Other Alumni Echoes
	Arun Ravi
	Matthew M. McDole, PE, FASCE
	Peter J. Boyle
	Bala Krishnan
	Tony Torng
	David W. Pershing

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ALUMNI ECHOES

Vahan G. Garboushian

BS/EE 1966

Armenian-born electrical engineering grad, considered a pioneer in concentrated photovoltaic systems, is the UA College of Engineering 2011 Alumnus of the Year.

Vahan Garboushian is the founder, chief technology officer and chairman of the board of directors of Amonix Inc., a California-based designer and manufacturer of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) solar power systems that has the distinguished honor of being the oldest CPV systems company in the U.S.

Garboushian himself has the honorable distinction of being the University of Arizona College of Engineering 2011 Alumnus of the Year.

He's a 1966 UA electrical engineering graduate who launched Amonix in 1989 to focus on utility-scale solar power in hot and dry climates. He's now considered a pioneer the development of CPC technology and he currently resides in Torrance, Calif.

The University of Arizona Alumni Association and the UA College of Engineering will honor Garboushian with 2011 Alumnus of the Year Award at the 48th Engineers Breakfast on Nov. 4, 2011. Before the event, Garboushian was gracious enough to answer a Q&A for the readers of Arizona Engineer.

How has your UA education benefitted you?
Being at UA benefitted me in many ways… the UA made me quickly learn to be self-sufficient and independent. It really taught me survival along with my education. Since I had no money, I took large course loads to finish quickly. An independent, entrepreneurial career path stemmed as a result.

I have always been entrepreneurial. When I started my college journey, I wanted to major in physics. A wise professor suggested that I select engineering as a field -- more jobs, more money. I decided to select the path he recommended and chose electrical engineering as my major. Another wise professor from one of my engineering courses said that since I was really good at physics, and that’s where my interest was, I should go into solid-state electronics. Again, based on this advice and recommendation, I started companies making solid-state devices and that’s how I ended up in solar.

What are your favorite memories from your time at UA?
Two favorite memories come to mind:

I had no money and had to survive. I lived with a host family that suggested I sell Hershey bars at the upcoming football game to make money. Being the entrepreneurial spirit that I am, I decided to make more money by telling customers that if we won the football game, I would give away 20 bars to ten people if they bought from me, as opposed to the competition. I sold over 1,000 candy bars and made enough profit to cover two months of rent and food.

My host family and others were nice enough to invite me to Sunday meals. I decided it was time to pay those generous people back by inviting over 20 people to my house and cook for them. My best friend and I made 180 Kufta's (an Armenian dish typically stuffed with meat). We didn’t have the ingredients or money to make them with meat, so we ended up stuffing them with rice. It ended up being a great day and our hard work paid off.

Tell us something about yourself that people might be surprised to learn.
Even during my busiest trips, I carve out time to shop. I love to buy clothes.

How did you come about attending the UA?
I was accepted at several other schools including UCLA and the University of San Jose. I flew from Armenia to the United States and only had $100 total. I arrived at JFK late for a connecting flight to the West Coast. Tucson was $19 cheaper than going to LAX and based on the fact that I only had $100, I decided to go to UA.

Tell us about your hobbies and pastimes.
I enjoy sculpting, collecting wine and playing music (saxophone and Flamenco guitar).

Describe something remarkable or noteworthy you have experienced since graduating.
I started two companies, including the leading CPV company to date. When I started Amonix, my goal was to help humanity and produce low-cost solar for the masses. It’s remarkable that we are achieving that right now, including one of North America’s largest CPV plants, right at the University of Arizona Science and Technology Park.

What are your hopes for the future of UA?
I hope UA becomes the future of innovation and emerging technologies. The Solar Zone is a remarkable, emerging solar site and I am proud that Amonix is a part of it. The solar resources are abundant, and UA has the capability of generating next level solar energy education and research.

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