Hermine Mahseredjian, founder and director of the program, noted that Armenian Studies started out in 1983 with only a handful of classes in Northridge's Department of Modern and Classical Languages. Today, the program offers 14 different courses in a range of subjects--from Armenian language to culture and contemporary issues. Work is currently in progress to create a certificate in Armenian Studies.

"We have made so much progress over the past 20 years that it is time to celebrate what we have accomplished and what we hope to accomplish in the future," Mahseredjian said.

Mahseredjian pointed out that there are currently more than 3,000 students of Armenian descent attending Cal State Northridge. It is the largest concentration of Armenian students at a four-year institution of higher education outside of Armenia.

In recent years, Northridge students have gone to Armenia for cultural exchange and immersion programs. These excursions "have left indelible impressions on the participants," Mahseredjian said.

Last year, Northridge signed a memorandum of understanding with Yerevan State University in Armenia that provides further opportunities for future student and faculty exchange programs as well as chances for faculty at both campuses to work collaboratively on projects.

"The tremendous opportunity of Armenian Studies at CSUN cannot be realized without the support of the community," Mahseredjian said. "The banquet will be a wonderful occasion to celebrate the past 20 years together and to renew our commitment to the future growth of our program."

Tickets for the banquet are $75 per person.