Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
MENAS ARISIAN
Business Administration- Entrepreneurship
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
My passion to learn more about my Armenian culture and history encouraged me. It is interesting and important for me to be more knowledgeable about my heritage and where I come from. The history of the Armenian people is deep and has been around for a long time which motivates me to want to know more.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
My experiences with pursuing a minor in Armenian Studies has been incredibly fulfilling. What I value most is the journey: creating relationships, learning about my culture, class trips, Armenian Students Organization events, strengthening my Armenian language, and everlasting memories made in the classroom.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
I have to say that my favorite Armenian Studies experience was our class trip to Armenia in the summer of 2014, where we toured our motherland and had the opportunity to see in person what we had learned about in the classroom. I will never forget this trip, which was eye-opening and extremely fun.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to further my education and continue growing my real estate business. I have aspirations of earning an MBA, and later a PhD in Economics from UCLA. Once I fully complete my education, I wish to be involved in more business opportunities together with my real estate investments and brokerage. My ultimate goal is to open a Christian based non-profit organization or foundation that helps people all across the globe.
ALEXA UDE
Business Administration-Marketing
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I am half Armenian and I have always wanted to learn more about Armenia and its history, so once I enrolled at Fresno State I started taking some Armenian Studies courses.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
I enjoyed all the Armenian Studies classes I took, but my favorite Armenian Studies event was the unveiling of the Armenian Genocide Monument last year. It was incredible to see the large amount of people from the community that showed up to see the unveiling of this beautiful monument.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to work at JP Marketing, a local advertising agency here in Fresno.
LAUREN CHARDUKIAN
Biology
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I wanted to learn about my Armenian heritage. My previous knowledge about Armenian history, language, art, and architecture was close to nothing. I believed that the best place to learn about it was a formal education by taking Armenian Studies courses.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
What I valued the most from my experiences in the Armenian Studies Program was meeting new people, other students, visiting professors, and people in the community. I would never have met people that I enjoy being with, without being in this Program.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite class/activity was when I traveled with a group of students to Armenia in the summer of 2014. That was amazing! I was able to see and experience things that were mentioned in classes and I was able to apply what I learned in class.
BREANNA AIVAZIAN
Liberal Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I have taken four Armenian Studies courses throughout my time at Fresno State and was encouraged to do so because I take deep pride in my culture and wanted to gain a better understanding and insight about the art, literature, faith, and history of my people.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies course I have taken was Arts of Armenia because I really enjoyed studying several of the Armenian churches. Armenia was the first Christian nation, and because of that I believe God blessed us with the most beautiful churches in the world. I hope to visit Armenia someday very soon so I can visit these churches, especially Etchmiadzin.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to receive my Multiple Subject Credential and begin my career as an elementary school teacher. In the future, I also plan on receiving my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.
ARAMAYIS ORKUSYAN
Mathematics
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I deeply value everything the Armenian Studies Program does for its students and the Armenian community. The Program has given me opportunities to learn about my culture. It also created an environment where I was able to meet other Armenian students and build a social community that has helped strengthen and preserve my culture.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
The Armenian Studies Lecture Series was my favorite part of the Program. Guest speakers often discussed aspects of the Armenian culture that I knew nothing about. Going to the lectures was always a humbling experience because I thought I knew a lot about my culture, but I always learned something new at each lecture and left inspired to research and discover more about my culture.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am planning on taking a few extra courses in computer science through Fresno State’s Open University Program, and applying for a graduate program in computer science the following year. From there, I hope to become a software engineer.
SOSSE KENDOYAN
Biology
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I wanted to take an Armenian course to learn more about Armenia, my history and my culture.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
In the Armenian Studies Program, I learned more about my identity as an Armenian born in Lebanon and currently living in the United States. Learning more about my ancestor’s history helped me connect with my roots.
What was your favorite Armenian class, activity or event?
My favorite class was Armenian Studies 10 taught by Prof. Hagop Ohanessian, and my favorite event was the Armenian Genocide commemoration event held at the Genocide Monument.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plan is to get into medical school and become a doctor.
BENJAMIN TANIELIAN
Biochemistry
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I was curious about and interested in learning more about Armenian culture and history.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite events were the lecture series put on by the Armenian Studies Program because I learned a lot of new things, and gained new perspectives about some of the topics that I already knew about.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plan after graduation is to attend West Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
ZHORA POGOSYAN
Biology
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I was encouraged to take a course because I wanted to learn about my culture and language. I am happy that I did this because it was far more rewarding than what I could have anticipated.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
Most of what I valued from the Armenian Studies Program was the depth of knowledge that I gained about my country’s history. This was a fulfillment at a very deep and satisfying level that I will cherish for a long time.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies class is the Armenian Studies 120 Topics course, where a visiting professor teaches for one semester each year. I get to enjoy a different perspective on the Armenian culture and history as related by different teachers.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to get a job and remain in touch with the Armenian community as much as possible.
Photos: Cary Edmondson, University Photographer, Fresno State
Claire Takahashi, Student Photographer, Fresno State
Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Armenian Studies Program
A full listing of all graduates will appear in the 2016 Commencement Program.