Arthur Margosian was a man for all seasons to those who knew him best.
Teacher, administrator, friend, family man, community leader, inspiring example of how to live a fair and balanced life. He was all of these things and much more. It would take a large book thousands of words to begin to relate the grateful love and thanks returned to him from individuals whose lives he touched, moved and forever changed. That book would contain countless stories of Art Margosian's way of weaving and flowing with others, helping and caring affecting the lives of so many.
Dr. Arthur Margosian, Professor Emeritus in Journalism, died of cancer at his home November 19, 1994. Although he officially retired from the department in 1986 because of declining health, he never ceased to be a strong force working for the department, in the community, for his church and, most of all, as a patriarch of his family.
During most of his "retirement," Margosian continued on as an active professional. He also taught classes in both journalism and criminology. But most important, he devoted much of his time and strength in the service of others, serving as counselor, close friend and advisor to his wide and diverse circle of friends.
It is interesting how many thought of themselves to be a part of Margosian's coterie, since he made each individual who knew him feel special and unique to him. Only in death did the full number and its variety become so apparent.
In the year Margosian retired he was named outstanding journalism teacher at a four-year university by the California Newspaper Publishers Association. In his honor, an endowment fund was established in his name to provide scholarships for journalism students who have an emphasis in public relations.
Since then, donations still continue to flow into the fund from grateful former students as well as the many professional groups he helped over the years. Each year, worthy students benefit from this fund. In this way, Margosian's work of giving and helping others continues. In addition, the Journalism Assoication of Community Colleges has set up an annual scholarship in his name.
The three greatest loves in Art's life were his wife, Mabel, who he met in high school, journalism and teaching. Of the three, it never was in doubt that Mabel came first. She also obviously felt the same way about him.
Art Margosian began dating Mabel G. Lancaster while they were journalism students at Fresno City College. Art was the first editor of The Rampage, the college's new student newspaper.
After Margosian graduated from city college, he joined the United States Air force. By that time, he and Mabel were engaged to be married, presumably after he finished his military service. Art, however, was as much a romantic as a practical man. While he was stationed in Mississippi, he invited Mabel to join him. They were married there, beginning their 44 years together as a devoted couple sharing a life together.
Before Art left to spend the final time of his service stationed in Japan, he and Mabel had two children, Marsha and Michael. When Margosian left military service, he returned to Fresno to complete his education and care for his family. He graduated from Fresno State College in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and social science. During those two years at FSC, he also made a powerful impression.
In 1955-56, he was editor of the then twice-a-week Collegian for two semesters, among other accomplishments. He was named Outstanding Senior Male Senior Student. He also left the Collegian much enlarged and vitalized three-issue a week publication.
After graduation, Margosian earned a master's degree in education and accepted a teaching position at Fresno City Collegian. His two years there also made a lasting impression on college colleagues and administration.
He was the founding president of the State Center Community College Foundation, a local fund-raising organization. He also was on the state board of governors for California Community Colleges where he served with distinction.
Margosian left FCC to first become the university's director of public relations and an assistant professor of journalism. In 1966, he resigned his public relations role to teach full time. Soon after he was promoted and then named dean of the School of Professional Studies, even while he worked to complete a doctorate from the University of Southern California.
In 1970 Margosian resigned as dean to return to teaching and counseling in journalism. From 1976 to 1979 he was chairman of the journalism department, years when it was growing and expanding rapidly. His contributions all during this time are incaluable and cannot be done justice here. Margosian's impact extended far beyond CSUF and the journalism department. He was a mover and shaker in the professional public relations community, involved numerous worthy endeavors.
He and Mabel also were also an active members of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church. Margosian was a trustee and Sunday school teacher. More than that, in the words of Anoush Yaralian, wife of The Rev. Kourken Yaralian, who has been a friend of the Margosian family for more than 30 years, he was a friend to many.
"He was a gentleman, a very good person, one of a kind," she said.
For all of those who knew Art Margosian, especially those who always found him with them in times of need, he was an extraordinary man. Despite his own failing health, he always ready to do all he could in times of problems of others. Perhaps it was his way of battling his own personal crisis.
He gave so much to so many. He truly was one of a kind.
