YEREVAN—In a tremendous display of support, American University of Armenia Pillars Matthew and Margarethe Mashikian have named the AUA Student Residence through a transformational $1 million gift. Now, as the Mashikian Student Residence, the building not only represents the physical dormitory of the students residing there, but also exemplifies the longstanding commitment of the University’s donor community, spearheaded by the Mashikians, to propel AUA’s students forward for generations to come.
Recently, AUA hosted a special unveiling of the newly named Mashikian Student Residence. University President Dr. Bruce Boghosian welcomed attendees, imparting great hope for the bright future of the Residence, which represents a vital asset for the University. “I look forward to seeing our Student Residence continue to serve our growing student population, and University at large, under its new name: the Mashikian Student Residence. May it house many more generations of budding leaders and visionaries,” he said. Following the president’s remarks, two current undergraduate residents, Liza Gevorgyan (BAPG ’27) from Kapan and Gor Ghazaryan (BAB ’25) from Dilijan, took to the microphone to express sincere gratitude for the high-quality and conveniently located housing guaranteed by the Residence, which has allowed them to realize their dreams of studying at AUA.
Matthew (Matheos) Mashikian was born in Alexandretta (Iskenderun) in 1933 to survivors of the Armenian Genocide. In 1938, his family relocated to Lebanon, where he spent the next 22 years. His studies in primary and secondary school, heavily focused on mathematics, led him to a bright academic career at the American University of Beirut, where he earned his B.E. in electrical engineering in 1958. Upon graduation, Matthew worked as a sales engineer with ASEA (now ABB Ltd.), while simultaneously teaching mathematics at the Nishan Palandjian Djemaran. In 1960, Matthew moved to Sweden to continue working with ASEA in a new position as application engineer. It was in Sweden that he would meet Margarethe, who would later become his wife.
In 1962, Matthew emigrated to the United States, settling in Detroit, Michigan. While working at Detroit Edison as a research engineer during the day, he would continue his studies at night, taking classes at the University of Michigan. His persistent hard work led him to obtain his M.S. in electrical engineering at Wayne State University and his doctorate degree in engineering at the University of Detroit. Regarding education, Matthew said: “My parents always considered education one of the most important achievements in life. My wife and I share the same opinion. Now, we are fortunate enough to have achieved a financial position that allows us to help Armenian youth take a few steps further toward achieving their educational goals.”
Margarethe Mashikian, née von Schroeder, was born in 1938 in Königsberg (Kaliningrad), Germany. Toward the end of World War II, her family was forced to evacuate their home in East Prussia, leaving behind her father, who was fighting in the war. Eventually, Margarethe found her way to Switzerland, where her studies led her to become an orthoptist and subsequently find employment with an ophthalmologist in Sweden. It was there that she was connected to Matthew, before her career took her back to Germany in 1965.
In 1966, Margarethe moved to Miami, Florida, where she joined the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Soon after, she and Matthew were re-connected, now both in the United States. Their courtship led to marriage at the St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Dearborn, Michigan, where they settled and started a family. With the addition of their daughter Sonia and son Paul, Margarethe continued her orthoptic work as a Certified Orthoptist, first in Michigan and later in Connecticut. Matthew continued working at Detroit Edison until his early retirement in 1978. He then began his own consulting business and, in 1983, was appointed professor of electrical engineering and founding director of the Electrical Insulation Research Center at the University of Connecticut (UConn). He retired from UConn in 1997 before starting IMCORP, a technology service company based on several patents he had secured while at the University.
In 2015, Matthew visited Armenia for the first time. It was during this trip that he was introduced to AUA. Recounting his visit to the University campus, Matthew said, “I was impressed by the enthusiasm students displayed and by all the University had accomplished during its short existence. I was eager to do something to help AUA achieve its goals.” Upon his return, he and his wife wholeheartedly joined AUA’s exclusive group of 100 Pillars. “As an eternal optimist, I like to envision a bright and prosperous future for Armenia. However, as a realist, I could not ignore the geopolitical, economic, and cultural challenges we must surmount before this high level of prosperity is achieved. Young Armenians need all the help they can muster. AUA, in my opinion, is one of the important vehicles to prepare them for success, with the technological and professional skills to shine and advance,” Matthew added.
Now, after almost a decade as steadfast supporters of the University, the Mashikians have decided to make a transformative $1 million contribution through naming the Mashikian Student Residence. “The young students of today are the future leaders of the Armenian nation. Margarethe and I are happy to invest in this student body, which will help forge tomorrow’s prosperity in Armenia,” commented Matthew.
The AUA Student Residence opened its doors in June 2021, following the gifting of a semi-constructed building by AUA benefactors K. George and Dr. Carolann Najarian, along with a generous grant of $999,000 by the Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad of the United States Agency for International Development, for the construction, renovation, and furnishing of the site to accommodate AUA students.
The Residence now sits in its final form, just a short distance from the main AUA campus, overlooking the Hrazdan gorge and river. With 28 double-occupancy rooms, the building can house up to 56 students from Armenia’s regions and abroad. The modern facilities are equipped with wireless internet access, laundry machines, and private and communal balconies. There are also designated spaces for professional activities and social gatherings to provide students a well-rounded experience.
“The Mashikian Student Residence offered me not only a safe and welcoming home, but also a network of support that has greatly enriched my experience at AUA. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, which is allowing me to focus on my studies and create unforgettable memories,” said Araz Bourounsouzian (MPH ’25).
“Living at the Mashikian Student Residence has made my AUA experience truly special, offering an affordable and safe environment where friendships flourish and academic focus thrives. I’m incredibly thankful to the Mashikian family for naming this special place,” said Koko Gharbian (BAB ’27).
Matthew and Margarethe Mashikian’s tremendous gift will create ripples of impact for generations to come. Their contribution will help AUA advance its programming, hire talented and seasoned faculty from around the world, and create resources that will complement the quality educational experience students receive at the University. All of this helps better position AUA to tackle the challenges facing Armenia.
Speaking to this, and in an effort to inspire others to similarly support AUA, Matthew shared: “If I were to dream about a successful Armenia, I would envision it as a leader in arts, technology, healthcare, social well-being, business, administration, and, if we want to preserve our identity, military power, so we can protect ourselves and grow peacefully. I am sure AUA will help in all these areas. I must admit, I know I cannot effect this change singlehandedly. Therefore, I can think of no better way than to have an institution like AUA, in conjunction with so many other effective Armenian organizations, do the work. That leaves people like me to provide constructive advice and financial and moral support.”
While the dormitory itself is now named the Mashikian Student Residence, there are other naming opportunities available within the building, including the collaborative study room, the multifunctional room, and the communal kitchen. The various spaces can be seen in this recent video highlight. For more information, please visit the Mashikian Student Residence website.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia 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 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.
