AUA Participates in 2024 Universiade

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YEREVAN, Armenia — Following a four-year hiatus, the 2024 Universiade competition kicked off on April 11. It is one of the biggest inter-university competitions, organized by the Russian-Armenian University with support from the Republic of Armenia Ministry of Defense. American University of Armenia (AUA) students competed alongside counterparts from 19 universities in Sports, such as Futsal, Chess, and Shooting; cultural categories such as Song, Dance, and Social Video; and the “What? Where? When?” intellectual game. AUA students attained impressive individual and team results, with the University achieving third place.

In the Song category, Yeva Avetisyan (BSDS ’24) and Apraham Tamerian (BAEC ’24) successfully performed an acoustic mix of the traditional Armenian songs “Kanchum em” and “Bingyol.” Their heartfelt duet touched the hearts of the audience, securing the jury’s Special Recognition award. “Representing AUA at the sixth Universiade was a huge responsibility, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do so. The goal was to enjoy the process and leave a mark in the audience’s heart, which I think Apraham and I successfully did,” reflects Avetisyan. 

In the Social Video category, AUA took the first prize. This year’s theme was “The Power of One Person.” Drawing inspiration from this, Maneh Petrosian (BAEC ’25) formed a team and created a video tackling the importance of creating equal opportunities for all members of society. “I decided to focus on individuals as changemakers. I think we, as a society, tend to overlook the issue of integration. Everyone deserves the chance to be fully integrated into society, and it’s up to each of us, using our own abilities, to be the changemakers,” remarks Petrosian, highlighting the fact that sometimes, it only takes one person to change the world and the reality of other and adding, “I would like to thank everyone — the staff and my amazing friends — who helped me realize my ideas and create this video.”

The AUA women’s and men’s teams participated in the shooting competition on April 26. The men’s team came second after Vazgen Sargsyan Military University. The team was represented by Erik Mnatsakanyan (BAB ’25) and Aram Astsatryan (BSCS ’24). “It was very exciting to prepare for and participate in this competition. I was honored to be part of the team and to share this experience,” says Astsatryan.

In the Sports category, the AUA Futsal Team came third. “It was my first time being part of such an interesting, competitive, and diverse Universiade. Gathering people from different backgrounds and universities made the entire competition even more enjoyable and satisfactory, yet challenging to win. Our futsal team did its best to get third place. Overall, Universiade has significant importance and positively impacts students. In my case, it motivates me to train harder and more frequently in order to be able to perform better at next year’s Universiade with my team,” notes Hayk Madyan (BAEC ’25), a member of the AUA Futsal Team. 

It is important to note that former and current Student Council members supported the participants throughout all the competitions, ensuring that AUA students had the best experience. “During the Universiade, we came together from different places, backgrounds, and cultures to compete and have fun. I’m proud to say that currently, the high level of collaboration between Armenian universities’ student councils is impressive. In this sense, these events are vital. Here, students are more united, while displaying their skills and teamwork. It’s about more than just winning or losing; it’s about building lasting connections and friendships,” says Erik Mnatsakanyan (BAB ’25), a Student Council member who not only performed his duties as a Council member, but also participated and supported his peers. 

Such events not only serve as team building opportunities and chances to foster collaboration, thus building University spirit within the community, but also allow students to network with counterparts from other universities. AUA thanks all the students who made this Universiade experience memorable for the University. 

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.