Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Photo: ASP Archive
Staff Report
The Charles K. Pategian and Pansy Pategian Zlokovich Scholarship was established by Charles K. Pategian in 1972 and is the oldest scholarship fund established to support students in the Armenian Studies Program. Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate an interest in Armenian culture and who have a financial need to continue their university education. The scholarship provides full tuition, fees, and books for each student awarded.
Tatian Samouie, a Biology major at Fresno State, was awarded the Pategian scholarship for the Fall 2021 semester.
What are you studying and what are your plans for the future?
I am majoring in Biology and Minoring in Armenian Studies. I hope to attend law school in Fall of 2022, so that I can continue to help the Armenian cause.
I plan on using my juris doctorate degree to aid in the collection of evidence of war crimes against Armenia, so that one day I can present them in international courts, while still pursuing a career in intellectual property law.
How has the Pategian scholarship made a difference for you?
In a time where there was political, health, and economic instability in society, the Pategian scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies. Without having the burden to worry about the financial aspect of attending school, I was able to spend my time studying for exams, preparing for the LSAT, and applying to law schools.
How did you get interested in an Armenian Studies Minor?
At a young age, I was very involved in the Armenian community through school and scouting. Although I learned the stories of David of Sassoun, and many other Armenian figures through my grandmother or at Saturday Armenian school, I wanted to learn more about our history, traditions, and heritage. After taking the first semester of Armenian language, I wanted to continue with earning an Armenian Studies Minor.
Taking Armenians Studies courses has broadened my knowledge and allowed me to have a deeper appreciation of our Armenian culture, land, and history.
Tell us about your background and about your activities in the community.
I was born in Glendale, California and moved to Fresno at the start of the eighth grade. Moving from a school, whose population was majority Armenian, to a school where there were few Armenians was an adjustment. Being only one out of a total of four Armenian students at my new middle school, I wanted to get involved in the local Armenian community. I joined Homenetmen scouting, where I soon earned leadership position. Joining scouts allowed me to not only connect with my Armenian roots, but also meet new Armenian peers. Once I entered Fresno State, I soon craved those Armenian connections once more. I joined the Armenian Students Organization, where I served as Treasurer during the 2020-2021 school year. Through ASO, I was able to meet many new friends.
With the collaboration of ASO executives and the local Armenian community, we were able to fund raise $4,000 (matched to $8,000) to aid Armenia during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. During a global pandemic and political unrest, Armenians from around the world (including our Fresno community) were able to unite in support. This showed the importance of having an Armenian community because as an Armenian you can always find a friend within another Armenian.