A festive atmosphere filled Yerevan State University today, as graduates, lecturers, guests and family members gathered once again in the university courtyard to mark the completion of a long and meaningful academic journey.
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."
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.
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.
