Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Arakel A. Arisian ASO President
From Shish Kebab sales to intramural basketball, the Armenian Students Organization has been extremely busy this year. In this, its 25th year of existence, the ASO has represented the Armenian youth of California State University, Fresno. It’s hard to believe that a year can go by so fast, but all the activities and events the ASO just shows how much can get done in a year.
The 1997-98 year in retrospect was very much a learning experience, especially for the executive board. When the new officers (Arakel Arisian – President, Sosi Thomassian – Vice President, Talin Mekhitarian – Treasurer, Rita Aramian – Secretary, Michael Harutinian – Historian) were elected nine months ago it was filled with new faces, all new members of the club. None of the executives had experience with ASO but all were eager to learn. With the help of the previous officers and the advisor, Barlow Der Mugrdechian, the new executive board was able to learn and gain experience.
The first semester was filled with both fun and educational activities alike. The ASO had a shish kebab sale, a car wash, a cabin trip, and participated in intramural volleyball. Besides that, the ASO co-sponsored lectures with Armenian Studies Program by Richard Hovannisian and Ara Sarafian. The second semester continued where the first one left off and also was full of interesting events. The ASO went out a couple of times with the Agricultural group from Armenia. This gave members a sense of how different life is in other place around the world.
In the last update in Hye Sharzhoom the ASO intramural team was 1-1 and needing another win to get a good spot in the playoffs. Well in dramatic fashion the ASO intramural team won their third game 48-47 to become 2-1 and one of the higher seeds in the playoffs. The team finally had gelled and its members were: Arthur Adjemian, Arakel Arisian, Aaron Carlson, Hovig Torigian, Rob Mackertichian, and David Melikian. The first round of the playoffs was also played a tough team and many saw us as underdogs. But once again we prevailed and won by a very close margin, 2 points. So the team was in the Sweet Sixteen and was very excited. Unfortunately, in the second round only five players made it and we lost by 5. None the less it was a great season and it was a great experience.
On April 4th, the ASO executive went to Los Angeles to meet with all of the other Armenian Student Club executives. It was a fun and educational experience (read more about this trip on page 5, University Armenian Clubs). But more than anything, April was dedicated to the Armenian Genocide. The ASO had planned a week long schedule of event commemorating the genocide. Those events included to film showings, “Hidden Holocaust” and “Back to Ararat”, a lecture by Dr. Levon Marashlian, a candlelight vigil (co-sponsored with Homenetmen and Armenian Youth Federation) and a commemorative rally here on campus. In addition to these events ASO passed out informational flyers, put up an exhibit in the library, and built a replica of the Armenian Martyrs Monument in Armenia. Thanks to the help of Armen Devejian who help with the plans and Kenny Melkonian with building it, Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Michael Harutinian and Arakel Arisian were able to construct the replica.
The last event of the year is going to be a barbecue swim party so that members can celebrate a successful year. At that meeting the ASO will hold elections and the new executive will have another meeting with all of the other Armenian Student clubs at USC on June 28th. They will discuss two important events for next year: a student convention and an Armenian International Dance and Music Festival.
As another year comes to an end the ASO and its executive only hope that next year the organization can improve, expand, and grow. With new ties and lines of communication with other student associations, there will be endless possibilities. The ASO wishes everyone a good summer and success in the future.