The outgoing President, Mardy Kazarians, Ph.D., reported last year’s activities and achievements of the organization. AESA organized formal scientific lectures and workshops as well as the annual Science Olympiad competition which was held at Woodbury University. The competition, involving school-age children, was considered a great success. These activities were well organized and attended by the Armenian community. Kazarians mentioned that AESA is planning to offer both mentorship services and scholarship to Armenian college students. In addition, social activities such as mixers for young professionals were held in conjunction with other organizations. Furthermore, AESA celebrated its 30th anniversary with an annual gala banquet where it honored all AESA past presidents for their services to the organization.
The incoming President Vasken Yardemian shared his plan and goals for the upcoming year. “We look forward for a successful year leading AESA to new levels of success,” stated Yardemian. “The AESA continues to grow in strength and numbers. Our new governance and volunteer leadership structure will continue this path as we invite all engineers and scientists of Armenian descent to join AESA, especially the younger generation.” The AESA continues to build and develop partnerships with other Armenian organizations to serve the Armenian community. In addition, the AESA is investing in new programs that will allow working with college and high school students as well as the American University of Armenia. Yardemian mentioned that the organization will implement the new scholarship program as well as mentoring activities for Armenian college students at both undergraduate and graduate levels majoring in engineering and science. As a new project, the AESA has proposed to collaborate with the College of Science and Engineering of the American University of Armenia (AUA) by offering workshops, seminars, and short term courses related to engineering and science. “Let’s make 2014 about creating a stronger and better organization. We look forward to working together so that each one of us feels proud to be part of the AESA” concluded Yardemian. By the end of the meeting, there was a long discussion among its membership about the future of AESA.
Established in 1983 in Glendale, California, AESA is a non-partisan and non-sectarian philanthropic organization focused primarily on addressing the professional, technical, and scientific needs of fellow Armenian engineers, scientists, industrialists, and architects throughout the world. For more information, check AESA’s website at aesa.org.
