Prof. Der Mugrdechian Named “Man of the Year” and Stefani Booroojian “Woman of the Year” by Knights and Daughters of Vartan at March 30 Banquet

Andrew Hagopian

Staff Writer

On Saturday, March 30, the Knights of Vartan, Yeprad Lodge and the Daughters of Vartan, Alidz Chapter, held their “Man and Woman of the Year Banquet” honoring Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Berberian Coordinator of the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State and KSEE 24 News Anchor Stefani Booroojian. More than 200 community guests, including Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro, local clergy, and leaders of community organizations attended the banquet held at the Fort Washington Country Club.

The evening commenced with the singing of the American National Anthem and the Armenian National Anthem, performed by vocalist Misak Israelyan and violinist Aris Howsepian. Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian, Pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church gave the invocation followed by welcoming remarks from Master of Ceremonies Dr. Dennis Shamlian.

After enjoying a social hour and dinner, the formal part of the program began. The “Man of the Year” presentation was made by Steven Adams, Commander of the Knights of Vartan, who congratulated Der Mugrdechian for his accomplishments within the Armenian community. Adams expressed his appreciation stating, “Professor Der Mugrdechian has been the backbone of the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State for over 30 years. His work in educating Armenian and non-Armenian students has greatly enhanced the education program at Fresno State. Professor Der Mugrdechian has been greatly influential in uplifting the Armenian culture and heritage.”

“I would like to thank the Knights and Daughters of Vartan for bestowing this special honor upon me,” said Prof. Der Mugrdechian. “It is an exceptional distinction and a humbling experience to be able to stand before you, my colleagues from Fresno State, students, family and friends, and community members to accept the ‘Man of the Year’ award. It is also an honor that I am being recognized at the same time as the ‘Woman of the Year’ Stefani Booroojian, who has in so many ways made such a significant impact on our community.”

Der Mugrdechian became the Berberian Coordinator of the Armenian Studies Program in August of 2008 and has been teaching Armenian Studies Program courses in Armenian language, history, and culture since 1985.

Musical selections performed by vocalist Misak Israelyan, accompanied by Aris Howsepian and Dr. Christopher Shamlian followed the presentation. The Fresno Armenian Academy Dance Group also performed a set of Armenian dances.

Daughters of Vartan Matron Dr. Tamara Shamlian then presented Stefani Booroojian with the “Woman of the Year” award, commending her on her exemplary career in broadcast journalism and thanking Booroojian for her efforts to educate the public in the Central Valley about the Armenian cause, culture, and heritage.

News Anchor Stefani Booroojian, one of the most recognizable names on the local news scene, has been at KSEE24 for 27 years and at the anchor desk since 1984. She has been instrumental in bringing KSEE’s BuddyCheck 24 program to the Central Valley, saving lives through early detection methods and research in the fight against breast cancer. Booroojian has also reached more than 45,000 women with her news stories and serves as a role model for young people through community speaking engagements. In October of 2018, Booroojian accompanied a 30-member Fresno Medical Mission to Armenia, reporting on the humanitarian effort to help the medically undeserved in Armenia.

Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno, Berj Apkarian, presented both Der Mugrdechian and Booroojian with beautifully framed proclamations on behalf of the Consulate.

The evening concluded with dancing to the music of Hye Vibe DJs Shant and Armen Postoyan.

Past recipients of the “Man of the Year” award have included Richard Hagopian, Dr. Sergio La Porta, and Dr. Joseph Castro.