Our Proud Pillars
100 Pillars of AUA window at the entrance of Paramaz Avedisian Building
Why Did I Become an AUA Pillar?
“I joined the 100 Pillars of AUA because I believe giving unrestricted funds to AUA will allow President Der Kiureghian and his administration to direct resources where they are most needed ensuring AUA’s continued growth. Faculty recruitment, student scholarship, program development, research initiatives and campus expansion are just some of the critical areas where unrestricted funds will have the greatest impact. I can say this with complete confidence and conviction having been the first president of AUA.” – Mihran Agbabian
“Our family believes in supporting Armenian organizations, who have a meaningful impact and who have shown themselves to raise the bar on the quality of their programs and outcomes, consistently year over year. AUA is such an organization.” – Edele Hovnanian
“I became an AUA Pillar because of my involvement with AUA since its inception and my belief that it fulfills an important role in promoting Western education in Armenia along with the other institutions of higher education in the country. “ – Berge Setrakian
“AUA’s financial health will assure its success in providing Citizens with a superior education to meet the country’s needs and others in the region. Pillars are making that happen.” – Lawrence and Mary Pitts
“We believe in AUA’s mission, and this is the least we can do to help it succeed.” – Matthew and Margarethe Mashikian
“I became a Pillar of AUA because I am very proud of the University of California’s role in the founding of and maintenance of the quality of AUA, and I hope by becoming a Pillar to help enhance that quality.” – William Frazer
“AUA educates future leaders of Armenia and we are proud to support its mission.” – Armen and Nelly Der Kiureghian
“If we can deliver extraordinary education, we will have fulfilled the dreams and continue the tradition of our 5000 year ancestry. With AUA we have an opportunity to accomplish this, let us not miss it.” – Garo Armen
“AUA is providing Armenia’s youth with an excellent education and preparing the graduates to compete successfully worldwide in emerging fields. In a short visit I saw the students’ enthusiasm, camaraderie, collaboration and love for and what AUA offers.” – Hratch Kouyoumdjian
“We believe in the mission of AUA which is to educate the next generation leaders of Armenia and equip them with Western style critical and ethical thinking. These graduates will serve as the pillars upon which a prosperous Armenia can be built and sustained.” – Adam and Rita Kablanian
“We are very pleased and proud to be among the Armenians all over the world, who have the real opportunity to participate in the development of higher education in Armenia. We believe that this donation is direct contribution to the future of our country.” – Gohar and Samvel Mayrapetyan
“AUA is a bridge between Armenia and America on many grounds—culturally, academically…Remember, your responsibility is not only to yourself and your families, but to your country.” – Stepan Karamardian, co-founder of AUA, in his address to the first class of AUA students in 1991
“AUA has a special place in my heart, and I strongly believe that investing in our students is the biggest gift that one can make. Education is the best catalyst for change and progress. As a visiting faculty, I have witnessed AUA’s extraordinary growth over the past quarter century due to its excellent graduates and leadership. As one of AUA’s Pillars, I am committed to its continued success to make a positive impact in our homeland and beyond.” – Ara Tekian