AUA Hosts Alumni Networking Dinner Restoring a Cherished Tradition

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On June 10, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Office of Alumni Relations organized an exceptional alumni networking dinner with members of the AUA Board of Trustees (BOT) and the University Leadership. 

The Alumni dinner was a special occasion and a great chance for alumni to meet fellow graduates and BOT members, share insights into AUA’s role in education and the University’s future, and reminisce about their time at AUA. The BOT members, who could not travel to Armenia over the past three years, were delighted to meet alumni from different years and programs and learn firsthand about their achievements.

The event brought around 90 guests to Charles Terrace, including alumni from different years and programs, BOT members, and the University Leadership. Narek Ghazaryan, chief communications officer, and Margarit Hovhannisyan, associate director of alumni relations, made opening remarks expressing gratification for reviving the cherished tradition of annual alumni dinners that bring together graduates from different years and majors who share the same values and loyalty to their alma mater.

AUA Interim President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian and Chair of the AUA Board of Trustees Dr. Lawrence Pitts addressed the gathering similarly, highlighting the importance of expanding alumni networks through such events and learning about alumni achievements. 

The event was emceed by AUA alumna Anna Ispiryan (BAEC’ 20), who fittingly acknowledged alumni from different years and programs. Three alumni from the current year, who had their graduation ceremony earlier that day, were presented with alumni t-shirts. It was symbolic that the alumni networking dinner was organized the same day AUA celebrated its 31st Commencement ceremony, adding more than 500 alumni to the existing 6000 alumni body. 

The event quickly transformed into a vibrant networking gathering. Attendees reconnected with old friends, shared memories from their student years, and forged new connections and friendships. The special guest, “Masunq” Dance-Folk group, made the evening even more unforgettable, entertaining the crowd with traditional Armenian dances. The dance floor was filled shoulder to shoulder, and the evening continued with international hits played by the DJ while attendees danced and engaged in friendly conversations.

At the end of the night, attendees shared their heartfelt feedback on the event’s success and expressed a desire for more informal gatherings in the future. 

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) 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. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.