YEREVAN, Armenia — On October 20, the American University of Armenia (AUA) community gathered in the Prototyping Laboratory for the fifth “Golden Seeds” award ceremony in memory of AUA fallen student Erik Hajikyan, who lost his life during the 2020 Artsakh War, while trying to save a fellow soldier.
The “Golden Seeds” award, a collaborative initiative between AUA’s Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering (ACSE) and the “Hay Santa” (“Hye Dzmer Pap”) Charitable Foundation, aims to honor an exceptional undergraduate student in the AUA Bachelor of Science in Engineering Sciences (BSES) program, in which Hajikyan was enrolled.
Dayana Amirkhanyan (BAEC ’23, MAIRD ’27), Hajikyan’s classmate, opened the event by sharing memories of her dear friend, including studying together for admission to AUA. “Erik and all our boys show us the way,” she said.
Next, ACSE Dean Dr. Reza Malekian delivered remarks, in which he noted that though he is “new to Armenia, Erik is in my heart.”
Taking to the stage, Dr. Aram Hajian, chair of the M.S. in Computer and Information Science program and former ACSE dean, reflected on Hajikyan’s days at AUA. “Erik and our heroes constantly remind us of why we teach,” he said. “Erik was a much-beloved member of the first cohort of our BSES program. By hosting this ceremony in the Prototyping Laboratory, we are gathered someplace where Erik would have spent most of his time, and where the award winner will proctor.”
Next, Armine Petrosyan, director of “Hay Santa,” thanked all attendees and those who made this award possible. “It is heartening to witness the affection with which AUA remembers its fallen heroes. The slogan of this initiative is ‘they buried us, but they did not know we were seeds.’ And over the past five years, we have seen so many sprouts. This initiative has already established 12 awards in six universities across Armenia.” She then proceeded to announce the winner, chosen among four candidates: Anna Melkonyan (BSES ’27).
Melkonyan delivered a brief acceptance speech, in which she expressed the great honor and responsibility she feels upon receiving this award. Amirkhanyan promised to create an educational center in Hajikyan’s name. Finally, Hajikyan’s mother took the stage to share her own remarks: “Though it is very difficult for us to be at AUA, thank you for keeping Erik’s name alive in these walls.”
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.
