GLENDALE, California — When Rose G. Hagopian speaks about why she supports the American University of Armenia (AUA), she returns to a conviction that has guided her life: “I believe in education. I believe in scholarship.” That belief turned into action following an unexpected turning point. In 2023, Rose received an inheritance from her longtime friend, Elizabeth Brothers. The gift allowed Rose to become an AUA donor.
The daughter of Armenian Genocide survivors, with ancestral roots in Kharberd and Tigranakert in Western Armenia, Rose spent her childhood in New York and Connecticut, surrounded by Armenian culture and traditions.
In the 1950s, Rose lived in New York and worked in communications at a television station. It was in New York that she met Elizabeth Brothers, who became a close friend. The two stayed in touch over the years, even as life took them in different directions.
After she met her future husband, John, the couple moved to Philadelphia, where they both built distinguished careers in the School District of Philadelphia. John worked in the district’s education division as a teacher, guidance counselor, and school psychologist, and also served as Sunday school superintendent at St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Church. Rose taught in the district and later chaired the reading department at the Philadelphia High School for Girls. A lifelong lover of music and the performing arts, she also served as president of the Matinee Musical Club and as a board member of the Philadelphia Civic Ballet.
Rose is candid about the fact that her ability to give started with Elizabeth. She explains that when Elizabeth passed away in 2023, she left Rose an inheritance that came as a complete surprise. “It was very unexpected. I still can’t believe it.”
That inheritance became an invitation to carry forward Elizabeth’s values. Elizabeth devoted her career to education, philanthropy, and community leadership. She held senior development roles at Mount Holyoke and Rollins Colleges. She also created financial planning programs designed to meet the needs of women and served in many civic and nonprofit leadership roles.
Rose describes Elizabeth as a wonderful person and someone who also believed in education. With that in mind, Rose chose to turn Elizabeth’s gift into an investment in students. Her connection to AUA began after she received information in the mail and reflected on her own visit to Armenia in 2000, a trip she and her husband, John, deeply enjoyed. She was drawn to AUA’s direction and mission.
Rose initially established an annual scholarship to support students in need. After receiving the gratitude letters from the students who benefited from her generosity, she was inspired to create an endowed scholarship fund at AUA, ensuring that students would continue to benefit from her support in perpetuity.
Daniel Kurghinyan (BSES ’26) was delighted to hear that he was awarded Rose Hagopian’s scholarship. “Suddenly, my family and I were able to afford my education. That was an unbelievable feeling! Dreams grew closer and transformed into goals.” For Daniel, who comes from a modest family, the scholarship made it possible to continue pursuing an AUA education.
Over time, Rose expanded her support by establishing the Laura Zakian Memorial Endowed Scholarship, honoring her best friend, Laura Zakian, who believed in the power of education. Rose describes her as “a lovely, lovely person … very creative … very kind to me,” and she remains in touch with Laura’s family.
Together, the annual scholarships and the endowed scholarship represent a growing legacy of giving, rooted in friendship and shared belief in the transformative impact of education.
As one student wrote, “All future successes are possible thanks to people like you.”
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.
