U.S.Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien presented awards to 5 distinguished alumni of U.S. government exchange programs, the U.S. Embassy said in a press release. Presented in partnership with American Councils for International Education, this new annual awards program will honor the contributions of U.S. exchange program alumni to strengthening the U.S.-Armenia partnership.  There are more than 5,000 alumni of U.S. professional, academic, and cultural exchange programs in Armenia. 

“We proudly celebrate the achievements of the talented Armenian alumni of U.S. exchange programs. Through their dedicated efforts, they play a key role in strengthening their communities and fostering ties and mutual understanding between our countries. Thanks to our alumni, U.S.-Armenia relations are growing stronger every day as we look ahead toward a brighter future.” said Ambassador Kvien.

The newly established Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Embassy in partnership with American Councils for International Education, and honors alumni of U.S. exchange programs who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to promoting the partnership between the United States and Armenia, and who have made outstanding contributions in their professional or philanthropic pursuits.  The following alumni were recognized in this award category:  

-          Sona Nahapetyan, Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program

-          Arsen Gasparyan, U.S. Forest Exchange Program

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes alumni who completed U.S. exchange programs in the last 10 years who have made a significant contribution to their community and have demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing service. The following alumni were recognized in this award category: 

-          Emmanuel Ghandilyan, Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Program

-          Syuzanna Avetisyan, International Visitors Leadership (IVLP) Program

-          Avetis Harutyunyan , International Writing Program (IWP)

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1201159