PRESS RELEASE
June 15, 2005
American University of Armenia Corporation
300 Lakeside Drive, 5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Telephone: (510) 987-9452
Fax: (510) 208-3576
Contact: Gohar Momjian
E-mail: gohar@auac.net
Friends of AUA Host Receptions in Chicago, Dallas, and San Francisco
Opening their hearts and homes to the American University of Armenia (AUA),
Dr. Jack and Mrs. Marie Saroyan of San Francisco, CA, Mr. Sam and Mrs. Sylva
Simonian of Dallas, TX, and Dr. Ara Tekian of Chicago, IL, hosted intimate
fundraising receptions in 2005 to raise $30,000 to benefit the University’s
programs.
AUA President, Dr. Haroutune Armenian, was present at each function to
personally provide an update on the University’s progress and share his
vision of the role of AUA in Armenia’s socio-economic development. “”AUA
continues to be a very important component of Armenia’s development in a
number of economic, educational, and cultural sectors,” said President
Armenian.
In San Francisco in March, Dr. Jack and Mrs. Marie Saroyan, graciously
received over 40 guests in their beautiful Marina home. “Marie and I have
been supporting AUA for many years now and believe that AUA is a unique
institution in Armenia, which provides Armenia’s youth with educational and
economic opportunities,” said Dr. Saroyan. Old and new friends of AUA
appreciated the opportunity to once again meet and discuss the University’s
activities.
Chair of AUA’s Development Committee, Mr. Sam Simonian, helped to expand AUA
‘s family and friends in Dallas in early May. “My wife and I have been
supporters of AUA for sometime, and I am now serving as a member of the
Board of Trustees. We strongly believe that AUA is making a positive impact
in Armenia,” said Mr. Simonian, who also provides essential support to AUA’s
Computer and Information Science Program.
“I have been greatly impressed by AUA’s progress over the years, having
witnessed its achievements since the inception of the Master of Public
Health program,” said Chicago host Dr. Ara Tekian. “The students I came to
know during my courses are now employed in Armenia and working in
prestigious positions in Armenia’s health care system. I also became
acquainted with other graduates at AUA, from the business and law
departments, and know that these individuals have developed their
entrepreneurial skills and launched innovative projects under difficult
circumstances. I feel that our Diaspora could make a most meaningful and
dignified contribution to the future of Armenia by supporting the education
of tomorrow’s leaders.”
Guests attending the fundraising receptions responded generously and were
moved by their hosts’ commitment to the University and conviction that AUA
is a worthwhile investment. The University expects to keep on building and
cultivating the friends of AUA in cities nationwide. AUA continues to be a
beacon of hope and strength to the people of Armenia for more than 14 years,
reflecting a unique Diaspora-Armenia partnership. As a premier institution
of higher learning, the American University of Armenia provides teaching,
research, and service programs that prepare students to address the needs of
Armenia, in a setting that values and develops academic excellence, free
inquiry, scholarship, leadership and service to society.
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The American University of Armenia is registered as a non-profit educational
organization in both Armenia and the United States and is affiliated with
the Regents of the University of California. Receiving major support from
the AGBU, AUA offers instruction leading to the Masters Degree in eight
graduate programs. For more information about AUA, visit
Photo number 1:
L to R. Hagop Dirilen, Haig Pedian, Dr. Ara Tekian (Host), Dr. H. Armenian
(Guest of honor), Dr. Vahe Karachoglu, Dr. Heratch Doumanian, at the
residence of Dr. Tekian, Oak Park, IL.
Photo number 2:
Shoghag Hovanessian, Seta Semerdjian, Silva Karachoglu, Araxi Varjabedian,
Annie Tekian, Sona Armenian, Dr. H. Armenian, Sona Doumanian, Ani Dirilen,
Agnes Pedian, and Rhonda Kodjayan in the Middle Eastern Suite of Dr.
Tekian’s residence in Oak Park, IL.
Photo number 3:
Front – L to R. Hagop Dirilen, Haig Pedian, Ani Dirilen, Heratch Doumanian.
Standing L to R. Shoghag Hovanessian, Seta Semerdjian, Silva Karachoglu,
Araxi Varjabedian, Annie Tekian, Dr. Ara Tekian (Host), Dr. H. Armenian,
Sona Doumanian, Agnes Pedian, and Rhonda Kodjayan at the residence of Dr.
Tekian in Oak Park, IL.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress