LOS ANGELES—The Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, under the auspices of Western Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, hosted a special book presentation on February 27 for the launch of the American University of Armenia’s latest publication, “From Earthquake Tragedy to Beacon of Light: The Story of the American University of Armenia,” by Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian.
Members of the local community, including supporters of AUA and the Church, the AUA Board of Trustees, and Development team were in attendance to mark this special occasion. The program kicked off with a medley of Armenian music by pianist Vardan Ovsepian, followed by opening remarks by AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian.
“Before I proceed, I would like to first and foremost thank Archbishop Derderian and the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church for hosting this event. As an AUA pillar, with the establishment of the ‘Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund of the Western Diocese,’ and countless other forms of support, the Western Diocese has been a generous friend to the University and we are very grateful for their continued partnership and guidance,” said Dr. Boghosian. He proceeded to recognize the AUA trustees and Development team and provide remarks on the book.
“This book reminds us of the power of collective effort and the importance of looking back to understand where we are today — and where we aspire to go tomorrow. Dr. Der Kiureghian’s work will stand as a cornerstone for reflection and growth, a gift to all of us who hold this University close to our hearts,” Dr. Boghosian noted, before inviting the author and AUA trustee Suzy Antounian to sit down for a formal discussion of the book.
As AUA President Emeritus Dr. Der Kiureghian and Antounian engaged in a lively discussion, several key periods in AUA’s history were noted, including some of the most difficult times in the early 1990s, which set the trajectory for AUA.
Dr. Der Kiureghian also spoke about how each president’s tenure was best defined: Dr. Mihran Agbabian laid the foundation and the conceptual vision that allowed for AUA’s success to unfold; he credited Dr. Haroutune Armenian’s presidency with strategic planning and the pursuit of the WASC accreditation, a major accomplishment; Dr. Bruce Boghosian more efficiently organized the University under separate colleges, each with its own deans and program chairs, and introduced AUA’s undergraduate programs; and for his own first term as president, student enrollment numbers increased, new degree programs were initiated, and the university’s financial health was solidified as the endowment grew from $17 million to over $65 million.
When Suzy asked him what he considered to be AUA’s main achievement, Dr. Der Kiureghian said, “Our main accomplishment is reflected through our successful alumni,” adding that approximately 70 percent remain in Armenia and hold key positions across a variety of fields, including government, business, technology, etc.
Following the presentation, Archbishop Derderian took the podium to offer a special benediction over the book and the University.
“Tonight, with just one hour of this book presentation, we are so thankful to both of you because the words came from your heart — words which reflect and express the vision and the love in the words of the late Catholicos Vazken I,” referring to a passage in the book which highlighted remarks given by His Holiness on the first anniversary of the University.
“When people speak about education — educating our youth, empowering our youth for them to be able to have that vision to foresee the future of Armenia, a resurrected motherland — that brings hope to our souls,” he added.
Director of Communications Edlin Hovsepian concluded the program, reminding guests that the book was available for purchase on the AUA Press website, with all proceeds benefiting the University. She then directed attendees to the reception, where they could interact with Dr. Der Kiureghian and obtain a copy of the book signed by him.
The event was a successful celebration of the book launch and a testament to AUA’s strong ties with the Armenian diaspora in the United States.
To learn more about the AUA Office of Development, visit the 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.
