LOS ANGELES–US Ambassador to Armenia John M. Evans–will speak at UCLA on Thursday afternoon–February 17–at 2 p.m.–in the Viewpoint Conference Room of Ackerman Union (level A).
The Ambassador’s visit to UCLA is being arranged by Professor Richard Hovannisian–AEF Chair in Armenian History–with the cooperation of the Armenian Students Association. Evans stated that he looks forward to a free and open exchange with students–faculty–and members of the public who wish to attend the afternoon forum. He will begin the hour with a brief overview titled "Report from Armenia–2005."
Evans was confirmed by the Senate in June–took his oath of office in August–and presented his credentials in Yerevan in September 2004.
A native of Williamsburg–Virginia–he studied Russian history at Yale University and Columbia University. Since entering the Foreign Service–he has served in a number of posts–including Tehran–Prague–Moscow–St. Petersburg–and Washington DC–as well as on special commissions and peace-keeping missions in Europe. His role in coordinating the American response to the Armenian earthquake of 1988 earned him a medal and statement of appreciation from the Armenian government. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to Armenia–Evans directed the State Department’s Office of Russian Affairs.
Ambassador Evans will be accompanied by Donna Evans–former President of the World Affairs Council of Washington–DC–Robin Phillips–Mission Director for the US Agency for International Development–Eugenia Sidereas–the State Department’s Desk Officer for Armenia–and Aaron Sherinian–the Embassy’s Political Officer and Assistance Coordinator in Yerevan
The gathering is free and open to the public. The UCLA campus map is available at www.ucla.edu/map.
Contact Professor Richard Hovannisian–at Hovannis@history.ucla.edu–or call 310-825-3375–MWF (9 a.m.-12 noon).