The American University of Armenia (AUA) grieves the passing of Louise Manoogian Simone, the most generous benefactor to the University.
Born in Detroit, Michigan, to Alex and Marie Manoogian, she was raised with high values of philanthropy, love for her homeland, and passion for promoting Armenian culture and heritage. She served on the board of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage around the world.
Succeeding her father as the international president of AGBU in 1989, Manoogian Simone had a momentous role in founding AUA, making the historical decision to provide funding for the University in its initial years. She continued supporting the University throughout her life. It was through her efforts that the Armenian government, under President Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Speaker of the Parliament Babken Araktsian, granted AUA the privilege of using the Communist Party’s Convention Meetings building, which has served the AUA community for almost three decades. Manoogian Simone played an instrumental role in engaging the University of California (UC) in the establishment of AUA, leading to the affiliation between the universities that continues to this date and remains a tremendous asset to the University.
In recognition of her enormous contributions to the University, the College of Business and Economics was officially named Manoogian Simone College of Business and Economics in 2016. Announcing the news during the 25th-anniversary gala dinner in Los Angeles, CA, AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian honored Manoogian Simone “for her decisive role in the founding of AUA and her extraordinary generosity towards the University since its inception.”
Throughout her life, Manoogian Simone received many honors, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Grigor Lusavorich Medal from His Holiness Vazken I, and the Medal of Mesrop Mashtots by State Order issued by the President of Armenia. “She was an extremely modest person, who did not seek glory and recognition for herself; her focus was on improving people’s lives and supporting educational, cultural, and humanitarian programs throughout the world, particularly in Armenia. We are proud that her name will forever be associated with our University,” said President Dr. Der Kiureghian.
Today the AUA community celebrates her life. Louise Manoogian Simone will forever be remembered for her immense dedication, commitment, and love to the University and her homeland.
A memory book is placed in the Agbabian Hall of the AUA Main Building for all those who wish to write expressions of sympathy and gratitude for Manoogian Simone and her pivotal role in the founding and nurturing of the University.
Upon the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American University of Armenia (American University of Armenia Corporation,1000 Broadway, Ste. 280 Oakland, CA 94607 https://philanthropy.aua.am/).