+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PRESS RELEASE +++ PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Contact: Maral Habeshian
Tel: (818) 500-1918
ANCA Helps Raise Awareness on Southland Campuses
LOS ANGELES — In a variety of student-organized events commemorating
the Armenian Genocide, the ANCA joined southland Armenian Student
Associations (ASA) to not only provide historical background on the
issue, but also briefings about ongoing efforts of Armenian Genocide
recognition, the importance of activism, as well as Turkey’s ongoing
campaign of denial.
California State University, Northridge
On Thursday, April 22, ANC Professional Network Executive Committee
member Boghos Patatian, spoke at the annual candlelight vigil organized
by the California State University, Northridge ASA. His message
highlighted the duty of the college youth in seizing every opportunity
to advance the Armenian community and the community-at-large.
“This tremendous collection of young people should be commended for
their achievements. It is both overwhelming and satisfying that these
youth are not indifferent to the Armenian Cause. It is an honor to
those who were denied an education because they perished during the
Genocide, and the ANCA is proud to be able to help facilitate this
through its direction and resources,” noted Patatian.
“I appreciated his emphasis that April 24 is not just one day,
but that the Armenian Cause must be pursued every day of the year,”
remarked Terenig Topjian about Patatian’s address.
Topjian, an officer and event organizer with the CSUN ASA, explained
that when fellow students approach him asking about the Genocide,
his confidence in the impact and importance of such events is simply
reaffirmed. He stressed that the event received coverage by both the
CSUN daily newspaper the “Sundial,” and local television network KTLA.
All Armenian Student Association
ANCA Western Region board member Raffi Hamparian, delivered the keynote
address at the annual All-Armenian Student Association commemoration
on April 22. Organized by over a dozen ASAs throughout southern
California colleges, the event, with the theme “a call to action,”
was the subject of a lengthy article in Monday’s edition of the UCLA
Daily Bruin student newspaper.
University of Southern California
In addition to many community-wide events on April 24, the ANCA also
joined the University of Southern California (USC) for its annual
campus commemoration at Tommy Trojan, which featured ANCA Western
Region board chairman Steve Dadaian.
“Mr. Dadaian highlighted the Republic of Turkey’s continued campaign
of denial that not only targets our government, but our campuses as
well,” noted USC ASA officer Ruzan Antossyan, who was the day’s emcee.
The USC event featured exhibits covering the history of the Genocide
as well as ANCA prepared petitions to key members of US House
of Representative calling on a vote on pending Armenian Genocide
legislation. “We reached out to a broad campus audience.”
Fellow USC ASA officer Mercedes Aline Arslanian enthusiastically said
that nearly 300 petitions were signed. “When I see people genuinely
interested in the program, and expressing increased interest about
the Genocide and what they can do, I know we are succeeding.”
University of California Irvine
ANC Orange County member Ara Malazian delivered the keynote address
at the University of California Irvine (UCI) ASA’s annual candlelight
vigil that featured Genocide survivor Yeghsapet Garabedian, and drew
numerous non-Armenian students. Malazian highlighted the importance
of keeping the issue of justice for the Armenian Genocide at the
forefront of the community’s thoughts and actions.
Though the event was disrupted by a few Turkish students shouting
vulgar comments and waving the Turkish flag, campus police readily
maintained order. “It means we are making a difference and raising
awareness when they have to stoop to such levels,” said UCI ASA Vice
President Sarkis Abajian.
Pointing to Malazian’s address that emphasized Turkey’s failure in
attempting to destroy Armenians, Abajian said, “Sometimes we lose sight
of the fact that we did survive and now thrive.” And as a result,
he explained that Armenians have made progress in pursuing justice for
the Armenian Genocide. “There was more discussion and awareness about
the genocide on campus this year. There were a lot of non-Armenian
students who participated in the vigil. We are pushing forward.”
Not confined to college campuses, the ANCA also participated in a
number of commemorations at local high schools and youth organizations
including Grant HS, Calabasas HS, Ferrahian HS, and at the Homenetmen
Glendale “Ararat” chapter’s assembly.
#####