Boston Community Raises Over $2.7 Million for American University of Armenia at Gala Event

AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian and Pamela Avedisian ● Photo Credit: American University of Armenia

BOSTON, October 21, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) – The American University of Armenia (AUA) raised over $2.7 million at its first East Coast gala, held on October 5 at the Oakley Country Club in Watertown. The event, titled Catalysts for Change: Honoring the Avedisian Family, highlighted AUA’s achievements and future plans while recognizing the contributions of the late Edward Avedisian and his wife, Pamela Avedisian.

AUA President Dr. Bruce Boghosian presented updates on the University’s recent developments, including its re-accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and ongoing projects funded through the U.S. Agency for International Development’s American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (USAID/ASHA) program. These projects include the establishment of the new AUA Media Lab and a new Advanced Biology, Life, and Environmental Sciences Lab, supported by a $1.8 million grant from USAID/ASHA. Dr. Boghosian also discussed the University’s academic partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and upcoming academic programs.

During the event, Pamela Avedisian was presented with the Visionary Philanthropist Award in recognition of her and her late husband’s contributions to AUA. In her remarks, Avedisian stated, “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.”

The event featured a panel discussion with experts in biotechnology, engineering, and education, focusing on the role of AUA in technological advancements and the global impact of artificial intelligence.

Following the panel, Vice President of Development Gaiane Khachatrian thanked donors K. George and Dr. Carolann Najarian for their donation of two buildings, which became the AUA Najarian Center for Social Entrepreneurship and the AUA Student Residence. Khachatrian also announced that the AUA dormitory would be renamed the Mashikian Student Residence, following a $1 million gift from AUA Pillars Matthew and Margarethe Mashikian.

Proceeds from the event will support AUA’s mission to provide quality higher education to students in Armenia.

For more information on supporting AUA, visit philanthropy.aua.am.

Source: American University of Armenia