2006_10 Hye Sharzhoom Newspaper October 2006

              4
Hye Sharzhoom
October 2006
Congratulations Fresno State Armenian Studies Minors and Grads
■
.
1.1
4rl
/
Ashley Allred
Major: English
Minor: Armenian Studies
1. Why did you complete the Armenian Studies
minor?
After completing the introductory course, I thought
that Armenian Studies was a really interesting area
of study, so I decided to complete the minor.
2. What have you learned from the program?
I think that I 've developed a greater sense of cultural awareness.
3. Do you think the program will help you later in life, either academically, culturally,
or socially?
Yes, because there are a lot of Armenian people in the Fresno area, and it's always a good
thing to know something about their culture.
4. What are your plans after graduation?
Get a teaching credential and possibly attend law school.
Talene Kasparian
Major: Mass Communication and
Journalism-Advertising
Minor: Armenian Studies
Certificate: Special Events Planning
1. Why did you complete the Armenian Studies
Minor?
I have chosen to complete a minor in Armenian Studies
for several reasons. I wanted to learn more about what
has shaped the Armenian culture today. Being Armenian and growing up in the culture, I felt that I was
disconnected in a sense because I didn't know the
than ever to travel to Armenia and see everything that I have learned over the past few
years. I also want to go back to Armenian Church Camp, to have fun and celebrate my
culture even more. It has been almost 10 years since I have been there and I am now ready
to teach what I have learned.
4. What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate I plan to continue what I am doing now. I own Fowler Floral in Fowler,
CA, and I am just very excited about spending more time in the shop and having my
business grow in many ways. In late January I am also getting married so I am very excited
about that. In February I will be traveling to Italy and I plan on going to Venice to visit the
island of San Lazarro. A goal that I have is to also travel to Armenia in the future because
I will have more time on my hands. I am very interested in traveling in general, and I think
it would be an amazing experience to incorporate my love of traveling with the love of my
culture.
Alina Melkonian
Major: Mathematics
Minor: Armenian Studies
Honors Certificate in Armenian
Studies
1. Why did you complete the Armenian Studies
minor?
I completed the Armenian Studies minor during my
studies at Fresno State because I enjoyed the courses
that were offered and I felt that the material was
enriching my understanding and appreciation of my
people's history and identity.
Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian
Photo: Barlow Der Mugrdechian
language or a lot of the historical background.
2. What have you learned from the program?
I have taken something away from every Armenian Studies class that I have taken over the
last four years. I felt that the William Saroyan class was very interesting because there was
a direct connection with him, since he was from Fresno, and my grandfather, who owned
an autobody shop, used to work on his Cadillac. I also felt that after taking the courses on
Armenian Architecture, I wanted to jump on a plane and fly there because I was so fascinated
by the structures and detail.
3. Do you think the program will help you later in life either academically, culturally,
or socially?
I do think that the Armenian Studies Program will help me later in life. I am interested more
May 2006 Fresno State Graduates
California State University,
Kristen Renee Noorigian
College of Social Sciences
Fresno
Angeline Ohanesian
Master of Public
May 2006 Graduates
Laura Ann Poochigian
Administration:
Charity Joy Shabaglian
Nazik Aristakessian Arisian
College of Agricultural
Ashley Ann Simonian
Sciences and Technology
College of Health and
Bachelor of Science:
College of Health and Human
Human Services
Lilith H. Assadourian
Services:
Master of Social Work:
Bachelor of Science:
Diana Estelle Karageozian
College of Arts and Humanities
Christina Azniv Ajamian
Bachelor of Arts:
Hovig Henry Torigian
Craig School of Business
Jacquelyn Ann Adishian
Master of Business
Rita Mary Aramian
College of Science and
Administration:
Veronica G. Arvizu-Calusdian
Mathematics
David Michael Hagopian
Nyrie Marie Karkazian
Bachelor of Arts:
Matthew Charles Iknoian
Denise Melkonian
Bernadette Siroon Moordigian
Celeste Martha Poochigian
College of Arts and Humanities
Bachelor of Science:
Master of Arts:
The Craig School of Business
Hovig Andrew Devejian
Leonard Tarjian Bedoian
Bachelor of Science:
Marine Ekezyan
Valerie Michelle Azadian
Master of Fine Arts:
Kirk S. Haroutunian
College of Social Sciences
Megan Anderson Bohigian
Adrine Isadzhyan
Bachelor of Arts:
Michel e L. Manukian
Maral Gregoire Kochayan-
Kremen School of Education
Amanda Lynn Simonian
Suakjian
and Human Development
Kristen Marie Simonian
Kara Marie Samuelian
Master of Arts:
Hakop Tataryan
Armine Sargsyan
Veronica Ellen Agabasbian
Dustin Jon Topoozian
Cary Wayne Kalfayan
Ryan Cole Topoozian
Bachelor of Science:
Aida Vareldjian
Kevin Bruce Kalajian
Master of Science:
Hampartsum Vartan
Mari am A gay an
Kremen School of Education
Khatchadouri an
Leah I. Kachadroorian
and Human Development
Julia Ann Mickalian
Bachelor of Arts:
Division of Graduate Studies
Jill Marie Samuelian
Elizabeth M. Belemjian
Graduate Honors
2. What have you learned from the program?
It's hard to sum up an answer for that question. Perhaps I can attempt to give you an idea
of the impression the program left on me. There were moments in my studies of Armenian
history/art/architecture when I was deeply moved and proud of the past accomplishments
of my people. What boggled (and still boggles) my mind is how clearly committed these
people were to their Christian faith. It is utterly shocking to read that throughout history
their religious affiliation did not shift to any other religion. The program also helped me
realize that my identity as an Armenian is something I shouldn't take lightly. It's not just
a birthright to examine with a blind eye but one that involves a responsibility to honor.
3. Do you think the program will help you later in life, either academically, culturally,
or socially? Absolutely. I strongly hope that what I've learned about my people and my
homeland will affect the identity of the Armenian people today in whatever way God
chooses to use me.
4. What are your plans after graduation?
I'm contemplating graduate school for now. We'll see which doors God will choose to
open for me in the future.
Compiled by Caitlin Tiftick, Staff Writer
Armenian Alumni Corner
Steve Gejeian (Fresno State
Class of 2002) graduated with a B S
in Accounting, with a certificate in
Finance. He grew up onthe family
vineyard just outside of Caruthers
CA. He graduated from Covenant
Christian Academy in 1996. He
was staff accountant and project
manager for a local development
company from Dec. 2002 to Oct.
2004, and took the control lership
in fall of 2004. He began work at
Centex Homes in the fall of 2005,
as the Area Purchasing Manager
for Fresno.
Eric Mouradian (Fresno State
Class of 2003) graduated with a
degree in Business, with an option
in Entrepreneurship and Minor in
Armenian Studies. He now works
as an Assistant Vice-President for
Wells Fargo Bank in the Business
Banking Group as a Business Deposit Consultant.
Join the Armenian
Alumni & Friends at
Fresno State
www.fresnostatealumni.com