Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund Now A Pillar Of The Aua!

Two venerable institutions officially joined forces on December 11, 2018, as the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America vowed its full-fledged support of the noble mission of the American University of Armenia (AUA). The Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund of the Western Diocese became pillars of the AUA with a pledge of $50,000.

The Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian welcomed Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, President of the AUA to the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank on December 11th. Dr. Kiureghian was accompanied by Dr. Haroutune Armenian, President Emeritus of the American University of Armenia and leader of the Turpanjian Rural Development Program; Dr. Alina Gharabegian, Interim Dean, College of Humanities & Social Sciences at the American University of Armenia; Taleen Babayan, Associate Director of Communications, Development & Stewardship; Marianna Achemian, Assistant Director of Development; Dr. Kris Mirzayan AUA Pillar and visiting professor; and Dr. Maral Anjargolian, a Pillar of the AUA.

Among the Diocesan staff who were in attendance were Dn. Harout Markarian, Executive Director of the Western Diocese; Mr. Diran Avagyan, Director of Special Projects and Mission Parishes of the Western Diocese and Mr. Sergey Arustamyan, Director of the Communications Department of the Western Diocese.

His Eminence also introduced board members of the newest pillars of the AUA, namely, “The Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund” chaired by Mrs. Alice Chakrian.    

Dr. Der Kiureghian reflected on the noble mission of the American University of Armenia in shaping the future leaders Armenia. “Your Eminence, it gives us great delight and pleasure to announce that a great number of cabinet leaders of the newly formed government of the Republic of Armenia are graduates of the AUA. The mission of the AUA is most evident in the promise of the young men and women whose commitment to a more prosperous Armenia is witnessed before our eyes.” The President of the AUA added that Archbishop Derderian has been “a big champion of education. His level of commitment to a more educated youth is truly exceptional.”   

In his remarks, AUA Pillar and Visiting Professor Dr. Kris Mirzayan stated “No deserving youth should be left behind from attaining a university level education, for the prosperity of our Motherland is conditioned through an educated youth.”

Referencing to the vitality of education in ensuring a more prosperous society Archbishop Derderian noted “A society thrives as a result of an educated youth. The American University of Armenia provides and equips the youth of Armenia with the essential tools to shape an undying legacy as architects of a thriving society. During our trips to the Motherland, we have witnessed firsthand the level of brilliance and commitment of the students of AUA in ensuring a more prosperous Armenia.”

Archbishop Derderian then introduced Mrs. Alice Chakrian, Chair of the Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund who reflected on the Fund’s God-pleasing mission since its inception in 2013. “We have served passionately to cater to the financial needs of qualifying students. Our contributions of $70,000 annually in the form of scholarships to Armenian Schools have enthralled not only the respective schools but recipients alike,” said Mrs. Chakrian. Addressing the AUA President Mrs. Chakrian delightfully stated “We are overjoyed to announce that with a pledge of $50,000, the “Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Scholarship Fund” is proud to join the ranks of AUA Pillars.”

Following the exciting announcement, the Primate, Diocesan Staff and esteemed AUA guests posed for a photo to commemorate the auspicious occasion.