UCLA Armenian Student Association
405 Hilgard Ave.
Kerckhoff 146
Los Angeles, CA. 90095
Contact: Publicity Relations Director Arpine Hovasapian
Email: asaucla@ucla.edu
Web:

March 7, 2005

UCLA Armenian Student Association Co-Sponsors Panel on Genocide & Denial

Westwood, CA. – On February 28, 2005 the UCLA Armenian Student Association
continued its week long of programming by co-hosting a discussion panel on
genocide denial, dubbed `Genocide & Denial: Past, Present, and Future.’
The event was the first in a series of events for `A Week of Awareness, A
Call to Action’ for the current genocide in Darfur. The panel was a joint
effort by the UCLA ASA, Hillel at UCLA, Progressive Jewish Students
Association, in coordination with the Darfur Action Committee.

Over 130 students and faculty gathered in the Kerckhoff Grand Salon to
listen to various renowned professors and researchers from all over
California speak about four major genocides in the 20th century,
including the Armenian Genocide, Holocaust, Rwandan Genocide, and current
genocide in Sudan. Speakers included, Professor Levon Marashlian from
Glendale Community College, Mr. Richard Eaton from the Simon Wiesenthal
Center, Professor Alexander Kimenyi from Cal State Sacramento, and Edmond
Keller from UCLA.

`This event tonight serves as an exceptionally uplifting symbol of how
powerful our collaborative energy can be, as cultures that are linked by
our shared experience of genocide,’ asserted Hillel president Rona Ram.
The event brought in students from all different backgrounds to learn
about the various genocides and how to take action with the current
genocide in Sudan.

The speakers discussed each genocide in the context of how others use
denial tactics to undermine such historical facts. Video presentations as
well as lectures were provided by the speakers. Furthermore, Professor
Keller gave background about the current genocide in Sudan. The event
ended with question and answer from the audience. `The program served as
a really purposeful foundation for the week of programming. I am pleased
with the fact that people want to see change happen so immediately’
[situation in Darfur] proclaimed Progressive Jewish Student Association
co-chair Sarah Novick.

This event illustrated one of the UCLA ASA’s major goals of the academic
year, to network with other student groups on campus. `I was amazed to
help put together this collaborative event and see the supporting
membership turnout. It is essential that we as people living in such a
diverse community not only teach others about our history but learn from
others history as well,’ asserted UCLA ASA president Raffi Kassabian.

The UCLA ASA is one of the oldest Armenian-American student groups in the
United States. This year marks the 60th anniversary of its existence. The
UCLA ASA seeks to cultivate a true understanding and appreciation of
Armenian history, heritage, and culture through cultural, social, and
recreational activities.