June 20, 2013, American Councils Armenia celebrated the joint anniversary of 20 years of engagement in Armenia in a series of events. To showcase its new location and existing program portfolio, American Councils Armenia invited alumni, partners, neighbors, and the general public to visit the modern, centrally-located, Amiryan Street office to meet staff and learn about American Councils programs. In addition, specific audiences registered to attend three enrichment sessions conducted by program alumni and special guests, discussing the types of experiences, learning, and teaching that result from American Councils programs. The day closed with a reception in honor of American Councils many partners and supporters in Armenia and the United States.
Nearly one hundred visitors participated in the open house. Visitors had the opportunity to see American Councils mission and vision in action, and to learn first-hand about programs by speaking with program coordinators directly. An informational fair was created displaying posters featuring program information and success stories alongside brochures and handouts at each coordinator’s desk.
Enrichment sessions that exemplify the work of American Councils Armenia were conducted throughout the afternoon for specific audiences. Recently returned Junior Faculty Development Program(JFDP) alumna Ani Manukyan conducted a session entitled, “The Role of Cross-Cultural Communication in Education” for a group of high school participants in the Education USA Competitive College Club. Indiana University Professor of Law George E. Edwards taught a seminar called, “An Armenian Student’s Guide to U.S. Master of Laws (LL.M.) & Other Law Programs” for Armenian students interested in pursuing a law degree in the United States. Paruyr Jangulyan, Head of Regulatory Management Division at Ministry of Economy of RA and Legislative Fellows Program (LFP) alumnus, led a group of FLEX alumni through a professional development session entitled “Don’t Forget to Sell Yourself.”
A reception in honor of American Councils Armenia’s partners and supporters brought the celebration to a close. A group of about 40 individuals consisting of program alumni, Armenia-bound American program participants, partner NGOs, the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia, and the Public Affairs Section of the United States Embassy in Yerevan gathered to congratulate American Councils on the occasion of 20 years of engagement with Armenia. On behalf of the organization, country director Elvira Dana thanked all those present, and the many who could not attend for their contributions to the success of American Councils programs, alumni, and the organization as a whole. Certificates of appreciation and small gifts were awarded to: the Ministry of Education and Science (received by MoES specialist and JFDPP alumna Tamara Zalinyan), departing Cultural Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy Sean O’Hara, Alumni Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy Lusine Mkrtchyan, UNISON (represented by office manager Shushanik Nakhapetian), and to the JFDP alumnus and founder of the academic information network ARMACAD.
News from Elvira Dana, Country Director, American Councils Armenia