AUA President and Vice President Meet With Diaspora Community in Michigan

DETROIT, Michigan – This month the American University of Armenia (AUA) President and Vice President have been engaged in several events across many countries and Diaspora communities, speaking with prospective students about the University, its schools, colleges, programs, and vision. On November 1, two events were held in Southfield, Michigan, giving the Armenian-American community of Greater Detroit the opportunity to familiarize itself with AUA.

Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, President of AUA, and Mr. Ashot Ghazaryan, Vice President of Operations, visited from Yerevan and met with the Diaspora youth at the local AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School in Southfield. During the event, students were presented with study abroad options available to them at AUA, both throughout the year, as well as special summer programs. Many were encouraged and motivated to pursue a higher education at AUA since it is an accredited American university affiliated with the University of California. While in Detroit, Dr. Der Kiureghian and Mr. Ghazaryan also met with renown philanthropist and benefactor, Mr. Richard A. Manoogian who serves as the Chairman Emeritus at Masco Corporation and is the President and Treasurer of the Richard & Jane Manoogian Foundation.

Later that evening, Dr. Der Kiureghian met with members and leaders of the Armenian community at the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School Auditorium. Opening remarks were made by Principal of the AGBU Alex and Marie Manoogian School, Dr. Hosep Torossian. Following this, Dr. Der Kiureghian presented attendees with a history of AUA, its various programs of study, and ways in which Armenian-Americans can support the institution and be active in the development of Armenia. A reception followed, hosted by longtime AUA supporters Osep Sarafian and Dr. Nadya Sarafian, who were at the forefront of organizing the daylong events for the University. Many of the guests showed a commitment to establishing scholarship funds for students with financial need who are admitted to AUA. A significant number of guests also inquired about sending their children to AUA for study abroad programs.

Additionally, AUA would like to announce that international students who hold Special Residency status in Armenia can qualify for local tuition. If an applicant is classified as a Special Passport Holder of the Special Residency Status (commonly known as the 10-year visa) prior to the start of his/her studies, then s/he is eligible for local tuition.

Before the close of the year, AUA President and Vice President also plan to visit Diaspora communities in the United Arab Emirates, as well as Kuwait and looks forward to many more such exchanges.

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.