“The primary mission of our program is to teach,” said Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian. “Through the participation of students, support of administration and staff, and through the engagement of our community, this program has thrived.”

On Sunday, March 17, 2024, the Armenian Studies Program held its 36th Annual Banquet at the Fort Washington Country Club to honor scholarship recipients and students graduating with a Minor in Armenian Studies. Close to 290 guests were present at the event – a record high for the Program. Families and friends gathered together, excited to celebrate this special occasion to honor the hard-working students involved in the Program.

The event began with an invocation by the Very Rev. Fr. Ashod Khachadourian, and after guests had enjoyed the delicious meal, Berberian Coordinator of Armenian Studies, Prof. Der Mugrdechian gave his opening remarks. He congratulated the 62 scholarship recipients, who collectively received over nearly $115,000 in scholarships. The number of recipients and scholarships received were at an all-time high for the Program. With 27 students currently pursuing a Minor in Armenian Studies and 14 new scholarships and endowments created in the last five years, the Program continues to grow and flourish, educating both students and the community, while reaching a broader audience each year.

Prof. Der Mugrdechian acknowledged the 45th anniversary of the Hye Sharzhoom (Armenian Action) newspaper, the longest running Armenian student newspaper in the world. Over the past forty-five years, the Program has held over 500 events to engage the community and encourage others to learn about Armenian culture, history, and current events. In addition to this milestone, the Armenian Students Organization (ASO), established in 1974, celebrates their 50th anniversary this year.

Prof. Der Mugrdechian acknowledged special guests from the university and community who were in attendance, including Dr. Honora Chapman, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and Dr. Sergio La Porta, Acting Dean of the Kremen School of Education.

Fresno County Supervisor Sal Quintero presented a special proclamation to ASO President Alec Karayan, declaring March 17 as “Armenian Students Organization Day” in Fresno County. Natalie Agazarian, editor of Hye Sharzhoom, also received a proclamation, declaring March 17 as “Hye Sharzhoom Day” in Fresno County. Quintero highlighted that the newspaper is sent to more than 4,000 homes throughout the world and represents the voice of the Armenian Studies Program and ASO.

Prof. Der Mugrdechian then introduced Dr. Hagop Ohanessian, who is celebrating his 10th anniversary of teaching in the Armenian Studies Program. “I call him my steadfast colleague and friend – a person I can count on,” said Prof. Der Mugrdechian, as he thanked Dr. Ohanessian for his service and for his efforts to the Program and the Armenian community.

Dr. Xuanning Fu, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, next welcomed the guests with kind words and praise for Armenians, who were among the first immigrants to settle in Fresno. “ Armenians have made a great impact on not only Fresno, but America as a whole,” said Dr. Fu. “They rebuilt their homes and churches, becoming successful in a new country in the aftermath of the Genocide.” Dr. Fu then invited the ASO Executive Members forward to be presented with special certificates for their hard work and dedication in raising awareness of Armenian issues on campus and bringing the Armenian youth together.

“None of this would have been possible without God’s blessing, our hard work, and the community’s giving heart,” said ASO President Alec Karayan.

The final guest speaker of the evening was Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, who praised the Armenian Studies Program and all its accomplishments, spanning decades. President Jiménez-Sandoval deemed the Program among the most successful Armenian Studies Programs in the world, attributing its success to its unwavering dedication in promoting Armenian culture and history. He noted the 20 volumes that the Program has published in the Armenian Series of The Press at California State University, Fresno, with three more currently in production. He highlighted the Armenian Studies Lecture Series, which has engaged the community with over 25 events in just this academic year alone, from hosting international scholars to exclusive screenings of Armenian films.

“Every time you write an essay, every time you learn about the magnificent architecture of Armenia, the beautiful manuscripts, the ancient faith that broadly illuminates your path, the memory of a loved one is preserved, revered and sustained in the love of Armenia, of its heritage, in its people, in your work, in your successes, in your future career,” said President Jiménez-Sandoval.

The culminating moment was listening to the reflections of students who were graduating with a Minor in Armenian Studies. Sara Beberian, Hannah Paloutzian, Simon Sislian, Christine Pambukyan, Mary Topoozian, and Eddy Thurber each gave thoughtful and emotional comments about their experiences in the Armenian Studies Program.

The evening concluded with the presentation of certificates to scholarship recipients.

President Jiménez-Sandoval put it perfectly, “Your scholarship translates into a meaningful way that a family shows respect, love, and remembrance to those very special people in their lives, and the legacy of your scholarship will be reflected in your future success