This story is part of the “Scholarship Stories: Where Are They Now?” series, highlighting the journeys of AUA alumni whose education was made possible through donor-supported scholarships. This story features an AUA graduate who received support from the “Honoring Those Who Served” campaign, which played a key role in his academic and professional development.
Choosing the right university is never easy. For Yeghishe Mikayelyan (BSES ’24), the decision came after extensive research and conversations with friends across different institutions. What stood out about AUA were the stories of academic flexibility, direct access to professors, and a community where students genuinely felt supported, and every bit of it turned out to be true. “My hope was to receive a modern, well-structured education and to meet great professors and peers,” he reflects. “I was also excited to be surrounded by superb, motivated people.”
One of the great things about AUA is that the University truly supports its students. “There’s never a feeling of ‘I can’t study here because it’s too expensive,’ thanks to the financial aid program and the various scholarships AUA offers,” Yeghishe says. A defining moment came during his second year at AUA, when he received news of his receipt of the scholarship. “It was at the end of the first semester,” Yeghishe recalls. “I learned that my tuition was fully covered. It was not just a financial relief; it was emotional support. It made me feel that my service was seen and valued.” During his studies at AUA, Yeghishe received the Edward and Vergine Misserlian Endowed Scholarship, Troy Kevork Wickett and Justine Yeshil Wickett Endowed Scholarship, and Aram and Arousyag Jamgochian Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
That support came at a particularly challenging time. Having recently returned from army service, he was also dealing with health issues and undergoing treatment, all while navigating the uncertainties of the COVID pandemic. “The scholarship eased a major financial burden on my family. It allowed us to focus on my recovery and education. It truly made a difference.”
Looking back on his time at AUA, it’s not only the academics that left a mark, but also the people. “The friends I made were special,” Yeghishe says. “All those hours studying, laughing, and supporting one another — those memories define my years at AUA. I could not have done it without them.”
Following his graduation from AUA, Yeghishe has undertaken a remarkable journey. From October 2024 to February 2025, he interned at CERN in Switzerland, one of the world’s leading research centers and home to the Large Hadron Collider. He worked alongside some of the world’s top scientists and engineers. “It was unforgettable. In those few months, I learned so much — not only technical skills, but also what it means to work at the highest professional standard.” Upon returning to Armenia, he began a new chapter as an aircraft designer at Davaro.
His AUA education, especially in engineering sciences, provided the foundation for all his subsequent achievements. He developed his career based on what he studied at AUA, where he gained the knowledge and skills necessary for success in engineering. “Beyond the technical knowledge, AUA gave me strong communication and critical thinking skills,” Yeghishe notes. He received a well-rounded education that covered a wide range of subjects. “The emphasis on professional English proved particularly valuable during my time abroad.”
The scholarship had a huge impact on his and his family’s life, and he is deeply appreciative of the support he received at AUA. Nowadays, when talking with his younger friends, he shares his story and encourages them to apply to the University. “I always tell them not to worry about tuition at AUA,” he says. “The University truly supports its students.”
The scholarship’s impact did not end with Yeghishe’s education. It shaped his outlook on generosity and access to education, as well. If given the chance to speak to his donor, Yeghishe would keep it simple and honest: “I would say a big thank you. I would share what I am doing now, and I think they would be happy to know their support made a real difference — not just for me, but for our country.”
As for the future? His dreams include pursuing a master’s degree, either abroad or back at AUA, and launching his own engineering company. “I’m just at the beginning of that road,” Yeghishe says. “And I have always liked the idea of teaching. Maybe one day, I will be lecturing at AUA.”
In the meantime, Yeghishe hopes AUA will continue fostering strong ties with its alumni. “I would love to be part of that and help AUA grow. That, too, is a form of giving back.”
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.