BOSTON—History was made on October 5 when the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted its inaugural gala in the eastern United States, Catalysts for change: honoring the Avedisian familyraising more than $2.7 million to support the university’s mission to provide a world-class education in Armenia.

Hosted at Oakley Country Club in Greater Boston, the event was a celebration of AAU’s accomplishments 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 from the Reverend Father. Vart Gyozalyan, followed by remarks from gala co-chairs Arminé Manukyan Humphrey and Katrina Menzigian.

AAU alumna Alisa Chalakhyan, who also served as a moderator for the event, shared her personal journey with AAU, reflecting on how the university paved the way for her higher education at the University from Columbia and his doctoral research at Pennsylvania State University.

Chalakhyan thanked AAU for her professional accomplishments, including her work at the university’s Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC), where she launched the STRIVE pre-incubation program.

“With more than 500 graduates, STRIVE is shaping tomorrow’s entrepreneurs,” said Chalakhyan. “It’s an honor to put what I’ve learned back into AAU.”

AAU President Dr. Bruce Boghosian highlighted 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 laboratory, funded with a grant of $1.8 million. Dr. Boghosian also highlighted AAU’s growing partnerships with institutions such as Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and revealed plans to introduce new academic programs.

At the center of the evening was recognition of the long-standing philanthropic partnership between the Avedisian family and AAU.

“The current success of AAU would not be possible without the Avedisian family,” remarked Dr. Boghosian, highlighting their important role in the growth of the university since its inception. Guests watched a tribute video honoring the family’s contributions, followed by the presentation of the Visionary Philanthropist Award to Pamela Avedisian.

“Our goal is for the legacy of the Avedisian family to continue to grow and support AAU as a leader in new and exciting interdisciplinary fields that will train today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders,” he said. said Avedisian after receiving the award.

She then recited a few lines from a poem by one of Edward’s favorite writers, Paruyr Sevak, entitled To my son:

“I wouldn’t want your life to be like this/
A flat gravel path/
Do not pass on the asphalt road/
We must prefer to build a road.

She concluded: “This is what our family wants for the sons and daughters of Armenia: to equip them to be the next leaders and builders. »

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A panel discussion followed, featuring experts including Dr. Aram Adourian of Flagship Pioneering and MIT professor Dr. Areg Danagoulian. The panel explored the evolving role of higher education in responding to global challenges, the impact of artificial intelligence, and AAU’s contribution to Armenia’s technology and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Later, alumna Lida Asilyan, who is currently pursuing a degree at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, noted the transformative impact of the scholarships she received.

“Supporting the AAU 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 recognizing major benefactors, including K. George and Dr. Carolann Najarian, and celebrating a $1 million donation from Matthew and Margarethe Mashikian. Funds raised at the gala will advance AAU’s mission of providing quality education and fostering innovation.

Andre Khachaturian is a veteran digital content producer and sports correspondent for TheArmenian Weekly. He is the founder of Camak Media, a multimedia company specializing in drone footage, video content and photography for small businesses. Prior to that, he produced videos and written content for the New England Sports Network (NESN). He has also covered three Super Bowls and more than a dozen high-profile UFC fights. Andre is originally from Glendale, California. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He moved to Boston in 2013, where he attended Boston University and earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism.