Armenian Studies Program Holds 38th Annual Banquet

By NELLIE CHOBANYAN
Staff Writer, Hye Sharzhoom

FRESNO — On Sunday, March 22, 2026, the Fresno State Armenian Studies Program hosted its Thirty-Eighth Annual Banquet at Fort Washington Country Club. This banquet brought together students, faculty, donors, and community members for an evening that reflected both the depth of the program’s legacy and the strength of its future.

This year’s banquet honored Fresno State President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, on the fifth anniversary of his appointment, while also recognizing scholarship recipients and graduating Armenian Studies Minors. Importantly, the evening served as a meaningful personification of the intergenerational community that has and will continue to sustain the Central Valley as a whole.

Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian opened the evening by emphasizing the continuity of that community, pointing to the wide range of Fresno State alumni in attendance. Reflecting on this, he asked the audience to consider “all of these people from all of these different eras of Fresno State, joining together… to share in the joy…commitment and loyalty we have.”

A central theme throughout the night was growth, both in numbers and in impact. This year alone, the program awarded $137,000 in scholarships to 51 students, marking a record high in scholarship awards. What began decades ago with only two named scholarships has now expanded to nearly fifty, with additional endowments continuing to be established.

Speakers repeatedly returned to the idea that this success is not accidental, but rather the result of sustained community investment. As Fresno State Provost Dr. Xuanning Fu noted, the strength of the Armenian Studies Program lies in a single word: “community.” He highlighted how Armenian-Americans in the Central Valley have transformed historical hardship into opportunity, building institutions that not only preserve culture but also contribute broadly to education and public life.

President Jiménez-Sandoval’s remarks further deepened this reflection. Speaking personally about his connection to the Armenian community, he de-scribed two defining lessons he has learned: the ability to “convert the pain of the past into energy that honors the strength and culture of your family and your community,” and the capacity to come together, set aside differences, and “build monuments like no one else.”

He emphasized that the Armenian Studies Program itself is one of those monuments, one that preserves memory while educating future generations. In his words, the Program serves to “preserve your family and your historical memory,” while also extending that knowledge beyond the Armenian community through its courses, publications, and public programming.

The most personal and impactful portion of the evening came from student speakers, who reflected on their experiences within the program. Their remarks highlighted how Armenian Studies is not only an academic pursuit, but also a space for identity formation and connection.

In 2025-2026, seven students graduating with a Minor in Armenian Studies were recognized: Natalie Agazarian, Jonathan Chardukian, Hovsep Manoukian, Aaron Rettig, Grigor Terpogosyan, and Rachel Yepremian-Owens. Former ASO President Harutyun Amirkhanyan, who graduated in December 2025, was also recognized.

One student described how her coursework helped her understand her own background more deeply, explaining that “every single class I took truly helped shape my personal understanding… of what it means to be Armenian.” Another emphasized how learn-ing the Armenian language and visiting Armenia transformed what once felt like distant history into something immediate and personal.

Across these reflections, a common theme emerged: Armenian Studies at Fresno State provides students with both knowledge and belonging. It allows them to engage with their heritage in a structured, meaningful way, while also connecting them to a broader community that extends beyond the classroom.

The Banquet concluded with the recognition of scholarship recipients and graduating Minors, showcasing the program’s on-going commitment to student success.

As President Jiménez-Sandoval expressed, each scholarship serves as “a light that you receive… and one that comes with great responsibility.”

The Thirty-Eighth Annual Banquet ultimately reflected what has made the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State unique for decades: a combination of academic excellence, community support, and a shared commitment to preserving and advancing Armenian identity.

As the program approaches its fiftieth anniversary, that foundation continues to grow stronger, carried forward by both past and present generations.