Honoring the Legacy of Erik Hajikyan

3 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia — On October 20, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted the third “Golden Seeds” award ceremony in memory of AUA fallen student Erik Hajikyan. The ceremony brought together students, faculty, staff, and guests to pay tribute to Hajikyan’s legacy. It marked the establishment of the “Golden Seeds” award through a joint initiative between the Zaven P. & Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering and the “Hay Santa” (“Hye Dzmer Pap”) Charitable Foundation. This award is a testament to this strong collaboration aimed at recognizing an exceptional undergraduate student of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Sciences (BSES) program. 

A member of the first cohort of the BSES, Hajikyan was conscripted after completing his sophomore year. Hajikyan, known as “Erik, the Terror of Tanks” for his unwavering heroism, lost his life during the 2020 Artsakh War while trying to save a fellow soldier. Hajikyan considered education as a path to a promising future. Posthumously, he was awarded the Medal for Military Service and the second-class RA Order of the Combat Cross.

Opening up the ceremony, Dayana Amirkhanyan (BAEC ’23, MAIRD ’25) shared a profound bond with Hajikyan as they had been childhood classmates. She began introducing a video message from BSES Program Chair Satenik Mnatsakanyan, who delivered heartfelt messages about Hajikyan and acknowledged that he would have graduated before his untimely passing. The video tribute serves as a powerful reminder of Hajikyan’s absence.

Throughout the ceremony, Amirkhanyan underlined Hajikyan’s values, appreciation for education, and immense pride in being an AUA student. Her heartfelt words conveyed Hajikyan’s dedication to learning and his indomitable spirit, further enhancing the legacy that he had left behind.

Addressing the audience of the “Golden Seeds” award ceremony, AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian affirmed: “It is imperative for us at AUA to continually honor the memory of our students and all those who lost their lives defending our homeland. This award is a testament to our commitment to continue their legacy and keep their memory alive in our hearts.” He then extended a warm welcome to members of the Hajikyan family in attendance and expressed gratitude to the organizers of the initiative for their dedication to keeping Eric’s memory alive. 

Lecturer and General Education Advisor Suzanne Daghlian also took the stage to share her personal memories of Hajikyan, one of the students in her class, sharing a touching perspective on the young hero. She stated: “We miss you, Erik, and our pride in you, young hero, will never die. We will always remember you and love you.”

Vruyr Kocharyan (BSES ’21), Hajikyan’s classmate, addressed the audience with touching memories of their time together, from the start of their studies as high school kids adjusting to university life to Hajikyan’s conscription. “We all kept in touch during Erik’s service; we were proud of his accomplishments but were not surprised. We knew that he would complete every task he was given in the army with the same high sense of duty and perfection he approached his studies.” Kocharyan concluded how bittersweet it was to walk to the stage at graduation, knowing that Hajikyan was no longer with us physically. “We always remember our hero classmate; he is and will be with us forever,” he concluded.

During the ceremony, Armine Petrosyan, the director of the Hye Dzmer Pap (Hay Santa) Charitable Foundation, shared an inspiring message, underscoring the motto of their program: “They buried us, but they didn’t know that we were seeds.” 

The ceremony concluded with the bestowal of the award upon Daniel Kurghinyan (BSES ’25), making him the 46th awardee of the program. It was a poignant moment for everyone present when Hajikyan’s mother handed the award to Kurghinyan. He shared a heartfelt message: “At the end of the day, once I look back to what I have accomplished in life, I want to see a legacy, a change for the better, a contribution that is one of the many building blocks of society and development. I want to leave this world better than I found it.” In recognition of Kurghinyan’s educational journey, Petrosyan extended her heartfelt congratulations and offered her best wishes for his continued success.

Erik Hajikyan’s memory serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and bravery of young individuals who defended their homeland in times of need. Their actions embody a profound sense of duty, a strong sense of responsibility, and a willingness to prioritize their nation’s well-being over personal aspirations.

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.