AUA Celebrates Accomplishments of President Boghosian

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YEREVAN, Armenia – On Tuesday, June 17, 2014, faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the American University of Armenia (AUA), along with representatives of Armenian and American government and leaders of various Armenian businesses and educational institutions, gathered in AUA’s Alex and Marie Manoogian Hall to honor AUA President Dr. Bruce M. Boghosian, who will be stepping down as president over the summer.

Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, who is a Board trustee, one of the founders of AUA, and who will serve as Interim President after Dr. Boghosian leaves, shared, “Bruce, you have every right to be very proud of your accomplishments. I believe I can speak on behalf of the entire population of students, faculty, and staff, as well as the boards of trustees of the university, by saying վարձքդկատար—work well done. We thank you for your superb leadership and we wish you a most successful future at Tufts University and whichever path you choose to travel on.”

AUA Provost Dr. N. Dennis Leavens also shared his experience working with Dr. Boghosian, stating, “One of the expressions that we have in English is, ‘a rising tide floats all boats.’ Dr. Boghosian’s rising of the American University of Armenia, in my view, helps to rise education in Armenia across the board.”

Dr. Boghosian also taught in AUA’s Computational Sciences (CS) program. CS Program Chair Perouz Taslakian and AUA student Levon Stepanyan spoke about their interaction with Dr. Boghosian in the classroom. Director of Administration Anahit Ordyan reflected on all of the achievements that AUA has seen under the leadership of Dr. Boghosian.

Several leaders of educational and governmental institutions offered their thanks to Dr. Boghosian, including President of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia Mr. Radik Martirosyan, Rector of the Yerevan State Academy of Fine Arts Mr. Aram Isabekyan, and Director of the Mkhitar Sebastatsi School Mr. Ashot Bleyan. Republic of Armenia Minister of Education and Science Mr. Armen Ashotyan also thanked Dr. Boghosian for his work and presented him with the Gold Medal from the Republic of Armenia’s Ministry of Education.

U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia Mr. John A. Heffern stated, “There is no more important partner in the United States Embassy, in the United States government here in Armenia, than the American University. The students, the staff, the faculty, and Bruce personally, have been absolutely at the top of our list for my two and a half years here as partners in everything that we’re trying to do in Armenia.”

Lastly, Dr. Boghosian took to the podium to express his appreciation to his colleagues on AUA’s Executive Committee, as well as the faculty and staff. He also thanked the various leaders of government, business, and education that were in attendance. He concluded by saying, “I am very proud of the work that has been accomplished here over the past four years. I am very proud of the condition in which I turn over the university to my successor. Thank you very much for giving me the honor of leading you for the past four years.”

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality, graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values.