YEREVAN, Armenia — More than three decades following their graduation from the American University of Armenia (AUA), four classmates from the Class of 1993 have come together once again, and this time, as supporters of the AUA Changemakers campaign.
For Hasmik Avetisyan (MBA ’93), Nelli Grigoryan (MBA ’93), Gayane Hovakimian (MBA Class of ’93), and Karine Sarkissian (MBA ’93), the decision was the natural continuation of a friendship, a shared gratitude, and a belief in the transformative power of education.
Foundations That Endure
Looking back, the alumni agree that AUA gave them more than a degree. It provided a truly high-quality American education at a pivotal moment in Armenia’s history. The AUA education strengthened their confidence, expanded their worldview, and equipped them with analytical discipline and leadership skills that would define their professional paths. AUA taught them to think critically, challenge assumptions, and lead with honesty and accountability. Those foundations, they say, continue to guide them to this day.
But beyond academics, what stands out most vividly from their time at AUA are the memories. They were among the first cohort of the University — years filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, and hope. They remember long nights studying by candlelight, animated classroom discussions, free lunch coupons, Melan’s beloved “perazhkis” at the cafeteria, and, above all, the deep bonds formed within their class. They learned as much from one another as they did from their professors. There was a shared sense of possibility, the feeling that they were building something meaningful together.
Four Paths, Shared Values
Though united by shared beginnings, their careers have taken them across sectors and continents. Each of them experienced a distinct journey, yet grounded in the same values.
Hasmik Avetisyan (MBA ’93) pursued an international career in finance and leadership. After graduate studies at Texas Tech University and early work with the United Nations World Food Programme, she served at KPMG before moving to the United States. She joined GEMINI Air Cargo, Inc. and later Apex CoVantage, where she has served as chief financial officer since 2006. Her career reflects decades of financial stewardship and executive leadership across global organizations.
Nelli Grigoryan (MBA ’93) began her professional journey at AUA, serving as Food Service/Cafeteria manager before joining KPMG’s Assurance and Audit practice in London and Yerevan, where she qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA). She has since held leadership roles across both private and humanitarian sectors, including multiple United Nations assignments in India, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Switzerland. Currently based at the UN Secretariat in New York, she serves as chief of the Grants Funding Unit, overseeing a global portfolio of approximately $2 billion.
Gayane Hovakimian (MBA Class of ’93) credits her foundation at AUA as a vital stepping stone for her distinguished academic career in finance. After earning an M.A. in economics from the University of Southern California and a Ph.D. in finance from Boston College, she began her academic career in New York and joined the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University as an assistant professor of finance in 2000. In over two decades, she attained the rank of professor of finance and since July 2025, she has been serving as the elected chair of the area of finance and business economics. Her research has been published in leading academic journals and presented at major international conferences across North America, Europe, and Asia. In addition to her research accomplishments, she plays a central leadership role within the School, heading the largest academic area in the Business School and contributing to curriculum development, faculty advancement, and strategic academic initiatives. Gayane also serves as president of the Project Armenia Foundation.
Karine Sarkissian (MBA ’93) has built an accomplished career as an MBA-qualified senior executive with leadership experience spanning the private and public sectors across the Caucasus and Central Asia. She has led strategic growth initiatives for global consumer brands such as Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson, and contributed to public service institutions including the United Nations and the Austrian Development Agency. Today, she leads the ZINAPAH National Foundation for Servicemen Insurance, bringing strategic vision and cross-cultural leadership to an institution that serves those who have sacrificed their lives and health for the country.
United to Make a Lasting Impact
Today, all four women are in positions of leadership and influence. What drives them now, they say, is service and the opportunity to build strong institutions, mentor others, and create opportunities for the next generation.
Giving back to AUA is, for them, both an expression of gratitude and a continuation of the values formed during their university years. It is a way of honoring the University’s founders — Dr. Aghbabian, Dr. Der- Kyureghian and Dr. Karamardian, and AGBU, whose vision and support made AUA possible.
“At AUA, we learned to be responsible citizens, critical thinkers, and people who contribute to society. Giving back aligns perfectly with those values. It is a continuation of the mindset AUA cultivated in us: to be proactive, supportive, and committed to making a difference,” Karine said.
Their decision to join the AUA Changemakers campaign grew naturally from years of shared conversations. Over time, one discussion led to another, until it became clear that they wanted to give back collectively. Doing so as classmates makes their contribution even more meaningful.
The campaign’s focus on access, opportunity, and excellence resonated deeply with them. Their belief is that when benefited from something, one has a responsibility to help sustain it for others. Supporting it ensures that talented students, regardless of their background, can receive the same life-changing education they once did.
A Call to Fellow Alumni
In their view, alumni support is vital to sustaining AUA’s mission. It strengthens scholarships, enhances programs, and ensures that the University remains accessible and competitive. When alumni give back, they create a cycle of opportunity that extends far beyond individual students, benefiting the broader community and the country as a whole.
Their message to fellow alumni is simple: every contribution matters. Giving back is not only about financial support; it is about reaffirming commitment to the institution that helped shape their lives. When alumni unite, the impact becomes even greater. If they were students today, they would tell their younger selves to be bold, stay curious, build relationships, and trust that the skills and values gained at AUA will guide their future.
Above all, they hope their story inspires others to reconnect with their classmates, with their alma mater, and with their sense of purpose. Their journey demonstrates that collective action amplifies impact.
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.