The Office of Alumni Relations has published its first impact report on the outcomes of the Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund. Established by the Class of ’93, the Fund has created 32 scholarships for 18 students to date. Most alumni scholarship recipients live and work in Armenia.
YEREVAN, Armenia — The American University of Armenia’s (AUA) Office of Alumni Relations is pleased to share its first-ever Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund Impact Report, highlighting measurable outcomes for scholarship recipients and a growing culture of alumni philanthropy.
Established in 2013 by the Class of ’93 in honor of their 20th graduation anniversary, the Fund has expanded from an initial $35,000 investment to $289,317.70 as of May 2025. To date, it has supported 18 students with 32 scholarships, helping bright minds from across Armenia access an AUA education and pursue meaningful careers after graduation.
“AUA’s alumni community has always been driven by purpose,” said Kyle Khandikian, director of Alumni Relations. “This first report not only celebrates the generosity that built the Fund, but also shows its real impact on students’ lives, careers, and confidence. It’s a milestone for our alumni, a tribute to those who chose to invest in the next generation, and a springboard for what comes next.”
The release of the report comes just weeks before the University’s annual Alumni Reunion event, scheduled for October 17, at the AUA Najarian Center for Social Entrepreneurship. The Reunion has become a cherished tradition for alumni to reconnect with classmates while also raising support for the Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund. Each year, alumni are invited to celebrate their legacy by giving back — ensuring that future generations of students have the same transformative opportunities they did.
“Behind every scholarship is a story of potential realized,” Khandikian noted. “When alumni give, students thrive. We see graduates moving into critical fields for Armenia’s development — business, technology, education — and many stepping into leadership roles early in their careers.”
Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund: By the Numbers
Drawing on student and alumni voices, the report documents the Fund’s influence beyond tuition relief. In a June 2025 survey conducted by the Office of Alumni Relations, 100% of responding alumni recipients said the scholarship was essential to completing their degree and that they were satisfied with their academic experience; 100% also reported feeling very or extremely confident when entering the workforce after graduation.
The report also outlines the continued need for scholarship support. While all Armenian citizens and special passport holders receive an automatic subsidy that reduces annual costs by approximately 45%, remaining tuition costs still pose significant challenges for many individuals and families, particularly those from outside Yerevan. Scholarships help students focus on learning, internships, and research opportunities instead of juggling multiple jobs, enabling timely graduation and stronger career outcomes.
“We’re proud of what alumni have made possible,” Khandikian added. “At the same time, the need remains high. With more than 7,700 AUA alumni worldwide, only 7% have given so far. There is tremendous potential to open doors for many more students, and AUA’s alumni community has the power to do it.”
As AUA looks forward to the Alumni Reunion on October 17, the Office of Alumni Relations invites all alumni to come together, reflect on their AUA journeys, and help expand this lasting legacy. The Reunion is not just a celebration. It’s a chance to change lives. Every gift matters, whether it is a class coming together to fund a named scholarship or an individual giving monthly. Now is the time to join the alumni movement.
To read the full report, click here.
To support the Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund, visit www.alumni.aua.am/alumni-endowment-fund/
For more information on named scholarships or monthly pledge options, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at [email protected]
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.