The present volume is the story of the American University of Armenia (AUA) from the moment of its conceptualization after the Spitak earthquake of 1988, to its founding in 1991 under extremely challenging conditions, and its remarkable growth and advancement over the last three decades. It also tells the story of how AUA became affiliated with the University of California, and how it came to be accredited by one of the highly recognized American accrediting agencies. Aside from the author's memories, the writing relies on archival documents, including reports by the presidents of the University, minutes of various meetings, correspondence within and outside the University, newspaper articles, program review reports, strategic planning reports, and reviews by outside organizations. Armen Der Kiureghian is a co-founder of the University and served in various capacities, including Founding Dean of Engineering (1991-2007), Interim Provost (2011-2012), and President (2014-2019, 2022-2023).