Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Dustin Vartanian
President
What would you like to accomplish as an officer?
I want our members to feel how I did when I first got involved in ASO. When I first got involved, I established a great group of friends and I always looked forward to every event we had. My goal is to make everyone feel as welcomed as I was.
What impact has ASO had on your college career?
ASO gave me instant friends when I first came to Fresno State. I went to the first ASO event the year I transferred to Fresno State and I have had the same core group of friends ever since and I continue to meet new friends every semester. We have all gotten so close it feels like we are family. ASO has really been the heart of my college experience.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I have three nicknames Dust, Dusty, and Poshee. I love wearing a large red wig to Fresno State Basketball games. I played baseball at College of the Sequoias in Visalia before transferring to Fresno State. I really enjoy working on an almond farm in Fowler.
Ariana Garabedian
Vice-President
Why did you want to be an ASO Executive Officer?
I wanted to be an officer because it gives me the opportunity to meet new Armenians at Fresno State and coordinate events to keep everyone involved, especially during this time.
What impact has ASO had on your college career?
ASO has had a huge impact on my college career so far. The largest impact is through all of the new people I have met. Through the ASO I have made many new friends and gotten back in touch with old friends!
What kind of response do you hope to get from the members?
By planning new virtual events I hope that more students will want to get involved and will continue to help the organization grow.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I have played the piano for fourteen years! For me, it has become very fun and a neat way to preserve my culture by learning music by Armenian composers.
Kara Statler
Secretary
Why did you want to be an ASO Executive Officer?
I have loved being a part of ASO and the Armenian Studies Program, and I wanted to be a part of it again. I have been an executive officer in prior years and it has been such a blessing to be a part of the executive.
What would you like to accomplish as an officer?
I would like to be able to bring Armenian students together, even if it is only virtual for the time being. ASO is such an amazing place to make friendships and I want to ensure that for the new and current members there will always be a place for them.
What impact has ASO had on your college career?
ASO has helped me in so many ways. I have met some of my best friends, been able to do things I would not normally have done, and it helped me become more in touch with my family’s culture. It is such an amazing group of people and I think that everyone should come to an ASO event at least once.
Tatiana Samouie
Treasurer
Why did you want to be an ASO Executive Officer?
As a part of the ASO executive committee, I have another opportunity to get involved with the Armenian community. I wanted to be an ASO executive officer to get involved and meet new Armenians.
What would you like to accomplish as an officer?
It is fair to say that this past year has been a difficult adjustment for many. Therefore, as an officer I hope to bring a sense of normalcy to students through our virtual events. I also hope to bring awareness and aid to Armenia and Artsakh during these tough times.
What impact has ASO had on your college career?
ASO has allowed me to meet people who have become my closest friends and has given me the opportunity to connect with many other like-minded, driven Armenians. I hope to give the same opportunity to our new members this year.
Suzanna Ekmekchyan
Public Relations
What would you like to accomplish as an officer?
Even during these difficult times, I hope to stress the importance of making connections with my peers in order to make them feel like they are a part of something meaningful and that they are not alone during these isolating times.
What impact has ASO had on your college career?
ASO has given me so many amazing friends and provided me with the most memorable experiences that I could have ever wanted during my college experience. All the while emphasizing my love for Armenian culture, we were able to get together, plan amazing events, and share lots of laughs.
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I am very involved with the Armenian culture. Aside from school, one of my favorite things to do is Armenian dance. I love teaching children traditional Armenian dances and the meanings behind them.