By Matthew Maroot
Staff Writer

            Not since 1981 has such an event taken place.  Armenian students from all over California converged on the campus of Fresno State in October to participate in what will most likely be the first of many more conventions of this nature, the All-State Armenian Student Organizations Convention.  Interestingly enough, the last National Armenian Studentsí Convention was also held in Fresno, and though it was quite successful, it was held more than seventeen years ago.  But thanks to the energy and commitment of this yearís Armenian Students  Organization, the desire to host another convention was reborn and successfully fulfilled.
            Planning for the convention began early last summer, as the newly elected A.S.O. executive members first met.  And as the fall semester began, preparations hastened, leading up until the convention which was held the weekend of October 23-25, to signify the A.S.O.'s contribution to Armenian Cultural Month.
            Saturdayís portion of the convention began on campus with opening remarks by A.S.O. President Arakel Arisian, who outlined some of the key issues facing Armenian students today compared to those issues facing students seventeen years ago.  "Back then students had to deal with issues like terrorism and a Soviet Armenia.  At that time it was also difficult to visit and communicate with Armenia.  So much has changed since then;  Armenia is now free and independent.  The time has come for our generation to begin working on strengthening our Armenian homeland and our communities throughout the Diaspora."  Indeed, times have certainly changed, however, there existed a genuine interest among students in Armenian issues in 1981, and the same holds true for students today.
            In his welcome to convention participants Dr. John Welty, President of California State University, Fresno, stressed the importance of coming together in such a forum to discuss important issues as well as the importance of working together.  Dr. Dickran Kouymjian, Director of the Armenian Studies Program, then reassured the students that if they set a goal, create a plan, and then carry it out, they can accomplish anything. Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Advisor of the ASO, encouraged students to continue the work and communication that had started at the convention.
            "I enjoyed the speakers and discussions very much, but what I truly admire was the foresight of the Fresno A.S.O. for having the courage to take the next leap and set precedent for others of us to follow," Reynold Khachatourian.
            Students then split up into smaller groups to discuss goal setting and to better acquaint themselves with one another.  At the end of the session, the main goal the students came up with was the establishment of stronger lines of communication.  With the advent of e-mail and the Internet, communication has not only become lightning fast, but convenient as well.  It was obvious that those in attendance also felt the need to establish solid lines of communication.  ìWithout interaction and cooperation, the hard work and dedication of so many of the current and past A.S.A. executives to create a network of connected and informed A.S.A.'s would be wasted.  If as young Armenians we don't take the torch and continue the progress made up to this point, we have failed at our responsibility to further our cause as a nation,î  said Reynold Khachatourian, President of the A.S.A. at the University of Southern California.
            Distinguished guests and speakers at the convention included Dr. Levon Marashlian, Professor of History at Glendale City College who conducted a workshop entitled Responses to the Denial of the Genocide.  Dr. Marashlian conducted a multi-media presentation on the topic of the denial of the Armenian Genocide as well as recent struggles at gaining recognition of the heinous crimes of 1915-1923.  He would show the students clips of Turkish revisionist arguments of denial, then would explain the flaws in the arguments.  The students would then be prepared to answer any attacks on the Genocide with educated responses.
            Professor Der Mugrdechian presented a contemporary look at the current republic in his discussion Armenia and Karabagh Today, in which he presented numerous slides taken on his recent trips to Armenia.  He explained the current economic and political situation and what exactly the outlook is on the future of Armenia.  The students were very interested in the Republic of Armenia and what life is like there.
            Dr. Kouymjian directed an open discussion in which he directly addressed student concerns on such topics as why students should pursue a course in Armenian Studies and on defining their role in his aptly titled discussion Role of Armenian Students Today.  He challenged the students to rethink why they are following the course of study that they have chosen, thus getting the point across that there are more important things  in life than money or material objects.
Overall, Saturdayís portion of the convention was well received by the students in attendance.  Many expressed their interest in the topics that were raised and the ensuing discussions.
             "I enjoyed the speakers and discussions very much, but what I truly admire was the foresight of the Fresno A.S.O. for having the courage to take the next leap and set precedent for others of us to follow," said Reynold Khachatourian.
            While many important issues were discussed, it is also important to note that new friendships were made.  Armenian students from all over the state were in attendance, and each and every one of them went home having met many students who share similar interests.  Members of the Fresno State A.S.O. also enjoyed having other Armenian students visit their campus and take part in the activities.  "It was a wonderful experience to hear about the other A.S.O.s on other campuses and to see how ours is similar and how ours is different," said John Jabagchourian, a Psychology Major from Fresno State.
            Overall, the convention was an overwhelming success.  Students and faculty members were able to communicate their concerns in a forum that fostered not only the spread of information, but the exchange of ideas as well.  "I was very excited about the group meeting.  I was especially glad to hear that there are Armenian courses offered in other colleges.  I think that it is important to have an annual meeting just so that we keep in touch and maintain a common thread,"  said Haig Mikaelian, a Mechanical Engineering Major from Cal Poly.
            With the energy created by this yearís convention, future conventions are already in the works.  "Hopefully, I will have the time to organize one again this year.  If not, I know there will be others who will,"  said Reynold Khachatourian.  No matter when the next convention is held, Arakel Arisian summed up the spirit of the convention by saying, "This is just the beginning of greater cooperation between Armenian student organizations and associations with a clear vision and goal in mind.  Here in the Diaspora we are so fortunate to have the resources and freedoms we do.  This is the right time to educate and prepare ourselves for the actions necessary to accomplish something tangible."