Celebrating an Exemplary Student Worker
The USC Dornsife Institute of Armenian Studies congratulates exemplary student worker Fiyin Gambo on his graduation from the Master of Fine Arts program in Film and Television Production.
Fiyin received the Order of Arête–one of the highest honors bestowed to graduate students–in recognition of his leadership and service beyond what is required for his field of study. Arête, taken from the Greek, means virtue or excellence in attaining one’s utmost human potential.
As part of its commitment to mentorship and hands-on learning, every year the Institute employs a cohort of student workers who contribute meaningfully to various research programs and projects.
Fiyin joined the Institute in November 2024, just days before the international symposium Artsakh Uprooted: Aftermaths of Displacement, where he was tasked with documenting the event on Instagram. He demonstrated immense expertise in navigating the nuanced topic and physical complexities of capturing a day-long, multi-modal experience, a precedent that he would carry to all his subsequent assignments.
Fiyin’s skill in conveying the Institute’s work through photography and moving image evolved into a larger role in shaping overall creative direction. In this capacity, he transformed the Institute’s visual identity across public-facing platforms. From major conferences to intimate book talks and quiet afternoons in the office, he could often be found behind the camera, documenting the monumental and everyday moments that make the Institute a special place to learn, work, and connect.
Fiyin’s role transcended that of a silent observer––during brainstorming sessions about the Institute’s brand, he questioned team members about trends in how Armenian institutions present themselves, and turned those expectations on their head. An international student from Lagos, Nigeria, he brought a fresh perspective to conversations about Armenian culture and imagery.
He embraced a bold color palette to match the cutting-edge work of the Institute, rooted in contemporary issues and themes. Fiyin gave social media content a cinematic treatment, capturing the humanity behind brilliant scholars, coaching senior leadership on how to cultivate their presence in front of the camera, and applying a narrative arc to everything from short-form videos to Instagram stories.
“At its best, a university is a space of mutual transformation, a place where students learn and also contribute their own unique ideas and perspectives about the world. Fiyin’s contribution exemplified that exchange,” said Institute Director Dr. Shushan Karapetian. “Through both his artistic vision and professionalism, he helped us communicate who we are with greater clarity and a deeper sense of humanity.”
Fiyin demonstrated a rare ability to distill the Institute’s impact through visual language, a tool that sometimes speaks louder than words. Through his instinct for identifying authentic moments, expressive facial expressions, and powerful human stories, he captured the texture of life at the Institute.
“I think I’m contributing to a bigger conversation on culture, that makes me feel that it’s beyond just coming into work and checking in hours, but really having an impact on people,” Fiyin said.
Because of his deeply compassionate lens, Fiyin changed the way we saw ourselves. Thank you, Fiyin.
Click here to watch a video about Fiyin.