Auditorium named after Yuri Gabrielyan opens at YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication

An auditorium at YSU Faculty of European Languages and Communication has been renovated, newly furnished, and named in honor of Professor Yuri Gabrielyan, former head of the Chair of German Philology. This was made possible through the support of Professor Gabrielyan’s sons, enhancing the faculty’s academic environment and commemorating distinguished scholars.

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, emphasizing the symbolic and educational significance of the initiative, stated: "The university pays due tribute to its esteemed educators and their legacy, thereby strengthening our academic identity. Unfortunately, I did not have the honor of personally knowing Mr. Gabrielyan, but I have often heard about him and his wife, Susanna Arakelyan, as dedicated educators and bearers of German culture. This auditorium is intended to become a center of knowledge, where future generations will deepen their expertise in the field to which the professor devoted his entire life."

Dean of the Faculty of European Languages and Communication Gevorg Barseghyan added: "Today is a special day for us. This initiative by professor Gabrielyan’s sons is deeply appreciated. Professor Gabrielyan was a man of dignity — strict, as is characteristic of people from Gyumri, but honest and committed to his field. His demanding nature fostered the spirit of discipline at the chair, a spirit that still defines our faculty today."

Head of the Chair of German Philology Gayane Savoyan shared memories of how Yuri Gabrielyan inspired students with his scholarly spirit: "Mr. Gabrielyan was my lecturer during my university years. He was the first to instill in me a love for linguistics. Thanks to him, I found my place in the field of science, and Mrs. Arakelyan helped me appreciate German not only as a logical, but also as a beautiful language. This new auditorium will serve as a hub for science and education, where students will acquire deep and meaningful knowledge."

Tamara, the niece of Susanna Arakelyan and a former student of both Professor Gabrielyan and Mrs. Arakelyan, emphasized: "I remember that even when we were well-prepared for class, we were too shy to raise our hands. They were strict, but that very strictness laid the foundation for our success. Today, thanks to my strong knowledge of German, I can work, travel, and earn the admiration of native speakers. When asked how I speak so well, I always say I had a solid foundation in the language."

Other members of the academic staff also expressed their gratitude, once again commending initiatives like this one that keep the memory of renowned scholars alive.