AUA-CBA Honor Ashot Mkrtchyan Through Collaborative Workshop

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YEREVAN, Armenia — On September 11, the American University of Armenia (AUA) and the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) jointly hosted a workshop in Dilijan, honoring the memory of Ashot Mkrtchyan, a former CBA board member. Fittingly determined for the occasion, the workshop covered topics on strengthening partnerships in economics research at CBA and, more broadly, in Armenia.

The workshop attracted students and faculty from AUA’s Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics (CBE), including CBE Dean Dr. Vache Gabrielyan. Participants also included CBA staff, current and former board members, deputy governors, and current Governor Dr. Martin Galstyan. 

CBA Head of Research Dr. Aleksandr Shirkhanyan made an elaborative presentation on the databases of the CBA, which are available to AUA students and faculty for collaborative research projects. He also offered a brief review of the ongoing research at CBA, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with external researchers, including those from AUA. 

In turn, two AUA researchers, Associate Professor, Bachelor of Arts in Business Program Chair Dr. Gayane Barseghyan and Assistant Professor Dr. Hayk Kamalyan, presented their research outputs, showcasing the depth of intellectual rigor of research conducted at AUA. 

The workshop included a heartfelt 30-minute tribute to the memory of Ashot Mkrtchyan. Several attendees shared personal stories and positive anecdotes about his influential personality. In particular, the main initiator of the remembrance event, Master of Science in Economics Program Chair Dr. Gurgen Aslanyan, spoke about Mkrtchyan, praising his unwavering and infectious dedication that had inspired him to leave his work abroad, relocate to Dilijan, and commit his career to educating future generations while contributing to the advancement of economics research in Armenia.

Toward the end of the workshop, Dr. Gabrielyan presented some of the University’s noteworthy research initiatives. Evidently, the collaboration between AUA and CBA continues to thrive and yield positive results.

In conclusion, Dr. Gabrielyan expressed the University’s sincere appreciation of the ongoing partnership with CBA. Similarly, the participants echoed their enthusiasm for the workshop, wishing that such gatherings become a recurring event. Plans for future presentations and collaborations are already underway, promising exciting developments in economics research.

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.