Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Pateel Mekhitarian
Editor
Dr. Dickran Kouymjian was recruited from France to restart the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State in 1977. Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian was a freshman at Fresno State in 1974, and was present to experience the beginning of the new program.
Der Mugrdechian was very involved in Armenian related events during his college career, taking a one-month trip to Armenia sponsored by the Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYO) in 1978, and also taking a course in Armenian Art with Dr. Kouymjian. Der Mugrdechian was eager to expand his knowledge of the Armenian culture. He recalls how the Armenian Students Organization was reorganized and the beginning of the Armenian student newspaper, Hye Sharzhoom/Armenian Action, in 1979.
“Dr. Kouymjian inspired me to continue my studies in Armenian Studies after I graduated from Fresno State in 1979. I was accepted to UCLA in the fall of 1980, and spent five years completing my Masters Degree and Candidate in Philosophy degrees,” said Der Mugrdechian. After completing his degrees in fall of 1985, he was invited by Dr. Kouymjian to return to Fresno State and teach courses in Armenian language and culture. Since then, he has been happily teaching, becoming the Coordinator of the Armenian Studies Program and the Director of the Center for Armenian Studies in fall of 2008.
After visiting Armenia for the first time, Der Mugrdechian was encouraged to start leading student groups from Fresno State, educating them on Armenian culture. When asked about his experiences as a group leader, Der Mugrdechian replied, “I first took students to Armenia in 1988, and since then have led groups in 1990, 2001, 2005, and 2007, as well as leading a group of students to Jerusalem in 1986. Students can put together all that they have learned in the classroom, and see the places they have read about, and also meet the people of Armenia.” Der Mugrdechian sincerely enjoys educating and interacting with students and allowing them to experience the country first-hand.
The Armenian Studies Program has grown significantly over the past twenty-five years. There is a wide variety of students in all of the Armenian Studies courses, both Armenians and non-Armenians, however they are all interested in learning about the Armenian culture. Der Mugrdechian adds, “I think anyone who takes a course is showing they are interested and it is encouraging for me to see students grow in their interest of Armenian culture and language.” The Program averages 150 students per semester in all of the courses. The Program offers classes that are part of the Fresno State General Education requirements, which has led many non-Armenians to take Armenian Studies courses. For example, this semester there are seven non-Armenians, in a class of twenty-six, taking the beginning Armenian language course.
Every year, the Armenian Studies Program invites a Kazan Visiting professor to teach for one semester at Fresno State. These professors are internationally recognized scholars in contemporary Armenian affairs, and they bring an educationally beneficial experience to the students. In 2008, Dr. George Bournoutian taught a course in Armenian history. The Armenian Studies Program is very thankful and fortunate to have broad support in the community.
Every year eight to ten students graduate with a Minor in Armenian Studies. These students are leaders on campus and they pass on the culture and language to others. It has been a great accomplishment for Prof. Der Mugrdechian and the faculty to successfully attract students to the Program and to educate them with a thorough curriculum in Armenian Studies. When asked about significance of the Minor for students who graduate from Fresno State, Der Mugrdechian said, “Our vision has been that informed students give back to the community, participating in the various organizations, passing on their knowledge and experiences. Many of our graduates have gone on to leadership positions in a variety of groups.”
Fresno State students are very fortunate to have the opportunity for such an educational experience. Learning about the language, art, music, history, and literature in Armenian culture is a unique opportunity.
“I am very pleased to be heading the Armenian Studies Program, as I have been involved in every aspect of the program for 25 years. We teach, do research, conduct community outreach, do fund raising, advise students and a variety of other activities,” Der Mugrdechian said. He also stated how appreciative he was for the positive influence Dr. Kouymjian has had on him and the program. “Dr. Kouymjian was a great colleague, always open to discussing a variety of issues. His broad knowledge of Armenian Studies also broadened my interests. He also introduced me to many of the leading figures in the field. I owe him a debt of gratitude for all he has done for me and also for the Program that he lead for thirty-one years.”
The Armenian Studies Program has greatly strengthened and expanded over the past decades. When asked where he sees the Program in the future, Der Mugrdechian responded, “We have a strong Program and with the addition of Dr. Sergio La Porta, we look to further growth. We would like to establish a Masters Degree in Armenian Studies at Fresno State, increase student support, and widen our research interest. The program will continue to be a leader in the community.”
Due to the support and efforts of Prof. Der Mugrdechian, the Armenian Studies Program has flourished. His commitment towards teaching courses, organizing special lectures, advising students in the production of Hye Sharzhoom, working with leaders of the Armenian Students Organization, and managing other aspects of the program, are immeasurable. We are very thankful for the devotion and dedication Prof. Der Mugrdechian exerts on a daily basis.