ASO Balances Work with Fun

MARINE VARDANYAN – Editor

ASO Armenian Genocide Commemoration committee. Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian. — ASO Armenian Genocide Commemoration committee. *Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian*.

A pleasant balance of work and leisure has preoccupied members of the Armenian Students Organization as the Spring Semester rapidly approaches its halfway mark. With April only a month away, a number of meetings have already taken place to prepare for the 99th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide commemorative activities.

“The meetings are very serious, everyone seems very focused and we are all working as a team,” commented Haverj Stanboulian. With the commemorative events as an important priority, students participating in the planning committee are generating several unique approaches for educating the campus community and memorializing the 1.5 million lives lost.

Brainstorm sessions are currently taking place for t-shirt designs, program outlines, and for organizing the various activities that will take place throughout the week, including a movie screening and a vigil.
This year, the dedicated committee members are taking a triumphant approach to the Genocide, choosing to emphasize the resilience and strength of the Armenians that has allowed them to continue to survive, multiply, and prosper despite the attempts of extermination by the Ottoman Turks.

“The Genocide essentially shaped our culture today, and it is important for people to understand that,” said Elena Sarmazian.As April 24 approaches, the committee promises to bring a successful program to our campus and the community.

Left to Right: Armen Simonyan, Simon Simonyan, Menas Arisian, Vachagan Vardanyan, Ben Tanielian, Marine Vardanyan, Aramais Orkusyan, Michael Rettig, Lilit Grigoryan, Ani Grigoryan, Ovsanna Simonyan, and Noel Lenard. Front row, left to right: Vartush Mesropyan, Zhor Pogosyan, and Alek Khatchigian. Photo: ASP Archive. — Left to Right: Armen Simonyan, Simon Simonyan, Menas Arisian, Vachagan Vardanyan, Ben Tanielian, Marine Vardanyan, Aramais Orkusyan, Michael Rettig, Lilit Grigoryan, Ani Grigoryan, Ovsanna Simonyan, and Noel Lenard. Front row, left to right: Vartush Mesropyan, Zhor Pogosyan, and Alek Khatchigian.
*Photo: ASP Archive*.

To unwind from the demanding semester, the ASO executives planned an entertaining day at Laser Quest on January 8, 2014. Geared up in flashing vests and heavy laser guns, students maneuvered around the dark arena filled with fog and beams of light, attempting to avoid getting shot while scoring as many points as possible.

The “space cadets” worked up a sweat as they played two whole games, some teaming up into groups and others entering the arena as lone wolves.

Zhor Pogosyan, a lethal opponent, played under the name of “Z” and managed to score first place in the games. “I had a great time wearing the suit and shooting at players I couldn’t see. Since it was a dark room, I just followed the red lights, moved around, and had fun,” said Pogosyan.

Upcoming plans for the ASO include rock climbing and a trip to San Francisco during Spring Break. The ASO continues to stay active and demonstrate their values for Armenian issues, culture, and good old-fashioned fun.