The Lebanese Armenian Heritage Club at AUB is one of the latest additions to the AUB club scene.  What most people don't know, however, is that the club, which was officially recognized only this academic year, has been in the works for a couple of years now.  According to club President Zohrab Sarkissian, "We started trying to open the club about two years ago, but we faced many problems with the Student Affairs Office.  Three members were part of the committee who worked on making the club official: Kevork Vortanian, Razmig Kabakian, and Sevag Keshishian."
   The club, whose mission, according to Sarkissian, "To introduce Armenian culture to AUB students," has been active so far this year in this direction.  The club has already organized  a rock concert with the music club and is now holding Armenian folk dance classes every Friday at 2:30 pm in Mary Dodge Hall.  The dance classes are free of charge and open to all interested AUB students.
   The club members also recently organized a picnic to Bhamdoon for club members, "as a sort of acquaintance event," Sarkissian told Outlook.
 Club member Shaghig Chorbajian, a biology senior, told Outlook enthusiastically,  the Club "should have been started many years ago.  Armenians have always been a vital part of AUB.  We're happy that we can now work officially in AUB."
   The club organizes its activities  through sub-committees.  Sarkissian explained, "We have entertainment, cultural, armenological, education orientation, and  sci-tech committees which are working on the website.    The armenological committee is currently working on a survey to hear what issues AUB students are interested in regarding Armenians."
 The club is also planning a sports competition and a photo exhibition on the Armenian genocide to be held the first week after the spring vacation.  An Armenian group will sing at the Assembly Hall on May 20.
 Sarkissian continued, "The education orientation committee has been working in developing an introductory Armenian language book.  Lots of Armenians can speak but not write, and there are also lots of Lebanese who want to learn Armenian, so we'll be starting a course in a couple of weeks."
   According to Sarkissian, "There are 75 registered members in the club now, and I think we're the second largest club now after the Red Cross Club.  I believe there are around 200 Armenian students at AUB."
When asked about Armenian clubs at other universities, Sarkissian responded jokingly, "Of course, in Haigaizian University, and I think in LAU Jbeil there is a club."
   On a final note Sarkissian told Outlook, "I just hope that the present cabinet can live up to the expectations and hopes the members entrusted us with."