Boston Community Raises Over $2.7 Million in Support of AUA
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BOSTON, October 17, 2024 (Newswire.com) - On October 5, the American University of Armenia (AUA) raised over $2.7 million at the University’s first gala fundraiser on the East Coast. Catalysts for Change: Honoring the Avedisian Family was a night of impact, dialogue, and celebration of AUA achievements throughout the past three decades, while also spotlighting the late Edward Avedisian and his wife Pamela for the couple’s transformative contributions to the University since its inception.
The gala was held at the Oakley Country Club in Watertown, with guests that included respected members of the community. AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian presented the University’s recent accomplishments, including its re-accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. He provided an update on AUA’s expansion plans and notable projects supported through the American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (AHSA) of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), including the new AUA Media Lab, and the receipt of another $1.8 million from USAID/ASHA for the establishment of a new Advanced Biology, Life and Environmental Sciences Lab. Dr. Boghosian also highlighted the University’s ongoing partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), an initiative that was initiated by former WPI Provost Dr. Diran Apelian in collaboration with faculty at AUA, and remarked on academic programs set to launch at the University in the near future.
The Visionary Philanthropist Award was presented to Pamela Avedisian, who recognized her late husband’s magnanimous efforts in service of AUA while accepting the award onstage. “Our aim is for the Avedisian family legacy to continue to grow and support AUA as a leader in new and exciting interdisciplinary fields that will educate the students of today into the leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
A panel discussion ensued, featuring experts and academics in biotechnology, engineering, and education. The panelists discussed the role AUA and higher education overall play in the evolution of technology and global trends, and the impact of artificial intelligence and the technological revolution on AUA students, Armenia, and the future.
Following a video presentation delineating how AUA prepares students to enter and contribute to the workforce in Armenia, Vice President of Development Gaiane Khachatrian expressed gratitude to AUA benefactors K. George and Dr. Carolann Najarian for their contribution of two buildings that became the AUA Najarian Center for Social Entrepreneurship and the AUA Student Residence. She then announced a tremendous display of support by AUA Pillars Matthew and Margarethe Mashikian, who named the dormitory the AUA Mashikian Student Residence through a transformational $1 million gift, followed by a video from the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Khachatrian expressed gratitude to the entire Boston community of AUA supporters for making the event a resounding success. Proceeds raised from the gala will go toward bolstering the mission of AUA in providing quality higher education for bright students in Armenia.
To learn more about ways to support AUA, please visit philanthropy.aua.am.
Source: American University of Armenia
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Tags: American University, Armenia, AUA, boston, education