AUA Reaches Milestone with Launch of Undergraduate Program

YEREVAN—On Thurs., Sept. 5, the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) first-ever Matriculation Ceremony marked the launch of the new undergraduate program, making the university the first American-accredited institution in the former Soviet Union to offer undergraduate education. Students, faculty, staff, and family gathered to formally welcome the first generation of undergraduate students to the AUA community.

AUA’s first undergraduate class at the 2013 Matriculation Ceremony

The Republic of Armenia’s Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan offered her welcoming remarks to the undergraduate class, as well as to AUA President Dr. Bruce M. Boghosian, Provost Dr. N. Dennis Leavens, and Dr. Caren Meghreblian on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Students also took the AUA Honor Pledge, formally pledging to maintain AUA’s standards of academic integrity.

The undergraduate program offers bachelor’s degrees in business, English and communications, and computational sciences. The incoming undergraduate class is comprised of nearly 300 students from all over the world.

Eighteen-year-old Hovsep Markarian, majoring in English and communications, said, “I feel very proud that I’m a part of the first undergraduate class. I know that we are making history. It’s really an honor to be here.”

With the influx of students, there are many changes occurring within the institution. President Boghosian said, “There are more students in our halls and classrooms than ever before. This will help us better fulfill our mission, which is to address the needs of Armenia and the surrounding region for sustainable development, in a setting that values and develops academic excellence, free inquiry, integrity, scholarship, leadership, and service to society. We are pleased for the opportunity to inculcate these values in a larger population with a broader range of ages.”

Provost Leavens shared, “I see the vibrancy in the halls, in the faculty and staff. I am teaching an undergraduate class and the students are delightful, just a joy. That joy suffuses through the day. Everyone I speak with has nothing but praise for this young group of students. They have changed the whole atmosphere of AUA.”

The launch of the undergraduate program is a momentous occasion for the American University of Armenia, with students bringing new energy to the campus. As Dr. Boghosian notes, “There are lots of smiles in the hallways these days.”

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, and affiliated with the University of California. AUA provides a global education in Armenia and the region, offering high-quality graduate and undergraduate studies, encouraging civic engagement, and promoting public service and democratic values.