YEREVAN, Armenia — When Matthew and Lisa Natcharian visited Armenia for the first time in July 2024, they were not expecting the experience they received. With a packed schedule that included the homeland’s historic landmarks, exquisite culinary destinations, and, of course, the American University of Armenia (AUA) campus, they returned home filled with hope, inspiration, and a renewed love for Armenia.
The Natcharians made their first contribution to AUA in 2015 and decided to get involved because they saw the impact and potential that an AUA education was able to provide students in Armenia. “We were looking for an enduring way to contribute to AUA that would have a compounding positive impact on the country,” Matthew said. Soon after, they decided to increase their support and join the Chair’s Circle of the AUA Annual Fund. “Investing in AUA to support high-quality and globally relevant education to bright young students seemed the best way to make an impact. We also knew that AUA would benefit from a pledged commitment, as it can take time to develop new programs, build new facilities, and attract students, and we were happy to make a five-year pledge to join the Chair’s Circle,” the Natcharians added.
Adopted by Armenian Genocide survivors Philip Natcharian and Sarah Soultanian Natcharian, Matthew was raised in Troy, New York, surrounded by a vibrant Armenian community, for which he developed a great sense of appreciation. It was inevitable, and no wonder, then, that Matthew and Lisa Natcharian (née Melikian) would meet at the epicenter of Armenian culture: the Church. At a dance held by the Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown, Massachusetts, the Natcharians became acquainted; soon after, they married and laid down their own roots in Simsbury, Connecticut, where they raised their three sons Christopher Avedis, Ryan Aram, and William Raffi.
Together, Matthew and Lisa have led by example in instilling in their children the importance of education and the pursuit of passion in their respective professions. Matthew holds a B.S. in finance from Bentley University and is a member of the CFA Institute. With over 30 years of experience in the structured credit investment industry, he is currently the head portfolio manager at Greensledge Asset Management. Lisa holds master’s degrees in educational psychology and mass communication. An entrepreneur, marketing professional, and personal development coach, she has launched an array of small businesses, worked for 30 years in the marketing and publishing space, and now coaches creative innovators.
The power couple also owns and manages commercial and residential properties in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Crediting her parents with her drive for success, Lisa shared: “My parents taught me never to put all my eggs in one basket, and that ‘you can rest when you’re dead’ — a philosophy that came from my grandfather, who lost everything in the Genocide. When he arrived in the United States, he found work at a factory with dozens of other Armenians from Sebastia, but at the same time, he began to purchase real estate. In addition to providing free or low-cost lodging to new Armenian immigrants, he was able, through constant work, to also grow his ‘side gig’ into a lucrative real estate development career. Matt and I have also developed a commercial real estate portfolio in addition to our ‘regular’ jobs and are pleased to see our sons launching creative side gigs alongside their professional careers, as well.”
Inspired by their own upbringings, the Natcharians have taught their children a deep love and respect for family, community, and their Armenian heritage. So, when the stars finally aligned for the Natcharians to travel to their homeland, everyone was on board. The family’s carefully curated and guided itinerary included the typical trips to churches and monasteries, as well as cultural immersion with visits to artisans and craftsmen; participation in interactive, hands-on activities; and stops at creative local businesses like winemakers and cheesemakers. “We had plenty of opportunities to see the country beyond the typical tourist sites and jumped at the chance to immerse ourselves in the ‘real’ Armenia — we loved every minute of it,” Lisa added.
The Natcharians also had the chance to visit the AUA campus and were impressed with the modernity of the buildings: “We both attended large universities and expected that an institution of AUA’s size might lack some of the infrastructure and resources with which we’re familiar, but we were pleasantly surprised at the robust facilities and offerings,” they said, also noting the friendliness and confidence exuded by the students. “As parents of college-aged students, we were truly pleased to see that the AUA students seemed so happy with their choice and their surroundings. The University felt like the perfect combination of opportunity and personal support, a dynamic and engaging place to nurture innovators, entrepreneurs, and resourceful visionaries.”
Returning home after an incredible experience in their homeland and impressed with their visit to AUA, the Natcharians were inspired to increase their support for the University and its students. They committed to becoming AUA ChangeMakers in order to impact Armenia’s continued development: “We’ve seen the value of education in our own families, and we know that supporting education is a very powerful way to help Armenia. This kind of support has a multiplier effect that goes beyond the initial person who has benefited — they then go on to build a stronger Armenia.”
To learn more about the 200 ChangeMakers of AUA campaign, please visit: https://changemakers.aua.am.
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.