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Armenian Studies Program 26th Annual Banquet

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  • Armenian Studies Program 26th Annual Banquet

    Photo caption: Left to right: Dean Charles Boyer of the Jordan College
    of Agriculture, Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Fresno State President
    Dr. Joseph Castro, First Lady Mrs. Mary Castro, Dr. Sergio La Porta,
    and Dean Vida Samiian of the College of Arts & Humanities.

    Photo credit: Thomas Ramirez-Best Shots Photo Booth

    PRESS RELEASE
    California State University, Fresno
    Armenian Studies Program
    5245 N Backer Ave PB4
    Fresno, CA 93740-8001
    Tel: 559-278-2669
    Fax: 559-278-2129

    Marine Vardanyan
    Editor, Hye Sharzhoom

    A special moment arises each year for the faculty, students, and
    supporters of the Armenian Studies Program. It is an occasion that
    serves as a reunion, a celebration, and a reflection on the successes
    of the Program. The 26th Annual Armenian Studies Program Banquet took
    place on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at the Fort Washington Golf & Country
    Club in Fresno.

    The Armenian Studies Program has much to take pride in. It has
    succeeded in not only offering students a Minor in Armenian Studies,
    but has an array of achievements that includes the establishment of
    the only university-published Armenian student newspaper in the United
    States. ` Hye Sharzhoom is a unique publication that represents our
    Program and the students, to the campus and to the community,' said
    Professor Der Mugrdechian.

    Hye Sharzhoom 's 35th Anniversary was a focal part of the evening's
    celebration.

    With previous editors and staff members in attendance, the audience
    enjoyed listening to their recollections, and viewing `Hye Sharzhoom,
    a Retrospective,' a power point presentation of the newspaper's cover
    pages throughout the years.

    Editor Vahe Messerlian (1984-1985) stated that Hye Sharzhoom had `done
    an outstanding job of showcasing the successes of the Armenian Studies
    Program and the Armenian Students Organization, keeping up with
    current events, and presenting the richness of our culture and
    heritage.' Former editors Arakel Arisian (1997-1998) and Tamar
    Karkazian (2010-2013) also recounted the high points of their tenure
    as Hye Sharzhoom editors.

    The Armenian Studies Program recognized the contribution of nine Hye
    Sharzhoom editors who were present at the Banquet, presenting them
    each with a plaque and a book, published by the Armenian Series of The
    Press at Fresno State.

    The Armenian Studies Program was honored to have Fresno State
    President Dr. Joseph Castro and First Lady Mary Castro in
    attendance. Dr. Castro is a first generation college student and a
    Valley native, and his position as the head of the university `gives a
    fresh look upon what a university is,' said Dr. Sergio La Porta in
    his introduction. `It's not an institution...it's an organic, dynamic
    place where people come alive in ways they never thought.'

    Although he is in only his first year as Fresno State President,
    Dr. Castro is already familiar with and impressed by the Armenian
    Studies Program and its contribution to Fresno State and the community
    at large. `I sense how important the Armenian Studies Program is for
    the campus, for the community, and for the nation. I would like to
    compliment everyone who has helped to build this incredible Program.'

    President Castro also voiced his support for the Armenian Studies
    Program and the community for the initiative to construct an Armenian
    Genocide Memorial on campus, which would make Fresno State the first
    university to have such a memorial.

    `Where else should that be but here at Fresno State,' stated
    Dr. Castro. The audience was filled with excitement and anticipation
    as the President outlined his ideas and his vision of the bright
    future that awaits Fresno State. `In short, I want to work with all of
    you to make Fresno State the very best university of its kind that it
    can be here in the nation,' said President Castro.

    The Armenian Studies Program also welcomed Dr. Vida Samiian, Dean of
    the College of Arts and Humanities, who addressed the audience.

    `The Armenian Studies Program does so much with two faculty members,
    Barlow Der Mugrdechian and Sergio La Porta, who are amazing, and do
    the work of ten faculty. Many of you in the audience are the product
    of our Program. We could not have accomplished what we have with the
    Program without you. Through your presence and your support, together
    we have the best undergraduate Armenian Studies Program in the United
    States...I also would like to congratulate the students who make all
    of us so proud with their achievements.'

    The Banquet continued with recognition of graduating seniors, students
    with minors, and students who were recipients of Armenian Studies
    scholarships. Graduating senior Andrew Esguerra spoke of his
    outstanding memories while a student at Fresno State. Special
    recognition was also given to the executive officers of the Armenian
    Students Organization. Each student felt a sense of pride and
    achievement as they were recognized and received certificates of
    recognition from the Armenian Studies Program.

    The evening ended with those in attendance showing their appreciation
    for the Armenian Studies Program and all that it has achieved. Guests
    left the Banquet with a gift of books from the Armenian Series of The
    Press at Fresno State, along with photos of their fun time in the
    photo booth during the reception.

    With more than ten Armenian Studies Programs and endowed chairs in the
    United States, Fresno State's Armenian Studies Program is the top
    undergraduate Program in the country.

    `It is only through the support of the community, and those of you in
    attendance this evening, that this success is possible,' said
    Professor Der Mugrdechian.

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