LOS ANGELES, California — For decades, the Sinanian family has stood at the heart of the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) mission, helping transform Armenia’s workforce by expanding access to world-class higher education. Angele and Sinan Sinanian have long championed the University’s vision for Armenia’s future, recognizing that the nation’s strength and resilience depend on empowering its young people. Today, Sinan continues this commitment as a member of the AUA Board of Trustees, helping guide the institution toward greater impact and broader opportunity.
The Sinanians’ commitment to AUA, however, does not stop here. Last year, their son, Serge Sinanian, and his wife, Suzy, became AUA ChangeMakers, reinforcing a powerful family tradition of investing in Armenia’s next generation. This year, Serge’s sister, Tamar, and her husband, Charles Naaman, joined the network of ChangeMakers, marking another meaningful step in the family’s longstanding support for the University.
For Tamar, becoming a ChangeMaker is not merely a gesture of generosity, but also a continuation of values instilled throughout her life. She shares that Armenia has always been intertwined with her family’s identity, always reminding her of her heritage and responsibility. Tamar’s parents raised her with a deep love for the country and a belief in the promise of its youth. “Education was always emphasized as the one thing no one can take from you,” she recalls. For Tamar, education is the key to shaping confident, capable young people prepared to lead and serve.
Her family’s connection to AUA began with her father, who believed deeply that investing in students was the most direct and meaningful way to strengthen Armenia. Tamar grew up watching him support institutions that opened doors for young people, especially those who might not otherwise have access to higher education. Her father’s example made AUA feel like more than just a university; it became a symbol of what is possible for the country’s future.
When the time came for Serge, and later Tamar and her husband, Charles, to continue the tradition of giving, they embraced it with both honor and purpose. Becoming AUA ChangeMakers reflects their belief that any contribution serves as a building block toward the Armenia envisioned. “Suzy and I grew up watching our parents build something meaningful — not just businesses, but communities. Supporting AUA felt like a natural way to extend that legacy. When you invest in a student’s education, you are investing in Armenia’s future leadership. We are proud to stand alongside Tamar and Charles in continuing what our parents started,” says Serge.
For Tamar and Charles, this commitment is about investing in the next generation, fueling talent, and ensuring that students have the support they need to pursue bold ambitions. They hope that their support will create a meaningful difference in students’ lives: easing financial burdens, unlocking new opportunities, and strengthening the confidence necessary to pursue paths that will ultimately benefit Armenia. “If our family’s contribution can lighten even one student’s financial burden, broaden their opportunities, or give them the confidence to pursue a path that strengthens Armenia, then we have done something worthwhile,” Tamar reflects.
As they join the ChangeMakers community, Tamar offers a heartfelt message to students: “We believe in you and the future you are building, not just for yourselves, but for Armenia.” And to potential supporters, Tamar’s call to action is clear: “Every gesture of giving, no matter the size, becomes part of a bigger story. We are grateful to be one small part of that story.”
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.
