Armenian Students Organization Members Enjoy Spring Semester Activities at Fresno State

Careen Derkalousdian
Staff Writer

The Armenian Students Organization (ASO) has enjoyed a fun and productive Spring semester! In January, the Executive Board planned a “Trivia and Game Night” complete with board games, pizza, and a specially designed Armenian “Jeopardy” Tournament. ASO members formed teams and brought out their competitive spirit as they learned more about Armenian history and culture while sharing laughs and heated debates.

In February, the ASO celebrated Fresno’s Armenian history as they toured the historic Saroyan House Museum, the same house where Armenian author William Saroyan once lived. Now functioning as a museum, the house has been transformed into an interactive experience that highlights Saroyan’s accomplished life and literary works.

Students immersed themselves in history as they viewed a hologram depicting Saroyan and photos from his life.

The ASO kicked off the month of March with a Movie Night, showing the film “Gyank u Griv” (Life and War), directed and written by Mher Mkrtchyan. With nearly 50 community members in attendance, the event was a great success in bringing Armenians together to celebrate a cinematic masterpiece. The film follows a young man named Tigran, as he navigates friendships and romance and overcomes his own fears while fighting in the Artsakh War. The film was deeply moving, evoking tears in some moments and laughter in others, bringing the audience together in a shared emotional journey. Dr. Talin Suciyan led an insightful discussion of the film after.

The ASO hosted another event in March, organizing a hike at Lewis Creek. Those who participated were in awe of the lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls.

“My favorite event this spring semester was the ASO hike. We saw some good views, enjoyed getting out of Fresno for a bit, and shared a meal after,” remarked ASO secretary Ani Sargysan.

“The hike was very fun, pretty, and not too difficult,” said ASO treasurer Jonathan Chardukian. “It was a great opportunity to spend time with other ASO members and had a good pay off of a waterfall view.”

In addition to holding monthly events, the ASO was hard at work designing commemorative T-shirts for the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. They were also working tirelessly on their new campaign “Generation Justice,” to raise awareness of the Genocide.

The ASO plans to end the year strong with a pool party in May for members to come together and celebrate the end of the school year.

Stay tuned for more details and follow us on Instagram for updates! @fresnostateaso.