Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Photo: Andrew Hagopian
Sara Beberian
Staff Writer
The Armenian Studies Program celebrated another successful year at Fresno State with the 34th Annual Armenian Studies Program Banquet. Fresno State students, faculty, administrators, parents, donors, and community members came together to share a delicious dinner and celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Program.
The banquet was held at the Fort Washington Country Club on Sunday, March 20, 2022. As this was the first Banquet held in three years, everyone was enthusiastic to celebrate the Program’s achievements and to recognize students who had been awarded scholarships and those students who graduating with a Minor in Armenian Studies.
Many campus and community leaders were in attendance for this highly anticipated event. Among the guests were Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval; Interim Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Xuanning Fu; Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities Dr. Honora Chapman; and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities Dr. Sergio La Porta, and ASP faculty member Dr. Hagop Ohanessian. Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Fowler, gave the invocation.
Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Berberian Coordinator of the Armenian Studies Program, hosted and organized the wonderful evening.
Fresno State administrators addressed the audience, highlighting the Armenian Studies Program, and how proud they and the community are of its success.
“One does not need to be Armenian to appreciate the historical importance and to understand why it is so vital that we continue to support cultural, historical, and linguistic studies on our campus and in this country,” stated Dean Chapman.
Dean Chapman described Armenian Studies as “the best program for Armenian Studies in the United States,” an amazing accomplishment that everyone in the community could appreciate. The majority of students enrolled in Armenian courses are not Armenian, but through these courses, they learn about a culture they might not have ever known anything about. As we have learned in Armenian Studies courses, Armenian literature and history is so rich and it is always appreciated when non-Armenians find a passion for things Armenian.
Photo: Andrew Hagopian
Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval shared his thoughts about a trip he took to Armenia with Dr. La Porta in 2019. It was in Armenia where he grew to have a profound love and appreciation for Armenian culture, and heritage, and as he playfully joked, a love for Armenian Food! Dr. Jiménez-Sandoval visited the most sacred sites in Armenia and shared his awe for the beautifully decorated Armenian alphabets he saw throughout the country. He was impressed as well with the Armenian Genocide Monument in Yerevan. It was there that he, “felt the resilience and the hope of the Armenian people.” His visit to the Genocide Monument reinforced how important the Armenian Studies Program is at Fresno State and how important the scholarships are for students to continue to preserve Armenian heritage, literature, culture, and language.
“In the face of adversity, the community comes together around it core values of faith and family,” stated President Jiménez-Sandoval. “My admiration has deepened with my more than twenty years at Fresno State. I have always said this, that the Armenian Studies Program sets the ‘gold standard’ for the field.”
Graduating senior Suzanna Ekmekchyan, who received a Minor in Armenian Studies, spoke of her interactions with the Program.
“One of the opportunities that I had as a student was to participate in Armenian Studies activities and to pursue Minor,” said Ekmekchyan. “Little did I know that making this decision was to provide me with the most meaningful and memorable experience of my time at Fresno State. … The classes that I took provided me with invaluable information about my history and culture-a fact about which I am incredibly proud. They have made me a better Armenian-one who is well informed and educated about all aspects of the culture.”
Michael Mazman was the next speaker. “Pursuing a Minor in Armenian Studies has absolutely been an integral part of my college experience,” stated Mazman. “I cannot express how happy I feel to be able to learn the Armenian language and history every day in a classroom setting.”
The Banquet is a wonderful opportunity for students to be recognized for the scholarships they have received and to be recognized for their hard work in preserving Armenian culture and taking courses in the Armenian Studies Program.
Students who received a Minor in Armenian Studies received special recognition. This year nine seniors earned Minors and over thirty students are currently pursuing a Minor in the Program.
The Armenian Studies Program Banquet did more than just celebrate scholarship recipients, the Program also recognized all the aspects of its activities. The Program hosts an Annual Lecture Series lectures bringing a variety of guests to campus. The Program has organized nearly 900 events over the past 45 years-a monumental accomplishment.
Students are also involved with each other through Armenian Students Organization, where Armenian students come together at social events and build community.
Dr. La Porta said it best, “I am certain that the future of Armenia and the future of the Armenian Studies Program is bright, and I am certain because of all the people here this evening and all of the students who attend their Armenian courses every day.”