LOS ANGELES, California — Harry and Annie Markarian have been longstanding supporters of the American University of Armenia (AUA). Prior to joining the AUA ChangeMakers, they established the Harry and Annie Markarian Scholarship to provide students with access to a quality AUA education. The couple believes in the power of education and considers AUA a leading university across the Caucasus region.
As a descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors, Harry values education and hard work, honoring the hardships and sacrifices his grandparents endured to ensure a better future for their children.
“My grandparents arrived in the United States with nothing, but through perseverance and hard work, even during the Great Depression, they built a shoe factory in Bellows Falls, Vermont, that employed hundreds of people. By the time they moved to Los Angeles in the late 1930s, they had become beloved members of the Bellows Falls community, still remembered fondly today,” remarked Harry.
Throughout her life, Harry’s grandmother, Ruth Bedikian, emphasized the importance of preserving Armenian culture. Today, the Markarian family carries her legacy by supporting education within the Armenian community. Over the years, they have supported students through organizations such as the Armenian Professional Society — where Harry also served as president — the Armenian Educational Foundation, and AUA.
Reflecting on his commitment to AUA, Harry noted: “My wife and I are proud to support AUA because we believe the future of Armenia depends on its youth. AUA provides students with a world-class education while nurturing critical thinking, innovation, and leadership. By investing in these young minds, we are investing in the long-term strength, stability, and prosperity of the country.
Education is one of the most meaningful and lasting contributions we can make. Supporting AUA is an investment in Armenia’s future leaders, entrepreneurs, and citizens who will shape the nation for generations to come.”
In 2025, while traveling in Armenia, the Markarians visited AUA to tour the campus and meet with one of their scholarship recipients, Milena Khachatryan (BAB ’25). Seeing the impact of their contribution firsthand was incredibly rewarding and underscored the power of giving back.
“Meeting my scholarship donors was deeply personal for me. They believed in my potential without even knowing me, and I was grateful to have the opportunity of thanking them in person. The scholarship eased a real financial burden in my life and gave me the motivation to pursue my studies with focus and gratitude,” said Milena.
The Markarian family believes that Armenia’s greatest resource is its people, their intelligence, creativity, and resilience. Armenia must strengthen itself through knowledge, innovation, and education, which is why they remain committed to supporting AUA and its students: to help develop the nation in the most effective and enduring way possible.
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.