YEREVAN, Armenia — On September 26, the American University of Armenia (AUA) welcomed the community to AUA’s Najarian Center for Social Entrepreneurship for the unveiling ceremony of the newly named Jack Munushian Conference Room.
Dr. Jack Munushian was a scientist, educator, and visionary. He held leadership positions at Hughes Aircraft Company and the Aerospace Corporation, served as a distinguished professor at the University of Southern California (USC), and played a key role in establishing the Instructional Television Network (ITV) at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering in1972. This initiative beamed graduate lectures directly from USC to classrooms at aerospace companies, allowing working engineers to further their education without interrupting their careers. This concept laid the groundwork for what is now the Viterbi School’s Distance Education Network.
The Jack Munushian Charitable Trust has provided instrumental support to AUA for nearly two decades. In line with Dr. Munushian’s wishes, the vast majority of the Trust’s contribution was directed to the AUA Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering (CSE), including funding for scholarships. Additionally, the Trust has generously contributed to the University’s operating budget and fundraising gala sponsorships, in addition to becoming an AUA Pillar and Changemaker. Over the years, the Trust’s commitment to supporting students in science and engineering and strengthening the University has increased substantially. To date, its total contribution to AUA exceeds $2.7 million.
Gary Phillips, trustee of the Jack Munushian Charitable Trust, attended the ceremony, together with faculty and staff members of AUA and Jack Munushian Charitable Trust Scholarship recipients.
The ceremony commenced with AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian’s opening remarks on the continuous generosity and commitment of the Trust, followed by remarks from Dr. Reza Malekian, CSE dean, and Dr. Aram Hajian, chair of the M.S. in Computer and Information Science program.
“We are honored to have this conference hall named after the Jack Munushian Charitable Trust and ensure that Mr. Munushian’s legacy will continue to live on and inspire the next generations that will shape the future of science and engineering in Armenia,” said Dr. Boghosian.
Scholarship recipients of the Jack Munushian Charitable Trust also expressed their gratitude for the scholarship support they have received from the Trust, which has enabled them to obtain a quality education at AUA.
“The scholarship support represents a big responsibility for me. It is a reminder that the opportunities I receive must be transformed into contributions and investments in the knowledge, talent, and innovation that Armenia urgently needs,” remarked Karine Abrahamyan (BSDS ’28).
“I am from Goris, Syunik region. I came to study in the capital, which has its challenges. But the scholarship support makes my life much easier and allows me to completely focus on my education. It is a great pleasure and honor to receive this support,” added Tigran Harutyunyan (BSES ’28).
The event concluded with a reception in the newly named conference room, which will serve as a reminder of Dr. Munushian’s incredible work. “Jack Munushian made a decision to substantially contribute to AUA. We fully support his vision and will continue supporting AUA responsibly and in accordance with the University’s needs,” said Gary Phillips.
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.
