The official announcement of the establishment of Friends of Yerevan State University (YSU) Endowment took place on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Headquarters of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. Close to 100 invited guests, including Diocesan benefactors, donors and graduates of Yerevan State University attended the fundraiser banquet held under the patronage of Dr. and Mrs. Aramais and Natella Paronyan. Among the dignitaries in attendance were His Excellency Karen Israelyan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, His Excellency Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Armen Baibourtian, Dr. Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, YSU Rector, Dr. Mikayel Hovhannisyan, YSU Vice-Rector for Development and Innovations, philanthropists Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Evelina Sarian and Mr. Vartan Nazerian, Chairman of the Diocesan Council.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Honorable Judge Amy Ashvanian, the evening’s emcee. Remarks were also delivered by the Consul General Karen Israelyan who reflected on the immense contribution of the university in shaping the future generation of Armenia’s innovators and leaders.
The dinner commenced with a prayer after which introductory remarks of the esteemed guests were delivered by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. "As the Diocese prioritizes the support for educational advancement, we sought it essential to lay the groundwork to establishing an endowment for Yerevan State University, a revered institution in our Motherland. The establishment of the Friends of Yerevan State University Endowment Fund is a droplet in a sea of possibilities," stated Archbishop Derderian. He then introduced Dr. Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, a graduate of YSU's Faculty of Theology, who was installed as Rector of Yerevan State University for a five-year term by the university’s Board of Trustees on December 17, 2021.
Expressing his wholehearted gratitude to Archbishop Derderian and the YSU Foundation Board Members for the wonderful initiative and support, YSU Rector Dr. Hovhannes Hovhannisyan spoke the vital role of the venerable institution in Armenia's overall progress on the world stage. "For over 105 years, YSU has been a cornerstone of Armenia's development, producing 150,000 graduates who have shaped the nation’s scientific, political, and cultural landscape. Today, YSU embarks on a new phase of reforms to enhance Armenia's intellectual potential. The ‘Friends of YSU' foundation was established to promote these advancements and ensure the university’s continued success," stated Dr. Hovhannisyan.
The Endowment Fund will allow for the facilitation of the acquisition of modern equipment, funding scholarships and visiting professorships, initiation of new educational programs and research projects, including those dedicated to Armenian and Regional studies, Artsakh Studies, as well as the organization of international conferences, joint-research programs with partner universities and scientific centers and funding for other YSU flagship projects in science and research.
The YSU Alumni Network will serve as an enabling environment for the Friends of Yerevan State University. YSU is actively working on mobilization and consolidation of its alumni community currently counting around 80,000 graduates. Through its Alumni Network YSU will initiate various events and conferences in Armenia, US and elsewhere, support networking among the alumni and will organize the YSU Annual Alumni Forum to bring its graduates together. More information about YSU Alumni Network can be found here.
The Friends of Yerevan State University Foundation Board Members are as follows:
H.E.Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
H.E. Dr. Armen Baibourtian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Chair of the Board
Mr. Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, YSU Rector
Dr. Mikayel Hovhannisyan, YSU Vice-Rector
Mr. Haig Nazarian
Mr. Vartan Nazerian
Hon. Judge Amy Ashvanian
Mr. Roupen Avsharian
Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian
Dr. Victor Agadjanian
Dn. Harout Markarian
Dr. Silva Karayan
Dr. Harout Yaghsezian
Mrs. Silvana Vartanian
Dr. Ken Kakosian
Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash
Mr. Vahe Sargsyan
We are delighted to announce that more than $205,000 was raised during the evening’s fundraiser. It is noteworthy to mention that the Western Diocese, under the leadership of the Diocesan Primate, has had the full-fledged support of St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco. In 2023, the Western Diocese and St. John Armenian Church had transferred $100,000 to cover the tuition cost of university students from Artsakh who had been forcefully displaced from their ancestral homeland. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the Western Diocese will transfer another $50,000 for the aforementioned purpose.
To learn more about Friends of YSU Foundation, its initiatives and membership opportunities please visit the official website of the organization.
Watch the video for more details.
The Friends of Yerevan State University Endowment was officially announced in Los Angeles, and you can know more about it here.
