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Hye Sharzhoom is a supplement of The Collegian and the newspaper of the Fresno State Armenian Students Organization and the Armenian Studies Program and is funded by the Associated Students. Articles may be reprinted provided Hye Sharzhoom is acknowledged. Hye Sharzhoom welcomes prose, poetry, articles and other material from its student readers.

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Hye Sharzhoom

Armenian Students Organization Brings Students Together with Many Fall Semester Activities

By Careen Derkalousdian, Staff Writer

Mar 18, 2024

ASO members enjoyed an evening bowling at Fresno State.

The Armenian Students Organization had a successful Fall semester, starting the school year off strong with a BBQ cookout in September, complete with kebab, Armenian music, and games. They continued their momentum with a Homecoming Tailgate in October and an annual Friendsgiving Potluck in November. From turkey to mac n’ cheese to pilaf, ASO members brought an assortment of tasty dishes and enjoyed some friendly, heated competition with the fun games that followed. The semester finished off with a broomball game at Gateway Ice Center. With turnouts of up to 50 people, ASO continues to succeed in bringing together the Armenian youth on campus and fostering a fun environment.

The ASO gathered on September 29, 2023 for a outdoor picnic/BBQ at O’Neill park on the Fresno State campus. (ASP Archive)

“My first year as an ASO executive officer has been amazing so far! It is definitely a totally different experience planning our events and socials rather than just attending them, but I am so grateful to be able to execute events that our members will remember forever,” said public relations officer, Karina Messerlian. “I’ve been amazed at the turn out at all of our events so far and can’t wait to see what the future holds for ASO. I also want to give a huge thank you to all the members who have continuously shown their support and attendance.”

Left to right: ASO Vice-President Armand Karkazian, ASO President Alec Karayan, and ASO Secretary Careen Derkalousdian at the Fresno State Club Preview Day.

“The Fresno State Armenian Students Organization has greatly benefited me throughout my college career. What started out as attending ASO events to meet new people and to become more involved in the Armenian community, has matured into me becoming one of the leaders of this organization,” said ASO President Alec Karayan. “It has brought joy to my heart to be a part of such a good organization that has been serving the community for the past fifty years. Not only does this organization benefit Armenians, but also anyone who wants to learn about Armenian culture, history, and traditions. I recently met someone who is not Armenian, and when she found out that I am Armenian and attending Fresno State, she told me how she would attend Armenian cooking and other classes through the Armenian Studies Program. It made me happy knowing that she had a great time in ASO. Throughout the past 50 years, ASO has brought much happiness and recognition for the Fresno Armenian community.”

In addition to social events, the ASO board designed a new T-shirt and a sweatshirt, displaying a pomegranate tree with its roots in Mt. Ararat, symbolizing that we are rooted in our culture and homeland.

The ASO executives are currently hard at work planning future social events and a 50th anniversary celebration for the community. Stay tuned for more details and follow us on Instagram for updates! @fresnostateaso