Evolution
1976 The Armenian Student Association is established.
1983 The first Armenian language class taught on campus, laying the foundation for the Armenian Studies Program (ASP).
1993 Philanthropist Alex Manoogian makes an initial donation to expand the program.
2002 CUSN’s Armenian alumni chapter, Alumni and Friends of Armenian Studies, created
2004 Signed academic agreement with Yerevan State University of Armenia for study abroad and student/faculty exchange programs
2008 Varaz and Karina Shahmirian establish the first endowed scholarship for students minoring in Armenian Studies
2013 The Armenian Studies Program’s 30th anniversary is celebrated.
2015 Partnership begun with the Liberal Studies Program’s Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) to prepare teachers trained to teach Armenian subjects.
2016 TF Educational Foundation makes a significant gift to launch the Armenian Teacher Training Program (ATTP)
2016 The Hampartzoum, Ovsanna, and Zaruhy “Sara” Chitchian Foundation establish an endowed scholarship for students in the ATTP.
2017 An anonymous donor contributes $2.1 million to enhance the Armenian Studies Program.
2020 An Anonymous donor contributes $3 million to support the Armenian Studies Program and CSUN students.
Goals
- Establish an ASP endowed professorship/directorship
- Prepare credentialed teachers of Armenian language and culture, to teach at all levels of education
- Create study opportunities at satellite locations for the convenience of prospective students
- Expand the Armenian Studies Program to include online teaching courses
- Create community involvement through visiting lecturers, faculty training workshops, academic conferences, and alumni development