Fresno State Graduates With Minors - Fall Semester 2007

Zhanna Bagdasarov

Name: Zhanna Bagdasarov
Major: Experimental
Psychology- Clinical Emphasis, MA

How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program?

I have been involved with the Armenian Studies Program in various capacities over the years, from being a member of the Armenian Students Organization, to being the editor of Hye Sharzhoom, I have gained valuable opportunities for networking. The lectures I have attended over the years have broadened my horizons and the people I have met have made my college experiences much more enjoyable.

How have the Armenian Studies courses expanded your knowledge of the Armenian culture?

Armenian Studies courses have provided the bulk of the knowledge I currently possess about the history, land, arts, and language of Armenia. Prior to taking the various classes offered by the Program, I knew very little about my culture and people. I am truly grateful to the faculty of the Armenian Studies Program for all the help, support, and patience over the years.

What are your plans after graduation?

Immediately following graduation I plan to begin full-time employment while also teaching courses part-time within the Department of Psychology. I plan to work for about a year and use the time to discern doctoral program options. Ultimately, I hope to enter a Ph.D. program in order to continue researching topics in cross-cultural psychology.

Sebouh Krioghlian

Name: Sebouh Krioghlian
Major: Biology- Physiology & Anatomy
Minor: Armenian Studies, Honors Program

How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program?

Whether it was strengthening my ability to speak Armenian, or learning more about the culture and history of the Armenian people, I benefited greatly from the opportunities provided by the Armenian Studies Program. One of the most positive and enjoyable experiences was traveling to Armenia for the summer study-abroad course of 2005 with eight other Armenian studies students.  Being able to see and touch what I had been previously studying from words and slides was an amazing way to reinforce all of the material that had been accumulating from the courses.

How have the Armenian Studies courses expanded your knowledge of the

Armenian culture?

The courses available through the Armenian Studies program covered a wide range of topics. Of all of the courses I took, Masterpieces of Armenian Literature was probably the most enjoyable and interesting.   Whether it was reading the old Armenian fairy tales, or the painful poems of Siamanto, I was exposed to a world of Armenian literature that I had not previously seen.  In the end, these courses individually went into great detail.  Although it may be easy to forget some of the many details, the program succeeded in a greater way in that it gave me a base of knowledge that cannot be lost, upon which I can now build on my own.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to enroll in medical school for the Fall of 2008.  Until then I will continue working as an instructor at the Eurgubian Academic Center, while also researching.

Tara Lee

Name:  Tara Lee
Major:  Business Administration,
Option: Real Estate
Minor: Armenian Studies

How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program?

I was able to be involved in something I was passionate to learn about, throughout college. I chose to educate myself in Armenian Studies along with majoring in Business-Real Estate. This allowed me to grow academically, while also learning about issues I am very interested in.

How have the Armenian Studies courses expanded your knowledge of the Armenian culture?

I have gained so much knowledge of the Armenian culture, which has aided me to better understand myself. I am a third generation Armenian-American. The program has given me knowledge that I would otherwise not have; about famous Armenian painters, and about the numerous sufferings that the Armenian people faced, which inevitably strengthened the Armenian culture. These included the fall of the last kingdom of Armenia, Roman and Persian wars, and the genocide less than 100 years ago. I have knowledge of my ancestors" past that ultimately created a strongly bonded Armenian culture. I have gained insight of what the culture has developed into today, and I am able to pass this onto my children in the future. I am a more rounded person academically and culturally because of the Armenian Studies Program.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to take and pass the California Real Estate exam for a Broker's License. I can then own a real estate company to serve the needs of members of our community in both commercial and residential real estate. I have worked in commercial real estate for almost seven years now and have gained much experience and knowledge. I have also conducted business in real estate with a CA Real Estate Agent's License for over one year. Real estate is my passion and I am fortunate to have found a career I love. I hope to be successful so that I can continue my support after college and donate to the Armenian Studies Program and Fresno State.

Ara Nalbandian

Name: Ara Nalbandian
Major: Computer Science

How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program?

The Armenian Studies Program has given me the opportunity to become more involved with the Armenian community and by doing so I have become more aware of how unique the Armenian culture is.

How have the Armenian Studies courses expanded your knowledge of the Armenian culture?

The highlight of my Armenian studies came directly from Dr. Dickran Kouymjian. The passion, experience, and extensive knowledge of the Armenian culture that Kouymjian brought to his courses has given me a deeper understanding of our culture that I would not have received anywhere else.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I plan on achieving all of my professional and personal goals.

Evan Stockdale

Name: Evan Stockdale
Major: Criminology
Minor: Armenian Studies

How was your college experience affected through your involvement with the Armenian Studies Program?

My college experience has been quite an adventure. I am very proud and fortunate to have been involved with the Armenian Studies Program throughout my college career. The people I have met and the places I have traveled with the Armenian Studies Programhave truly  impacted my life and allowed me to expand my horizons.

How have the Armenian Studies courses expanded your knowledge of the Armenian culture?

Throughout my college career I have taken many courses because it was mandatory. The Armenian Studies courses are classes that are not mandatory for students to take. I had the opportunity to visit Armenia in the summer of 2005 with Barlow Der Mugrdechian and several other Armenian Studies students. If it weren't for my involvement with Armenian Studies I would not have had the opportunity to submerge into my heritage like I did. I am very thankful for the opportunity to have done so many remarkable things through this program.