Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Marina Chardukian
Staff Writer
More than 180 community members and Fresno State students, faculty and administrators gathered on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at the Twenty-Seventh Annual Armenian Studies Program Banquet held at the Fort Washington Golf and Country Club.
The Annual Banquet is a highlight for the year as the Armenian Studies Program emphasizes the achievements of both the Program and its students. This year forty-seven students, who received a combined $60,000 in Armenian Studies scholarships, were recognized at the Banquet. The occasion also included a celebration of the Armenian Students Organization’s 40th Anniversary.
Armenian Studies Program Coordinator Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian greeted guests and expressed the Program’s appreciation for the community support. Armenian Studies Program Lifetime Donors were honored for their support of the Program. Those honored included Henry S. Khanzadian Kazan and M. Victoria Karagozian Kazan, Dr. Arnold and Dianne Gazarian, the Bertha and John Garabedian Chartable Foundations, the Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation, the Leon S. Peters Foundation, and many others whose bequests and scholarships funds have provided the Armenian Studies Program and its students with the means to excel.
Prof. Der Mugrdechian introduced special University guests Debbie Adishian Astone, Interim Vice-President for Administration; Paula Castadio, Vice President for University Advancement; Shirley Armbruster, Associate Vice President of University Communications; Dr. Saul Jimenez-Sandoval, Interim Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities; Moon-Ja Yunouye, Interim Director of Development for the College of Arts and Humanities; and Dan Kimball, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations.
The evening’s celebratory atmosphere consisted of a program honoring the achievements of the Armenian Studies Program and recognizing the link between Fresno State and the greater Armenian community. St. Paul Armenian Church Pastor Rev. Fr. Yessai Bedros gave the invocation, followed by welcoming remarks from Dr. Sergio La Porta of the Armenian Studies Programs.
As guests enjoyed their dinner, Fresno State student and composer Joseph Bohigian treated the audience to three of his original piano pieces.
Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Castro shared his support for the Armenian Studies Program, congratulating all of the students, and especially those receiving their Minor and scholarship recipients. He also reiterated his support of all the initiatives taken by the Armenian Studies Program, especially the construction of the Armenian Genocide Monument.
Graduating senior and president of the Armenian Students Organization Marine Vardanyan introduced the ASO executive officers and reflected on her tenure in office and about her interactions with the Armenian Studies Program.
“Throughout my four years at Fresno State, I have been an active participant in ASO. I have witnessed the energy and excitement that drives our members to actively participate and contribute to the group.”
With many current and past ASO members in attendance, Vardanyan screened a video presentation of the ASO throughout the years. Photographs of students from the 1970s to today flashed across the screen, awakening old memories and bringing smiles to the faces of the guests.
“Throughout the decades, young Armenian students have demonstrated their unfaltering connection to their heritage through events and activities that have ranged from traditional dance lessons to April 24th Genocide commemorations,” said Vardanyan.
As the photos of the video demonstrated, 40 years since its establishment, the ASO continues to follow its original mission. The ASO also prepared simit sesame cookies for those in attendance as an expression of appreciation towards the community.
Following the video presentation, Prof. Der Mugrdechian updated the audience on the progress of the Armenian Genocide Monument, an exciting topic for everyone.
Photos of the most recent phases of construction created a buzz among the crowd, curious to see the completion of the Monument.
Following the presentation, students were recognized for their achievements by President Castro, Dr. Jose A. Diaz, In-terim Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, Prof. Der Mugrdechian, and Dr. La Porta.
A surprise for all graduating seniors completing a Minor in Armenian studies was a special Armenian Studies Program graduation stole, a gift created this year for the students.
“I feel pride to be one of the first students to receive an Armenian Studies stole, an honor that once more reminded me of how much I appreciate the Armenian Studies Program for giving us the opportunity to learn about our heritage and history,” said ASO Secretary and Minor recipient Tatevik Hovhannisyan.
This year, eight students are graduating with Armenian Studies Minors: Joseph Bohigian, Aram Hajian, Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Roza Marabyan, Vartush Mesropyan, Michael Rettig, David Tataryan, and Marine Vardanyan.
The Armenian Studies Program Banquet was an enjoyable evening.