Remembering Sonia Akian (1945-2023)

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GLENDALE, California — It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Sonia Akian, one of the most cherished supporters of the American University of Armenia (AUA). A passionate and generous woman, Sonia Akian was held in high regard and will forever be remembered by all who knew her and especially by the countless students whose lives she impacted as an educator. 

Sonia (née Der Avedisian) Akian was born in Philadelphia in 1945 to Kerope and Amalia Der Avedisian. Her father was a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, during which his parents, sister, and brother were murdered. Thereafter, he served as captain of the cavalry of Armenian freedom fighters under General Sebouh and was also a French legionnaire. Later in life, he settled in Philadelphia, where he was active in the Armenian community and served various organizations. Kerope and Amalia raised three daughters — Armena, Malena, and Sonia — instilling in them a strong sense of heritage and a high regard for education. Influenced by her family environment, Sonia pursued higher education graduating from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in English and, throughout her adult life, she was a strong advocate of universal access to education. 

In 1970, Sonia married Zaven P. Akian, and together, their family grew to include their three children: Lori, Lena, and Haig. Perhaps the most significant of the numerous successful endeavors throughout their lives, and one that has left an indelible impression upon thousands of people in both Armenia and the United States, is the philanthropic work they were both involved in and which the Akian family continues to uphold. 

As an AUA Pillar, Sonia, alongside Zaven, was a supporter of the University for many years. Together, their contributions to AUA comprise several namings, including the new AUA Science & Engineering Building to be named the Akian Family Building, and the earlier Zaven P. & Sonia Akian College of Science & Engineering, the Akian BioScience Laboratory, and the Akian Art Gallery. Above all, the student scholarships awarded through the Zaven P. & Sonia Akian Scholarship endowment at AUA have enabled over 600 students to date the opportunity to access quality higher education in Armenia. Hundreds more will benefit from this Akian endowment for decades to come.

A beacon of kindness, Sonia inspired those around her with her compassionate and caring demeanor. Her philanthropy extended beyond education to include support for Friends of USC, Armenian music, Ararat Home, St. James Church, St. Peters Church, and the UCLA Armenian Studies program.

All scholarship recipients, together with AUA faculty, students, alumni, and the University administration, are forever grateful for her support and the impact she has made on so many lives. Our heartfelt gratitude to Sonia Akian. Her name will live forever at AUA! 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023, with more details below. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Leon Armenian Cathedral or the American University of Armenia (AUA). 

Church Service

Saturday, November 25, 2023

10:30am 

St. Leon Armenian Cathedral

3325 N Glenoaks Boulevard

Burbank, CA 91504

Followed by a luncheon dedicated to Sonia’s memory (hokejash) in St. Leon’s Kalaydjian Hall. All are invited for the hokejash (12:15pm – 2:00pm). 

Burial services will be performed privately for the immediate family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: 

St. Leon Armenian Cathedral

3325 N Glenoaks Boulevard

Burbank, CA 91504

American University of Armenia

117 S Louise Street, Suite 310

Glendale, CA 91205

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. AUA’s Office of Development stewards the University’s philanthropic efforts exclusively for educational purposes.