Celebrating the 2021 Tavitian Scholars Program Graduation
On Saturday, June 26, 2021, The Fletcher School celebrated the 21st graduation ceremony of the Tavitian Scholars Program, marking the completion of their training program in public policy and administration. The 2021 graduating cohort is formed by 15 mid-career professionals from Armenia with diverse skills and areas of expertise in international public policy, diplomacy, finance, national and global security, and law.
The 2021 Graduates from The Fletcher School's Tavitian Scholars Program
- Grigor Abajyan
- Artak Aghajanyan
- Knarik Ayvazyan
- Zoya Barseghyan
- Ashkhen Gharslyan
- Syuzanna Ghazaryan
- Armine Grigoryan
- Anna Hakobyan
- Eduard Hakobyan
- Mikayel Khachatryan
- Davit Manasyan
- Hayk Safaryan
- Hripsime Sahakyan
- Hayk Tadevosyan
- Armine Yaralova
This year’s graduating cohort managed to keep pace with the intensity of the program while working full-time during the second half of it, navigating through the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, and enduring a war in their country. They have kept an open mind and have shown tremendous perseverance, flexibility, and professionalism throughout the duration of the program, especially when the pandemic forced them to leave The Fletcher School campus in March of 2020, three months before the initially scheduled end of their program.
The Tavitian Scholars Program is a rigorous academic experience at The Fletcher School, where Scholars dedicate themselves to an interdisciplinary curriculum and conduct individual capstone projects. Run in collaboration with the Tavitian Foundation, which provides educational financial assistance to Armenian individuals, the program aims to strengthen governance in the Republic of Armenia and support the search for solutions to challenges of a globalized world through education on topics ranging from global diplomacy and international law, to national security and finance.
Both the Tavitian Foundation and the Tavitian Scholars Program were founded by Aso O. Tavitian, a beloved friend and supporter of The Fletcher School since the program’s founding in 1999. With Mr. Tavitian’s help, the program successfully trained more than 300 Armenian public servants who are now employed in mid-to-senior level positions in Armenia’s Central Bank, President’s Office, Parliament, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Economy, and other notable governmental institutions. Due in no small part to Mr. Tavitian’s thoughtful leadership, generous support, and passion for global affairs, the Tavitian Scholars Program has enriched the
Sadly, Mr. Tavitian passed away on April 21, 2020 at 80 years old. The Fletcher School respectfully acknowledges the passing of Aso O. Tavitian and commemorates the inspiring legacy he leaves behind, both at Fletcher and around the world.
East West Institute President and CEO Dr. William Parker remembers Tavitian fondly: "Aso Tavitian was a man with the highest level of integrity, intellect and care for his fellow man. I have lost a dear friend and mentor. The world is fortunate to have had Aso bless us and will miss his warm smile and kind heart."
The Fletcher School also respectfully recognizes the passing of Ambassador Rouben Shougarian on April 21, 2020 at 57 years old. Ambassador Shougarian was an accomplished diplomat, academic, writer, advocate for democratic values and champion of Armenia’s well-being, as well as a loyal partner to Fletcher’s Office of Executive Education.
Former Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said in a statement that Shougarian, whom he knew well and admired, “embodied the best features of an Armenian intellectual, with a broad worldview, an active civic attitude, patriotism and firmness in his beliefs.”
Despite the hardships of the past year, the graduating Scholars have shown tenacity time and again, holding themselves to a high standard of academic excellence and curiosity while demonstrating resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. It is without a doubt that the 2021 graduating cohort would make Mr. Aso Tavitian and Ambassador Rouben Shougarian very proud.
The Tavitian Scholars Program and its graduates are an important facet to The Fletcher School, and we look forward to seeing the continued success of the program, its students, and its graduates. On behalf of the entire Fletcher community, congratulations to the 2021 graduating cohort of The Tavitian Scholars Program. We cannot wait to see the amazing accomplishments you will achieve and new paths you will forge in creating a better world.