New Volume by Armen Der Kiureghian Sheds Light on Founding of American University of Armenia

Amid the mourning, hopelessness, and despair, Der Kiureghian and a small circle of visionaries began to imagine a way forward — not just through rebuilding the hope in the future, but through investing in human potential. The founding of AUA was not an impulsive reaction; it was a carefully considered, daring act of belief in Armenia’s future. What makes the narrative especially powerful is how the “triumvirate” — the founding leadership trio of Der Kiureghian, Mihran Agbabian and Stepan Karamardian — grounded in deep trust, complementary strengths and shared purpose, stood at the heart of the university’s founding. The dynamics of their collaboration and partnership reflect the best qualities of diasporic engagement with Armenia.

From its earliest days, the university was built with clarity of vision and a rigorous commitment to quality. The author recounts how partnerships with the University of California were formed, how academic programs were modeled on international standards, and how faculty and staff were recruited not merely to fill positions but to build an academic culture. The book also makes it clear that AUA’s inception, growth and expansion were closely linked with Armenia’s context and needs. The unwavering support and guidance of Armenia’s political leadership in the early 1990s were instrumental. This book offers an invaluable first-hand account of the conversations and interactions between the initiative group and key decision-makers in Armenia — visionary leaders who quickly recognized the university’s potential to transform the country’s higher education landscape. In many ways, the book serves as a micro-history of Armenia for the period between 1988 and 2023.

More than just a historical account, From Earthquake Tragedy to Beacon of Light reads like a manual on how to build an institution, which is rooted in ideals, shaped by strategy, and driven by unwavering purpose. The book demonstrates that institutional excellence is never accidental. It is the result of meticulous planning, courageous leadership, devoted individuals and the ability to inspire and mobilize others.

What stands out throughout the text is how many people, across sectors, professions and borders, were engaged in this effort. This is not merely a story about founders or people who supported AUA, in fact, it is a story about a strong and growing community. From individual diaspora philanthropists, the Armenian General Benevolent Union, and University of California (UC) system administrators to local architects, government officials, and early faculty, the founding and advancement of AUA was a shared endeavor.

The coordination, negotiations, networking and endless meetings that took place behind the scenes, often quietly, patiently, over years are astonishing in their complexity and success. And yet Der Kiureghian’s tone throughout remains gracious and grounded. He never claims credit, always directing attention to others, to the team, to the vision that was greater than any one person. The book is also a celebration of values: academic freedom, meritocracy, transparency, and service to the nation.

The book can also serve as a reference guide for AUA’s (and for other institutions of higher education, for that matter) current administration and staff. In many universities, policies, strategic decisions, and persistent issues can appear as disjointed “new” developments, when in fact they may echo early practices or responses. For instance, the strategic planning process at AUA has deep institutional roots in the university’s founding years. Institutional memory matters. Embedding references to past decisions in today’s governance practices can help staff, faculty, and students understand the continuity and rationale behind institutional choices.