Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Tamar Der Kevorkian
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Armenian Studies
What on-campus Armenian activities were you involved in?
I’ve been involved in ASO since I came to Fresno State in Fall 2006. I’ve gone to ASO meetings, fundraisers, guest lectures and commemorative Genocide events.
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
I was able to be a part of a very unique college experience that Fresno State offers—being able to minor in Armenian Studies. My mom jokes and tells me that I know better Armenian than she does, even though she grew up in a Lebanese Armenian community and attended Armenian school her whole life. I’ve learned about everything from the Armenian language to architectural styles in Armenian churches and Armenian history. I met new Armenian friends and was able to connect and meet Armenian students in the same program as me and it gave me a sense of feeling at home with my group of Armenian friends.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies event would definitely be the Armenian Film Festivals. I’ve gone every year since they started and love the wide array of films put on by Armenian directors. They have all been so creative in their own ways and show such great Armenian talent!
What did you enjoy most about your experience at Fresno State?
I’ve learned and grown so much as a person in my five years at Fresno State. I’ve become independent and am ready for the business world.
What are your plans after graduation?
I want to move to the Los Angeles area and find a Human Resources job at a corporation. I love the fast paced city life there that Fresno just doesn’t have.
Kyle Gaede
Major: Anthropology
Minor: Armenian Studies
What on-campus Armenian activities were you involved in?
I have attended the Armenian Genocide commemorations, the Armenian Film Festivals, and the Armenian Studies lectures.
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
It has given me the opportunity broaden my horizons and experience things which I don’t believe are common to most State colleges.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
I have enjoyed every class I have taken in the Armenian Studies Program, however I think that going to Armenia in May with Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian and 13 other Fresno State students will probably be my favorite event.
What did you enjoy most about your experience at Fresno State?
Being able to focus on classes which I enjoyed involving both my major, Anthropology, and my minor, Armenian Studies.
What are your plans after graduation?
Immediately after returning from Armenia, I will be employed as an Archaeologist with the U.S. Forest Service.
Taline Kasparian
Major: Health Science
Minor: Armenian Studies
What on-campus Armenian activities were you involved in?
I attended a few Armenian club meetings. I went to many lectures and participated in many activities.
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
My involvement with the Armenian Studies Program was probably the highlight of my college years. I met wonderful peers and I learned so much about my own ethnicity. I understand my history and value the Armenian culture so much more now than I ever have.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies class was Armenian 148 (Masterpieces of Armenian Culture). I loved the literature and the stories!
What did you enjoy most about your experience at Fresno State?
I met life long friends. I loved the social aspect at Fresno State.
What are your plans after graduation?
I would like to find a job and a few years later, start a business of my own.
Nayiri Moumdjian
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Armenian Studies
What on-campus Armenian activities were you involved in?
Throughout my years at Fresno State I was involved in the Armenian Genocide commemoration, as well as various ASO activities such as bowling night, basketball night, and so on.
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
Being a part of the Armenian Studies Program got me to be more involved in my community and I have met wonderful people through the Program. I have gained much knowledge because of it and from it.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
By far my favorite event would have to be the annual April 24, Armenian Genocide commemoration that takes place in the Free Speech area. Through it I believe more and more people gained knowledge of the Genocide, though they may not have known about it before. Also my favorite Armenian classes were the Masterpieces of Armenian Culture and the various language courses.
What did you enjoy most about your experience at Fresno State?
I love our campus. It feels like home to me. I’m going to miss walking at speeds that people shouldn’t walk to get from one class to the other that is across campus, just so I wouldn’t be late.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue my education after graduation.
Ani Simonyan
Major: History
Minor: Armenian Studies
What on-campus Armenian activities were you involved in?
On campus, I was involved in Armenian Studies activities with other students and also took Armenian classes. I attended Armenian events with speakers on Armenian music, art, and history. I attended the Armenian Genocide memorial services here, as well as being at the Armenian Club booth. Additionally, I attended the Armenian Film Festival and activities with the club such as bowling, attending games, picnic etc.
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
My involvement in the Armenian Studies program has greatly enhanced my college experience, by giving the Armenian youth an opportunity to experience an education in Armenian history, art, literature, dance, etc. My college experience was culturally enjoyable, inspirational, educational, and unforgettable. I am so grateful we have such a Program to connect the Armenian youth to their heritage and roots and reminds us of who were living here in distant lands. It has been one of my best college experiences that will stick with me throughout my life.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
I enjoyed all of the classes because each of them offered a new and unique learning experience. My most memorable classes, which I really enjoyed were Armenian Studies 20-Arts of Armenia and Arm 108A/B-Armenian history. However, I also enjoyed the Armenians in Fresno/Diaspora class and Armenian language classes. My favorite activities would have to be attending the events involving visiting professors, authors, and academic scholars to Fresno State and their lectures and presentations on important Armenian aspects. This experience is very memorable because you meet those scholars and individuals who enrich our culture and identity.
What did you enjoy most about your experience at Fresno State?
I have really enjoyed many aspects of Fresno State including the campus, faculty members, the Armenian Studies Program, along with the inspirational individuals I encountered throughout my years here. The learning experience and my growth as a person has been unforgettable and this is what I will take from Fresno State.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will pursue my teaching credential in the Credential Program at Fresno State. I will begin teaching and my goal is to eventually become a school administrator. I plan on traveling and my first destination is without a doubt to go to Armenia where I will fulfill that personal connection.
Harut Mesropyan
Major: Civil Engineering
What on-campus Armenian activities were you involved in?
I was most involved in the Armenian Students Organization. Most importantly, the character exhibited by members of the organization and the environment of the activities was phenomenal. Because of such camaraderie I always enjoyed being active within the organization.
How did your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program affect your college experience?
The Armenian Studies Program not only solidified my connection with the Armenian community in Fresno, it also enhanced my awareness of our rich Armenian heritage. Along with these, involvement in the Program has inspired me to contribute and be involved more in Armenian cultural organizations and activities. It is something that not all institutions offer, I am grateful for having had the chance to do so.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
Every aspect of the Armenian Studies Program was remarkable. From the amazing activities organized by the Armenian Students Organization, the guest speakers and their captivating lectures, and the fascinating courses in Armenian language, literature, and history. It is such a privilege to have taken part in the features offered by the Armenian Studies Program.
What did you enjoy most about your experience at Fresno State?
The experience I have enjoyed most has been the pleasure of meeting so many new people. Be it colleagues in my line of study or individuals from other areas, establishing a sense of fellowship with new people is such a fulfilling sentiment. It is because of these occasions my study at Fresno State has been so much more worthwhile.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, in Fall 2011, where I will study and obtain a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering.