For many years now, Hovsép and Hildá Fidanián have been supporters of the American University of Armenia (AUA), so it was inevitable that their children would follow in their footsteps. Now, in a fitting gesture of gratitude, siblings Aramázd Fidanián and Takuhí Fidanián Keshishian have honored their parents by naming them as AUA ChangeMakers.
Growing up in the Fidanián household, Aramázd and Takuhí both remember how strongly their parents instilled in them a love for Armenian culture and the value of education. Aramázd comments, “I was raised as Armenian as they get — only allowed to speak Armenian at home, and encouraged to do the same outside of the home too,” with Takuhí adding, “When I was told after every English sentence, ‘Hayeren khoseer’, I am not exaggerating. I’m still reminded of that to this day.” Naturally, both siblings attended Armenian schools for their primary education before enrolling in American schools for high school — a move Aramázd appreciated as it allowed him to develop a diverse skill set and interact with people outside of his culture, while still maintaining the strong Armenian identity he bases his foundation on.
As Aramázd and Takuhí began to contemplate the next steps in their career, they were both inspired by the strong academic backgrounds their parents held — their father, Hovsép, holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology and a master’s in chemistry, while their mother, Hildá, earned a bachelor’s in electrical engineering — as well as the success of the family insurance firm they established in 1977, H. Fidanián Insurance Agency, which their older brother, Mgrdích, was leading. Aramázd decided to study finance, obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree from the California State University, Northridge, while Takuhí pursued a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and social behavior from the University of California, Irvine, the alma mater of her older brother Mgrdích. However, though they were both set on different career ambitions, life threw an unfortunate curveball with the passing of their older brother.
In October 2005, at the young age of 26, Mgrdích Fidanián tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident — the Fidaniáns’ lives would never be the same again. Speaking of those difficult days, Aramázd recalls, “Our family was obviously devastated, however, my parents stood bravely as the strong rocks anchoring our family together. We became closer than ever and continued living with just one thought in our minds: ‘God has a reason for everything and he wanted Mego for a reason.’” After the tragedy, both Aramázd and Takuhí felt a strong obligation to step in and help carry on the family business in insurance.
Now, many years later, the Fidaniáns continue to stand strong in their faith, family values, and dedication to their Armenian culture. With their parents’ various contributions to AUA and the philanthropic example they have set, Aramázd and Takuhí now hope to become more involved with the University and continue carrying the torch their parents lit for them.
Takuhí remarks, “We all have choices to make with everything that we do and every interaction we have. We can either choose to be complicit or choose to make a difference. My dad reminds us that there are three types of people: those that look around and make things happen, those that watch things happen, and those that say what happened. Organizations like AUA and their donors are proof that Armenians united can make things happen!” Together, both her and Aramázd hope to ensure that their parents’ legacy and dedication to Armenia continues on in a way that will impact generations to come. Thus, they recently came together to honor their parents as AUA ChangeMakers.
With the gesture, Aramázd and Takuhí hope to inspire others to similarly come together and help support the budding future leaders, scientists, and entrepreneurs currently studying at AUA. “Armenians must understand that working together is the only way to achieve the greatness that our historically vast culture deserves. Education is key, and AUA will hopefully serve as the catalyst for this,” Aramázd expounds, as his sister Takuhí adds, “This new generation of students and scholars can help build up Armenia. Only with unity and new ideas to benefit our motherland can I see us surviving as a culture. Without skills and education, we cannot expect to change the course of history. As my younger brother stated, ‘United we stand.’”
AUA is grateful for the support of the Fidanián family. For more information on the 200 ChangeMakers of AUA campaign, 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, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.