Vorotan Complex of Hydroelectric Power Stations powered by ContourGlobal Hydro Cascade
ContourGlobal Hydro Cascade CJSC has established an endowed scholarship fund at the American University of Armenia (AUA) which will benefit students at the University, in perpetuity.
The company, which is a subsidiary of ContourGlobal, an international power-generation company, operates and modernizes various hydroelectric facilities to supply power to the Armenian grid. Their contribution directly impacts the educational journeys of several students at AUA every year and will continue to do so for many years to come.
When asked why the company established the scholarship, Zaruhi Khachatryan, environmental and social impact manager, responded, “ContourGlobal Hydro Cascade manages its business in a socially responsible manner, acting in accordance with the Company’s mission: ‘To make the places where we work better because we are there’. One of the most important steps to contribute to the development of communities is to contribute to the development of the education sector.”
As a company operating in the Republic of Armenia’s (RA) Syunik Marz, by creating this endowed scholarship fund, the company aims to “increase equitable access to, and participation in quality education offered by AUA to the students of RA marzes,” Khachatryan explains, that is why they specified for their support to go toward students from the regions of Armenia.
As a notable company in the country, ContourGlobal knows the importance of investing back into its people, specifically students who are forming the human capital of the nation. “Aside from increasing access to quality education, the aim of investing in students through endowed scholarships is to strengthen the human resource capacity and provide a conducive working environment for ContourGlobal Hydro Cascade as a result of training future qualified specialists for the company,” Khachatryan remarks.
As AUA ramps up its development of science and engineering education, specifically through the Build a Better Future With AUA capital campaign, Khachatryan adds that the degree programs that the company currently sees as most valuable considering the direct application in their industry are the B.S. in Engineering, M.S. in Industrial Engineering, and the M.A. in Business Administration.
As described, the ContourGlobal Hydro Cascade scholarship recipients at AUA are all enrolled in the aforementioned degree programs. We look forward to their continued success throughout their studies, and in the future, as they take on various professional endeavors in the workforce of Armenia and beyond.
ContourGlobal Hydro Cascade CJSC Endowed Scholarship Fund at AUA
2022 - 2023 Recipients
Mariam Mkrtichyan
B.S. in Engineering Sciences ‘24
Mariam Mkrtichyan is from Gavar, the Gegharkunik region of Armenia. Her first encounter with the field of engineering was at the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, where she took several courses. Her experience at TUMO inspired her to apply to AUA’s B.S. in Engineering Sciences program. “I am grateful to ContourGlobal Hydro Cascade for providing me with an opportunity to study at AUA. Many talented kids in the Gegharkunik region don’t have the chance to realize their huge potential.”
Currently, Mariam is a junior searching for new opportunities within and outside AUA for professional growth. She is interested in exploring new courses in engineering, such as computer aided design and engineering dynamics that will expand her knowledge in mechanical engineering. In addition, she recently participated in the AUA-MIT collaborative Nuclear Detection course delivered by Dr. Areg Danagoulian. Mariam is interested in biomedical and biomechanical engineering. She believes that the knowledge she has gained at AUA will allow her to further her studies in the field of biotechnology.
While studying at AUA, Mariam aims to focus mainly on her studies and research opportunities. She was able to complete a research internship at ArmBionics and learn more about biomedical engineering, sensors and control systems used in prostheses, as well as startup culture and its challenges.
Sona Khloyan
M.E. in Industrial Engineering and Systems Management ‘23
Sona Khloyan is from Arinj village in the Kotayk region of Armenia. Born and raised in a family of engineers and mathematicians, Sona soon found interest in math and technology and applied to the National Polytechnic University of Armenia, where she majored in computer engineering.
After graduation, Sona decided to deepen her knowledge in engineering and applied to the Industrial Engineering and Systems Management program at AUA. She simultaneously works at BDO Armenia, a business consulting organization, as a junior system administrator. “My experience at AUA allows me to see the perspectives of my future career more precisely. I have successfully passed many interesting courses at AUA, and I hope that the knowledge and skills I have gained here will help me make a positive impact. I am extremely grateful for receiving the ContourGlobal Hydro Cascade Scholarship as it will help me along my journey.”
Sargis Yedigaryan
Master of Business Administration ‘24
Sargis Yedigaryan is from Noyemberyan in the Tavush region. Passionate about business and economics, Sargis chose to further advance his knowledge in these subjects by continuing his high school education at Quantum College. He later applied to the Armenian State University of Economics with a major in finance and started working as an accountant to support his tuition costs and his family.
Pursuing an MBA at AUA was a natural choice for Sargis, as he aimed to achieve a new level of personal and professional development. “Education has always been a top priority in our family, but it became much more important with the challenges Armenia faces today. We need to put more emphasis on education and professionalism to compete with the rest of the world and guarantee the security for our nation. I believe that AUA will provide us with a high level qualification and I am grateful to ContourGlobal for this opportunity.”
Nune Marukyan
Master of Business Administration ‘25
Nune Marukyan is from Jrvezh village, Kotayk region. She received her bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from the Brusov State University in 2013. After working as an English teacher for many years, Nune decided to upgrade her skills and turn her passion for teaching into something bigger. She applied to the MBA program at AUA to realize her dream of opening an English language school. Nune believes that the program will equip her with much needed skills and knowledge in business to start a successful career.
Additionally, Nune has always dreamed of starting a farm on her family-owned land in Armenia. She is passionate about nature and is interested to learn more about recycling and greenhouses. “The thought that our family-owned derelict land could turn into a greenhouse has been keeping me excited and eager ever since I was a teenager. For me, this is another incentive to dive into the world of business. The belief that the knowledge and skills I gain at AUA will enable me to open new doors for the people of my community and bring a fresh perspective to the market has been the source of my energy and the motivation with which I start my day.”