AUA Mourns Passing of Dr. Richard G. Hovannisian

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YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) joins the academic world and Armenian communities worldwide in remembering Dr. Richard G. Hovannisian, world-renowned Armenian-American historian and professor emeritus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), who passed away on July 11 at the age of 90. 

Renowned for his four-volume history of The Republic of Armenia, Dr. Hovannisan leaves behind a rich legacy, which extends across numerous academic institutions, also crossing the halls of AUA. In 2014, he generously donated from his personal collection over 1,300 books to AUA’s AGBU Papazian Library, demonstrating his unwavering support as a friend and passionate advocate of the University. The volumes he has authored continue to educate generations of students and are regularly consulted by academics and researchers in Armenia and elsewhere as unparalleled reference and history books of that era.

In 1974, Dr. Hovannisian partnered with four other eminent scholars in the field to found the Society for Armenian Studies (SAS) and served as its president for three different terms. In 2019, he was awarded the SAS “Lifetime Achievement Award.” He is also remembered as a UCLA faculty member from a young age and the first holder of the Armenian Educational Foundation Endowed Chair in Modern Armenian History in 1986. 

Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the independence, in 2018, AUA co-hosted a lecture series by the eminent historian, who covered topics dedicated to the centennial of the first Armenian republic. His presence, intellect, and lessons, in classrooms and lecture halls, have been lauded throughout the past decades. Thanks to his written and spoken word, thousands of followers have learned about the conditions preceding and during World War I and how Armenia paved its course to independence. Dr. Hovannisian leaves behind an indomitable mark and a body of knowledge about the First Republic of Armenia, the underlying political circumstances and ensuing international recognition.

“A giant in the Armenian academic world, Richard G. Hovannisian was a symbol of scholarly rigor and objectivity,” remarked AUA Interim President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian. “Aside from his seminal books on the First Republic, he published numerous articles and edited books which collectively provide a very rich body of knowledge about Armenian history through the ages. At AUA, we are proud to have co-sponsored his series of seminars in 2018 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the First Republic. We are also proud to house his personal collection of history books in our AGBU Papazian Library. His legacy will always remain alive at AUA.”

Dr. Hovannisian’s contributions to teaching and research are a testament to his deep dedication to knowledge and education. Awarded the Guggenheim fellowship in recognition of his exceptional capacity for productive scholarship in Armenian studies, along with many other awards for civic and scholarly contributions, he will continue to inspire generations of Armenian historians, researchers, and students for decades to come. 

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.