Tampa, FL – On Wednesday, November 14 over 25 Armenian students, faculty and staff of the University of South Florida (USF) met for the first time at the main Tampa campus to get acquainted and discuss forming an active and permanent Armenian presence at USF.

The event began with introductory remarks by event organizer, Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, group introductions and wonderful Mediterranean food generously provided by Harout Topsacalian and Dennis Mousouris of Go Go’s Greek Grille in Tampa.

Armenian students, faculty and staff of the University of South Florida (Photograph courtesy of Teresa Haidarian)

The group then went on to learn about basic resources for being Armenian in and around USF.  They heard from long time mathematics professor and Armenian-American activist Dr. Manoug Manougian, followed by Dr.Mark Greenberg from the USF Library Armenian Studies Program.  Dr. Greenberg announced an endowment solicited by Dr. Manoug on behalf of the library, which will offer academic and financial help to USF students wishing to study Armenian issues.

[See more photos of USF Armenians here]

Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, pastor of St. Hagop Armenian Church in nearby Pinellas Park, offered the full resources and blessings of the church community in support of Armenian students, echoed by the presence of parish council representatives Chuck Sarkisian and Teresa Haidarian. He then spotlighted several programs and events at St. Hagop and beyond to get the most out of being an Armenian student at USF.

Fr. Hovnan also facilitated the final discussion, soliciting student ideas and enthusiasm for establishing a permanent Armenian presence on campus, and then handing over the establishment of the club to four capable student volunteers with faculty assistance from Dr. Manoug Manougian. The group hopes to file as an official USF organization by early next semester. If you are interested in joining the USF Armenian Student Club please contact us today!