Some love stories begin with a glance, others with a letter, and some, like that of Yervand Hovhannisyan (MEIESM ’02) and Anna Galstyan (CTEFL ’02), begin in the heart of the American University of Armenia (AUA). What started as a meeting between two curious minds eventually grew into a lifelong partnership in love, life, and business. Today, the couple leads VGM Projects, where Yervand serves as CEO and founder, and Anna as PR and marketing director. Deeply connected to their alma mater, they continue to give back to AUA in meaningful ways, including financial contributions that honor the place that brought them together.
Choosing AUA
Anna: I have always had a passion for languages and teaching, and AUA’s Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language program offered the depth and international standard I was looking for.
Yervand: For me, the field of industrial engineering was a natural continuation of my technical background. AUA’s curriculum was both challenging and practical. It felt like the right place to grow.
An AUA Love Story
Yervand: Our love story had an intriguing start. I was working in the computer lab, where most students would often come to study. Suddenly, a girl walked in — different from the rest, a very confident one. That was the moment I saw Anna for the first time, and she left an impression of an independent and unique person. I wanted to solve her mystery, and I found the way out.
Anna: I used to visit the computer lab from time to time, and once, having a problem with my computer, I approached the employee sitting at his desk at the end of the lab. After I asked my question, two green and big eyes stared at me so intently that I completely forgot the question I was going to ask. Some time later, I started receiving anonymous emails.
Two months after that, I found myself completely in love with the author of those letters. It was I who finally suggested that we meet in person. Yervand hesitated at first, gently warning me that perhaps I had created an image of him in my mind — an illusion, without truly knowing who he was. But I smiled and reassured him: “I already know who you are.”
We met that very same day at the entrance of AUA. That meeting, simple and magical, was the beginning of everything. AUA was not only the place where we pursued our education but it also became the place where our love story began, where a deep bond was formed that grew into a lifelong journey. It was the foundation of our loving family, and the start of a beautiful forever.
How AUA Shaped Their Careers
Anna: AUA helped me discover my professional identity, better understand my values, and it gave me the confidence to grow across industries. The skills I gained at AUA, such as communication and a deep appreciation for analytical thinking, shaped both my personality and my professional approach.
Yervand: AUA has dramatically changed my perception of work style and communication. It brought structure, discipline, and confidence — skills I carry with me to this day. Moreover, systems thinking, time management, and structured planning are the skills essential in construction and project management, and AUA played an invaluable role in shaping those skills in me.
Both: AUA instilled in us core values such as integrity, critical thinking, and the belief that learning never stops. We learned the value of collaboration at AUA, and it remains at the heart of everything we do today.
Professional Journeys After Graduation
Yervand: Thanks to the skills I gained in one of my AUA courses — Numerical Control Programming, taught by Sargis Zeytunyan — I began my postgraduate work as a production manager at a stone production company. This was the start of my path in the construction industry, which became the cornerstone of my entire future career. Meeting industry professionals, particularly architects and contractors, inspired me to develop myself in this field.
Anna: While studying at AUA, I began teaching Business English in one of the leading financial companies in Armenia, which shaped my long-term career trajectory. Later, I worked as a technical translator for quite a long time. Eventually, I decided to continue my studies in project management. Transitioning from education to construction was not easy, as I had to learn a whole new language, both literally and figuratively. But I was determined to overcome these challenges to be able to that I could speak the same language with my partner in crime.
About VGM Projects
Yervand: At a certain point in our journey, we reached a stage where our individual work styles had to evolve into a corporate culture. It was impossible to build this culture alone, so we decided to form a team — one that would bring structure, share knowledge and experience, and shape the future of construction professionalism. We started VGM Projects because we shared a vision of doing construction management differently — more organized, more transparent, and more professional.
Anna: Being partners in life helped us a lot in this process. There is trust, understanding, and a shared rhythm between us. When balancing our lives as partners in life and business, we try to keep clear roles and to set aside time for “just us” outside of work.
Yervand: Growing a business in a competitive industry meant learning leadership on the go but persistence paid off. Founding VGM Projects is our shared pride, and seeing it grow into a respected name in construction management is deeply rewarding.
Giving Back to AUA
Both: AUA gave us so much — both professionally and personally. Staying connected is our way of saying thank you, and helping the next generation find their own paths. We are part of a community, and giving back strengthens that community. It opens doors for others and keeps the spirit of AUA alive.
Anna: It is always a pleasure to be an opportunity for somebody. From our own experience, we know how challenging it can be to live in Yerevan, study at the university, and cover tuition costs. That’s why we understand how important it is to lend a helping hand to somebody who is dedicated but lacks financial means. We truly believe that each of us has an obligation to give back to the alma mater that shaped our entire lives.
Yervand: We try to stay connected with AUA all the time because it feels like family to us. Since we spent some of our best years there, we take every chance to return, and it is always a joy to feel part of AUA again.
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.
