Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Dustin Vartanian
Staff Writer
were awarded Armenian Studies scholarships.
Photo: Andrew Hagopian
“The Armenian Studies Program is not only an educational center but it is a very strong center that generates Armenian culture, that drives Armenian culture, and that keeps the Armenian community Armenian, here in the San Joaquin Valley and much beyond,” said H.E. Dr. Armen Baibourtian, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia.
Dr. Baibourtian was the keynote speaker and honored guest at the Armenian Studies Program 31st Annual Banquet held on Sunday, March 17 at Fort Washington Country Club. This academic year the Armenian Studies Program awarded more than sixty scholarships to Fresno State students enrolled in Armenian Studies courses and scholarship recipients were recognized for their accomplishments at the Banquet. Students at the Banquet were joined by their friends, family, and community members who enjoyed an evening of celebration.
Following the invocation by Rev. Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian, Pastor of St. Gregory Armenian Church in Fowler, Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian introduced special guests who were present. Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro and Mrs. Castro, Provost and Vice President Dr. Robert Harper, Vice-President for Admin-istration Debbie Adishian-Astone, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and his wife Dr. Mariana Anagnostopulos, Associate Dean Dr. Honora Chapman, and Hon-orary Consul Berj Apkarian and Mrs. Arpi Apkarian were among the distinguished guests present at the Banquet.
Dr. Sergio La Porta, Haig & Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies, made introductory remarks. “A country’s greatest resource is its citizenry. As a parent our greatest resource is our children,” affirmed Dr. La Porta. “For the university, its greatest resources are the students…. The legacy of the university rests with the achievements of its students. Those achievements have raised the level of the university year after year.”
Prof. Der Mugrdechian introduced Interim Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Robert Harper. “This Program is enjoying national and international recognition for its undergraduate program,” said Dr. Harper. “We are proud of the more than 25 students who are now pursuing a Minor in Armenian Studies.”
Prof. La Porta introduced Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro, who thanked those in the audience for their support of the University. “I am so honored to be here with my wife Mary and son Jess to welcome you to the Banquet,” stated Dr. Castro. … “Our students will be our future leaders, and more than 80% of Fresno State graduates stay in the region. The future of our region is bright.… Armenian Studies has been such an exceptional model for our new programs.”
Prof. Der Mugrdechian then introduced the special guest for the evening, General Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, H. E. Ambassador Dr. Armen Baibourtian.
Photo: Andrew Hagopian
“It is a real honor for me to attend this Banquet,” said Dr. Baibourtian. “I express my profound gratitude to Prof. Der Mugrdechian for your invitation to attend this Banquet. This has been a life changing experience. I feel the positive energy of the Fresno community and my wife Yvette and son David have fallen in love with Fresno.”
Dr. Baibourtian discussed the many positive changes that Armenia is undergoing, and expressed the feeling that Armenians can not only be proud of their past, but of their present as well. Although Armenia faces many challenges, “we can overcome those challenges together.”
Dr. Baibourtian concluded his remarks by commending the students being honored for making the right decision to attend Fresno State, where they enjoy the support of Dr. Castro and the university. He also commended the role of the Armenian community for their support of the Armenian Studies Program and the students.
Graduating seniors Arlen Pilavian and Anna Sislian, who Minored in Armenian Studies, spoke about their experiences in the Armenian Studies Program.
“Participating in the Armenian Studies Program ignited a new flame in me that I felt was lost when I left Armenia. Ever since the first day, attending the Armenian Studies Program courses made me feel like I am back home,” said Sislian. “By enrolling in the Armenian Studies courses I learned many new things about Armenia. I would go home and share this knowledge with my family.”
Arlen Pilavian, graduating in Spring 2019, explained how people would question him about his choice to Minor in Armenian Studies. “Why is a plant science major minoring in Armenian studies? Then they would ask what is an Armenian anyway,” said Pilavian. “That is the reason why I chose to Minor in Armenian Studies. Not only for my personal knowledge but to help educate people that do not know about Armenians. The Fresno State Armenian Studies Program is a prime opportunity for many to learn and express these values in our everyday lives.”
Prof. Barlow Der Mugr-dechian, on behalf of the Armenian Studies Program, awarded both Pilavian, Sislian, and Carlo Makardian with a stole recognizing their successful completion of the Minor in Armenian Studies. At the end of the evening students were invited to be recognized and to receive scholarship certificates from the office of State Senator Andreas Borgeas and City Councilman Paul Caprioglio.
Photo: Andrew Hagopian
The night was a celebration of the Armenian Studies Program and the students involved in the Program enjoyed themselves by being present at one of the largest Banquets in ASP history. Every year the Banquet continues to attract more attendees.
“The Banquet was great. It was the best turnout in the history of the Program,” said Cole Egoian, a recipient of an ASP scholarship. “The Consul General attended, which was an honor for our community. ”
Another scholarship recipient, Michaela Walkup, was also amazed at the growth of the Armenian Studies Annual Banquet.
“I didn’t think it was going to be so big. I was very surprised at how many scholarships the Program awarded,” stated Walkup. “In the 1980’s the Program had only two scholarships funds and it has proliferated to more than twenty-five now. It’s fantastic.”
“It was nice to see everyone who was participating in the Armenian Studies classes at the Banquet,” said Mitch Statler.
The Annual Armenian Studies Banquet is a reminder of how much the Armenian Studies Program has grown since its inception. The Banquet also highlights the role of the Program and one can see the success it has brought to its students.
Throughout the years, the Program has educated thousands of students about Armenian Studies and has handed out hundreds of scholarships to aid well-deserving students.
The Annual Banquet will continue to grow alongside with the Armenian Studies Program in the years to come.