Nerses Kazarian (MEIESM ’93) received his Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering and Systems Management (MEIESM) degree from the American University of Armenia (AUA) Zaven P. and Sonia Akian College of Science and Engineering (ACSE). As a member of AUA’s first graduating cohort in 1993, he witnessed and benefited from the University’s founding vision at one of the most challenging moments in Armenia’s modern history. Decades later, his decision to join AUA’s ChangeMakers campaign reflects a lifelong belief in the transformative power of education and a deep sense of gratitude toward the institution that helped shape his personal and professional path.
Transformative Years at AUA
Reflecting on his years at AUA, he points to a lesson that has stayed with him well beyond graduation: “The most enduring lesson from my time at AUA is that investing in high‑quality education yields dividends throughout one’s life,” In the early 1990s, he recalls, AUA offered something truly unprecedented, a kind of education that was simply unavailable anywhere else in Armenia or across the former Soviet states. For him and his classmates, the chance to engage in such an environment at a formative stage was extraordinary. “My classmates and I were exceptionally fortunate to have access to world‑class teaching at a pivotal point in our personal and professional development,” Nerses shared.
Beyond academics, the human connections formed at AUA proved equally influential. He emphasizes the lasting impact of “the relationships I built with professors who shaped my thinking and with classmates who became lifelong friends.” These bonds did not fade with time; instead, they deepened. “Our connection has only grown stronger over the years, united by our shared gratitude for AUA and our commitment to supporting its continued success,” he added.
Professional Development Journey after AUA
AUA’s role in his professional growth, Nerses explains, was both practical and profound. AUA shaped his professional journey in two profound ways. On the academic side, the University equipped him with essential skills and knowledge. It provided a rigorous, modern education, from mastering English and computer literacy to developing a strong foundation in economics and finance, which became a gateway to future opportunities. “That academic preparation opened doors I never imagined at the time,” noted Nerses.
Following his graduation from AUA, Nerses was admitted to the Ph.D. program in economics at Purdue University in Indiana, where he continued to build on the academic foundation AUA had given him. Upon earning his doctorate in 1998, Nerses joined American Express, beginning what has become a 27-year career with the company. Over the years, he has held several senior leadership roles in risk management across multiple countries, including serving as chief risk officer of Amex Bank of Canada, chief credit risk officer for the United Kingdom market, and various senior management positions in New York. Today, Nerses is the chief credit officer of International Card Services, based in New York, where he continues to focus on advancing responsible risk practices across global markets.
Just as important was the community that surrounded him. “My cohort at AUA was composed of some of the brightest young professionals in the country,” he said. The shared drive and mutual support among peers created something lasting. The friendships, collaboration, and shared ambition within the group forged a network that has supported and inspired Nerses for decades. Together, these experiences enabled him to grow with confidence and pursue opportunities that defined his career.
Becoming an AUA Changemaker
His motivation to become an AUA ChangeMaker is rooted deeply in memory and meaning. “When I think back to the cold and difficult days of 1993, AUA was a rare source of hope, both for our personal futures and for the future of Armenia,” he shared. “Despite the challenges around us, the two years I spent at AUA remain among the happiest and most transformative of my life.”
It still amazes him how the vision and generosity of AUA’s founders changed the trajectory of thousands of students. “Becoming a ChangeMaker is my small way of honoring that legacy,” he noted. At the heart of this decision lies a firm conviction that investing in education is the most powerful way to invest in the prosperity of Armenia, and supporting AUA is his contribution to building that future.
When considering the impact of his support, Nerses hopes that “my contribution — no matter how modest — will help more talented young people access an AUA education.” He also sees giving as a way to strengthen the institution itself by supporting the University’s ongoing efforts to attract exceptional scholars, professors, and researchers, who will continue raising the academic standards and global relevance of AUA. Even small outcomes matter deeply to him. “If my support can help even a single student or strengthen a single program, I will consider it a meaningful step toward the future we all envision,” Nerses added.
The Importance of Giving Back
To others considering whether to give back, Nerses offers a thoughtful and grounded perspective: “Giving is a deeply personal decision, and I recognize that Armenia today faces many urgent needs — from supporting wounded veterans to helping displaced families from Artsakh. Yet, I firmly believe that education remains the most strategic and lasting investment we can make in our nation’s future.” For those seeking meaningful ways to contribute to Armenia’s development, Nerses would encourage them to look closely at AUA. In his view, the impact goes far beyond financial support. “Supporting AUA is not just a donation; it is a commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders who will shape the country’s progress for decades to come,” he concluded.
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.