Armenian Students Organization Continues Active Semester

Ruzan Orkusyan
Staff Writer

As the fall semester comes to an end, the leaves have turned a beautiful array of warm red colors, the air is fresh with the smell of autumn, and professors continue to find joy in assigning countless term papers, giving quizzes and tests. Despite the chaos that ensues in the second half of the fall semester, the Armenian Students Organization has been very active and continues to provide members with opportunities to socialize, volunteer, and spread awareness about the Armenian culture.

In celebration of Halloween, ASO organized a “Scary Movie Night” complete with delectable treats and a costume contest. Everyone had fun attending with creative costumes and participating in a mock fashion show for the chance to win the grand prize for best costume. “

The fun continued into November. ASO organized a bowling event at the Fresno State USU bowling alley. Members relaxed and enjoyed refreshments as they bowled and socialized. It was a great way for old and new members to meet and learn more about one another and their advisor, Professor Der Mugrdechian, who joined the students for a night of fun. Moreover, bowling was a great team building exercise, as everyone learned to cheer for and encourage one another.

ASO has also organized several volunteering events. For Veterans Day, members visited the Ararat and Ararat Masis cemeteries to place flags at the graves of Armenian-American veterans.

Volunteers braved the early morning cold to honor and remember the veterans. ASO executive member Hagop Ohanessian commented, “We were excited for the opportunity to give back to the Armenian community and to reflect on the past and how Armenians have always been active and supportive of the countries that they live in.”

Also in November, ASO members had the pleasure of ushering at the Hamazkayin Ani Dance Company performance. The students helped seat attendees and afterwards enjoyed the beautiful performance.

More recently, ASO held a general meeting at the California Pizza Kitchen to inform members about upcoming events while also supporting a fundraiser for the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School.

Finally, ten ASO members performed November 17, at International Culture Night, at Fresno State and proudly presented their Armenian culture through music, dance, and traditional clothing.

Even as the semester ends, winter promises new volunteering opportunities, including Christmas Caroling at the California Armenian Home, social events, and a December 21 Christmas Party for ASO members and their families at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.

Meanwhile, the ASO Executive is busy planning and coordinating new and exciting events for the upcoming spring semester.