Fresno State will dedicate its newly constructed monument on April 23 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. It was designed by Fresno architect Paul Halajian, and constructed with private donations. The monument will embody symbols of cultural meaning to the Armenian people. The nine pillars represent the six provinces of historic Armenia, Cilicia, the Diaspora and the Republic of Armenia. An incomplete halo above the pillars symbolizes the unity of the people and the fracture left by the killing of as many as 1.5 million from 1915-1923.

– Joel Beery is a graphic designer for University Communications. He created this original oil painting.