New ASO Executive for 2003-2004

Zhanna Bagdasarov and Marine Ekezyan
Staff Writers

The much-anticipated elections for the new executive committee of the Armenian Students Organization (ASO) took place in the Bedrosian Conference Room of the Peters Business Building on September 25 at seven o’clock in the evening. Twenty-two anxious members gathered together to cast their vote for the candidates of their choice.

Former president, Sevag Tateosian, who presented the candidates for each position of the executive, opened the meeting. Through a short speech, each of the candidates portrayed enthusiasm and potential as they stood before the members of the organization and introduced themselves and expressed their ideas. This was their opportunity to show the members what they had to offer and to make known their level of commitment to the organization.

Alas, as the candidates stepped out of the room, the votes were cast and tallied. The level of suspense heightened and the members grew impatient. Sevag announced the winning candidates and they were as follows: President, Dikran Chekian; Vice President, Armen Postoyan, Treasurer, Hakop Tataryan; Secretary, Zhanna Bagdasarov; and Public Relations, Gevork Aristakesyan.

Following the announcement of the election results, the meeting came to an official end. However, the new executive team, along with ASO adviser Barlow Der Mugrdechian remained to discuss their first steps in embracing the year ahead.

The Armenian Students Organization has been active at Fresno State since the late 1960s. In the past, as well as now, ASO has encouraged its members to get involved in their community as well as introduce newcomers to returning students. It’s an organization where the returning students can guide the new students with their adjustment to a new environment and the first year of college.

This year, the newly elected president, Dikran Chekian, is hopeful that the ASO will hold many campus oriented, as well as community activities. “This year I plan on taking ASO in a whole new direction. I plan on expanding the functions of the organization in the educational and political areas, as well as strengthening the social aspects. To do this, we would like to invite lecturers and other guests once a month, to provide valuable insight into our wonderful heritage and culture. In addition, I feel that the members need to become politically active. The campus contains many opportunities for our members to help push important Armenian related issues and furthermore help shape the future of incoming students,” said Chekian. He promises an exciting year ahead and would like all the members to know that the entire executive is there for them.

On behalf of the ASO members, we would like to congratulate the new executive members as well as wish them much success in planning for upcoming events.