Armenian Ambassador Visits University of Connecticut, Discusses Prospects for Armenian Studies program

Armenian Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Arman Kirakossian visited the University of Connecticut on September 22-23, 2004, as part of the Embassy’s outreach to the U.S. academic and research institutions. Ambassador Kirakossian’s visit, at the invitation of University President Philip E. Austin, aimed to discuss prospects for establishment of Armenian Studies program at the University and inaugurate its partnership program with the Yerevan State University (YSU).

The University of Connecticut and Yerevan State University have successfully cooperated for fifteen years, as the University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work helped to introduce social work program at the YSU Sociology Department. To expand on this successful record of collaboration, an Armenian Studies Development Committee was established at the University of Connecticut in 2000, with its activities focusing on establishment of Armenian Studies program at the University of Connecticut and developing programs on Geographical Information Systems at the YSU. Recently, the Norian Endowment Fund has been created through a generous donation by the late Mrs. Alice Norian with the purpose of facilitating the Armenian Studies program at the University.

During his visit to the University, Ambassador Kirakossian met with University President Austin and members of faculty. The Armenian Ambassador expressed his full support and endorsement for the establishment of the Armenian Studies program at the University, noting that it should facilitate greater collaboration between the Armenian and foreign researchers and promote curricula and research relevant to challenges facing modern-day Armenia.

On September 23, Ambassador Kirakossian addressed the faculty and student body assembled at the University of Connecticut’s Dodd Center. In his lecture, entitled “U.S.-Armenian Relations: Current Realities and Vision for Future,” the Armenian Ambassador presented historical background and current agenda of the U.S.-Armenian bilateral relations in political, economic, military, security, and cultural areas, within the greater context of Armenia’s foreign policy. Dr. Kirakossian presented Armenia’s political and economic progress since restoration of independence in 1991, as well as challenges facing modern Armenia, including the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. He expressed his confidence in the strength and future prospects for U.S.-Armenian relations, noting that underlying them are “shared values and principles, like freedom, democracy, advancement of human rights, and free enterprise.” He said he hoped the University of Connecticut’s Armenian Studies program will promote greater collaboration between U.S. and Armenian researchers, contributing to enhancement of the bilateral ties between our nations.

Also present at the event was prominent author Peter Balakian, who read excerpts from his recent books, “Black Dog of Fate” and “The Burning Tigris.”

During his visit to Connecticut, Ambassador Kirakossian met with State Representative John C. Geragosian, Assistant Majority Leader in the Connecticut General Assembly, who was recently elected as Vice President of the Armenian Parliamentary Union during its inaugural congress in Yerevan.