Natalie Agazarian
Interior Design
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I was encouraged to take an Armenian Studies course in high school when I had heard that they used to offer a William Saroyan writing class.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite activity was working on the self-identity paper in the Armenian Studies 10-Introduction to Armenian Studies course, because I had the opportunity to learn more about my lineage.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
Through the Armenian Studies Program, I had the opportunity to genuinely learn more about and explore my personal history, ancestry, and lineage. Gaining that knowledge gave me a stronger sense of my personal Armenian identity, and that is something I will always be grateful for.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to continue working at a design firm until I gain enough experience to start my own business.
Jonathan Chardukian
Jonathan Chardukian
Civil Engineering
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I took Armenian Studies courses because I have grown up as an active member of the Armenian community, and, being Armenian, I wanted to learn more about my culture and get an opportunity to learn the language that my ancestors spoke. Additionally, my mom and both of my older sisters took Armenian Studies courses, so I was strongly encouraged by them to take these courses.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
It is difficult to name a specific moment from my experience in the program, since each class that I took was unique and brought me closer to my culture. However, the most memorable experience that I had was the trip to Armenia with Professor Barlow during the summer of 2023. It exposed me to many of the locations that we had covered in prior classes, and being able to see the tangible homeland that we as Armenians have, was a profound experience; not to mention the sheer natural beauty of the country that we were able to see in such variety while traveling the countryside.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
The thing that I value the most is that I got the opportunity to learn Western Armenian, a language that was ripped from my family and from many other Armenians of the diaspora as a result of the Genocide. Being able to learn the language in a class was incredibly special to me, and helped me to see my culture with a much deeper and overall more informed view, especially from learning the alphabet which opened up many new sources of information to me.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering, I plan to take and pass my Fundamentals of Engineering Exam and secure a full-time job in the field.
Hovsep Manoukian
Hovsep Manoukian
Business Administration-Accounting
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
The Armenian Studies courses helped me connect to my roots, whether it was through language or architecture.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite classes were the language courses because I always wanted to learn how to read and write in Armenian and those classes helped me do what I have been wanting to do my whole life, but never had the opportunity.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
Becoming more connected to my heritage.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to join an accounting firm and then later obtain my CPA license.
Aaaron Rettig
Aaron Rettig
Kinesiology
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
Being Armenian has always been a part of my identity, but coming into college, I wanted to gain a better understanding of my own culture. Taking Armenian Studies courses allowed me to learn more about my people’s past, culture, and language in a way that I hadn’t known before.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
Some of my favorite college experiences were being involved with the Armenian Students Organization, along with learning the Armenian language. Being surrounded by people who share similar backgrounds and knowledge of the Armenian people made it easy to want to learn more and strengthen my connection to the community.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
Some of the things I valued most about my experiences in the Armenian Studies Program were the knowledge I gained, the pride I discovered, and the community I joined. The program taught me not only about my culture, but also to be proud of the strength my people have shown throughout generations.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I am passionate about helping others recover from injuries and stay active, so this career choice aligns with my academic interests and background in powerlifting. I also plan to stay connected to the Armenian community through events, church, and community.
Rachel Yepremian-Owens
Rachel Yepremian-Owens
Mass Communication and Journalism-
Digital Journalism
Minor in Armenian Studies
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
I knew that when I started attending Fresno State, that I would be pursuing a Minor in Armenian Studies. I was more than excited to know I would be taking classes in reading, writing, speaking, learning history, art, architecture, etc. I wanted to take every opportunity possible to grow deeper in my connection and knowledge regarding my culture. It was a no-brainer that taking all Armenian Studies courses available would be the way to do that.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite course was definitely my very first Armenian class I took at Fresno State – Armenian 1A-Elementary Armenian. It truly was just such an enjoyable experience, having a full class of both Armenians and non-Armenians, growing in the language together. We had conversations in Armenian, took tests writing in the language which I very much loved and it was a new dialect for me as I am an Eastern Armenian. Learning the Western dialect was intriguing! I was also very honored to be able to attend the commemoration events at our own Armenian Genocide Monument.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I valued seeing the strength of Armenian pride through our students. It makes me proud as both an Armenian and a student, to see others that share my ethnicity, be so passionate about it. The Armenian Studies Program reaches countless communities and demonstrates true resilience. I am grateful to know there are still people like me who will do everything possible to not let our culture die.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to move to Dallas, Texas with my husband, in a pursuit of ministry. I have goals of continuing my digital journalism work for either a print or digital publication as a photojournalist. I plan to stay connected to the Armenian community in the Valley, as well as get planted in any Armenian community present in Texas.
Harutyun Amirkhanyan
Harutyun Amirkhanyan
Business Administration-Accountancy
What encouraged you to take an Armenian Studies course?
The desire to learn more about Armenian history and culture encouraged me. Although I have lived in Armenia for most of my life, there is always more to explore about one’s culture.
What was your favorite Armenian Studies class, activity, or event?
My favorite Armenian Studies experience has been attending the lectures, which offer rich and culturally valuable content. I especially enjoy seeing the diversity of the Armenian community, with people of different ages and interests coming together to connect with their heritage.
What did you value most from your experiences in the Armenian Studies Program?
I greatly valued the support of the professors, who helped me succeed academically and beyond. I also appreciate their dedication to the crucial mission of educating generations and promoting the Armenian cause.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans are professionally focused on accounting, while also staying connected with the Armenian Studies Program, its professors, and students.
Nellie Chobanyan, Staff Writer
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Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.
Direct link to this article: https://www.armenianclub.com/2026/05/12/congratulations-armenian-studies-minors-and-graduating-seniors-of-2025-2026/
