AUA Bachelor’s Students Win 1st and 2nd Prizes in Presidential Education Awards
2 min readYEREVAN, Armenia – The American University of Armenia (AUA) is proud to share that three students from the Bachelor’s program in Computational Sciences have been awarded the 2015 Presidential Education Award in the Sphere of Information Technology (IT). The winners are Levon Stepanyan (1st Category Presidential IT Award for Best Bachelor), Aram Serobyan (2nd Category Presidential IT Award for Best Bachelor), and Gasia Atashian (2nd Category Presidential IT Award for Best Diaspora Student). President Serzh Sargsyan personally awarded the students during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace this October, where they received trophies and monetary prizes.
Levon and Aram, juniors, and Gasia, a sophomore, were encouraged by the College of Science & Engineering to apply to the competition because of their outstanding academic achievements. After submitting their applications, providing copies of awards and certificates from extracurricular activities, and gathering recommendations from AUA faculty and deans, they were invited to interview for the award.
All three students credit the high quality general education, in addition to their departmental education, that they receive at AUA as an important reason why they successfully passed the interview process. “At AUA, we don’t only study in our main sphere, but also in other subjects. During the interview for the award, we were asked questions about many different spheres. They want to see if you’re a well-rounded person or not,” said Aram. Levon also commented on AUA’s influence, stating, “We do a lot of presentations in class, so we’re already used to speaking in public.”
After winning the award, the students are more encouraged than ever to continue working hard for their education. “This award is confirmation that I’m on the right track and that I should stay motivated,” said Aram.
“I knew that I was doing well,” said Levon. “But this prize is something to show as proof.”
For Gasia, whose family moved to Armenia from Syria because of the war, receiving this award is a comforting confirmation that she is still getting a high quality education. “When I moved here, I was afraid of losing the education I had received in Syria. But I heard about the excellent education that AUA offers and it became my main goal to be accepted to this university. I was so happy that I could continue my education in the field that I love. This award is just beginning of the road for me,” said Gasia.
For Levon and Aram, the road ahead also looks bright. As a junior, Levon has already begun taking Master’s level courses. “I’m very interested in AUA’s Industrial Engineering and Systems Management program,” he said. “I want to get my education and then apply all this knowledge in Armenia.”
Aram stated, “Right now, I’m thinking about getting involved in game development. I’d like to one day open my own company in Armenia.”
In total this year, 28 students from 5 universities were granted awards, in addition to 16 students from 8 high schools. Categories included Best Bachelor’s Student, Best Master’s Student, Best PhD Student, Best High School Student, Best Diaspora Student, and Best Female Student.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values.
Aram Serobyan