Armenian Studies Program 25th Annual Banquet Held March 17

Tamar Karkazian
Editor

It has been over a quarter of a century since the Armenian Studies Program established the tradition of an Annual Banquet. So it seemed fitting that the Armenian Studies Program held its 25th Annual Banquet to celebrate this milestone, on Sunday, March 17, at the Fort Washington Golf and Country Club.

The focus of the evening was students, highlighting their successes and their importance in the future. Retiring Fresno State President Dr. John Welty was recognized at the Banquet for his twenty-two years of service to the University.

Armenian Studies Program Coordinator Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian began the evening by introducing the special guests, faculty, and friends of the university. He welcomed everyone affirming the significance of this event that annually brings together faculty, community, and students.

Dr. Sergio La Porta then shared some of his experiences at Fresno State for the past four years, emphasizing how important the interaction with students was. He then thanked the community for their continued support of the Armenian Studies Program.

Dr. Vida Samiian, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, emphasized the strength of the Armenian Studies Program, pointing out that it is one of the strongest programs on campus, and that it is the first Program at the university to receive an endowed chair.

“The two faculty of the Armenian Studies Program work as hard and as extensively as eight faculty members, teaching, doing research, and in engagement with the community. We have phenomenal faculty in every respect and that is why the Armenian Studies Program has been so successful.” Speaking about community involvement, Dr. Samiian said, “Without your [community] participation, the Program could not be as successful as it has been.”

Fresno State President Dr. Welty shared his optimism about the future of the university, with its outstanding faculty and administration. “I am deeply appreciative of the time you have invested in working with me, but also committed to what you believe in. Thank you for your investment in the Armenian Studies Program and in the University. The Armenian Studies Program is the top Program in the United States, and with your support it will continue to serve students for years and years.”

Guests were then transported to Armenia by Matthew Karanian’s featured talk on “Armenia’s First Travel Guide: A Creative Journey.” Karanian explained how he had come to write the travel-guide Armenia and Karabagh, emphasizing the fact that he and photographer Robert Kurkjian focused on the modern aspects of Armenia. They wanted their travel-guide to be original, balanced, and honest. Growing up, Karanian had little knowledge of Armenia, but rediscovered it in 2001, realizing that it had changed significantly.

Turning his focus to students, he advised them that the best way that any of them could help Armenia was by being the “best you can be,” because “Everyone has something to contribute to Armenia.”

As the evening was coming to an end, three graduating students, involved in various aspects of the Armenian Studies Program, were asked to share their thoughts and experiences for the past several years. Mounah Saksouk, an international student, explained that she got involved with the Armenian Studies Program because of her love of culture, and that through the various Armenian courses, she learned that her culture and the Armenian culture were more similar than different.

Hagop Ohanessian, a graduate student, shared his experiences, particularly as President of the Armenian Students Organization. He enjoyed the relationships, organizing events, and noted how being involved helped him keep in touch with his roots.

The final student to speak was Tamar Karkazian, who explained how she had become involved, as President of ASO, and as editor of Hye Sharzhoom, because she wanted to represent her culture and her people well, in both the Armenian Studies Program and to the greater community.

Saving the best for last, the Armenian Studies Program professors closed the evening by recognizing the more than forty students in attendance, congratulating them on their efforts. As students received their awards, one could see the excitement and joy on their faces.

The 25th Annual Armenian Studies Banquet was definitely a successful event, one that gave promise for the next twenty-five years.