We celebrate the 75 anniversary of the foundation of the State Engineering University of Armenia (SEUA) – Polytechnic; one of our main institutions of higher education.I would like to congratulate the faculty, the administration, the students and the alumni of SEUA – Polytechnic. Everyone in Armenia is well aware of the fundamental role that SEUA – Polytechnic has played in Armenia’s industrialization and modernization drive during the Soviet period, as well as in the advancement of science in Armenia.
Going to the Opera Again
To celebrate the event, various conventional events are planned: A commemorative stamp, a traditional event at the Opera House, distribution of some medals and awards, etc. (to read the whole program, please click here).
The best way to celebrate the event, however, would be to announce plans for the institution’s revival and future development. SEUA – Polytechnic has terribly suffered from the collapse of the Soviet Union, and it is unable to respond to the growing needs of the Armenian economy.
As previously discussed on this blog (to read, please click here), SEUA – Polytechnic needs:
> A new, modern and well-equipped campus, ideally located outside Yerevan center
> Transform itself from a narrowly-defined engineering university into a university of technology and science
> Become a center of creativity and entrepreneurship by integrating disciplines such as Economics, Design, Management, and Finance, and linking its teaching and research activities with projects at ICT and high tech companies
> Integrate research labs that are functioning in related fields but are currently affiliated with the National Academy of Science
In other words, the University needs a new vision, a bold strategy, and a major infusion of cash.
Such a radical transformation is absolutely necessary if Armenia is serious in its plans to become a knowledge-driven economy. If Armenian authorities, including President Serge Sargsian and Prime Minister Tigran Sargsian, really mean what they occasionally say concerning the country’s intellectual potential, they must support the much needed transformation of SEUA – Polytechnic; they must welcome a more dynamic leadership with ambitious plans for the institution.
Beyond Guns & Cars
Gentlemen,
You built a mega campus for the Ministry of Defense which was undoubtedly needed.
You channeled millions of USD of the Lincy Foundation money to build Saralange highways and tunnels to help ease the traffic in Yerevan.
Now, you have plans to build underground parking spaces in Yerevan.
It is time to go beyond guns and cars – we are not, after all, in the 50s or the 60s – and think of the country’s future needs in terms of educated workforce, capable entrepreneurs, and innovative and competitive enterprises. Support SEUA – Polytechnic now and turn it into a leading 21st century institution!
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Pictures above: The new Ministry of Defense mega-campus, the brainchild of Mr. Robert Kocharian, the 2nd president of the Republic, was inaugurated on 21 September 2008 in a rather discrete manner. Mr. Kocharian, “the builder”, was very much into building roads, streets, bridges and tunnels. A SEUA-Polytechnic alumnus, he favored no initiative to revive the institution. Will the current leadership be more “knowledge and education friendly” and favor the foundation of a new and modern campus?
Picture below: The inauguration ceremony of Saralange highway and tunnel complex (the Abovian-Miasnikian tunnel) in the north of Yerevan on 29 September 2008. This was built thanks to the financial support of a charity; the Lincy Foundation of U.S.-based Mr. Kirk Krikorian.
The current obsession with cars and car-related things in Armenia is to the point that two presidents proudly attend the inauguration of an urban tunnel and joyfully cut the red ribbon.
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