The story of my early years is a familiar one to many other children of Armenian-American descent. I am rooted in that large family of people around the world who, although dispersed, do not forget the rich cultural heritage that binds them together wherever they may be. To me, the American University of Armenia is an integral part and as well as a contributor to our story. Through its educational programs the country’s historic past is academically preserved, and future leaders of Armenia are prepared to compete successfully at home and on the world stage.
Born in Rhode Island and raised in Los Angeles with an older brother and sister, I grew up immersed in all things Armenian. My parents Zevart and Vagharshag Thomasian fled the Turkish atrocities with nothing more than hope and a strong Christian faith to nourish them. With hard work they found success and raised a family in this welcoming country. They gratefully embraced American citizenship and reached out to their brethren in the diaspora. From earliest memories my mother and father were deeply involved in fundraising efforts that provided aid and relief to displaced Armenians scattered abroad. It was a way of life for them — and that is what inspires me today.
After graduating from the University of Southern California I had a series of interesting jobs that included ten years with the Los Angeles Dodgers in public relations and promotion, and several posts in political campaigns that brought me to Sacramento for positions in the California Department of Justice and in the state Attorney General’s office. But what I consider the greatest job of all was the opportunity of helping the late Hon. George Deukmejian became the Governor of California. His election to the state’s highest office was a source of pride and joy shared by millions of Armenians throughout the world. And rightly so, since his years in the legislature and as governor were marked by an honorable record of accomplishments that few other public officials would match.
The governor appointed me to serve as California’s first ever Director of Tourism with the responsibility of promoting the state’s multi billion dollar tourism industry. Bringing together key elements of the industry, we created the first tourism development program, which is what led me to Armenia years later after the Soviet Union collapsed and the Republic of Armenia gained independence.
At the invitation of the late Vahakn Hovnanian, I traveled to Armenia and became acquainted with many young people. The patriotism and enthusiasm they exhibited for Armenia was impressive despite the dire conditions in those years.
My most inspiring Aha! moment was discovering the American University of Armenia, a fully accredited institution of higher learning in Yerevan. What better way for me to honor the memory of my mother and father than supporting the university and directly contributing to its potential for the future of the country. The idea was especially meaningful considering that my parents had supported the youth and education through the Armenian Educational Foundation and the Armenian Youth Federation. So in tribute to them and their undying hopes for their homeland, my decision to support AUA was unequivocal.
I chose to help fund the Collaborative Study Area at AUA because it’s the place where students, faculty, staff and others gather for discussion of issues and the exchange of ideas. During my own college days, such sessions were often the source of critical thinking — in some cases, set us in the right direction. We learned how to listen, which is different from just hearing. I think the collaborative study area provides the right forum for deliberation and exchange.
One day, while pondering the incredible opportunities AUA could provide for eager Armenian youth, I thought of the campus as a growing area. Although located in the heart of Yerevan, the idea of a garden of education came to mind. We need to plant “seeds” in this garden, I thought. If well tended, it will yield bountiful harvests for Armenia’s future. I was confident that “The seeds of Armenia’s future are planted here.”
More people might consider planting seeds and choose any of the diverse naming opportunities available at AUA. All of those are intended to build permanent bridges between donors and the University, but also create a spiritual bond with the recipients. The sense of fulfillment a donor feels when formally recognized by the university and by an individual scholarship recipient is immense and life-long. Donors witness the real results from seed to bloom.
If anyone were to ask why I feel so passionate about the American University of Armenia, I’d answer in the words of William Saroyan written in 1935: “ Go ahead, destroy this race! Destroy Armenia! See if you can do it. Send them from their homes into the desert. Let them have neither bread nor water. Burn their homes and churches. Then, see if they will not laugh again, see if they will not sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.”
