Category: 2020

FRESNO—Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Berberian Coordinator of the Armenian Studies Program at California State University, Fresno, announced that the English translation of Bedros Keljik’s “Armenian-American Sketches” has been published by the Armenian Series of The Press at Fresno State.

“Keljik’s stories offer us a glimpse into the soul of the Armenian people, whether in their historic homeland or finding their way in America,” noted Eastern Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan.

Co-editor Lou Ann Matossian familiarizes the reader to Keljik in her introduction. She discusses how author, activist, and entrepreneur Bedros Arakel Keljik (1874–1959) belongs to the founding generation of Armenian-American authors, yet his “sketches” of early immigrant life are only now emerging. Keljik was a maternal uncle of Vahan Totovents, author of “Life on the Old Roman Road” and other works. He was also the elder brother of novelist and poet Krikor Keljik, also known as “K. Devrish.”

A foreword by co-editor Christopher Atamian discusses the genesis of the book and the significance of its publication. He places Keljik’s works in the early history of Armenian-American literature. Atamian also notes the role of translator Aris Sevag, whose meticulous work has brought Keljik’s work to life.

“Armenian-American Sketches” includes 29 short stories written originally in Armenian by Bedros Keljik. Twenty of the short stories were translated by Aris Sevag, one by Lou Ann Matossian, and eight of the stories originally published in “Hairenik” were translated by Vartan Matiossian.

The volume also includes an enlightening biography of Keljik, “An Armenian Odyssey: From the Euphrates to the Mississippi,” written by his grandchildren, Mark and Thomas Keljik. Roupen Zartarian’s “How Death Came to the Earth,” translated by Bedros Keljik, is also part of the volume.

Edited by Christopher Atamian, Lou Ann Matossian, and Barlow Der Mugrdechian, “Armenian-American Sketches” provides a wealth of interesting stories about the early Armenian community in America.

Armenians began arriving to America in large numbers at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. They established themselves in communities throughout the United States, maintaining their Armenian culture, while also becoming acclimated to life in America. In “Armenian-American Sketches,” author Keljik brings to life this period in Armenian-American history. With keen observation, Keljik provides the reader with an often-humorous insight into that life, with all of its sadness and joy, with the sense of community, and with the hard work and challenges faced by the immigrants. This is a book that will appeal to any reader who seeks to understand the immigrant experience in the United States.

The English translation of “Armenian-American Sketches” is available through Amazon.

Contact The Press at California State University, Fresno, by calling 559.278.3056. Bulk publishing discounts are available for bookstores.

General inquiries may also be directed to the Armenian Studies Program, at 559.278.2669.
The English translation of “Armenian-American Sketches” by Bedros Keljik; edited by Christopher Atamian, Lou Ann Matossian, and Barlow Der Mugrdechian (9 x 6, 195 pp. $20.00 paper, ISBN 13: 978-0-912201-61-0) has been published as Volume 8 in the Armenian Series, of The Press at California State University, Fresno.

GLENDALE—At Glendale Community College, the highest priority is the health and safety of the students and dedicated staff balanced with fulfillment of their education mission. Throughout the spread of the coronavirus, they have been in close communication with the County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Health, the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, other local and state government agencies, and internal stakeholders to address the evolving situation. According to the most recent information from the CDC, for most people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. As of today, GCC has no confirmed evidence or notice from the California Department of Public Health about any coronavirus cases or exposure risks related to the college.

In order to contribute to the local, state, and national efforts to reduce transmission of the coronavirus, Glendale Community College is implementing a purposeful and strategic move to a virtual learning and service environment with an emphasis on supporting student needs. Therefore, GCC will move as many credit and noncredit classes taught at the Verdugo and Garfield Campuses as possible into virtual and alternate modalities – remote instruction – that do not require in-classroom activity. This action will begin on Wednesday, March 18 and extend until further notice. These courses will be offered at the same days and times as now scheduled. To prepare for this change, all classes will be closed Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17. On Wednesday, March 18, classes will resume in the appropriate modality.

There will be some limited exceptions for courses that may not best be taught in an online environment, such as hands-on labs, performance classes, physical education/kinesiology, and some non-credit classes. Links to a list of these courses will be posted online. Instructors will communicate directly with students as to the environment in which classes will meet but will do everything possible to limit in-classroom requirements.

Classes will be taught in the online platform Canvas, using tools such as Canvas Conferences and Chat. Professional development support is being provided to faculty. Students and faculty with specific questions may address them via [email protected] or call Canvas 24/7 at Faculty line: 833.544.3019 or Student line: 844.600.4951. Students can find information on Canvas basics online.

Students who do not have access to computers, mobile phones, and Wi-Fi to accommodate the alternate means of instruction may checkout computers in the Verdugo Campus Library. Computers also will be available for use in the Verdugo Campus Library and in the Garfield Campus Computer Lab.

It is recognized that there are DSPS students who may need additional support to achieve a successful learning experience with the non-classroom environment. These students should contact the Center for Students with Disabilities at 818.240.1000 Ext. 5905 to speak with a counselor.

Academic counseling is available online for students who would like to speak with a counselor, but do not wish to come to the college for an in-person meeting. Online counseling appointments and online drop-in counseling services can be accessed through the Academic Counseling office web page.

The Verdugo and Garfield Campuses will continue to remain open and operational and all college employees will be available to support present and prospective students’ needs as we continue to assess the evolving circumstances.

All public events and other activities scheduled at the Verdugo and Garfield Campuses will continue unless they are estimated to attract more than 100 people. At this time, all college athletic, drama, music, and dance events scheduled will be held until further notice.

All non-essential college-related travel for college employees and student trips is prohibited until further notice.

College personnel will continue efforts to ensure a clean and healthy environment at the campuses through increased precautionary steps to sterilize actively used surfaces throughout the facilities. The facilities department is working to service soap dispensers in all bathrooms, clean door knobs, and other actively used surfaces with disinfectant wipes for every classroom and public area, cleaning keyboards, and actively used surfaces in computer labs.

We recognize that these are extreme measures that will not satisfy everyone. Please know that these decisions have been made with the best of intentions and a focus on health and safety. As we move forward, be prepared for more announcements as information is changing at a rapid pace. Let us stay focused on maintaining a healthy environment for all and continue to work together to strategically address other issues of operation and implementation not related directly to the health issues.

Armenia’s football federation decided to suspend all tournaments because of coronavirus outbreak.

Given new confirmed cases of coronavirus in Armenia and for the prevention of further spread of the virus, as well as taking into account the calls by the Armenian government, all tournaments held under the auspices of FFA, will be suspended until March 23, the federation said in a statement on Friday.

A press conference of newly appointed Armenia head coach Joaquin Caparros that had to take place on March 13 will be suspended as well.