Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Marine Vardanyan
Staff Writer
The Armenian Studies Program at California State University, Fresno held its gala 24th Anniversary Banquet, on Sunday, March 11, 2012 in the elegant banquet hall of the Fort Washington Golf & Country Club in Fresno.
More than 260 community members and friends joined with Fresno State President Dr. John Welty, College of Arts and Humanities Dean Dr. Vida Samiian, faculty, and students, to mark the special occasion.
Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Director of the Armenian Studies Program, welcomed guests on behalf of the Program and gave a brief message on the Program’s activities for the 2011-2012 academic year. This year marked the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State. An informative Banquet Program included the concise history of the Program’s activities.
Prof. Sergio La Porta, Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies, next spoke about the Program and its growth in recent years. He expressed his belief that one of the factors that makes the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State so unique and special is the amount of community support it receives.
Honored guest at the Banquet and keynote speaker for the evening, Dr. Richard Hovannisian, AEF Professor Emeritus of Modern Armenian History at UCLA, was recognized with several proclamations, including one from the Fresno County Board of Supervisors, bestowed in person by Debbie Poochigian, Chairman of the Board. The Fresno City Council also declared March 11 as “Dr. Richard Hovannisian Day,” thanks to the efforts of Councilman Andreas Borgeas. Valley legislators recognized Dr. Hovannisian with a proclamation lauding his years of teaching and research, thanks to Mary Alice Kaloostian, District Director for California State Senator Tom Berryhill.
Fresno State President Dr. John Welty awarded Dr. Hovannisian the “President’s Medal of Distinction,” the highest non-degree award presented by Fresno State to citizens of the region, state or nation whose contribution in the area of professional achievements or public service are of national or international significance, or represent a contribution of great significance to the university.
Dr. Richard Hovannisian, and Dr. Sergio La Porta.
Dr. Hovannisian, gave an inspiring speech as he reflected on a long academic career. His address was both emotional and inspirational. He was the first to teach Armenian courses at Fresno State in 1960-1962, when he taught several extension courses. While teaching those Armenian courses, he learned more about Armenian history, rediscovering his own roots.
Dr. Hovannisian reflected on his childhood and the role his grandparents and parents had in shaping his life. His childhood on the family farm affected him greatly and he emphasized the most important lesson he had gained, which was the idea that change is possible for everyone, slowly, but surely.
Each student recipient of an Armenian Studies scholarship received a congratulatory letter from California Senator Dianne Feinstein, and a gift from the Armenian Studies Program of a book, Follow, written by William Saroyan.
More than 40 students were recognized for receiving an Armenian Studies scholarship. Students graduating with a Minor in Armenian Studies and the executive members of the Armenian Students Organization were also recognized.
Prof. Der Mugrdechian concluded the program by thanking all those who had helped make the Banquet such an enjoyable evening.
The 24th Annual Armenian Studies Program Banquet was a great success. It was an occasion to reflect on the successes of past years and to look forward to the future.