YEREVAN, Armenia — On February 11, the American University of Armenia (AUA) and the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia signed a Deed of Gift, formalizing the donation of 21 personal and professional items belonging to the late Dr. Gregory Areshian, a world-renowned archaeologist and historian who taught at AUA from 2015-2020.
The donated items include photographs taken throughout Dr. Areshian’s professional career, grade books from his schooling years, personal identification documents, graduation regalia, and other materials. They will be preserved in the University Archives housed in the AGBU Papazian Library and made available to researchers and other interested parties. A public display of the collection is planned for later this year.
Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography Dr. Arsen Bobokhyan and senior researcher Dr. Viktorya Vasilyan, both colleagues of the late Dr. Gregory Areshian, were welcomed by AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian, Provost Dr. Alina Gharabegian, and Director of the AGBU Papazian Library Laurie Alvandian for the signing of the Deed of Gift.
Dr. Areshian was a distinguished scholar whose academic career spanned more than four and a half decades across Armenia, the United States, and the former USSR. In addition to AUA, he taught at 14 universities and colleges in the United States, including the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Chicago. He authored more than 150 scholarly works published in five languages across 12 countries, primarily in interdisciplinary studies in the social sciences and humanities.
Dr. Vasilyan remarked, “Dr. Areshian frequently expressed his aspiration to have a small segment of AUA named in his honor, as he regarded the University as his second home. He lived near campus, and we organized museum tours and sightseeing activities for AUA students and staff, even after classes. We believe that these materials will be of significant interest not only to those at AUA who knew Professor Areshian, but also to the emerging generation. They provide a concise examination of his legacy and his conceptualization of humanity, which he diligently imparted to his students.”
“Gregory Areshian’s contributions to AUA over the years were invaluable,” said Dr. Boghosian. “He was a beloved professor, a leader in academia, and a scholar whose work spanned across countries. He was passionate about uncovering history, from the Silk Road and ancient technologies to archaeology and mythology. Among his remarkable discoveries were the 5000-year-old temple at Mokhrablur near Echmiadzin, as well as the 6,100-year-old winery in the Areni-1 cave, where the world’s oldest leather shoe was also found. In 2013, he arranged a private tour of the Areni-1 cave for me and one of the AUA Board members, which remains an experience I will never forget.
“The donation of Dr. Areshian’s personal belongings holds both a symbolic and academic value for our community,” Dr. Boghosian added. “With the Deed of Gift signing with the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Republic of Armenia, AUA has the opportunity to honor Dr. Areshyan’s legacy in a way that will continue to inspire future generations of students and scholars.”
Alvandian concurred: “It’s an honor to receive this collection and house it in the AGBU Papazian Library. Dr. Areshian’s items represent not only a piece of AUA history, but also a valuable collection of research materials that tell a remarkable life story. Looking forward, the Library plans to digitize the items and make them available to the public through our Institutional Repository, as well as exhibit the items on campus.”
For questions regarding access to the collection, please contact AUA’s AGBU Papazian Library at [email protected].
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.
