A deep sense of civic responsibility underlies many aspects of the ASA program. Part of the responsibility stems from the acceptance of a challenge-to acquaint the Armenian and American communities with the cultural treasures each possesses and to enrich them both with mutual understanding.

Haig G. Sarafian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for many years, took the lead in keeping this challenge dynamically before the "Students." To honor his memory, the Sarafian Award for Good Citizenship was established in 1960 and is bestowed upon Armenians who have made exceptional contributions to community life.