YEREVAN, Armenia — More than two decades after helping establish the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) Computer and Information Science (CIS) program, Dr. Barry Levine reconnected with students, alumni, faculty, and longtime colleagues during his recent campus visit to celebrate a new chapter with the University.
Founding Director of AUA’s CIS Program from 2001 to 2010 and professor of Computer Science at San Francisco State University, Dr. Levine recently established the Barry Levine Endowed Scholarship Fund, ensuring that future generations of students will have access to the same life-changing educational opportunities that have helped shape Armenia’s workforce and future.
Why Giving Back Matters
For Dr. Levine, the decision to establish a scholarship fund came down to a simple audit of his own life: what had actually mattered. His work with AUA was near the top of that short list, and it led him to think about students who didn’t have the same access he did. “I get really concerned when I see that people don’t have the means to have these opportunities,” he said.
His scholarship was created with a clear goal of helping talented students access a quality education regardless of their financial circumstances. Dr. Levine believes this type of support is one of the most effective ways donors can create everlasting change and encourages others to also set up an endowed scholarship. “The funds last in perpetuity and continue to support students,” he emphasized.
Recent Visit to Campus
During his visit, Dr. Levine met with faculty members, students, and alumni from the CIS and Computer Science programs, and reflected on the program’s early days and the strong sense of community that characterized those formative years. Joined by Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, co-founder and president emeritus of AUA, the gathering became an opportunity to revisit the University’s journey and discuss the future of education and technology.
Looking around campus, Dr. Levine was struck by how much AUA has grown since the early years. “It was hard to imagine this much progress back then,” he shared. “When we were first starting the program, we had a lot of budget issues. Thankfully, that has improved. There is also a lot more research being conducted here than before,” he added. Seeing that growth firsthand reinforced his confidence in the university’s future.
Building a Program, Building a Community
When Dr. Levine first became involved with AUA, Armenia’s technology sector was still developing. Together with Dr. Der Kiureghian and numerous faculty members, industry partners, and supporters, he helped launch the CIS program, which grew over the next two decades into one of AUA’s largest academic tracks, producing software engineers, data scientists and entrepreneurs now working across Armenia. “There were a lot of challenges,” Dr. Levine recalled. “Well, I loved the challenges,” he said.
He frequently traveled to Armenia to explore how he could contribute both to AUA and to the country’s development. “I just really enjoyed starting CIS as a new program,” he said. During the meeting on campus, Dr. Der Kiureghian reflected on those early days. “Barry’s role was essential in developing the program,” he said.
The impact of those efforts can still be seen today not only in the strength of AUA’s Computer Science programs but also in the accomplishments of graduates who have gone on to help shape Armenia’s technology ecosystem. Among them are graduates now working across Armenia’s growing technology sector, several in leadership roles at companies they helped build.
A Connection That Goes Beyond Borders
Though not Armenian himself, Dr. Levine speaks about Armenia with great affection. “I want to help not just AUA, but Armenia,” he said. His connection to the country extends far beyond his contributions to education. Reflecting on his experiences over the years, he shared stories that continue to shape how he describes Armenia to others.
One memory has stayed with him since a visit to Saghmosavank with fellow AUA faculty. After a day spent exploring the area, the group was approached by children from a nearby village carrying flowers for the women in the party. Levine expected the gesture to come with a request for money, as often happens with travelers, but the children refused any payment and instead invited the group back to their family’s home, where they were welcomed with food and celebration. “You don’t forget those things,” he said.
When friends ask whether Armenia is worth visiting, Dr. Levine often shares that story, along with a simple reassurance. “I tell them it’s one of the safest experiences you can have,” he said.
His commitment to Armenia has also extended to moments of hardship. During a period of escalating conflict, he worked with colleagues in healthcare to explore ways to support children experiencing the psychological stress of war.
Today, through the Barry Levine Endowed Scholarship Fund, his commitment continues not only to AUA, but to the generations of students who will follow. As Dr. Der Kiureghian noted during the gathering, “As long as the University exists, every year students will receive the Barry Levine Scholarship.”
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 (WSCUC) 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.
