Alumni Events, News, University

AUA Alumni Gather for Reunion Week 2014

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YEREVAN, Armenia – Continuing the reunion tradition established by the American University of Armenia (AUA)’s first graduating class, the Class of 1993, on July 7-11, 2014, AUA hosted Reunion Week 2014. The week of festivities brought together members of the Classes of 1994, 2009, and 2004 to celebrate their 20th, 10th, and 5th reunions, with alumni traveling from all over the world to attend.

Reunion Week 2014 was organized by committees consisting of representatives from each class. The Class of 1994 organizing committee was led by Gagik Danielyan (MBA ’94), General Manager, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia CJSC. The Class of 2009 organizing committee was led by Naira Stepanyan (TEFL ’09), Experimental English Classes Teacher at AUA. The Class of 2004 organizing committee was led by Gurgen Hakobyan (MBA ’04), Regional Head Member Firm Development, CIS & Mongolia: Grant Thornton. The AUA Office of Alumni Relations and Career Development supported the organizing committees in organizing the week of events.

Reunion Week 2014 kicked off with the installation of a bench in the patio area outside AUA’s Armen and Isabel Bagramian Café (run by Artbridge), in honor of the Classes of 1994, 2009, and 2004 and their dedication to AUA.

On Thursday, July 10, 2014, representatives from each class met with university leadership for a roundtable discussion. The AUA administration presented the university’s strategic plan, financial support mechanisms for students, including the management and function of the Alumni Endowment Fund, and gave alumni the opportunity to share their ideas for enhancing the alumni network and becoming more involved in the AUA community.

Reunion Week 2014 culminated with the annual Reunion Celebration Event, attended by members of the Classes of 1994, 2009, and 2004 in AUA’s Large Auditorium. One of the founders of AUA and incoming Interim President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian gave a keynote speech, stating, “It is very important that you have come back to your alma mater to lend your support and encouragement. You are role models for our students. You, alumni, are a perpetual source of support for the university, that puts the university on solid and sustainable ground. Alumni support the education of new students, who then go on to become alumni themselves and support future generations. This cycle grows and perpetuates forever in time.”

Outgoing President Dr. Bruce M. Boghosian (current President Emeritus) also took the stage in order to express his appreciation for the alumni’s dedication to the university, emphasizing that AUA is a community, and that the responsibilities as a member of that community begin once a student graduates. He also mentioned that the university will continue to rely on the support, publicity, and input of the alumni network during the continued growth of the institution.

Representatives from each class reflected on their time at AUA and the role that the university has played in their lives. Gagik Gyulbudaghyan (IESM ’94), Managing Partner of Grant Thornton CJSC, then performed a song that he had written about AUA. Both the reflections and the musical performance were received by the audience with great excitement. On behalf of the Class of 1994, Gagik Danielyan (MBA ’94) then passed the Torch of Success to Ararat Ghukasyan (IESM ’95), representing the Class of 1995, who will celebrate their 20th reunion next year. At the end of the ceremony, alumni presented a check with their contribution to the Alumni Endowment Fund. By the end of Reunion Week 2014, the Classes of 1994, 2009, and 2004 raised over $20,000.

After the Reunion Celebration Event, some graduates continued the celebration with a dinner and dance to commemorate their reunion.

To view photos from the event, please click here.

The mission of the AUA Office of Alumni Relations and Career Development is to develop, coordinate and promote programs for our alumni to keep them connected and involved with the AUA and one another, and to create a culture of philanthropy by encouraging alumni to contribute their time, talent, and resources to the advancement of the University.

The career development function of the Office of Alumni Relations and Career Development is to contribute to career achievements of AUA graduates through enhancing their job finding skills. Additionally, to provide job placement services to students/alumni and develop strong and tangible links between employers and the university, to allow for the Office of Alumni Relations and Career Development to support and assist students and alumni in their professional development.

To watch the the full video recording of the event, please see below.