BOSTON—The American University of Armenia raised more than $2.7 million during its first fundraising gala held Oct. 5 on the East Coast. “Catalysts for Change: Honoring the Avedisian Family” was an evening of impact, dialogue and celebration of AAU’s accomplishments over the past three decades, while also spotlighting the late Edward Avedisian and his wife Pamela for the couple’s transformative contributions to the University since its inception. creation.

The gala was held at Oakley Country Club in Greater Boston, with guests including respected members of the community. The evening began with a prayer of convocation from the Reverend Father. Vart Gyozalyan, followed by the opening speech of the co-chairs of the event committee. Arminé Manukyan Humphrey and Katrina Menzigian took the stage to welcome guests, thanking the event committee and development team for their efforts in coordinating the gala.

As guests enjoyed their dinner, AAU alumna Alisa Chalakhyan (BAB ’19), who also served as moderator, shared her experiences at AAU and how the education she received there contributed to his continued professional development and academic success. “It was AAU that prepared me for graduate school at a prestigious school like Columbia University, from which I graduated shortly after becoming an AAU alumnus,” Chalakhyan said .

“It was AAU that welcomed me back as an employee at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation, where I had the opportunity to create the STRIVE pre-incubation program. With over 500 graduates, STRIVE continues to shape the mindset and skills of tomorrow’s entrepreneurs in Armenia. And AAU is where I plan to invest my findings after I complete the doctoral research I embarked on this fall at Pennsylvania State University,” she added.

After dinner, AAU President Dr. Bruce Boghosian shared more details about the university’s recent accomplishments, including its re-accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. He provided an update on AAU’s expansion plans and notable projects supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad, including the new AAU Media Lab , and the receipt of an additional $1.8 million from USAID/ASHA to create a new advanced biology, life sciences and environmental laboratory. Dr. Boghosian also highlighted the University’s ongoing partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute, an initiative started by former WPI Vice President Dr. Diran Apelian, in collaboration with AAU faculty, and discussed the upcoming academic programs expected to be launched at the University in the near future. .

Addressing the importance of the Armenian diaspora and the importance of donor investment in AAU, Dr. Boghosian commended the Avedisian family for their monumental support of the University, a partnership that has lasted since the creation of the institution and which continues until today. the next phase of AAU expansion. “Tonight, we are here to honor one of the most dedicated donor families who has worked for AAU for decades and believes in our mission. It is safe to say that AAU would not have reached the size and success it has achieved to date without the generosity of the Avedisian family.

Guests were then directed to a special tribute video prepared for the Avedisian family, highlighting their various forms of support over the decades, after which Dr. Boghosian announced another major contribution from the Avedisan family.

The Visionary Philanthropist Award was presented to Pamela Avedisian, who recognized her late husband’s magnanimous efforts in service to the institution by accepting the award on stage. “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,” said she declared before reciting a few lines of a poem. by one of Edward’s favorite writers, Paruyr Sevak, titled To My Son: “I wouldn’t want your life to be like this/A flat gravel path/Don’t go on the asphalt road/You 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. »

A special panel discussion follows, featuring Dr. Aram Adourian, Senior Scientific Advisor at Flagship Pioneering; Dr. Areg Danagoulian, associate professor of nuclear science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Dr. Naira Campbell-Kyureghyan, former and first C. Judson King Endowed Professor in the AAU Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering; Armen Mkrtchyan, Ph.D., original partner at Flagship Pioneering; and moderator Dr. Anna Ohanyan, Richard B. Finnegan Distinguished Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Stonehill College. The group discussed their association with AAU, the role that academia and higher education overall play in evolving technology and global trends, and the impact of artificial intelligence and the technological revolution on AAU students, Armenia and the future.

The Zulal Trio then took the stage to perform classic Armenian folk songs a cappella, delighting the audience with their beautiful harmonies, after which alumna Lida Asilyan (BAEC ’24) addressed the guests. Asilyan explained how AAU prepared her for her current studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and how she plans to apply her new knowledge to education policy reforms in Armenia after graduation. She also highlighted the pivotal role of the scholarship she received from the Turpanjian family during her time at AAU and from the Armenian International Women’s Association in supporting her current studies. “By changing one life, we can change many, and that is the future I am committed to building.” This is why it is so important to support AAU. It’s not just about helping individual students like me; it’s about investing in Armenia’s collective future.

After a video presentation describing how AAU prepares students to enter and contribute to the job market in Armenia, Vice President of Development Gaiane Khachatrian thanked the sponsors and alumni in attendance and acknowledged the presence of co-founder of AAU, Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, thanking him for the AAU donation.

Khachatrian expressed gratitude to AAU benefactors K. George and Dr. Carolann Najarian for their contributions to two buildings that became the AAU Najarian Social Entrepreneurship Center and the AAU Student Residence. She then announced a tremendous show of support from AAU stalwarts Matthew and Margarethe Mashikian, who named the dormitory the AAU Mashikian Student Residence with a transformational $1 million gift, followed a video of the inauguration ceremony.

Khachatrian then expressed his gratitude to the entire Boston AAU fan community for making the event a resounding success. Proceeds raised from the gala will be used to strengthen AAU’s mission of providing quality higher education to brilliant students in Armenia.

To learn more about ways to support AAU, please visit the website.

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. AAU provides local and international students with a Western-style education through undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values. The AAU Office of Development manages the University’s philanthropic efforts exclusively for educational purposes.