September 21 marked the 30th anniversary of both the declaration of independence of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the founding of the American University of Armenia (AUA). Since its inception in 1991, AUA has advanced in an unfaltering path of service to the country, educating generations of Armenian students who have walked through its doors and preparing them to build a better future for themselves and for their communities. Keeping pace with changing times and assuming fitting responsibility to Armenia’s needs in today’s dynamic global climate, the University has embraced new ways to accelerate students’ reach of progress, success, and innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To reach that vision, the University has launched the ‘Build a Better Future With AUA’ capital campaign.

This AUA capital campaign aims to raise $15 million for the construction and furnishing of a new Science and Engineering Building deemed imperative for advancing science and technology and keeping pace with the rapidly changing technological landscape in Armenia and beyond. The planned construction accommodates cutting-edge laboratories designed to realize innovative drone solutions, pioneering outcomes to chemical-mechanical challenges, electrical engineering transformations, machine learning-based innovations, renewable energy solutions, and other discoveries through Geographic Information Systems (GIS). With the addition of this research and innovation center, AUA will augment its involvement and impact in engineering the future of Armenia by measurably boosting the country’s development potential and advancing its prosperity and resilience.

Over the past 30 years, the University has continuously enriched its teaching and learning processes, growing from one building at its inception to an expanded campus that now accommodates 16 graduate and undergraduate academic programs and five certificate programs, enhanced learning and research platforms, and spaces for interdisciplinary collaborative endeavors. Moving into the fourth decade, the need to advance STEM education has become higher than ever before, driven by the visibly widening societal and educational gaps, and issues of economic stability and national security.

“In this era of advanced technologies, we have the unique responsibility to grow Armenia’s human capital by preparing and educating multi-skilled and competent leaders who are adept at turning information and knowledge into innovation, insight, and impact on a large scale,” remarks AUA President Dr. Karin Markides.

In advance of the launch of the ‘Build a Better Future With AUA’ capital campaign, AUA has successfully raised half of its $15 million goal. “We are incredibly grateful for the remarkable generosity of our growing donor community and proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. The results we have achieved to date speak to our strong influence as a first-class institution of higher learning and to the belief that AUA supporters hold in the mission of our University and this new capital campaign,” says Gaiane Khachatrian, Vice President of Development. Articulating her enthusiasm for attaining the set goal, she expressed confidence in the goodwill and commitment of individual visionaries in the diaspora as well as other benevolent foundations who will help AUA reach the finish line.

To learn more about the campaign, visit: https://30th./

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) 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, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.