2014_03 Hye Sharzhoom Newspaper March 2014

              March 2014
Hye Sharzhoom
7
Thank You Annual Fund Donors
(received as of February 28, 2014)
Benefactors Dr. Zaven Adrouny
Leon S. Peters Foundation      Dr. M. Wayne Alexander
Dr. Joseph Alexanian
Dolores Armo
Armen C. Avakian
Arten J. Avakian
Elizabeth Ayvazian
Richard G. Barberian, RPH
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Bedoian
Harriet Boghosian
Martin & Barbara Bohigian
Arsen E. Charles
Dr. Carolyn Chooljian
Leon & Siran Chopourian
Dr. Shavarsh Chrissian, MD
Vicki Marderosian Coughlin
Dr. Nazareth E. Darakjian
Levon Der Bedrossian
Zar Der Mugrdechian
Ted & Arpie Dick
Mrs. Armen (Margaret)
Dildilian
Peter & Raffi Dorian
Dr. Ara Dostourian
Mike & Lesta Ekizian
Gloria Erganian
Dr. & Mrs. John Farsakian
Sam Farsakian
Kathleen Friebertshauser
David Gabrielian
Jane Gamoian
Aram & Barbara Garabedian
Margaret Giragosian
Fr. Vahan Gosdanian
Antoinette Hagopian
Edward Hagopian
The Hagopian Family
Arthur Hampar
Patrons
The Ararat Fowidation,
Dean V. Shahinian
Alice & Berge Bulbulian
Anne Elizabeth Elbrecht
Friends
Varouj & Lena
Altebarmakian
Vartkess & Rita Balian
Family Foundation,
Mrs. Rita Balian
Jean Barsam
Armen & Nora Hampar
George Ignatius
Fowidation, Trustees:
George Phillips, Esq.,
Michael Amerian, Esq.,
and Walter Karabian, Esq.
Oscar & Jan Kasparian
Sponsors
Dr. Douglas Gilio, D.D.S.
Dr. Vartan Gregorian
John & Alice Ipjian
Vatche Soghomonian &
Jane F Kardashian, M.D.
Jacob & Susan Khushigian
Karnic & Ita Kouyoumdjian
Janice Maroot
Roxie Moradian
Mildred Shirin
Barbara Vartan
Supporters
Beverly Achki
Dr. Juliet Hananian
Rev. Patt Herdklotz
Mr. & Mrs. Ed Hokokian
Paul & Margaret Hokokian
Lucy Janjigian
Allan & Rosemary Jendian
James M. Kalustian
Deneb Karentz
Gregory & Alice Ketabgian
Jirair & Sossi Ketchedjian
Nancy R. Kolligian
Alan Koobatian
Siranouche Krikorian
Jackie Kurkjian
Charles Kurtmen
Mr. & Mrs. Robert
Manselian
Joseph Markarian
Maile Melkonian
Eliot S. Nahigian
David & Nikki Nalchajian
Jack & Melene Ouzounian
Mr. & Mrs. Richard
Papazian
Blanche Parton
Mrs. Armon Simonian
Danielle R. Shapazian
Jim & Anna Shekoyan
Edward L. Sornigian
Mr. & Mrs. Victor
Stepanians
Dr. Minas Tanielian
Dennis Torigian
Martin M. Tourigian
H. Harry Vartanian
Leon Yengoyan
David & Carri Young
John Zerounian
Fran & Stan Ziegler
Harutyunyan, From Page 1
the Associated Students, Inc. at
Fresno State.
Participants experienced an
outstanding variety of songs
and dances representing various
regions and cultures of historic
Armenian communities such as
Moush, Sassoun, Dickranagerd,
Kessab, and beyond.
During the first hour of
the workshop, Harutyunyan
l ntr oduc e d and dem onstrat e d
enchanting lullabies such as
"Ari, im sokhak" (Come, my
nightingale) and upbeat songs
such as "Hele, hele." The
afternoon culminated with a
sampling of exciting folk dances
including Kochari, Tamzara, and
Gyovand.
Harutyunyan's energy and
enthusiasm, along with her stories
and commentary, motivated the
dancers to continue despite the
seeming complexity and length
of each succeeding song. Ani
Grigoryan, veteran ASO member
and third time participant in
Harutyunyan's workshop, was
excited by the incorporation
of "new songs and dances."
Specifically, she enjoyed the
"Aghjikneri Par" (Girls' Dance)
that served as the grand finale of
the afternoon.
ASO member Sosse Kendoy an,
who participated and loved the
workshop last year, returned
again this year. "It was great! We
need more people like Hasmik
Harutyunyan," commented
Kendoyan.   "Events   like   these
serve as avenues for Armenians
from different parts of the world
to come together."
Intriguingly, this year,
Harutyunyan's w orkshop attracted
a large number of non-Armenian
participants. Carlos Lopez, who
was enrolled in an Armenian
Studies class last semester,
thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon,
stating it was "entertaining" and
provided "a new perspective into
anew world."
Harutyunyan's success stems
not only from her excellent
teaching and mastery of Armenian
songs and dances, but also
from her caring and passionate
approach to each person and
her love and pride of Armenian
traditions, history, and customs.
Perhaps most importantly, she
artfully shares her passion and
excitement for Armenia and life
in general with those willing to
listen and learn.
Shelby Jones, a geology major
and member of the Fresno State
Salsa Club, was fascinated by the
Armenian culture as manifested
through the songs and dances.
Despite the language barriers,
she immersed herself in the new
culture stating "I wish my culture
had something similar to bring
everyone together."
Goodbyes are always
bittersweet. For three years,
Harutyunyan has united the
Fresno Armenian community
and Fresno State students and
ASO members have impatiently
awaited her visits. Sadly,
Harutyunyan announced that
this would be her last workshop
as she is permanently moving
to Armenia. However, she will
always have a place in our hearts
and minds.
Hasmik Harutyunyan not only
taught us to sing and dance, but
also inspired us to love and take
pride in our culture and traditions.
After all, she said, who will if not
us!
Although her workshops
will be missed, Harutyunyan
has provided students with the
passion, tools, and knowledge
necessary to continue her mission
of making Armenian songs and
dances accessible to the public.
Correction from the December 2013 issue of HS on page 3.
The sentence beginning: "Landmine Free Artsakh Awareness (LFA)
Campaign is a project initiated by the HALO Trust, ..." should have been
replaced by, "HALO supports the LFA group by providing statistics,
data, maps, information and by participation at their events when
possible. However, the donation link on LFA website is directed to HALO and
they process the funds and keep LFA posted of the detail. The LFA Campaign
Awareness is a grassroot group effort with a mission to clear landmines
of Artsakh one village at a time. These villages are located outside of the
borders of traditional Nagorno Karabagh, in the liberated territory. LFA is
raising community awareness and funds to help HALO in the mineclearance
activity in Nagorno Karabagh." wwwlandminefreeartsakh.com
Armenia
Be,Sium    Scotland    Japan      Canada
.*lUi^I?V        RUSSla        n
%%^ff/V^S** Portugal
Argentina S'/fj I /   ' "V AV\\       Ireland
Australia
Iceland
Iran    V
Denmark
Italy
Lebanon
Where is
I lye Sharzhoom mailed?
Georgia
Germany
Cyprus
,* Switzerland
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*•*•»«»••** T   .        Greece
France        Tur^
Netherlands      Kuwait
Hye Sharzhoom, From Page 4
that it wasn't being utilized as
such. The inimitable Dr. Dickran
Kouymjian encouraged me to
take on the project.
How did your experience
with Hye Sharzhoom impact
your life?
My parents and grandparents
always encouraged civic
p arti ci p ati on and c ontributi on
to community. Hye Sharzhoom
was natural extension of that
foundation. It was a vehicle
through which I could further
explore my Armenian roots and
collaborate with others who
shared the same passion. Hye
Sharzhoom allowed me-indeed,
forced me-to develop a greater
awareness and interest in history,
politics, culture, people andevents
around me, which continues to
the present.
What were some lessons you
learned by being on the staff?
The    most    difficult   lesson
was accepting that many people
simply do not share the same
interests or possess the same
commitment as you. I learned to
focus my efforts on getting the
message out and trying to impart
knowledge, instill awareness and
encourage participation, and let
the rest take its course. Also, it's
important to have a dedicated
crew supporting your efforts. One
person can't do it all. Lastly, you
can never proofread enough, as
I learned from a few regrettable
errors.
What was your favorite part/
best memory from writing for
Hye Sharzhoom?
My fondest memories are the
late nights in the Daily Collegian
office working to meet deadline.
While those were exhausting
evenings, we formed strong bonds
with those who stood by our side.
Randy Baloian was a constant
See Hye Sharzhoom Page 8
Middle East, From Page 1
and now offers a wide variety of
classes as well as the opportunity
to earn a minor. The course,
"Introduction to the Middle
East," aims to demonstrate the
diverse and rich culture of the
region through history, art, music
and literature.
"The Middle East is a very
diverse place. There are so many
beautiful and important ethnic
groups in the Middle East, each
with a rich cultural heritage.
Each group has contributed in its
own unique way to the region.
These diverse communities have
also lived together for centuries,
exchanging ideas, learning from
each other. Together, they have
created a more interesting and
beautiful place for all."
"We wanted to make sure to
do a lecture on the Armenians
in the Middle East and Diaspora
Communities, as an example of
an ethnic group in the Middle
that has made so many significant
cultural and social contributions
to the region," stated Dr.
Hooshmandrad, who emphasized
the importance of highlighting
ethnic diversity to break common
stereotypes.
Although        there were
earlier established Armenian
communities in the Middle East,
the Armenian Genocide was the
immediate cause for the formation
of the large, dispersed Armenian
population in the Middle East.
Proximity to historic Armenia
caused many survivors to settle in
the Middle East.
An entire generation of
Armenians saw their homeland
destroyed,       were      forcefully
uprooted and had to begin a new
life in a foreign land.
Despite tragic circumstances
large communities quickly
formed in Egypt, Lebanon, Iran,
Syria, Iraq, Israel, and Cyprus.
These Armenians were tasked
with starting their lives over, all
while preserving their culture,
language and religion.
The Armenian communities
in the Middle East were able
to integrate almost seamlessly
into their new homes and at
the same time preserve their
Armenian identity. They formed
communities in the major cities
and began to thrive right away.
Today, the Armenians that
remain in the Middle East have
an institutionalized minority
status. They have political
representation in some countries
and maintain autonomy in schools
and communal government.
The Armenian Church also has
maintained its importance and
today you can find Armenian
churches throughout the region.
"The Armenians have made a
significant contribution in the host
countries where they live. They
have continued to enrich the region
and are an important element in
the religious and cultural diversity
of the Middle East," said Prof.
Der Mugrdechian.
The future of Armenians in the
Mddle East remains in question.
Years of war and civil unrest have
caused the population to decrease
significantly. The continuing
trend is for migration from these
countries to the United States.
The Armenian people have left
an important legacy in the Middle
East. Only time will tell the future
of the community.