YEREVAN — With heartfelt memories, personal stories, and a deep sense of gratitude, the American University of Armenia community gathered on June 3 to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of late AUA President Dr. Haroutune K. Armenian. A luminary leader, renowned public health expert, and beloved educator, Dr. Armenian dedicated more than a decade of service to the University, helping shape AUA into the institution it is today.
Dr. Armenian’s roles and impact included program development at the Ministry of Health in Bahrain, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the American University of Beirut, director of the Master of Public Health program at Johns Hopkins University, and dean of the School of Public Health (now Turpanjian College of Health Sciences) at AUA.
He received numerous prestigious awards, including the Ernest Lyman Stebbins Medal for Excellence in Education, the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and the AUA Presidential Commendation Award which recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to advancing education, research, and outreach with a significant impact on Armenia.
The event was attended by Chair of the AUA Board of Trustees Zaven P. Akian, AUA co-founder and President Emeritus Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, the AUA Executive Team, AUA Board members, Turpanjian Rural Development Program beneficiaries, distinguished guests, Dr. Armenian’s family, friends, colleagues, and community members who gathered to pay tribute to his extraordinary life and legacy.
The event commenced with a documentary film, titled “Architect of Change,” showcasing Dr. Armenian’s advocacy, legacy, and significant impact not only on AUA, but also across Armenia. Dr. Armenian was a remarkable person and an innovator who contributed to pioneering academic programs, advancing AUA’s research, and leading the University toward accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (now WASC Senior College and University Commission).
Through his initiative, AUA built modern facilities, welcomed its first cohort of international students, and established programs such as the Digital library of Classical Armenian Literature, and TRDP.
Following the film screening, AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian made opening remarks, recognizing Dr. Armenian’s influence and long-lasting mark he left on AUA and beyond. “A visionary educator, physician, and public health expert, Dr. Armenian was a strong proponent of education, community development, and meaningful social change,” he said. “Today, we celebrate Dr. Armenian’s enduring contributions, his achievements, and the profound impact that he has had in Armenia. His legacy will forever be remembered within these walls and beyond,” he added.
Following the President’s remarks, Dr. Varduhi Petrosyan, dean of the Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian College of Health Sciences, shared an emotional and heartfelt presentation of Dr. Armenian’s life, passions, and devotion to education. “He was a dedicated painter, and he noticed beauty and colors where many of us didn’t see or notice. He transferred them to paper and shared them with us to enjoy the same beauty,” she said. “Dr. Armenian’s entire life was about cultivating a culture of learning. He strongly believed in continuous quality improvement and found important parallels in quality in healthcare and education.”
Hratchia Lylozian (MPH ’16), TCHS research associate, spoke about Dr. Armenian’s character as an educator, and how devoted he was to his family, students, country, and profession. In addition, Artur Lalayan, TRDP program representative, recalled Dr. Armenian’s beliefs on rural development, emphasizing that Dr. Armenian saw it as an investment in human potential.
Chair of the AUA Board of Trustees Zaven P. Akian shared his memories of Dr. Armenian while they were studying and how he has left an everlasting mark on the University. “His legacy is woven into the story of AUA forever, and his example will continue to guide this institution for generations to come,” he said.
Dr. Armenian’s son Dr. Saro Armenian reflected on his father’s legacy. “He was our compass and a source of profound wisdom and strength. He believed deeply that Armenians everywhere had a responsibility not only to preserve identity and memory, but to build institutions, create opportunity, and contribute meaningfully to society,” he remarked.
The event also featured a touching performance by The Gurdjieff Ensemble, internationally known as a leading ensemble in Armenian traditional and sacred music. The ensemble is led by artistic director Levon Eskenian, who was a recipient of an AUA Turpanjian Family Foundation Scholarship during his studies in Armenia, an opportunity made possible through Dr. Armenian’s support.
The evening concluded with a reception at the Faculty Lounge, where some of Dr. Armenian’s paintings are on display.
Dr. Armenian’s work and unwavering commitment to AUA, and the people he mentored and supported will continue to live on and make a difference.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
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