With 2012 marking the 35th anniversary of the Armenian Assembly's Internship Program, Assembly Intern Alumni Alex Karapetian (class of 2002) and Bianka Kadian-Dodov (class of 2007) spearheaded an intern reunion event at the Boat Basin in New York City last month, reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly). Assembly Intern Alumni reunion event at the Boat Basin in New York City Fellow alumni from across the New York area came together in the spirit of camaraderie forged through their experiences as an intern. Alumni reminisced about their experiences while the Assembly's Executive Director Bryan Ardouny was on hand to discuss current issues pending in Congress. "It is hard to believe that ten years have passed since I interned with the Armenian Assembly," said Karapetian now Director of Marketing and Sales at Acopian Power Supplies in Pennsylvania. "Without question, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I wish the incoming class all the best for an exciting and rewarding 2012," Karapetian added. The Terjenian-Thomas Internship Program offers students of Armenian descent a remarkable opportunity to intern in the nation's capital. Now in its 35th year, the program, which starts in earnest this month, also includes meetings with elected officials, various lectures, tours and cultural activities. This year's class will have the opportunity to see the new Armenian exhibit at the Library of Congress entitled: "To Know Wisdom and Instruction: The Armenian Literary Tradition." This timely exhibition is a testament to the rich and vibrant culture of the Armenian people and marks the 500th anniversary of the first printed Armenian book, the Urbatagirk (the Book of Fridays) by Hakob Meghapart in 1512 in Venice, Italy. "The Assembly internship is something that I will always treasure. Thirty-five years is an important milestone and I am glad to be a part of this unique program," said Kadian-Dodov, who is entering her last year at Seton Hall University School of Law in New Jersey. "I look forward to our next event later this year." Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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