Arisian Elected ASI President

By Shayla Srabian
Staff Writer

Arakel A. Arisian, formerly the Armenian Students Organization President from Fall 1997 to Fall 1999, was elected President of Associated Students Inc. at California State University, Fresno for Fall 1999 and Spring 2000.

David Emerzian was the President for the Fall 1998 and Spring 1999 semesters. Last year Arisian served as Vice President of Finance and felt that Emerzian’s influence was an encouragement to be involved in the ASI.

When David Emerzian served as President he rebuilt ASI, took care of a lot of legal policies and set a strong foundation. “We are able to grow and expand,” Arisian said. There are three major goals Arisian would like to accomplish. The first is letting students know that ASI exists and improving communication between the students and ASI. The second goal is that ASI would provide more services and programs for the student population, for example, academic support including tutors and resources. The third goal is to represent the students on important campus-wide issues, such as parking, computer related issues and food services.

Arisian and the board have established the Red Rave, which he calls the ultimate experience in student tailgating. The ASI also co-sponsored the UCLA vs. Fresno State bus trip. In doing these two things the ASI hopes to build school spirit.

Arisian feels that having served as the president of Armenian Students Organization and as a former editor of Hye Sharzhoom, he learned many skills. A very big thank you goes to his parents, Arisian says. “My mom is always there to help me. I look to my father as a role model,” Arisian said.

While being involved in ASI, Arisian manages to balance his studies. His major is Finance with a minor in Armenian Studies and Classical Studies. He expects to graduate in May, 2001 and plans to attend graduate school and earn a MBA and Ph.D. in Finance and Business. He would like to become a Chief Financial Officer for a professional sporting team and perhaps become a general manager. He feels his background in ASI could give him a career in politics.

Arisian is not the only Armenian serving on ASI. Rob Mackertichian is Vice President of Finance, Chad Kirkorian serves as Director of the College of Social Sciences, Susanna Zadourian serves as Fraternal Relations Liaison and Heidi Dunbar serves as Student Clubs and Organizations Liaison.