A ceremony welcoming first-year students was held in the assembly hall of YSU Building 6, known as the Black Building.
Karlen Khachatryan, Dean of the YSU Faculty of Economics and Management and Associate Professor, welcomed the students and delivered a congratulatory address.
"Dear first-year students, congratulations to all of you on becoming students of our alma mater, Yerevan State University. You should be doubly proud to have become students of the Faculty of Economics and Management — a faculty with a long history, rich traditions and a distinct place in Armenia's education system.
"A new chapter of your lives is beginning, filled with interesting events and experiences and perhaps one of the most important periods of your lives. It is during these years that the foundations of your profession will take shape. You will acquire new knowledge, develop essential skills and expand your social and professional networks. All of this will be extremely important for your future professional advancement and success in life," he said.
Referring to the examples and ideas of Warren Buffett, Jack Ma and Walt Disney, the dean emphasized the importance of self-education, the continuous development of professional knowledge and skills, and the need not to fear failure but to keep trying. Highlighting the role of the university years in laying a strong foundation for a career, he encouraged first-year students to make the most of the opportunities offered by the university and to learn as much as possible from their instructors and the university environment. He stressed that the faculty's academic staff and administration are doing everything possible to provide students with a competitive education and create the conditions necessary for their professional development.
"Dear students, today we live in a world where information is accessible within seconds. Artificial intelligence has changed our way of life and daily routines, and the content of education has also changed. Some may therefore think that a university education is no longer particularly important. But information is not yet knowledge, and knowledge is not yet wisdom. A university is a place where you learn and acquire structured knowledge and skills that will stay with you throughout your lives. I am confident that, however far science and technology advance, interaction and communication with lecturers and teachers will remain the best method of education. The faculty is home to some of the country's best specialists, most of whom also have extensive practical experience in the public and private sectors.
Know that you have made the right choice and selected professions that are in high demand worldwide. Love your profession and love the work you do. We will help you discover the full appeal and beauty of economics, management and finance. Do not tolerate mediocrity. Do not tolerate lies or falsehood, and do not be indifferent. Be demanding and, at the same time, responsible. Believe in your abilities and do your utmost to rightfully earn the distinction of being among the best. Welcome to the YSU Faculty of Economics and Management," the dean concluded.
The first-year students were also welcomed by Professor Gagik Vardanyan, Chair of the Methodological Council of the YSU Faculty of Economics and Management. He encouraged students not to fear change but to embrace it boldly and to learn how to learn so that their knowledge would never become outdated, regardless of their age.
Welcoming remarks were also delivered by Vardan Aleksanyan, Head of the Faculty Office and Deputy Dean, Associate Professor; Ani Khalatyan, Deputy Dean and Assistant Professor; Grigor Hayrapetyan, Associate Professor and Head of the Chair of Economics and International Economic Relations; Anna Hakobjanyan, Associate Professor and Head of the Chair of Management and Business; and Alvard Kharatyan, Associate Professor and Head of the Chair of Mathematical Modeling in Economics. They encouraged students to study diligently, participate actively in classes and not be afraid of difficulties.
Erik Zakaryan, President of the Student Council of the YSU Faculty of Economics and Management, also warmly congratulated the students and encouraged them to take advantage of all the opportunities offered by the university.
Zakaryan, now a third-year student, urged the first-year students to use the years ahead to discover their strengths, overcome their weaknesses and continue developing every day. He also spoke about the importance of upholding the good name of Faculty students, developing and refining soft skills, and the support the Student Council can provide in that process. He advised first-year students not only to study well but also to enjoy the process, take initiative and remain active.
Dear first-year students, welcome to YSU and to our large, close-knit family. Congratulations to all of you on becoming students at one of Yerevan State University's key faculties. May this new chapter of university life be a path toward realizing your dreams, gaining knowledge, and achieving success. We wish you productive, memorable student years, professional achievements, and new opportunities. We wish you every success and a smooth journey ahead.
