YEREVAN, Armenia — For the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) 35th anniversary, the Department of Alumni Relations launched the Pass the Mic to the Future campaign, a fundraising initiative inviting alumni around the world to come together to name AUA’s Media Lab podcast room. What began as an invitation to alumni to “pass the mic” became a powerful demonstration of what the AUA alumni community can accomplish together. For the first time in AUA’s history, alumni had the opportunity to collectively name a campus space. The goal was to raise $35,000 by September 25, with the space to be permanently named the “AUA Alumni Podcast Room” through this symbolic gift. The campaign’s success was announced on September 25, during AUA’s 35th anniversary celebration and concert at the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall.
That success was powered by the collective commitment of AUA alumni. Every contribution, regardless of size, helped bring the initiative closer to its goal. With each milestone, more alumni joined the initiative, helping turn an idea into a collective achievement. In less than two months, over 250 alumni joined the campaign and not only reached the goal but surpassed it by several thousand dollars, turning a shared vision into a collective achievement for AUA’s future.
“The uniqueness of this campaign was in the participation of alumni from almost all classes and programs,” said Anahit Ordyan (MBA ’93), AUA’s Assistant Vice President and a member of the University’s first graduating class. “Achieving the goal and exceeding it in a short period of time was possible as a result of an excited collective effort of both senior and younger alumni. This enthusiastic expression of a shared sense of gratitude to our alma mater was especially heartwarming. ”
Reflecting on the remarkable response from the alumni community, Director of the Department of Alumni Relations Kyle Khandikian remarked, “Our alumni community continues to show that every act of giving, no matter the size or form, contributes to a feedback cycle that leads to even better student outcomes, and in turn, a better Armenia. We are very proud of all our alumni and look forward to doing more impactful work together for our University.”
The podcast room is a space where ideas are shared, stories are told, and meaningful conversations take shape by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. Through the Pass the Mic to the Future campaign, alumni were invited to become part of that story. By naming this room together, they created a lasting symbol of the community that continues to inspire, mentor, and support future generations of AUA students.
This initiative has been more than a naming opportunity. It is a celebration of the collective impact of AUA alumni over the past 35 years and a commitment to the University’s future.
“Supporting this initiative is about giving back to the university that gave me so much and creating opportunities for the new generation,” said Petik Karapetyan (MBA ’24).
“Education gives us opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom,” said Mariam Petrosyan (MEIESM ’11). “I believe that when we have the opportunity to give back, even in a small way, we help create possibilities for those who come after us. Supporting my university is my way of expressing gratitude and investing in the potential of future generations.” The podcast room is ultimately more than equipment or a physical space. It carries the voices of different generations, making it especially fitting that the space is now named after the AUA alumni community.
The AUA Media Lab is a modern space on campus, designed to support the University’s academic programs while also serving Armenia’s broader media and creative community. It features podcasting and recording spaces, audio and video control rooms, editing stations, and multipurpose rooms.
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.
