Kakosian Family Scholarships to AUA Students

3 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia — On June 13, 2023, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted Dr. Kenn Kakosian at a meeting with the recipients of the Kakosian Family Scholarship in the academic year 2022-23. The Kenn Kakosian Family Scholarship aims at supporting students from regions with the expectation that they are actively engaged in professional activities in their respective communities and regions by way of financially supporting students from the regions enrolled in AUA, Armenian National Agrarian University (ANAU), and Yerevan State University (YSU). Dr. Kakosian established the scholarship to support motivated students from various cities and towns of regions of Armenia, particularly Shirak, Lori, Tavush, Syunik, and Vayots Dzor, as well as the Republic of Artsakh. 

Aside from university studies, the Kakosian scholarship awardees from AUA, YSU, and ANAU are engaged in regional projects that enable applied learning in their chosen developmental areas. At the meeting, the students from all three universities made brief presentations about their projects: the cyber sector project in Ijevan, exploring tourism capacity building in the Shirak region that was carried out under the mentorship of students’ academic supervisors, also other projects in tourism and winemaking in Vayots Dzor; construction of greenhouses in Shirak; development of agriculture in Tavush especially targeted to increasing meat and dairy production, promoting self-employment in Syunik by creating small greenhouses; media literacy camps in Sisian and other communities; and other initiatives aimed at enhancing life in the regions of Armenia. 

AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian welcomed the participants, stating, “Students are the lifeblood of our university, driving our mission and contributing to our success. We appreciate our donors, namely Dr. Kakosian and his family, for their financial contribution that is enabling students to receive a quality education, support, and growth opportunities through initiatives that contribute to their personal and professional development.”

YSU Vice Rector for Development and Innovation Dr. Mikayel Hovhannisyan thanked Dr. Kakosian for the scholarship opportunity and quoted, “Firstly, it gave an opportunity to promote inter-university partnership among the three universities, and secondly, this scholarship is a huge responsibility and commitment entrusted both to students and the universities to be rationalized with their efforts and hard work. I believe this scholarship will be well-justified with the students’ educational results.”

ANAU Rector Dr. Vardan Urutyan applauded the Kakosian Family Scholarship for their devotion and dedication not only to the students but also to the country because “These vibrant students are our future, and this scholarship will support their professional work for Armenia’s prosperity in a long run. Taking into consideration the socio-economic conditions of our regions, this scholarship really provides a good opportunity for the students from regions to support the development of their regional endeavors. This is also an exemplary partnership among the universities.”

Dr. Kakosian expressed gratitude to the participants and mentioned that he is confident that the scholarship recipients will successfully implement the capacity building projects they presented, benefiting the respective regions and promoting prosperity and resilience in the regions. He concluded his remarks by reiterating that the Kakosian Family scholarship program aims at preparing well-educated and skilled professionals who will join the local workforce and drive economic growth in Armenia and Artsakh. Noting the enthusiasm and knowledge exhibited by the awardees, Dr. Kakosian indicated his readiness to continue collaboration and expand it by supporting the students from AUA, YSU, and ANAU in the new academic year 2023-24.

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 and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.