ASO Busy with Spring Activites
By: Arakel A. Arisian
ASO President
"Car Wash! Come help support the Armenian Students Organization."
This is just an example of the many activities the Armenian students at
Fresno State take part in. The Armenian Students Organization (ASO)
continually tries to find new and interesting activities it can offer to
its members. Last semester the ASO worked to build a strong foundation
of interest in both Armenian issues and in the ASO itself. College
life is very busy and that makes it difficult for students to be as involved
as they would like. Still, the members of the ASO do a great job
of staying involved and helping out. To those students, the ASO executive
thanks you.
This semester the ASO executive is trying to achieve a balance between
educational, cultural, and social events. As far as educational events,
the ASO will to have a series of lectures and discussions about Armenian
issues that students face. Many students donít know as much as they
could about the issues that Armenians have to deal with. That is
why ASO supports the Armenian Studies curriculum and tries to supplement
it with discussion and debate. Some topics that the ASO hopes to
cover include the Presidential situation, Nogorno Karabagh, and the Armenian
Genocide.
The issue of the Armenian Genocide is probably our central theme this semester
as far as cultural activities. The month of April is going to be,
for the most part, dedicated to commemorating the Genocide. The ASO,
in conjunction with other youth organizations in the valley, will educate
the campus and the community on the Armenian Question. In addition,
our goal is to remember the tragic event in the most special way possible.
Some events includes a library exhibit, speakers, panel discussions, film
showing, and a candle-light vigil downtown. Plans also include the
building of a replica of the Armenian Genocide monument in Armenia.
Please look at the schedule of events and keep an eye out for future activities.
The social function of ASO is probably the easiest to organize. Most
of the ASO members are good friends anyway so it is just a matter of getting
together and having a good time. Intramural sports is one the ways
we get together. Right now ASOís intramural basketball team is 1-1
and hopes to make it into the playoffs with a victory next week.
After basketball season ASO will participate in coed softball and coed
soccer. In addition to intramurals, ASO also has other fun social
get togethers. For example, the ASO did a number of things with a
group of Ag students from Armenia. We went bowling twice, to pizza,
and also to Laser Tag. It was interesting spending time with these
students since we could share our stories with each other. What made
it even better was that they had never gone bowling or to play Laser Tag.
These are just some of the social gatherings that the ASO does. When
the weather gets a little nicer ASO plans to have Shish Kebab Sales, Car
Washes, and BBQ parties.
Besides all those things that the ASO hopes to do this semester it has
many great ideas for the summer and next fall. Work on a statewide
or nationwide Armenian Students Conference next October will begin soon.
There also is much interest in visiting Armenia and some of the ASO members
are thinking about planning a trip. The executive has also decided
to have a ASO shirt made for all members. If anyone has any ideas
or designs let us know.
The ASO has come a long way and hopes that it can improve itself and make
it even better. If the balance of education, culture, and fun can
be achieved then the ASO can truly be a place for all students with Armenian
interest to come and belong.