“Armenians in Fresno” Subject of Osher Institute Presentation

Hakop Tataryan
Staff Writer

Their names are on our street signs, our buildings, and our history books. But who are these Fresnans that have been part of Fresno since its birth? A class consisting of more than 130 people had an opportunity to learn about these Fresnans whose names all end in “ian.”

Starting on March 14, 2006, for three consecutive Tuesdays, a class titled “From Armenia to California: The Odyssey of the Fresno Armenians” was taught by Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian in the Peters Auditorium, under the auspices of the Osher Life Long Institute.

The class was one of many organized by the Osher Life Long Institute, which aims to make available continuing education to adults over age 50. The Institute holds various tours, classes, and workshops. Although Professor Der Mugrdechian managed to sneak in a few homework assignments, in general, Osher Institute classes are usually one class period and have a very relaxed ambience without the dreaded anxiety of homework or exams.

Each class taught by Der Mugrdechian was very interactive, as students were able to ask questions throughout and afterwards. At the conclusion of the three-week course, class members, guided by Professor Der Mugrdechian, toured “Old Armenian Town.” At the end of the tour, students were hosted for a delicious Armenian lunch at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.

Students were very interested in learning about Armenian history, from the once-gargantuan Armenian empire under Tigran the Great, to modern Armenia, its politics, and its social life. The “Famous Fresno Armenians” portion of the class was mainly concentrated on William Saroyan. Professor Der Mugrdechian also discussed the lives and accolades of among others: Kirk Kirkorian, Cher, Jerry Tarkanian, Leon Peters, Walter Karabian, and Roger Tatarian.

Osher members all enjoyed the class as well as the paklava served after the final class. Armenians have played a major role in the history of Fresno, and their contribution to our city was well covered by Professor Der Mugrdechian.