On August 31^st, 2018, the 110^th anniversary of William Saroyan, the house-museum of the great writer was opened in Fresno, USA. Towards the opening ceremony, “Renaissance” cultural and intellectual foundation has implemented a number of projects, such as the #comeonamyhouse challenge and Quest Saroyan 110.

Name of the #comeonamyhouse challenge comes from one of Saroyan’s famous songs. The purpose of the challenge is to spread kindness and hospitality in the world. The idea is that people invite their old friend, relative or a stranger to their home, treat them, then shoot all of that and put on social media platforms. The author of the most liked video, if he/she is from Armenia, will receive an opportunity to fly to USA and visit the newly opened house-museum of William Saroyan. If the winner is from abroad, he/she will receive an opportunity to visit Armenia, enjoy Armenian hospitality and visit historic-cultural sights. The winner of the challenge will be announced on September 15^th.

On August 27^th, 28^th and 29^th especially for the participants of Quest Saroyan 110 a closed group was opened, where key questions were being published. The answers to the questions were hinting the places of hidden books by Saroyan, with special codes. For the 3 people who found the books a quiz based on Saroyan’s life, activities and writings was organized on August 31^st. The participants were Ani Garamyan, Aram Gevorgyan and Never Ghazaryan. In the interesting battle between Saroyan lovers, Ani Garamyan was named the winner, getting a one-week long trip to Fresno, William Saroyan’s house-museum.

“Saroyan House” project was presented at Armenian Studies Program 30th annual banquet. Thanks to Barlow Der Mugrdechian the Banquet was organized very well. Project coordinator of “Saroyan House” project, Avag Simonyan was also present at the banquet.

The Armenian Studies Program offers courses on Armenian history, Armenian language and literature, art and architecture, film, William Saroyan, the Genocide, and contemporary issues.

The students were introduced to the artist and composer William Saroyan

In scopes of “Hello, Saroyan” project the students of the school named after Ashot Navasardyan No. 196 were introduced to the artist and composer William Saroyan. The event took place in the reading room ”Grqabats”.

Let us remind that “Hello, Saroyan…” is a joint new project of “Grqabats” of AGBU Young Professionals (YPs) and “Renaissance” cultural and intellectual foundation. The project consists of 3 months of reading and holding a series of theatrical plays dedicated to the 110th birthday of the internationally acclaimed, giant American literature figure of 20th century William Saroyan.