Chapman University Student Donates $2,500 Community Grant to Armenian Genocide Memorial Project
Sophia Makhail • Photo Credit: MCA Corporation
IRVINE, February 2, 2026 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — Chapman University senior Sophia Makhail will donate a $2,500 community impact grant she received through an Irvine-based company and its sponsors to support the Orange County Armenian Genocide Memorial.
Sophia Makhail with Dr. Kevork Abazajian, UCI professor and Chair of the Orange County Armenian Genocide Memorial • Photo Credit: MCA Corporation
The grant was awarded through a selective, merit-based review process recognizing students who demonstrate leadership, community engagement, and commitment to human rights education. Makhail was selected for her work promoting awareness and dialogue around the Armenian Genocide.
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In response to receiving the award, Makhail chose to contribute the full amount to the Orange County Armenian Genocide Memorial, which is currently under development at the Great Park in Irvine and is scheduled for completion in 2028. The memorial, titled A Vision of Memory and Hope, is intended to serve as a space for reflection and remembrance.
“This donation is personal to me. It reflects my commitment to honoring our history, serving my community, and encouraging other young people to step up for causes that matter to them,” said Makhail.
Makhail also commented on the symbolism of the memorial design.
“The statue of a mother holding her child, once it’s completed, represents how even through the hardest times, we were able to survive and continue moving forward. For me, it shows the strength that’s been passed down through generations and reminds me that we can keep going no matter what. I hope this donation encourages other young people to get involved in causes that matter to them and see the difference they can make,” said Makhail.
A corporate sponsor involved in the grant program highlighted Makhail’s leadership and decision to donate the award.
“Sophia distinguished herself among an exceptional group of applicants through her thoughtful advocacy, integrity, and dedication to community education. Her decision to donate the grant to a lasting memorial reflects the kind of leadership and service we are proud to support,” said a corporate sponsor.
Dr. Kevork Abazajian, UCI professor and Chair of the Orange County Armenian Genocide Memorial, also addressed the significance of the contribution.
“The image of a mother and child at the heart of this memorial represents survival across generations. Sophia’s support is profoundly meaningful, powerfully mirroring that symbolism — a young person ensuring that the memory, meaning, and moral lessons of this history are protected and carried forward,” said Dr. Kevork Abazajian.
Makhail is a senior at Chapman University’s Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in physician assistant studies after graduation and is preparing to apply to programs at several universities, including Chapman University, USC, and UCSD.
The corporate sponsor, MCA, operates an Educational Merit Grant Program that supports students demonstrating leadership, academic excellence, and community service.
Source: MCA
