YEREVAN, Armenia — On November 12, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted the fourth “Golden Seeds” award ceremony in memory of AUA fallen student Erik Hajikyan, who lost his life during the 2020 Artsakh War, while trying to save a fellow soldier. The event was held in the CAD/CAM Research Laboratory of the Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering (CSE).
The “Golden Seeds” award, a collaborative initiative between CSE and the “Hay Santa” (“Hye Dzmer Pap”) Charitable Foundation, aims to honor an exceptional undergraduate student in the AUA Bachelor of Science in Engineering Sciences program.
AUA Provost Dr. Alina Gharabegyan; CSE Dean Dr. Aram Hajian; Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) Program Chair Dr. Hayk Nersisyan; Bachelor of Science in Engineering Sciences (BSES) Program Chair Satenik Mnatsakanyan; and CAD/CAM Research Laboratory Director Sargis Zeytunyan joined the event, alongside with students, Hajikyan’s family and friends.
During the event, in a warm and cozy atmosphere, the participants reminisced about Hajikyan with love and sorrow, sharing stories about his life and heroic deeds.“There are very few nations whose soldiers sacrifice their lives to save a friend’s life,” remarked Mnatsakanyan, highlighting that she is proud of Hajikyan’s and Armenian soldiers’ heroism.
Armine Petrosyan, director of the “Hay Santa” charitable foundation, shared the history of the “Golden Seeds” award and the “Educational Awards of Gratitude and Respect” program. The initiative was conceived in 2021 as a way to overcome the pain of war and loss, honor the selfless sacrifices of the fallen youth, and inspire future generations to uphold the values of Armenia and Artsakh, following the example set by national heroes.
The event concluded with the bestowal of the award upon Davit Mkrtchyan (BSES ’25), which was handed to him by Daniel Kurghinyan (BSES ’25), last semester’s award recipient, making Mkrtchyan the 46th awardee of the program.
AUA consistently honors its students who lost their lives in the 44-day war: Erik Hajikyan, Aziz Aghajanyan, Areg Gevorgyan, Hakob Hakobyan, Shavarsh Muradyan, Davit Virabyan, and Davit Uzunyan. Through tributes and commemorative events, their memory is kept alive for new generations of students, serving as lasting symbols of dignity and dedication that continue to inspire young people with their bravery and commitment.
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.
