The American University of Armenia (AUA) mourns the passing of Dr. Mihran Agbabian, AUA Co-Founder, Founding President, and a longtime benefactor to the University.
Dr. Agbabian played an instrumental role in shaping our University. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, when Armenia was undergoing historical transitions, Dr. Agbabian had a major impact on setting the ground for what is now known as one of the best high-quality educational institutions in the region.
“I was fortunate to collaborate with Mihran in founding the University. He was a role model for me, a mentor, and a source of inspiration. His legacy will live on at AUA forever,” said AUA President Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian.
Born in Cyprus, Dr. Agbabian was raised in Aleppo, Syria, and studied at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon, where he received two Bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Engineering. He continued his education in the U.S. earning his Master’s degree in Engineering from the California Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Agbabian was an elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, and the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia.
Dr. Agababian was the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor; the Movses Khorenatsi Medal from the President of the Republic of Armenia for exceptional achievement in educational development; the Sahag-Mesrob Medal from His Holiness Karekin I, Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians; the Saint Mesrob Medal from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the See of Cilicia; and the Saint Vartan Medal from His Holiness John Peter XVIII, Catholicos of the Armenian Catholic Church.
Perhaps his most symbolic achievement was co-founding AUA, which opened its doors on the day of Armenia’s independence, marking a new chapter for the country. As a co-founder, Dr. Agbabian helped set the vision and remained closely connected to the University until his last days. We are proud to continue his legacy impacting the lives of many new generations to come.
The AUA community will always remember Dr. Mihran Agbabian for a lifetime of dedication, commitment, and love to AUA and his homeland.