AUA Class of ‘93 Celebrates 30 Years of Graduation

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YEREVAN, Armenia — This year, the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) pioneer Class of ’93 celebrated the 30th anniversary of its graduation. The first-year alumni, a number of whom traveled to Armenia from various corners of the world, gathered for a week-long celebration organized and coordinated by the class committee.

Kicking off on May 28, the 30th anniversary reunion week featured a series of gatherings and activities held at AUA and across Armenia. The alumni were warmly welcomed on the first day with a reception at the AUA Center. During the ceremony, they participated in watering the tree they had planted in honor of the founders of the University back in 2003 when marking the 10th anniversary of their graduation. Interim President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian and senior staff members, who have been part of AUA since its inception, personally welcomed the first graduates and shared fond memories from the old days. Through a Zoom call, Dr. Allen and Jane Greenwoods were able to join and congratulate the class virtually. 

Over the following days, the alumni had the opportunity to visit AUA’s new buildings, including the AUA Student Residence and AUA K. George and Carolann S. Najarian MD Building, which officially opened on June 9. They toured the buildings, admiring the great facilities now available to AUA students — a vision that surpassed their dreams from 30 years ago. The visit to their alma mater also included a meeting with the University leadership to discuss updates and future plans. As most of the Class of ‘93 members congregated on campus, they captured a historic photo in front of the AUA Changemakers plaque, proudly displaying their class name as the first to be recognized as AUA Changemakers. 

To further commemorate their journey, the alumni hosted a panel discussion on “Staying Connected,” highlighting their experiences in maintaining connections with each other, their alma mater, and their homeland — a testament to the power of determination and effort. They shared unique stories and experiences with AUA staff, faculty, and fellow alumni.

The week’s schedule also included a festive dinner-dance celebration at the Megerian Carpet Cultural Complex, where the pioneering class members raised toasts celebrating their accomplishments, expressed gratitude for the excellent education received at AUA, and enjoyed a delightful evening. They were pleasantly surprised by the custom-made alumni T-shirt gifted to them by the AUA Office of Alumni Relations. 

The reunion week also included several excursions, such as the trip to Aregi, a solar energy, and dried fruits production site run by AUA alumnus Armen Gharibian (ME IESM ‘11), and Dilijan, which also featured visits to the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) Training and Research Center and Dilijan International School (UWC), as well as a hike to Haghartsin Monastery.

Later in the week, the class members gathered at the AUA Faculty Lounge for a welcome reception honoring AUA trustee Paul and his wife, Kate Agbabians. During the event, the attendees reminisced about founding president Dr. Mihran Agbabian and shared stories of memorable times spent with him. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the most valuable two years of studies at AUA. 

The reunion week ended with a number of Class of ’93 alumni attending the Alumni Networking Dinner hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations on June 10, coinciding with this year’s graduation day.

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.