AUA Alumni Gather for Fundraising and Networking

2 min read

YEREVAN, Armenia — On December 13, AUA alumni from different generations gathered at Dargett Brewpub for a networking and fundraising event. This was a first-of-its-kind event organized by the AUA Office of Alumni Relations and was a great success in reuniting many AUA alumni and fundraising for the Alumni Endowment Scholarship Fund. This new format of alumni events was commended by many attending graduates, who appreciated the opportunity to give back to their alma mater while socializing and networking with fellow alumni.

This exclusive event was kindly hosted at Dargett Brewpub, a business co-founded by the family of AUA alumnus Aris Berberyan (BAB ’18). The excitement of AUA alumni filled the room, instantly creating a celebratory ambiance. The event brought together alumni from the classes of 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s to reunite with their old friends and meet alumni from earlier or successive classes. The festive atmosphere was complemented with the live performance of the Palemoon music band. 

The evening started with the alumni mingling, catching up with friends and making new connections and ended with a Christmas raffle won by twelve lucky alumni. The raffle prizes were generously donated by businesses founded or managed by AUA alumni and friends, such as Aregi, the largest dry fruit/veggie and healthy snack producer in Armenia founded by Armen Gharibyan (MEIESM ’11); Shabeeg, Armenian heritage clothing brand founded by Mary Sukiasyan (MBA ’09); Amy Jewellery, a unique jewelry brand founded by Meri Israelyan (BAB ’20); EventToura, an event management company co-founded by Mary Badalyan (LL.M. ’08); Yell Extreme Park, adventure park in Armenia with Sona Ghevondyan (BSCS ’19, CHHM ’22) as director; Karas Wines, with Inga Ashigova (BAEC ’21) as brand manager; as well as Tovmasyan Foundation, Photo Atelier Marashlyan, Montmartre Restaurant, Dolmama, and Bookinist.

Donations to the fund were acknowledged by numbered raffle tickets to the donors. Twelve winners were drawn at random at the end of the event, receiving gift boxes for their tickets. Anticipation and excitement filled the room as the winners were announced. Those who didn’t win gifts received a special gift from their alma mater, AUA holiday gift cards filled with warm wishes.

Other alumni reunion events will be organized in the coming year and are expected to create new and fun ways to get together and celebrate. Whether at future events or in other ways of giving, AUA alumni will have the chance to donate to the Alumni Endowment Scholarship Fund. The Fund awards students financial aid to study at AUA. You can contribute toward the education of the next generation of leaders by donating to the Alumni Endowment Scholarship Fund accessing this link. 

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.