USAID/ASHA Program Analyst Visits AUA

3 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia — On October 5, 2023, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted the USAID/ASHA Agreement Officer’s Representative, Program Analyst Lauren Chitty.

Chitty’s visit opened with a meeting with the University’s executive team, including President Dr. Bruce Boghosian, Vice President of Operations/COO Ashot Ghazaryan, and Vice President of Finance/CFO Gevorg Goyunyan. Also joining the meeting was Assistant Vice President Anahit Ordyan. In addition to a discussion of current affairs in Armenia and the region, the executive team expressed its gratitude to USAID/ASHA for its continued support of the University. The dynamic partnership between AUA and USAID since 1992 has played a critical role in the University’s development, producing meaningful positive outcomes in public diplomacy with synergistic results.

“AUA is grateful to USAID/ASHA for their long-term support, their belief in our mission, and their faith in our ability to carry it out,” said Dr. Boghosian. “AUA has long instilled in its students the importance of civic engagement and the virtue of democracy, and there has never been a more critical time for the United States to underscore its support for these core values in Armenia.”  

Competitive grants awarded to AUA by USAID/ASHA, now reaching over $15 million in total, have been directed to capital projects targeting the renovation, modernization, and refurbishing of existing facilities to enhance the use of space and technology for student learning and community outreach. Recent grants include those awarded for the Student Residence, Triangle Park, and Najarian Building, with the latest for establishing the AUA Media Lab. 

As an important part of the agenda, Chitty was given a comprehensive tour of the University campus to see the various facilities renovated or built with financial support from USAID/ASHA. It included the AGBU Papazian Library, Collaborative Study Space, Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center, labs on the ground floor of the Main Building, Keshishian Student Union, Faculty Lounge, and Amphitheater, as well as several classrooms. During the tour, Director of the Acopian Center for the Environment Alen Amirkhanian offered a brief overview of the Center’s current activities. 

Following the guided tour, the group made their way to the Conference Room, where AUA Chief Communications Officer Narek Ghazaryan delivered a detailed presentation of the “Media Lab – Promoting Civil Discourse in Armenia” project, followed by a status update on the Najarian Building and Triangle Park projects. A discussion followed on current activities regarding grants’ implementation.

The concluding part of the visit included a tour of the Student Residence and Najarian Building located in the Dzoragyugh ethnographic district. The two buildings, which were renovated with USAID/ASHA support, were donated to AUA by philanthropists K. George and Dr. Carolann Najarian. 

As noted by Chitty, “The American University of Armenia is doing an outstanding job promoting civic engagement and public service, critical thinking, innovation, and democracy through top-notch academia. These values are held dear by the American people, as well, which is why ASHA is proud to be a long-time partner of AUA.”

The AUA USAID/ASHA grants management team appreciated Chitty’s visit, which — in addition to the opportunity for showcasing the works done — also facilitated clarification on a number of issues related to conducting audits and reporting on project implementation. AUA remains deeply appreciative of USAID/ASHA for its continued support of the University toward its mission of educating the next generation of leaders and professionals in Armenia and the region. 

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.