Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Staff Report
Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian
Vartush Mesropyan, President
Senior, Psychology major; Armenian Studies minor
What ASO events are you most looking forward to?
International Culture Night and the Armenian Genocide commemorative events, because we work hard as an organization to unite everyone together on campus and in the community. The beginning and middle stages are incredible but the outcome is what makes us think it was all worth it. We brainstorm, plan, and organize each step together as a team.
What are your goals?
I am looking forward to planning fun, cultural, and educational events for our members. I would like to organize a charity project, have volunteers work in the local Armenian community, plan an out-of-town trip, and organize an educational workshop.
What impact has being involved in ASO had on your college experience?
It has been a great opportunity getting involved with ASO because I am able to interact with a group of people that share my same values and traditions. No matter where we come from, we are Armenian. Most importantly, this organization has taught me to respect my culture and that no matter where I go, I should remain Armenian.
Marine Vardanyan,
Vice President
Junior, Public Health major; Armenian Studies minor
What ASO events are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to those that we host on campus because they increase our exposure and interaction with more Fresno State students who can learn about our organization.
What are your goals?
My goal is to make all the new members feel welcome and get them as excited as I am for all of our projects and events. I also would like to establish a connection and build a relationship between ASO and students in Armenia, particularly with the girls of Mer Hooys, a home for Armenian girls co-founded by Prof. Der Mugrdechian.
I had the chance to meet some of the girls this summer, so I am looking forward to working on a project that allows ASO to bond with them.
What impact has being in the ASO had on your college experience?
I have been able to enhance my college experience by getting involved in what matters to me the most—my Armenian heritage. It has made a big impact on my life because I have had the opportunity to meet and work with community members and fellow students, spread Armenian pride and awareness, and plan awesome events that bring together both Armenians and non-Armenians.
Alek Khatchigian, Treasurer
Junior, Business Administration major; Armenian Studies minor
What ASO events are you most looking forward to?
One thing I am looking forward to, that I enjoyed last year as well, is Laser Quest because it is a really fun social activity where you get to run around with your friends with laser guns.
What are your goals?
My main goal is to be a responsible club officer and handle my duties as treasurer as accurately as possible.
What impact has being in the ASO had on your college experience?
I have made a lot of new friends who share the same culture as me.
Ovsanna Simonyan, Public Relations officer
Junior, International Business major
What ASO events are you most looking forward to?
I love any kind of group activity, specifically this semester since I am new. I would like to meet everyone and develop life long relationships.
What are your goals?
I really want to develop strategies to reach out to more students and to increase participation. I want to see ASO hold more socials, have motivational speakers for different areas of study, as well as organize conferences with other Armenian student organizations statewide and maybe even worldwide.
What impact has being in the ASO had on your college experience?
This is my first semester in ASO and I look forward to being involved because it is going to contribute greatly to my career goals.
Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Secretary
Senior, Commercial Recreation & Event Planning major; Armenian Studies minor
What ASO events are you most looking forward to?
I love every ASO event—they are all fun. I am looking forward to the Halloween party and I can’t wait to see the costumes.
What are your goals?
I would like all students to participate in our activities and events, because ASO is such a great organization for making new friends and just having a good and educational time with each other.
What impact has being in the ASO had on your life/college experience?
I am less shy, I am much more connected to the community, and I have gotten to know some amazing human beings. I love meeting new people, and just participating in a variety of events.