Different stories, one starting point: YSU holds graduation ceremony

For YSU graduate Sergey Adamyan, the world of programming had been a major interest since his school years. His sustained curiosity about technology and his drive to acquire new knowledge eventually led him to Yerevan State University. 

In 2018, he began his studies at the Faculty of Informatics and Applied Mathematics — a choice which, he says, was both form and well-considered. The university environment and the broad educational opportunities available at YSU made a strong impression on him and helped shape a clear direction for his professional development.

His academic journey was temporarily interrupted by military service. After returning, however, Sergey resumed his studies with a much clearer understanding of his future career direction. During those years, he began building his professional path more purposefully, combining academic study with practical experience.

Today, Sergey works at Cisco Systems' Armenian office as a senior specialist, focusing on information technology and artificial intelligence. According to him, his bachelor's and master's studies at YSU laid the foundation for his professional career.

His interest in artificial intelligence grew over the years, particularly as the field began developing rapidly worldwide. That interest brought Sergey to the "Applied Statistics and Data Science" master's program at the YSU Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics, which, he says, allowed him to expand his knowledge and expertise in data science.

His master's years became a period not only of professional development, but also of an important personal encounter. It was within the same academic program that he met his life partner. What began as a shared academic path between classmates gradually grew into a much more personal and meaningful bond. According to Sergey, the master's program gave him not only knowledge, but also one of the most important people in his life.

Today, Sergey Adamyan stands on the stage as a representative of YSU's Class of 2026.

This year's YSU graduation ceremony once again became a symbol not only of farewell, but also of a new beginning, bringing together years of study while sending new specialists into their respective professional fields.

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan addressed the ceremony with a congratulatory speech, emphasizing that this university day only appears to be repetitive at first glance. 

"Year after year, this gathering is increasingly perceived not only as a graduation ceremony, but also as an important university tradition," he said.

Stressing that each such day carries its own distinct meaning, the YSU rector noted: "Although at first glance everything may seem the same — the same courtyard, the same solemn moment, the same emotions — each time, new graduates are standing here, with their own stories and new expectations."

The rector placed particular emphasis on the meaning of university education, noting that it is not limited to the transmission of knowledge.

"The university is the environment where a thinking person is formed — a person who can see beyond the surface of phenomena, distinguish lasting values from temporary ones, and act with responsibility," he said.

Referring to the rapidly changing world, the rector emphasized: "Today, we live in a period when science is advancing at an unprecedented pace, while technologies are transforming the nature of professions. In these circumstances, the most important question becomes how we use our knowledge and our opportunities."

Hovhannes Hovhannisyan also highlighted the continuity of the wider university family, noting that the day was not only for bachelor's and master's graduates. Graduates of the YSU STEM High School were also present at the ceremony, having completed another stage of their educational journey and become part of the same large academic community.

"Dear students of STEM High School, you too are part of the YSU family. Your educational journey is only beginning, and I am confident that it will be interesting and full of success," the rector said, adding that curiosity and consistent hard work are at the heart of achievement.

Concluding his remarks, the rector said: "The university can provide knowledge and an environment, but they become truly valuable only when students turn them into results and responsible action."

Addressing the graduates, the ceremony's keynote speaker, Armen Harutyunyan, a member of the Board of AraratBank and Fintech and Blockchain Fellow at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, noted that the day symbolized not only the summing up of achievements, but also the beginning of new opportunities. According to him, young people are facing both challenges and unprecedented opportunities, especially at a time when artificial intelligence and technological advances are reshaping economies and professions worldwide.

Speaking about the path to success, he emphasized that the future is not determined only by pre-planned routes. As an example, he referred to the stories of globally recognized entrepreneurs, noting that great success is often born out of perseverance, hard work and belief in one's own potential. Armen Harutyunyan pointed out that no one can define the limits of a person's capabilities, and that every young person shapes their own future.

Armen Harutyunyan also spoke about the international achievements of Armenia and Armenians, stressing that the mark left by Armenian professionals in different countries, as well as their contributions, testify to a potential that is competitive at the global level. He encouraged the graduates not to be afraid of exploring new fields, to remain open to change and to move boldly toward their major goals, confident that knowledge, hard work and initiative are the keys to success anywhere in the world.

Speaking on behalf of all graduates, YSU graduate Sergey Adamyan congratulated his fellow students and the entire university community on completing this important stage of life.

"It is a great honor to stand on this stage as one of YSU's graduates. When I began my studies years ago, mathematics was simply a set of formulas for me. Over time, however, I came to understand that its real value lies in its application - in solving problems and understanding the world," the YSU graduate emphasized.

According to him, Yerevan State University is not only an educational institution, but also an environment for becoming both a professional and an individual - one that provides knowledge, a way of thinking and the confidence to see opportunities where others see problems.

"During my master's studies, I learned that data are stories, and statistics is the tool for understanding them. This journey was shaped by challenges, by teamwork and, above all, by the people who walked that path with me. I congratulate all graduates and wish them success in this new stage of life. I am confident that our bond with the university will continue through our work and achievements," Sergey concluded.

The graduates of YSU STEM High School then received their graduation certificates. In addition, each graduate received a three-month complimentary Claude, an AI platform, from AraratBank, as encouragement on their path toward gaining new knowledge, further developing and making more effective use of modern technologies.

The evening concluded with its most ceremonial moment - the graduates' cap-tossing ceremony.

YSU graduation day continued with a festive concert featuring performances by By the Way Band, D'Litte and YereOne Project.

AraratBank was the main supporter of the event. The celebration was also supported by Armenia Wine, Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine, Norgeo and Kapan Mining and Processing Company.