Welcome to the Armenian Center

The vision for the Armenian Center for International Development grew out of an exploratory trip to Armenia in 1998 by George Fermanian and PLNU faculty. Moved by the economic and humanitarian challenges that face the Armenian people in converting from Soviet style communism to democracy and capitalism, Mr. Fermanian and the faculty envisioned a Center that would mobilize students to equip people in developing countries to use business as a tool to overcome poverty.

The Armenian Center for International Development brings together business professionals, students, and nonprofit organizations to explore, research and envision new ways that Christians can help meet the needs of the most economically disenfranchised. PLNU students and faculty seek to apply state-of-the-art business management and leadership principles to most effectively and sustainably address the complex issues of global poverty.

The Center plans luncheons and discussions for the internationally-minded organizations and centers at PLNU to discuss ways we can work more effectively together. These organizations include the LoveWorks office, the International Studies Office, the Center for Justice and Reconciliation, the Center for Pastoral Leadership, as well as student ministries and clubs that have a focus on international issues. Through all of these meetings, we seek to raise awareness of international poverty issues on campus and in the community.

Recently, the Center, working with George Fermanian and others, are developing an affordable housing project.  The first trial run launched in Armenia.  A group of students, faculty and collaborating organizations traveled to Armenia for three weeks; they left in mid May and returned in early June. In three weeks they successfully assembled two homes that will serve as models for future constructions in Armenia and in other lesser developed countries. They have "laid the foundation" for this building project while spending time working on a new organic agriculture mission as well.  Currently, the Center is working on plans to expand operations to our neighboring country of Mexico. 

Another project of the Center is to get students plugged into internships abroad in developing countries where they can gain hands-on skills in development and be exposed to cultures very different from their own. We have helped students travel to Thailand, China, Armenia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Rwanda and Uganda, where they are studying and/or working with local Non-Governmental Organizations.

Above all, we are committed to honoring God, serving others, and modeling Christ with the leadership, business and management skills God has given us.

To meet the director, Robert Gailey, please click here.
To read what other people are saying about us, visit our Armenian Center in the News page.