In 1977, Jimmy Carter was sworn in as president, George Lucas' "Star Wars" opened in theaters, and Elvis Presley died. That same year, the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State was founded.

Forty years later, more than 12,000 students have taken courses in the program, and 131 students have graduated with minors in Armenian Studies, said Professor Barlow Der Mugrdechian, program coordinator, who has been at Fresno State since 1985.

The program celebrates its 40th anniversary this month with a banquet March 19 at Fort Washington Country Club. Dr. Mary Papazian, president of San Jose State University, will be a speaker.

“She is the only female Armenian president of a U.S. university that I am aware of," said Der Mugrdechian, who notes that he and Papazian were classmates at UCLA.

Student recipients of Armenian Studies scholarships and grants, as well as students graduating with a minor in Armenian Studies, will be recognized at the banquet.

"I don't think people realize how well known our program is worldwide," Der Mugrdechian said. "That has been made possible because of the activity of the faculty in research and ties with colleagues throughout the world. We collaborate with institutions and individuals throughout the world. Our program is the headquarters for the Society for Armenian Studies, which is the international organization representing those in the field of Armenian Studies."

The Hye Sharzhoom newspaper, published quarterly, is in its 38th year of publication and reaches 5,000 people worldwide. And presence on the web and in the social media has expanded the program’s reach,” he said.

“The addition of Dr. Sergio La Porta in 2009 has brought energy and talent to our program and we have a good team of faculty," Der Mugrdechian said. La Porta is the Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies.

The Armenian Studies Program offers a robust lecture series each year, bringing distinguished speakers to the campus and often collaborating with the CineCulture film series or the Philip Lorenz Memorial Keyboard Concert series to bring cinematic or musical offerings to the community.

The Press at California State University, Fresno has published six books through the Armenian Series, plus two earlier works.

"We are proud to host the most prestigious and productive Armenian Studies program in the country," said Dean Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, of the College of Arts and Humanities. "Its international recognition calls attention to topics important to Armenians around the world, and its research speaks truth to the needs of justice, remembrance and memory essential to the greater human family."

The 40th anniversary banquet reception will begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, with a special price of $25 for Fresno State students and Fresno State faculty. Reservations may be made by calling 278.2669. The deadline is March 15.