armenia (AAU) is a private, independent university in Yerevan. Founded in 1991, AAU is an affiliate of the University of California. Through teaching, research and public service, AAU serves Armenia and the region.