YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia (AUA) Turpanjian College of Health Sciences is proud to share that Gohar Bejanyan (BSN ’26) and Raisa Rose Jakmakian (MPH ’25) were recognized as best students among undergraduate and graduate categories, respectively, in the medical field. This recognition was awarded as part of the nationwide “Best Student” competition organized by the Higher Education and Science Committee of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of the Republic of Armenia (RA).
Gohar and Raisa were nominated by AUA to participate in the nationwide competition among other candidates nominated by universities across Armenia. They were selected among top students who were awarded a nominal scholarship for their academic achievements by the order of the RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports. The selection process evaluates students based on their Grade Point Average (GPA), research abilities (including published articles and participation in national and international conferences), and engagement in social activities.
Gohar has been one of the top performing Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students in her cohort. In addition to her excellent academic performance, Gohar has outstanding professional qualities and has demonstrated perseverance and absolute commitment to her professional goals and responsibilities. She is among the first groups of nurses in Armenia pursuing a BSN degree, contributing to significant professional advancements in the nursing discipline in the country. Gohar works as a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit and is an advocate of patient-centered care. She is an active member of the BSN program and is always eager to learn new skills, volunteering in various research activities at the Avedisian Onanian Center for Health Services Research and Development.
Gohar shared her thoughts on receiving the award, “I am really happy and proud to receive this award. It means a lot to me and motivates me to keep working hard. The BSN program has played a big role in my success, and I am excited to apply what I have learned to make a difference in nursing and healthcare in Armenia.”
Raisa is a Master of Public Health (MPH) student with extraordinary skills. In addition to her outstanding academic achievements, she deeply cares about people and animals and is driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference. She has been an outstanding student — extremely hard working, very modest, and dedicated to everything she undertakes. Originally from Lebanon, Raisa moved to Armenia to live and study, continuing her commitment to volunteer work within both the Armenian community in Lebanon and Armenia. Her efforts have been particularly focused on children with special needs, demonstrating remarkable care and patience toward disadvantaged populations.
Raisa’s passion extends to veterinary medicine, where she has provided professional support and volunteered her time. The work that she conducts in the MPH program is highly comprehensive, mature, and of high quality. Her MPH degree will enable her to contribute to the concept of One Health and become a champion in interdisciplinary efforts. Currently, she contributes to the work of CHSR.
Reflecting on her achievement, Raisa shared her thoughts, “Just as a seed sprouts thanks to the warm sunlight and fertile soil, my unparalleled experience at AUA has helped me blossom through the support of exceptional professors, a nurturing environment, and countless opportunities to grow as I take my first steps into my future in the field of public health. The Best Student award is not just a recognition of my efforts but also a celebration of the journey and the incredible people who have been part of it, for which I am immensely grateful. I am deeply honored and inspired to continue striving for excellence, making meaningful contributions, and leaving a positive impact in my motherland.”
The University takes great pride in Gohar’s and Raisa’s remarkable achievement and wishes them continued success in their academic and professional journeys.
The AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.