Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Andrew Hagopian
Editor
ASO 2019-2020 Executives, left to right: Matthew Mugrdechian,
Vice-President; Suzanna Ekmekchyan, President; Andrew
Hagopian, Public Affairs; Ariana Garabedian, Treasurer;
and Dustin Vartanian, Secretary.
Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian
To kick off the Fall Semester, the Armenian Students Organization (ASO) at Fresno State held its first General Meeting of the semester on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. Five new student executive officers were elected: Suzanna Ekmekchyan, President; Matthew Mugrdechian, Vice President; Dustin Vartanian, Secretary; Ariana Garabedian, Treasurer; and Andrew Hagopian, Public Relations Officer. Each of the executives were asked questions about their involvement in ASO.
Suzanna Ekmekchyan-President
Why did you join ASO?
I joined to feel a strong connection with Armenian students and to plan amazing events that will make our college experience more memorable, and to develop a strong sense of friendship.
How has being an ASO member connected you to the Armenian community?
It has exposed me to more members of the community, which I am extremely grateful for. Being involved and active in community events has also been a great addition to being a member of ASO.
What would you like to accomplish as an officer?
As President, I would like to encourage the involvement of even more members. I would also like to utilize our team effort to give back to our community.
Matthew Mugrdechian-Vice President
Why did you join ASO?
I wanted to get more connected to the Armenian community in Fresno and meet new people.
What would you like to accomplish as an officer?
I would like to make sure that everyone is involved and having fun.
Ariana Garabedian-Treasurer
Why did you join ASO?
I joined because I enjoy being very involved in my culture and want to add to my experience at Fresno State.
How has being an ASO member connected you to the Armenian community?
It has opened my eyes to new opportunities.
What would you like to accomplish as an ASO Executive officer?
I would like to get to know other Armenians at Fresno State through this opportunity as well as to become more involved in the Armenian community.
Dustin Vartanian-Secretary
Why did you join ASO?
I joined so that I would be able to meet a new group of friends.
How has being an ASO member connected you to the Armenian community?
ASO connected me to a new group of Armenians. I always thought I was connected, but ASO made me realize how large the Armenian community is here within and outside of Fresno.
What would you like to accomplish as an officer?
I would like to help create a stronger bond between all Armenians here at Fresno State and those enrolled in Armenian Studies courses.
Andrew Hagopian-Public Relations
Why did you join ASO?
I joined because I wanted to become a part of the Armenian scene at Fresno State and grow closer with my fellow Armenian students.
How has being an ASO member connected you to the Armenian community?
ASO has connected me with so many Armenians within the Armenian community through various Armenian Studies Program events and fundraisers.
What would you like to accomplish as an officer?
I would like see an increase in the number of members in the ASO and keep all members entertained and motivated to embrace their culture and traditional values.