YEREVAN, Armenia — On September 18, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly named Mesrob Der Yeghiaian Classroom in AUA’s Paramaz Avedisian Building.
Nora and Sarkis Shirikian are the generous donors behind the naming of the Mesrob Der Yeghiaian classroom, which is dedicated in memory of Nora’s brother, who passed away at the young age of 40. After earning his M.D. from the Medical University of Aleppo, Dr. Der Yeghiaian continued his medical training in San Francisco, completing a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) internship at Stanford Children’s Hospital.
The Shirikians are deeply engaged in the Bay Area Armenian community and actively support numerous organizations working to advance initiatives in Armenia. Nora previously served as administrator of the Erebouni Chapter of the Armenian Friday School in the Bay Area, where dedicated teachers volunteered to teach Armenian to youth, ensuring the preservation of language and cultural heritage.
The ceremony was attended by friends and family of the Shirikians who travelled from around the world to witness this special occasion.
Following the ribbon-cutting, AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian delivered welcoming remarks and a message of gratitude to the Shirikians.
“We are profoundly grateful to the Shirikian family for extending their commitment to supporting AUA. Every day, students of the Turpanjian College of Health Sciences will learn and grow in this classroom, carrying forward Dr. Mesrob Der Yeghiaian’s legacy, one that will remain forever rooted at AUA,” said Dr. Boghosian.
The event concluded with a reception at AUA’s Akian Art Gallery. Addressing the guests, Nora described the Mesrob Der Yeghiaian classroom as a commemoration of her brother’s life and a symbol of his commitment to improving healthcare in Armenia.
“This classroom is a living testament to Mesrob’s spirit,” she said. “Future generations of health professionals will continuously learn and innovate within these walls. We are grateful to the AUA community for organizing this special event.”
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.