Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Tamar Karkazian
Staff Writer
If one were present at the Fort Washington Golf and Country Club Banquet Hall on March 29, 2010, they would have found their eyes scanning over a crowd of 200 students, parents, professors, and members of the Armenian community all dressed in fitted suits, tailored pants, and detailed dresses.
They were gathered for the Armenian Studies Program 22nd Annual Banquet. Their ears would ring from the murmur of excitement escaping the lips of students, as they exchange acknowledgments and questions. “What would the night entail? Was the movie supposed to be good? What about the food?” By the end of the night the students would realize that all their concerns were gone and replaced with a sense of relief and gratitude. “I really enjoyed the Banquet,” exclaimed ASO President Faten Myaznih-Kassabian, “It was a great experience.” Everything went well and students enjoyed themselves. The food was delicious. The movie was interesting. And apart from the slight stage fright experienced by students who were acknowledged as scholarship recipients, the Armenian Studies Annual Banquet was a success.
Like most Armenian events, the Banquet started off with dinner: a freshly tossed salad, creamy chicken piccata, vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a rich, chocolate-cheesecake for dessert. As guests were finishing dessert and drinking coffee, the evening began with introductions and remarks by Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Coordinator of the Armenian Studies Program. He briefly described the success of the Program, stating such incredible facts as the recent increase in the average number of students taking Armenian classes, with an average now of 32 students per class. He also mentioned how Armenian courses have been taught at Fresno State for over 40 years, since the late 1960s.
Prof. Sergio La Porta, Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies at Fresno State, spoke about the highlights of his first year teaching in the Program. Prof. Der Mugrdechian then introduced Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. William Covino, who is completing his first year of service at Fresno State.
“There are as you know, thousands of institution of higher learning across the United States and around the world, some of them good and some of them not so good and some of them great. And to my mind, what distinguishes a great university, and Fresno State is a great university, is its commitments, the things it is dedicated to, and what it values. It must value student success, it must value scholarship, the dedication for the cutting edge of our disciplines, our engagement with the region and with the community, and the globe, and it must gather a community that becomes partners with it as private supporters. In all of these areas, Fresno State is great,” stated the Provost.
“The Armenian Studies Program is strong in all of the areas that I have recited. In student success, in scholarship, in engagement with the community, and it has benefited so immeasurably from private support. It has benefited from the gifts over the years that have made it a real gem in the College of Arts and Humanities, a gem in the community, and a program that is so appreciated and so excited for our students. For that, I am very grateful to here at very Fresno State. I am grateful to you, and am delighted to be with here tonight.”
Next on the Program was the presentation and acknowledgement of Armenian Studies Program scholarship recipients for the 2009-2010 academic year. This year more than $70,000 in scholarship funds were distributed. More than forty students at the Banquet were individually named and invited to the front to receive a certificate of recognition. Half way through, the students had started wrapping around the corner of the room and lining up against a side wall. “Getting an award was exciting,” recounts Susie Boyadjian. “It was also great seeing all the other awardees.
The guests agreed it was a moving sight. “Each year more and more students are attending the Banquet, giving them the opportunity to meet with community members,” explained Professor Der Mugrdechian. “It was a wonderful way for Provost William Covino to see our Program first-hand.” The pride of the community could be felt from the boom of the thunderous applause as the last student received their recognition.
The Armenian Studies Program had the means to finance and support more than sixty students with scholarships. There are thirteen scholarships endowments and grants serving the needs of the students.
Following the presentation of the scholarship recipients, the attendees turned their attention to the big screen to view the United States premiere of the film “Saroyan’s Will.” Graced by the presence of the director, Grigor Harutyunyan, guests were able to hear the director’s motives and perspectives on the making of the film. The film explored the less familiar part of Saroyan’s life through interviews with close family friends and relatives.
Ann Arpy Soghomonian recipient of a Yervant, Rose, and Hovannes Levonian Educational scholarship remarked, “The movie was very interesting and eye opening. We were able to see the social aspect of Saroyan’s life.” The Annual Armenian Studies Banquet was a great success, with everyone looking forward to next year’s event.