AUA Expands its Reach to Russia

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RUSSIA – From April 12-16, 2015, leadership of the American University of Armenia (AUA) traveled to the Russian Federation, namely to Rostov and Moscow, to meet with Armenian community members and present the university to students, faculty, and staff of higher education institutions.

The leadership’s time in Rostov consisted of a visit to Don State Technical University, where they presented AUA to Rector Meskhi Besarion, along with faculty and students of the university. Similar meetings were held at Southern Federal University, where opportunities for collaboration within the framework of the Erasmus+ program, as well as AUA’s Study Abroad program, were discussed.

Under the auspices of Ararat Gomtsian, the Consul General of Armenia in Rostov-on-Don, visits were also organized with community leaders of several heavily Armenian-populated towns and villages. In addition to meeting with Gomtsian, the leadership also met with Harutyun Surmalian, the head of the Nakhichevan Armenian community in Rostov-on-Don.

While in Moscow, the leadership held a meeting at the Armenian Church Complex to introduce the university to the Armenian community, including parents and potential students. AUA President Armen Der Kiureghian and Vice President of Operations Ashot Ghazaryan, along with Director of Communications Zara Zeitountsian, presented AUA’s academic programs, Extension courses, and other educational opportunities such as the summer program and study abroad options.

AUA also participated in the Moscow International Education Fair from April 15 to 18. The event brought together domestic and foreign teachers, parents, students, heads of educational institutions, representatives of federal and regional ministries and agencies, and public and commercial organizations. AUA’s presence was received with interest and enthusiasm, with many people stopping by the booth to ask questions.

The trip is part of AUA’s efforts to increase its international reach and attract students from the Commonwealth of Independent States, both Armenian and non-Armenian. As an institution of higher education, AUA boasts many significant qualities that make it an attractive choice for students from all over the world. AUA is the only U.S.-accredited higher education institution in the region. Most recently, its accreditation was reaffirmed through February 2024 by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the same commission that accredits the University of California.

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.

AUA at the Moscow Education Fair

AUA leadership meeting with the Armenian community at Armenian Church Complex in Moscow: (from left)  AUA Vice President of Operations Ashot Ghazaryan, Bishop Ezras, Patriarch of Exarch, the Head of the Novo-Nakhichevan and Russian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, AUA President Armen Der Kiureghian

Armenian community in Moscow

AUA presents a token of appreciation to the Novo-Nakhichevan and Russian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Moscow

AUA meeting with Don State Technical University:  AUA President Armen Der Kiureghian, Rector Meskhi Besarion, Vice Rector Svetlana Shvedova, Consul General of Armenia in Rostov-on-Don Ararat Gomtsian, deans and faculty members

AUA President Armen Der Kiureghian with Don State Technical University Rector Meskhi Besarion

AUA meeting with Don State Technical University: (from left) AUA Vice President of Operations Ashot Ghazaryan, Consul General of Armenia in Rostov-on-Don Ararat Gomtsian, Vice Rector Svetlana Shvedova, AUA President Armen Der Kiureghian and Aleksey Karapetyants, Professor at Don State Technical University

Meeting with the Armenian community in Rostov-on-Don: AUA President Armen Der Kiureghian, AUA Vice President of Operations Ashot Ghazaryan,  the Head of the Nakhichevan Armenian community in Rostov-on-Don Harutyun Surmalian and Consul General of Armenia in Rostov-on-Don Ararat Gomtsian

 

Meeting with the Armenian youth of Rostov-on-Don